Overview:
| Origins & History: | The religion of the Hebrews (c. 1300 BC), especially after the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 AD. |
| Adherents Worldwide (approx.): | 14 million |
| God(s) and Universe: | One God, Yahweh. |
| Human Situation and Life's Purpose: | Obey God's commandments, live ethically. Focus is more on this life than the next. |
| Afterlife: | Not historically emphasized. Beliefs vary from no afterlife to shadowy existence to the World to Come (similar to heaven). |
| Practices: | Circumcision at birth, bar/bat mitzvah at adulthood. Synagogue services on Saturdays. No pork or other non-kosher foods. Holidays related to historical events. |
| Texts: | Bible (Tanakh), Talmud |
Edinburgh Hebrew Synagogue
4 Salisbury Road
Edinburgh
EH8
Tel: (0131) 667-3144
