# Judaism

> Claims that come up in conversation about Judaism, with a short answer and the texts to open.

Page: https://apologetics.wiki/common-arguments/judaism

Hub: https://apologetics.wiki/common-arguments

Shelf: https://apologetics.wiki/judaism

### Jesus is not the Messiah. The Messiah will be a Davidic king who keeps the Torah, rebuilds the Temple, and gathers Israel.

What you will hear.

That is Maimonides’ test in the Mishneh Torah. Daniel 9:26 says Messiah is cut off, Isaiah 53 says the servant bears iniquities, and the Gospels say Jesus rose and is Lord.

Texts: [Mishneh Torah, Kings and Wars 11:4](https://www.sefaria.org/Mishneh_Torah,_Kings_and_Wars.11.4?lang=en), [Daniel 9:26](https://apologetics.wiki/bible/daniel/9/26), [Isaiah 53:5](https://apologetics.wiki/bible/isaiah/53/5), [Acts 2:36](https://apologetics.wiki/bible/acts/2/36)

[Read the Full Answer](https://apologetics.wiki/judaism/why-dont-jews-believe-jesus-is-the-messiah)

### Christians worship a different God, because they worship Jesus.

What you will hear.

Jews and Christians both confess the God of Israel and the Shema. Christians also confess that Jesus is that God, the Son, not a second deity beside him.

Texts: [Deuteronomy 6:4](https://apologetics.wiki/bible/deuteronomy/6/4), [John 1:1](https://apologetics.wiki/bible/john/1/1), [John 20:28](https://apologetics.wiki/bible/john/20/28)

[Read the Full Answer](https://apologetics.wiki/judaism/what-is-the-difference-between-judaism-and-christianity)

### Judaism does not believe in heaven. The hope is only this world, or a vague memory of the dead.

What you will hear.

The Mishnah says all Israel have a portion in the world to come. Maimonides says that life has no body and that the righteous delight in the radiance of the Divine Presence. Daniel 12:2 says the dead will awake. John 14:2 is the Christian sentence about the Father’s house, and it is not the same paragraph.

Texts: [Mishnah Sanhedrin 10:1](https://www.sefaria.org/Mishnah_Sanhedrin.10.1?lang=en), [Daniel 12:2](https://apologetics.wiki/bible/daniel/12/2), [John 14:2](https://apologetics.wiki/bible/john/14/2)

[Read the Full Answer](https://apologetics.wiki/judaism/does-judaism-believe-in-heaven)

### Judaism began in the Middle Ages, after the temple fell.

What you will hear.

The Bible places Israel’s worship with Abraham and with the law at Sinai. The temple’s fall in 70 is later. Rabbinic life continues that confession. It does not start it.

Texts: [Genesis 12:1](https://apologetics.wiki/bible/genesis/12/1), [Exodus 20:2](https://apologetics.wiki/bible/exodus/20/2), [Deuteronomy 6:4](https://apologetics.wiki/bible/deuteronomy/6/4)

[Read the Full Answer](https://apologetics.wiki/judaism/when-was-judaism-established)

### Jews do not believe in God.

What you will hear.

The Shema says the LORD our God is one LORD. Maimonides’ principles begin with the existence of the Creator. That confession is quoted on What Do Jews Believe? and summarized on When Was Judaism Established?

Texts: [Deuteronomy 6:4](https://apologetics.wiki/bible/deuteronomy/6/4), [Rambam on Mishnah Sanhedrin 10:1](https://www.sefaria.org/Rambam_on_Mishnah_Sanhedrin.10.1?lang=en)

[Read the Full Answer](https://apologetics.wiki/judaism/when-was-judaism-established)