Jedi is a profession based on the character of Luke Skywalker. Jedi are individuals that feel a connection to the energy that surrounds all living things and binds the galaxy together, known as the Force. They are, in other words, highly attuned to the flow of the Force. Jedi can, with training, learn to sense and manipulate the Force.
The ultimate rank of a Jedi character is Jedi Master. Jedi Masters are Force-sensitive beings that can use their powers to overcome and control their enemies and master the art of Lightsaber combat. A Jedi Master may embrace the Light or Dark side of the Force. Jedi may choose to join either the Rebel Alliance or the Galactic Empire.
There is no emotion; there is peace. There is no ignorance, there is knowledge. There is no passion, there is serenity. There is no chaos; there is harmony. There is no death, there is the Force.
—The Jedi Code, Star Wars Galaxies
Peace is a lie, there is only passion. Through passion, I gain strength. Through strength, I gain power. Through power, I gain victory. Through victory, my chains are broken. The Force shall free me.
New expertise has been divided into two categories, divided in the path tab between dark side and light side, Dark side gains the abilities Force lightning, Force maelstrom, Force choke, and Force drain. If the full tree is taken, all except Force choke have 100% armor piercing. Light side Jedi now have Saber Reflect, which allows the Jedi a chance to gain a flurry buff if he parries, flurry gives the opportunity to use the main strike for three times damage.
These skills and abilities are granted by choices made in the Expertise System. Both Light side and Dark side specials are included.
Jedi characters can use ranged weapons, but are more of a melee weapon profession with the weapon of choice being the lightsaber, and all Jedi are trained almost exclusively in lightsaber combat. Only Jedi characters can wield and eventually craft their own lightsaber.
Given that Star Wars Galaxies takes place after Episode IV and before Episode V, declared Jedi are very rare and usually hunted down by the Galactic Empire, However you control your roleplay, not anyone else. Those few surviving Jedi and other Force-sensitives are often regarded as outcasts, witches, or just plain crazy for their belief in the Force. Veteran players are encouraged to take new Jedi players "under their wing" in an almost Master-Apprentice type of relationship. Jedi are also encouraged to choose a Light or Dark side and to follow that path.
The Jedi of the Galactic Republic took Force-sensitive children at a young age to become a part of their Order. Trained Jedi could sense high levels of the Force in people. The presence of those people in a vicinity could also be sensed.