HISET Social Studies Practice

Judaism is characterized by which of the following beliefs?

1. Belief in many gods

2. Belief in a single god, Yahweh

3. Belief in god as a collective force of nature

4. Belief in reincarnation

The correct answer is: Belief in a single god, Yahweh

Judaism is distinguished by its monotheistic belief system, which centers on the worship of a single, all-powerful deity known as Yahweh. This belief is foundational to Jewish theology and sets Judaism apart from polytheistic religions, which worship multiple gods. The concept of a singular god reflects a covenantal relationship between Yahweh and the Jewish people, emphasizing faithfulness, ethical conduct, and adherence to religious laws outlined in sacred texts like the Torah. While other belief systems may include concepts like reincarnation or perceive divinity as a collective force, such ideas do not align with traditional Jewish teachings, which firmly uphold the idea of one omniscient and omnipotent divine entity guiding the moral and spiritual lives of its adherents.