What is Judaism?

When compared to other world religions, Judaism, from a Christian perspective, is particularly complex. This is partially because it is not monolithic, i.e. there are a wide range of opinions among Jews, both in the modern day, and throughout history. You cannot say "Judaism teaches", simply because there are a wide range of opinions between a large number of sects which can all be legitimately called "Jewish".

Adding to this complexity is the simple fact that Christianity is an inherently Jewish faith. Christians have the Scriptures of the Jews, through whom we know the God of the Jews, who has given us the Messiah of the Jews. Their history is our history, their God is our God, their Messiah is our Messiah. Except when it's not.

Tragically, many Jews are affected by a judicial hardening. They are blinded to their own Messiah, not receiving what they seek, save for what Scripture refers to as "...a remnant according to the election of grace." (Romans 11:5). Scripture speaks of an olive tree, with the Gentiles being wild branches grafted in (through faith in Christ), and the Jews being natural branches which, through unbelief, are cut off to be thrown into the fire. But in stark contrast with anti-Semitic views, Scripture also affirms that they CAN, by faith, be grafted in, even re-affirming that the fullness of the Jews will be more of a treasure to the world than their fall (Romans 11:12). Jews, therefore, need to know their Messiah.