Jewish life and belief

What Jewish life and belief looked like in the time of Jesus (Second Temple Judaism, roughly 500 BC–70 AD).

1. The Laws in Daily Life

In Jesus’ time, Jews understood Torah as containing many laws covering worship, ritual purity, festivals, justice, diet, and morality.

Ordinary Jewish people lived these out by:

Temple worship: Pilgrimages to Jerusalem for Passover, Pentecost, Tabernacles; offering sacrifices for atonement, thanksgiving, and purification.

Synagogue life: Regular reading and study of the Scriptures (Torah, Prophets, Psalms), prayer, and teaching.

Daily practice: Sabbath observance, circumcision, dietary laws (kashrut), purity laws, tithes, prayer (like the Shema, Deut. 6:4–9), and charity (almsgiving).

Not every Jew was equally strict. Different groups interpreted the Law differently:

Pharisees emphasized oral tradition, meticulous observance, and synagogue life.

Sadducees (priestly elite) emphasized the Temple and written Torah only.

Essenes (like Qumran community, Dead Sea Scrolls) pursued purity and separation.

Zealots tied obedience to Torah with political liberation.

Ordinary Jews tried to be faithful in practical ways while relying on priests and teachers for guidance.

2. Judaism’s Belief in Salvation of the Soul

The concept of salvation was not primarily about the “soul going to heaven” (that is more of a later Christian focus). In Jesus’ day, it was more about:

Covenant belonging: being part of God’s chosen people Israel.

Deliverance: longing for God to redeem Israel from sin, oppression, and exile (many hoped for a Messiah to bring this about).

Afterlife beliefs: Varied. Pharisees affirmed resurrection of the dead and judgment (Daniel 12:2–3). Sadducees denied resurrection and focused on this life. Many Jews believed in some form of reward for the righteous and punishment for the wicked.

3. Were They Saved by Works of the Law?

Jews did not think they “earned” God’s love by perfectly keeping the law (nobody thought sinless perfection was realistic). Instead:

The Law was a gift of the covenant, given after God’s saving act in the Exodus. It was about faithful response to God’s grace, not “climbing a ladder to heaven.”

When people sinned, they had atonement through sacrifices, repentance (teshuvah), prayer, and charity (cf. Leviticus 16; Micah 6:6–8).

4. Relationship to Scripture

The Torah (Law of Moses) was central, read aloud and memorized. Many Jews also revered the Prophets and Writings.

Scripture was not just “rules,” but the story of God’s covenant with Israel, promises, and wisdom.

Rabbis and teachers interpreted it constantly—hence the oral law and traditions that developed, which groups like the Pharisees emphasized.

Synagogues became hubs of scripture reading, debate, and instruction.

Summary:

Jews at Jesus’ time sought to live faithfully under God’s covenant by following Torah in daily life. They did not generally believe salvation was earned by perfect works, but that covenant loyalty, repentance, and God’s mercy were key. Their hope centered on God’s faithfulness, resurrection, and redemption of Israel. Scripture shaped their life, identity, and worship, though different groups emphasized different aspects.