The subject of Judaism is principally Judaism in its entire cultural development from its beginnings to the present day, specifically in its diverse historical manifestations, its continuities and changes (including its interdependencies with other cultures) in the various epochs and geographical areas of a development spanning several thousand years, Due to its diverse linguistic, geographical, historical, religious and social references, it encompasses a wide variety of scientific disciplines (e.g. history, literature, philosophy, and legal history), as is aptly expressed in the Hebrew term "Sciences of Judaism" (Hebrew University of Jerusalem).