When did God change Abram's name to Abraham?
God changed Abram's name to Abraham when he was ninety-nine years old. This event established a covenant marked by the physical sign of circumcision.
Common questions about Judaism
Short answers, pulled from the story.
What is the significance of the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 CE?
The destruction of the Second Temple in 70 CE forced the Jewish community to transition from a centralized system of sacrifice to one based on prayer and study. This event led to the emergence of rabbinic authority and the codification of the Oral Torah.
Who compiled the Mishnah and when was it created?
Rabbi Judah ha-Nasi compiled the Mishnah in the 2nd century. This structured collection of laws and teachings ensured the survival of Jewish law during times of persecution.
How many commandments are in the Torah and how many remain binding today?
The Torah contains 613 commandments, yet only 369 laws remain binding today. Many of the original commandments were only applicable when the Temple stood.
What is the estimated world Jewish population today?
The world Jewish population is estimated at 14.8 million. The majority of these people live in Israel and the United States.
How does Rabbinic Judaism traditionally define who is a Jew?
Rabbinic Judaism traditionally defines a Jew as anyone born of a Jewish mother or who has converted to Judaism in accordance with Halakha. The Reform movement accepts a child as Jewish if one of the parents is Jewish, provided the child is raised with a Jewish identity.