Sects — In the early age of Judaism we saw that the simple worship of a supreme Being constituted its pecid- iar characteristic. At that time, as a sign of the cove- nant of Abraham with the Lord, the rite of circumcision (q. V.) was introduced, and was soon followed by the for- mal institution of sacrifice. In the period of Jlosaism the Jewish belief became an established form of religion, and then were introduced certain ceremonies and feast days, together with the priesthood. In the Rabbinic period, as the law became overlaid by tradition, discus- sions arose, and the Jews were divided into three prin- cipal sects— the Pharisees (q.v.), who placed religion in external ceremony ; the Sadducees (q. v.), who were re- markable for their incredulity ; and the Essenes (q. v.), whose peciUiar distinction was the practice of austere sanctity. Still later sprang up other sects ; prominently among these are the Karaites, the strict adherents to the letter of the law, the opponents of rabbinical interpreta- tions. For a review of Jewish literature, see Raubinisji. Modei-n Judaism. — In the history of the Jews (q. v.) we have seen how greatly the condition of this people was ameliorated about the close of the 18th centurj^ by the influence of Moses Mendelssohn. But not only in their civil condition did his efforts affect the Jews; he also greatly changed the character of Judaism itself. With him originated a tendency of thought and action,
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which has since spread among the leaders of Judaism generally, to weaken rabbinical authoritj', and to main- tain a more simiile Biblical Judaism. These have now been develoiied into two special phases of Jewisli opin- ion, which are represented by the terms "ConservatiL-e" (or Moderate Orthodox) and ''Reformed" (or Liberal) Judaism. (See each of these titles below.)
Genei-al Creed, — A summary of the religious views of the Jews was first compiled in the 11th century, by the second great Moses (Maimonides), and it contiiuies to be with the Orthodox the Jewish confession of faith to the present day. It is as follows :
1. I believe, with a true and perfect faith, that God is the creator (whose name be blessed), governor, and maker of all creatures ; and that he hath wrought all things, work- eth, and shall work forever.
2. I believe, wiih perfect faith, that the Creator (whose name be blessed) is one ; and that such a uuity as is in him can be found in none other; and that he alone halh been our God, is, and forever shall be.
3. I believe, with a perfect faith, that the Creator (whose name be blessed) is not corporeal, not to be comprehended with any bodily properties ; and that there is no bodily essence that can be likened unto him.
4. I believe, with a perfect faith, the Creator (whose name be blessed) to be the tirst and the last ; that nothing •was before him, and that he shall abide the last forever.
5. I believe, with a perfect faith, that the Creator (whose name be blessed) is to be worshipped, and none else.
6. I believe, with a perfect faith, that all the words of the prophets are true.
7. I believe, with a perfect faith, that the prophecies of Moses our master (may he rest in peace '.) were true ; that he was the father and chief of all wise men that lived be- fore him, or ever shall live after him.
8. I believe, with a perfect faith, that all the law whicli at this day is found in our hands was delivered by God himself to our master Moses (God's peace be with him !).
9. I believe, with a perfect faith, that the same law is never to be changed, nor any other to be given us of God (whose name be blessed). •
10. I believe, with a perfect faith, that God (whose name be blessed) undt'i-siandeth all the works and thoughts of men, as it is written in tlie prophets ; he fashioneth their hearts alike, lie understandeth all their works.
n. I believe, with a perfect faith, that God (whose name be blessed) will recompense good to them that keep his commandments, and will punish them who transgress them.
12. I believe, with a perfect faith, that the Messiah is yet to come : and although he retard his coming, yet I will wait fir him till he come.
13. I believe, with a perfect faith, that the dead shall be restored to life when it shall seem tit imto God the crea- tor (whose name be blessed, and memory celebrated with- out end. Amen).
Doctrine of Immortality. — In regard to the future life, they believe in reward and punishment, but, like the Universalists (q. v.), the Jews believe in the ultimate salvation of all men. Like the Roman Catliolics [see Pukgatoky], the Jews oifer up prayers for the souls of their deceased friends (comp. Alger, Hist. Doctr. Future Life, chap, viii and ix).
Sacrifice. — Since the destruction of their Temple and their dispersion the sacrifices have been discontinued, but in all other respects the IMosaic dispensation is ob- ser\-ed intact among the Orthodox Jews.
Worship. — Their divine worship consists in the read- ing of the Scriptures and prayer. But while they do not insist on attendance at the sj'nagogue, they enjoin all to say their prayers at home, or in any ]dace where circumstances may place them, tliree times a day — morn- ing, afternoon, and evening ; they repeat also blessings and particular praises to God, aside from them, at their meals and on many other occasions.