Who is regarded as the founding patriarch of Judaism?

Abraham is regarded as the founding patriarch of Judaism due to his significant role in the establishment of the covenant between God and the Jewish people. He is recognized as the first to embrace monotheism, a central tenet of Judaism, and is often seen as the person through whom God initiated His relationship with humanity. The narratives of Abraham's life and actions, particularly as recounted in the book of Genesis, highlight his faith and obedience, which set a foundational example for followers of Judaism.

While Moses, Isaac, and David are pivotal figures in Jewish tradition—Moses as the lawgiver who led the Israelites out of Egypt and received the Torah, Isaac as the continuation of Abraham’s lineage, and David as the beloved king who united the tribes and established Jerusalem as a significant religious center—they do not hold the same foundational status that Abraham does. Abraham’s covenant with God is considered the beginning of the Jewish faith and identity, making him central to the understanding of Judaism's origins.