beliefs and teachings

Question 1

What are the four main characteristics of G-d?

Answer 1

• one - impossible to divide
• creator
• lawgiver
• judge

Question 2

Why are the characteristics of the Almighty important today?

Answer 2

• recited in the Shema (one)
• helps Jews to act in the image of G-d
• different names, shows complexity yet still one

Question 3

What is Shekhinah?

Answer 3

Shekhinah is the divine presence of G-d within the world.

Question 4

How is the Shekhinah felt through study?

Answer 4

• an act of worship so connect with G-d

Question 5

How is the Shekhinah felt through worship?

Answer 5

• G-d told Moses to build a tabernacle (a portable temple) where G-d could dwell as they searched for the Promised Land
• stays this way today as a light in front of the ark

Question 6

How is the Shekhinah felt through prayer?

Answer 6

• pray alone or as part of a minyan

- when pray as community, G-d is present

Question 7

What is the Messiah?

Answer 7

The Messiah is ‘the anointed one’, a king sent by G-d.

Question 8

What will the Messiah be like?

Answer 8

• a human
• a charismatic, inspiring leader
• a great military leader
• great political leader
• descendant of David
• expert in the law

Question 9

What will the Messiah do when he comes?

Answer 9

• rebuild the Temple
• return his people to the promised land
• establish a government for all around the law

Question 10

When will the Messiah come?

Answer 10

• some believe there is a possible one every generation
• some believe G-d has set a date
• some believe he will come when he is most needed or most deserved

Question 11

What is the Messianic Age for Orthodox and Reform Jews?

Answer 11

Orthodox - when the king will rule

Reform - just a time of peace and harmony

Question 12

What is the story of Moses?

Answer 12

story of Moses:

• Moses grew up in the Pharaoh’s house but fled after discovering he was a Jew
• God spoke to him through the burning bush telling him to go back
• the ten plagues are sent, including Passover
• Moses led his people to the Red Sea and parted it
• he led them to the promised land, but first went passed Mount Sinai

Question 13

What was God’s side of the covenant at Mount Sinai?

Answer 13

God’s side of Mount Sinai:

• God will lead the Israelites to the promised land
• God will never abandon them
• he will be their God and they will be his people, the chosen people
• God will bless them, look after them and care for them as long as they keep their side of the covenant

Question 14

What was the Israelites side of the covenant at Mount Sinai?

Answer 14

Israelites side of Mount Sinai:

• they must be obedient
• they must keep the commandments

Question 15

What are Orthodox and Reform Jews’ views on the giving of the Torah and Ten Commandments?

Answer 15

divergent beliefs on commandments:
- Orthodox believe the entire Torah was written by Moses and represents the inspired word of God. the 613 mitzvot were given by God and ALL must be obeyed

• Reform don’t believe Moses wrote the Torah but believe it embodies the spirit of the revelation Moses received. the Ten Commandments must be obeyed but the others are less important

Question 16

Why is the covenant at Sinai important for Jews today?

Answer 16

importance of Sinai today:

• the Torah is the most important part of Judaism
• the Torah is read every Sabbath
• study of the Torah is important everyday
• the gift of the Torah is celebrated in Shavuot
• obedience will be blessed
• the mitzvot teach Jews how to live their lives

Question 17

Where are the Ten Commandments written in the Torah? Give a quote.

Answer 17

The Ten Commandments are in Exodus 20.
"Worship no God but me."
"Do not use my name for evil purposes"
"Observe the Sabbath and keep it holy"
"Do not commit murder"
"Do not steal"

Question 18

What was God’s side of the covenant with Abraham?

Answer 18

God’s side of Abrahamic covenant:

• promises a land (Canaan)
• promises Abraham he will have many descendants
• promises a son with Sarah

Question 19

What was Abraham’s side of the covenant with Abraham?

Answer 19

Abraham’s side of Abrahamic covenant:

• complete faith in God
• complete obedience and loyalty to God
• circumcise all 8 day old boys

Question 20

Where is the Abrahamic covenant written? Give a quote.

Answer 20

The Abrahamic covenant is written in Genesis 17.
“I will give you many descendants”
“The whole land of Canaan will belong to your descendants forever”
“It is an everlasting covenant”
“not been circumcised will no longer be considered one of my people”

Question 21

Why is the Abrahamic covenant important to Jews today?

Answer 21

importance of Abrahamic covenant today:

• the covenant has not been fulfilled, they need to live in the promised land
• Jews are circumcised today
• obeying the Commandments means obeying this covenant as well

Question 22

Why do Jews believe that life is sacred?

Answer 22

Jews believe that life is sacred as life is given by G-d, so it is sacred. The Talmud says that we are all descended from a single person, so to take the life is like destroying the world.

Question 23

What is the principle and implications of Pikuach Nefesh?

Answer 23

Jewish law states that the preservation of human life overrides virtually any other law (Pikuach Nefesh). This means that Jews should live by the Torah, not die because of it; if a Jew breaks the Shabbat to save a life, they should be praised.

Question 24

What are the four exceptions of Pikuach Nefesh?

Answer 24

The exceptions to Pikuach Nefesh are if it involves murder, idolatry, incest and adultery.

Question 25

What are Orthodox and Reform views on abortion?

Answer 25

• Orthodox Jews believe that abortion is only allowed to save the mother’s life
• Reform Jews may allow social and non-life threatening medical issues

Question 26

What are Orthodox and Reform views on organ donation?

Answer 26

• Orthodox Jews only allow organ donation if it’s from a living person with no danger to health and if it’s from a dead body to save a life, but wonder whether transplanting stops a heart beating and causes death
• Reform Jews permit it in most circumstances

Question 27

Why do Jews follow the Mitzvot?

Answer 27

Jews follow the Mitzvot as it was given to Moses by G-d, and it was part of the Mosaic covenant and there is a punishment for not following them.

Question 28

Who do Orthodox and Reform Jews believe the Mitzvot came from?

Answer 28

• Orthodox Jews believe the Mitzvot came from G-d on Sinai
• Reform Jews believe that the Mitvot have evolved through the generations, and so consider some to be no longer relevant or ethical as they believe some were influenced by human culture through the ages

Question 29

Do Jews believe in free will?

Answer 29

Yes, Jews believe in free will, but G-d also has a predetermined fate for us; He knows what will happen, but doesn’t control it.

Question 30

Do Jews believe in life after death?

Answer 30

There is confusion among Jews towards life after death, but they all believe that death is not the end.

Question 31

What do Reform Jews believe about life after death?

Answer 31

• Olam Ha-Ba is the world to come
• there will be a heaven (Gan Eden, some Orthodox agree with this)
• there will be a place of purification (Gehinnom)
• most don’t believe in eternal punishment

Question 32

What do Orthodox Jews (and some Reform) believe about the Messiah?

Answer 32

• some Jews believe there will be a Messianic age, where a person chosen by G-d will come to save
• the righteous will be resurrected and will be led to the Promised Land, restored