The Jewish religion began to give rise to Judaism after the destruction of the Temple and the exile of Judah in 586 BC. The term "Jew", in its biblical use, is almost exclusively post-exilic. The Jewish religion of the biblical period evolved through historical phases such as the intertestamental, rabbinic, and medieval to the modern period of the nineteenth century with Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform Judaism. Along the way the Jewish religion took on new teachings and practices. But with the long development of Judaism and its many changes it is wrong to assume, as some have done, that Jewish history produced two separate religions: an Old Testament religion of Israel and the post-exilic religion of Judaism. Despite the changing phases of its history, the essence of Judaism's religious teaching has remained remarkably constant, firmly rooted in the Hebrew Scriptures (OT). Judaism is a religion of ethical monotheism. For centuries many Jews have sought to distill its essential characteristics from a biblical verse that calls Israel "to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God" (Mic. 6:8). The Babylonian exile brought some changes to Jewish religious life. Deprived of land, temple and priestly worship, Judaism began to adopt a non-sacrificial religion. Jews began to gather in homes for Scripture reading, prayer, and education. The early roots of the synagogue can be traced here. Now the "sacrifice of the lips" (prayer and penance) rather than the "sacrifice of the blood" (sheep and goats) became central to the life of piety. There was one thing that Israel brought to Babylon and held dearly. It was the law, the Torah, because through it Israel was sure of its divine calling and mission. In the fifth century the "f...... middle of paper......ldness" is a hallmark of Judaism. The Hebrew Scriptures focus more on earth and man than on heaven and God. Therefore, long speculations about the afterlife and otherworldly realities have never occupied a prominent position in Jewish thought.(5) All life must be considered sacred. Man must try to imitate God in sanctifying his every action. Time must be imbued with the seeds of eternity.(6) Man must pursue peace, justice and righteousness. Salvation depends on the improvement of society through good deeds. Historically, Jews saw the Messiah as God's anointed human representative (not a God-man) who would usher in a golden age of social and spiritual redemption. Today, however, Reform Judaism teaches that the messianic age will appear when humanity collectively, by its actions, reaches a level of true enlightenment, peace, and justice..