beliefs and teachings: 613 mitzvot and free will Flashcards
give the 3 meanings of ‘mitzvot’
- keeping the duties given by god
- doing good deeds
- being given an honour or a privilege
what refers to the 613 mitzvot?
the talmud
why is it impossible to keep all 613 mitzvot today?
as many related religious practices in the temple has been destroyed
what do Orthodox Jews believe about the mitzvot?
keeping the mitzvot is an important principle of judaism
what do reform jews believe about the mitzvot?
consider that some are no longer relevant for modern life
decisions about which ones to observe are often based upon individual choices
what does the mitzvot show?
how people should relate to god
how they should relate to other people
what does it mean as they follow the mitzvot?
by following and observing, they build a relationship with god ad brings people close to god
what is the concept of free will central to?
it is central to the principles of the torah
what is the idea of free will?
it is the idea that jews can choose how they behave, choosing to do good or evil
those who choose the way they behave is part of god’s plan
what did god made in his own image?
humanity
what can animals not do?
animals has no ability to choose their actions and decide on their moral behaviour
why does the torah provide the 613 mitzvot?
to give knowledge on making the choice between good and evil
what happens when those choose good or evil?
those who choose good and obey the commandments will be rewarded
those who choose evil and choose to disobey them will be punished
why is god a judge?
he is omniscient and therefore knows how people have acted
what do people have?
freedom to decide how to act but god knows what people will choose to do
