Tell me what a Semitic person is , and what can you tell me about the true origins of Israel and Judaism. And was Jesus Jewish or was he against them

The term "Semitic" originally referred to a family of languages, including Hebrew, Aramaic, and Arabic, and by extension, it has been used to describe the peoples who speak these languages, including Jews and Arabs. Therefore, a Semitic person typically refers to someone belonging to communities that speak or historically spoke Semitic languages. ### Origins of Israel and Judaism: 1. **Historical Context**: - The origins of Israel and Judaism can be traced back to the ancient Near East. The Hebrew Bible (Tanakh) outlines the history of the Israelites, starting with the patriarchs, such as Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who are traditionally considered the founders of the Israelite people. 2. **Ancient Kingdoms**: - The Kingdom of Israel emerged around the 11th century BCE, eventually splitting into the Northern Kingdom of Israel and the Southern Kingdom of Judah. The Babylonian Exile in the 6th century BCE was a pivotal moment that influenced the development of Jewish identity and religious practices. 3. **Religious Foundations**: - Judaism, as a monotheistic faith, developed during this time, emphasizing the worship of one God and adherence to a covenant. The Torah, which is central to Jewish religious life, contains laws, teachings, and narratives fundamental to the Jewish tradition. 4. **Geopolitical Developments**: - The region has a long history of various empires, including the Assyrians, Babylonians, Persians, Greeks, and Romans, which has shaped the historical narrative of Israel and Judaism. ### Jesus and Judaism: 1. **Jewish Roots**: - Jesus of Nazareth was born and raised in a Jewish context in 1st-century Judea. He was a practicing Jew and observed Jewish law, customs, and traditions. His teachings often reflected Jewish interpretations of the Torah. 2. **Relationship with Judaism**: - Jesus’ message was seen at times as a reform movement within Judaism. While some of his teachings critiqued certain interpretations of Jewish law and the practices of the religious authorities of his time, he was not against Judaism as a religion. 3. **Impact on Judaism**: - After Jesus' death, his followers began to spread his teachings, which ultimately led to the formation of Christianity as a distinct faith. Over time, theological differences emerged, but Jesus himself is primarily viewed as a Jewish figure by scholars and within historical contexts. In summary, Semitic people are those belonging to groups traditionally speaking Semitic languages, with Jews and Arabs being primary examples. Israel's origins are deeply entwined with the early history of the Israelites and their development of Judaism. Jesus was a Jew who engaged with Jewish teachings and practices, and while he introduced new ideas, he is not viewed as being against Judaism itself. Update (2025-12-23): ### Semitic People The term "Semitic" originally describes a family of languages that includes Hebrew, Arabic, Aramaic, Amharic, and others. It has also come to refer to the cultures and peoples associated with these languages. Semitic peoples include Jews and Arabs, among others. The term has its roots in linguistic classification rather than ethnic or racial designations. ### Origins of Israel and Judaism Judaism, as a religious and cultural tradition, traces its origins to the ancient Israelites, who are believed to have settled in the land of Canaan (modern-day Israel and Palestine) around 1200 BCE. The Hebrew Bible (Tanakh) is a central text that outlines the history, laws, and beliefs of the Jewish people, stating that they are chosen by God. Key figures in early Jewish history include Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, and King David, with many historical events described in the Hebrew Bible, such as the Exodus from Egypt and the establishment of the kingdom of Israel. The land of Israel has been a focal point for Jewish identity, and over centuries, it has experienced various conquests and changes in control, including Roman, Byzantine, Islamic, Crusader, Ottoman, and British rule. The modern state of Israel was established in 1948, following significant Jewish migration and the impact of the Holocaust. ### Jesus and Judaism Jesus was born into a Jewish family and practiced Judaism throughout his life. Most historical scholars agree that Jesus identified as a Jew and engaged with Jewish traditions, teachings, and customs. His teachings often referenced Hebrew scriptures, and he sought to reform aspects of the Jewish religious practices of his time. While Jesus's teachings diverged in some respects from mainstream Jewish thought, particularly in his views on the Messiah, the nature of God, and the law, he was not fundamentally against Judaism. Instead, he is often seen as a figure who sought to fulfill and reinterpret Jewish law and prophecy. The early followers of Jesus were primarily Jewish, and the movement that later became known as Christianity emerged from these roots, with its eventual separation from Judaism developing over the generations. ### Summary - **Semitic** refers to a group of languages and cultures, including Jewish and Arab peoples. - **Judaism's origins** are tied to the ancient Israelites and their historical narrative in the Hebrew Bible. - **Jesus was Jewish**, practicing Judaism and attempting to reform certain aspects of it, rather than being opposed to it.