With only a relatively small number of adherents, why is Judaism so historically relevant and influential? Hopefully this won't turn into anything vehement, but I'm seriously wondering. There are only about 14 million Jews worldwide, while Islam cites over one billion followers and Christianity boasts more than two billion. Yet it seems like Judaism is just as prominently represented. I guess what I'm saying is, why have I heard so much about Judaism when there are religions like Shinto (about which I know nothing) that have ten times as many followers?