Judaism vs. Sikhism — What's the Difference?

Has diverse traditions like Reform, Conservative, and Orthodox.

Focuses on teachings from the Guru Granth Sahib.

Rooted in the covenant relationship between God and Israelites.

Has core principles such as remembering God and honest living.

Central places of worship are synagogues.

A monotheistic religion founded in Punjab, India.

Judaism (Hebrew: יַהֲדוּת‎, Yahadut; originally from Hebrew יְהוּדָה, Yehudah, "Judah", via Greek Ἰουδαϊσμός Ioudaismos; the term itself is of Anglo-Latin origin c. 1400) is an Abrahamic ethnic religion comprising the collective religious, cultural, and legal tradition and civilization of the Jewish people.

Emphasizes community service and equality.

The monotheistic religion of the Jews, tracing its origins to Abraham and having its spiritual and ethical principles embodied chiefly in the Hebrew Scriptures and the Talmud.

Followers are called Sikhs.

Conformity to the traditional ceremonies and rites of the Jewish religion.

Sikhism () or Sikhi (Punjabi: ਸਿੱਖੀ Sikkhī, [ˈsɪkːʰiː], from ਸਿੱਖ, Sikh, 'disciple', 'seeker', or 'learner') is an Indian Dharmic monotheistic religion that originated in the Punjab region of the Indian subcontinent around the end of the 15th century CE. Sikhism is one of the youngest of the major religions and the world's fifth-largest organized religion, with about 25–30 million Sikhs as of the early 21st century. However, according to rough estimates, there are around 120–150 million (12–15 crore) Sahajdhari or non-khalsa Nanakpanthi sikhs across the world who also believe in 10 Sikh Gurus and Guru Granth Sahib.

The cultural, religious, and social practices and beliefs of the Jews.

A monotheistic religion founded in northern India in the 1500s by the guru Nanak. Sikhism rejects caste distinctions, idolatry, and asceticism and is characterized by belief in a cycle of reincarnation from which humans can free themselves by living righteous lives as active members of society.

The religious doctrines and rites of the Jews as enjoined in the laws of Moses, and for many adherents, in the Talmud.

The doctrines of a monotheistic religion founded in northern India in the 16th century by Guru Nanak and combining elements of Hinduism and Islam

Conformity to the Jewish rites and ceremonies; the practise of Judaism{1}.

The adherents of Judaism{1} collectively; jewry.

Jews collectively who practice a religion based on the Torah and the Talmud

The monotheistic religion of the Jews having its spiritual and ethical principles embodied chiefly in the Torah and in the Talmud

An ancient monotheistic Abrahamic religion.

Emphasizes the teachings of the Torah.

Sikhism originated in the Punjab region of India in the 15th century.

Yes, both Judaism and Sikhism are monotheistic religions.

Judaism is based on the covenant relationship between God and the Israelites and the teachings of the Torah.

The central scripture of Sikhism is the Guru Granth Sahib.

Key figures in Judaism include Abraham, Moses, and King David.

While Jewish life centers around the synagogue and rituals like Passover, Sikhism focuses on the Gurdwara and practices like Langar.

Yes, Judaism has kosher dietary laws, while Sikhism advises against the consumption of ritually-slaughtered meat.

The Star of David and Menorah are associated with Judaism, while the Khanda is associated with Sikhism.

Both Judaism and Sikhism have concepts of the afterlife, but the emphasis and details vary between the two religions.

Sikhism was founded by Guru Nanak Dev Ji.

The primary scripture for Judaism (Torah) is in Hebrew, while Sikhism's Guru Granth Sahib is primarily in Gurmukhi.

Both Judaism and Sikhism place a high emphasis on charity and community service.

Yes, Judaism has denominations like Reform and Orthodox, while Sikhism has different sects but is primarily unified in belief.

Judaism has structured daily prayers, while Sikhism emphasizes constant remembrance of God, with specific prayers in the morning and evening.

Judaism has significant communities in Israel and the United States; Sikhism has a significant population in Punjab, India, and diaspora communities worldwide.