Covenant and Mitzvot (Part of J2) Flashcards
Covenant with Abraham
God told Abraham that he would bless him and make his descendants many. Gave him the Promised Land (Canaan), and in return Abraham had to leave his land and have faith in God. He also circumcised himself in accordance with the covenant. A covenant was made which is a solemn promise or agreement made between 2 people/groups and requires commitment from both sides.
Abraham’s Importance
Regarded as the father of many nations. The covenant is the part of Jewish identity and without Abraham, there would be no covenant. Abraham’s faith is used as a role model for Jews today and the Promise Land, being like a gift for Abraham’s faith, shows Jewish people that they are rewarded for their faith to God. Abraham obeyed God without knowing what his future was going to look like and this is a great example for how Jewish people should live.
Covenant with Moses
Moses liberates the Hebrews from Egypt (Exodus means mass departure of people) and takes them to the desert where he receives the 10 Commandments from God on Mount Sinai. The Covenant is renewed as God says that he will be their God as long as the Hebrews follow the 10 Commandments.
Moses’ Importance
God renews the covenant and the Hebrews’ commitment to the covenant is to follow the 10 Commandments and they were expected to be faithful to God and follow the Commandments. The 10 Commandments are the beginning of Jewish Law. First 4 are establishing a way to honor and worship God. The last 6 are about ethical behavior and the heart of Jewish morality. Moses also serves as a good example of someone who has faith in God and a good leader.
The 10 Commandments
Exodus 20. You shall have no other gods before God. You shall not make any idols and you shall not worship anything but God. You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God. Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. The Lord rested on the 7th day of creation so the Sabbath is holy. Honor you father and mother. You shall not murder. You shall not commit adultery. You shall not steal. You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor. You shall not covet (yearn to possess) your neighbors house, wife, servant, ox/donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.
How does the Covenant affect Jews now?
The Covenant provides a way to be faithful to God. By following the Covenant and the 10 Commandments included, Jewish people can honor God in everything they do. The 10 Commandments specifically shows the Jews how to live a good life full of morals and give God the glory for being who he is.
How do different Jewish people view the Covenant (Orthodox/Reform)
How are the Mitzvot important for Jewish life and Jewish identity?
Everything about Jewish life comes from the Tenakh. Following the Mitzvot from the Tenakh (mostly Torah) makes the person Jewish as they follow the rules of being Jewish forming their faith and fulfilling the Covenant with God.
