Covenant and Mitzvot

Question 1

What land did God promise to Abraham and his descendants?

Answer 1

The promised land - Canaan.

Question 2

What is a covenant?

Answer 2

A solemn promise or agreement made between two people or groups that requires commitments from both sides.

Question 3

What is Abraham known as and why?

Answer 3

The ‘father of many nations’ because he is regarded as the founder of Judaism.

Question 4

What promises did God make to Abraham?

Answer 4

1. He will bless those who treat Abraham kindly and curse those who don’t.
2. Abraham’s descendants will be too many to count.
3. God will protect Abraham and be his greatest reward.
4. There will be hard times, but Abraham + gang will be delivered.
5. He will be their God.
6. He will give Abraham a son.
7. He will give Abraham the Promised Land.
8. He will bless Abraham.

Question 5

What was required of Abraham?

Answer 5

To obey God by leaving his home.
To sacrifice Isaac.
To walk with God and trust him.

Question 6

Did both keep their sides of the covenant?

Answer 6

Yes, Abraham followed God and left his homeland and did what God asked. God delivered and made Abraham into a great nation.

Question 7

What are two verses from Genesis where God speaks to Abraham?

Answer 7

” I will make of you a great nation and I will bless you.”
“ I give you all the land that you see to you and your offspring forever.”

Question 8

Who do Jews believe they are offspring of and why is this important?

Answer 8

Abraham. This means they are a part of the covenant and are members of the ‘great nation’. Jews also believe that Canaan/Promised Land belongs to all Jews.

Question 9

What practice is the seal of the covenant?

Answer 9

Circumcision for all Jewish males.

Question 10

Why is Abraham influential to Judaism today?

Answer 10

He was the beginning of Judaism.
He shows obedience to God.
He put his faith and trust in God.
He was promised the Promised Land.

Question 11

How is the covenant with Moses connected to the covenant with Abraham?

Answer 11

They are part of the same covenant and Moses’ covenant is an extension or renewal of the covenant with Abraham but it is not a new or different covenant.

Question 12

What did God do for the Israelites to give them the 10 commandments?

Answer 12

Freed them from slavery in Egypt.

Question 13

What were the Israelites expected to do in the covenant at Mt. Sinai?

Answer 13

Be faithful to God by keeping his commandments.
This is the beginning of Jewish law.

Question 14

What impacts do the 10 commandments have on Jewish relationship with God?

Answer 14

The first 4 commandments show how Jews are expected to honour and worship God.
The first commandment commits them to monotheism.
Jews do not say God instead they may use HaShem (‘the name’) or Adonai (Lord).
Commandments 5-10 deal with ethical behaviour and standards and are seen as the heart of Jewish morality by many Jews.

Question 15

How did Moses set an example for Jewish people?

Answer 15

He obeyed God and was a leader for the Israelites.
He had great faith even though he was hesitant at first.

Question 16

Describe how two of the 10 commandments are important to the Jewish people’s covenant with God.

Answer 16

One of the 10 commandments is keep the Sabbath day holy. This is important for the covenant because it reflects God resting in Genesis and lets Jews thank God for bringing them out of slavery. Another commandment is do not worship anyone but God. This commandment is important to the covenant because God saved the Israelites from slavery and in return, they are expected to worship only God.

Question 17

How does Abraham’s obedience to God influence Jewish lives today?

Answer 17

They have the promised land.
Jewish people are blessed by God because of their obedience to the covenant.

Question 18

How does Abraham’s faith and trust in God influence Jewish lives today?

Answer 18

Jewish people can have faith and trust in God like Abraham even if they can’t fully understand.

Question 19

How do Orthodox and Reform Jew’s views differ on the covenant?

Answer 19

Orthodox Jews follow the law very strictly and keep very traditional ways.
Reform Jews are more likely to interpret the covenant in a way that fits more into modern life - therefore not following the covenant as strictly.

Question 20

How many mitzvot are there?

Answer 20

613.

Question 21

What are mitzvot?

Answer 21

Commandments Jews must follow.

Question 22

Why is following mitzvot important?

Answer 22

Jews believe by completing mitzvot they are brought closer to God and are made more like him.