Beliefs And teachings (Judaism) Flashcards
Jews- key facts
Don't believe in Jesus Have Torah(similar to Bible) Eat Kosher food Worship at Synangogue Holocaust. Millions killed WW2 Torah. 613 Commandments Abraham & Moses were Jews 81% live in Israel and US(also France, UK & Canada) In U.K. West Yorkshire has largest groups Jewish population 13,580,000
Link Judaism/Christianity
Jesus was a Jew
Abraham 2000 years before Jesus( before that people worshipped lots of Gods). He was 1st person the 1 true God revealed himself to and the 1st Jew.
Through whole of Jewish history always the promise of a Messiah = Jesus. Some Jews don’t believe this and are still waiting
Jews also known as Israelites and Hebrews
Sacred scripture used is Torah- same as Old Testament to Christians
Monotheist
Believe in 1 God
Mono= 1 Thesit = to believe in God
The Jewish Bible/Jewish/Hebrew Scriptures/Tanakh( acronym of Torah, Neviim and Ketuvim)
Consists of
- The Law
- The prophets e.g. Noah, Abraham, Moses, Isiah, Jeremiah
- The Writings e.g. Psalms, proverbs, wisdom
It consists of same books as Old Testament but in a different order
Torah
5 books of the Jewish Bible - the written law.
Given to Moses over 3000 years ago on Mount Sinai. Today entire Torah is written by hand. People who write it (scribes) have to study to be able to do it.
Commandment says ‘ you will write them and not paint or type them’
Shema
A Jewish prayer found in the Torah. It states belief in 1 God
1st verse
“Hear O Israel, the Lord is our God, the Lord alone”
Most important prayer for Jews ( like ‘Our Father’ for Christians)
They tie it in a box to forehead and arms
Diverse Jewish beliefs
An ultra Orthodox Jew - very strict, follows laws and practices in Torah
Orthodox Jew - strict
Reformed Jew - believes traditional laws should be re interpreted to suit modern life
Nature of God
- Omnipotent - all powerful
- Omniscient - all knowing
- Omnipresent - all present. Being everywhere at all times
God as lawgiver
To help people use their free will in the right way, God gave the Jews many laws that expects them to obey.
10 Commandments - given to Moses by God 3000 years ago
The Torah contains 613 Mitzvot ( Commandments)
God as judge
They believe God judges people on their ‘actions’ and ‘beliefs’. His judgements are always fair, just and merciful
All actions have consequences
During Rosh Hashannah ( Jewish New Year) it is a time to think, repent and pray for happiness.
Life after death
Most believe the good will enter heaven ‘Gan Eden’ and others will go to ‘Sheol’ (the Underworld) .
Some Jews believe that in the future they will be resurrected
Generally they prefer to think about the present and live a life that pleases God
The Devine Presence (Shekhinah)
Temple:the centre of Jewish worship at the time of Jesus where God was thought to reside.
Messiah:the future leader of the Jews who is expected to live on earth in the future. A descendant of King David.
Messianic age:a future time of global peace.
King David:famous King of ancient Israel chosen by God. A great warrior who defeated many of the Israelite’s enemies.
Orthodox Jews believe……
In every generation there is a descendant of King David who has the potential to be the Messiah.
The Messiah will rule over all humans with kindness and justice.
He will be the ultimate teacher of the Torah.
Reform Jews believe…
There will not be a Messiah.
There will be a future Messianic age.
Everyone will live in peace and harmony.
Abraham and the Covenant
Covenant:solemn promise or agreement between the Jews and God.
The Promised Land:Canaan (modern day Israel).
“I give all the land to you and your offspring forever”.
I will make the father of a great nation and I will bless you.
Jews believe God never has and never will break his side of the Covenant.
Jews focus on responsibilities of being chosen by God with no thought of superiority.
Circumcision:the removal of the foreskin from the penis as a side of sealing the Covenant.