Essay plan

Question 1

what is a dynamic living religious tradition?

Answer 1

• interaction between the characteristics of religion that creates a dynamic, living religion.
• actively engages with its characteristics in the modern world.
• dynamic → characterised by constant change, activity, or progress.

Question 2

Body 1- SACRED TEXTS AND WRITINGS

Answer 2

• most vital part of the religion –> root when guiding adherents
• Tenkakh –> the Torah, the Nevi’im and the Ketuvim
• Talmud –> oral representation of the Torah
• sacred texts guide principal beliefs, ethical teachings and rituals it contains.

Question 3

the Torah and example

Answer 3

• 613 mitzvot –> guiding adherents of how to become a faithful Jew
• -> positive and negative commandments they should follow throughout their daily lives
• -> for example, daily prayer is something expected of Jewish believers.

Question 4

the Nevi’im and relate to

Answer 4

• writings of God’s spokespeople
• the prophets –> Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekial, Danial
• -> e.g. the ethical teachings relating to the prophetic vision.

Question 5

the Ketuvim

Answer 5

• collection of assorted genres including poetry, songs and history
• contribute to the spread and education of Judaism as a religion.

Question 6

the Talmud

Answer 6

the application of the Torah orally

–> opportunity for religious adaptations compared to societal changes.

Question 7

Body 2- PRINCIPAL BELIEFS

Answer 7

• Jewish adherents are guided by throughout their daily lives, moulding their morals and decisions.

belief in one god

• one eternal God who is omnipresent, omnipotent and omniscient.
• God is the creator of all and occupies the prime position in Jewish theological thought.

divinely-inspired moral law

• the Torah
• self-expression of God
• contains the 613 mitzvot which give guidance for what is right and wrong

covenant

• a series of agreements recorded in the Hebrew Bible between God and the people of Israel
• lies at the heart of the Jewish religion as it is the living expression of the relationship between God and the people of Israel.

adherents

• guide and sustain the connection between adherents and God
• display how they should live and how they communicate with those in society
• shape their opinions and morals as a follower of Judaism.

Question 8

principal beliefs example and quote

Answer 8

• The Shema
• -> most important prayer in Judaism as it reminds adherents of the key principle belief of their faith.
• “Hear O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is One”. (Deuteronomy 6:4).
• -> emphasises the need to follow the mitzvot as the importance of loving God
• emphasis on the covenant that God made with the Jewish people.

Question 9

Body 3- CORE ETHICAL TEACHINGS

the commandments of the Torah example and quote

Answer 9

• highlight how adherents apply the principal beliefs
• live out the religion correctly and accurately
• providing guidance of their decisions and judgments.

The commandments of the Torah

• underlining the conduct between an individual and God and Israel
• conduct between an individual and other people in society.
• provides Jewish adherents with a guide on how to interact with God and society by following the commandments.
• For example, the 4th commandment is “Remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy.”
• -> making it clear to adherents to always partake in Sabbath observance.

The prophetic vision

• contains the stories of the Prophets
• -> the people who remember the Covenant with God and who serve as the conscience of a generation.
• Tikkun Olam, Tzedakah and Gemilut Chasidim
• reveal God’s word to the Hebrew people
• remind people of the covenant and the importance of social justice
• -> links back to the principal beliefs
• -> emphasising the importance of covenant in Judaism as it is the connection between God and the people and providing insight to the adherents to maintain their relationship with God.

the book of proverbs

• third part of the Tenakh, the Ketuvim
• -> collection of writings that belong to a genre of writing, loosely known as “wisdom literature.”
• wisdom, righteousness, purity and generosity of spirit are what guide adherents
• play their part in creating a better world, especially through challenging oppression and injustice.
• allows God to be lived out through adherents
• having implications on our relationship with God and humanity, forming bonds between individuals.

Question 10

Body 4- RITUALS AND CEREMONIES

Answer 10

• what ties in all of the characteristics together, as it puts the religion into practice
• -> displaying loyalty, understanding and dedication to God and his teachings.

Shabbat

• most important Jewish ceremony and has great significance to the application of Judaism.
• The Sabbath day is seen as a precious gift from God, who is providing adherents with a day of rest and spiritual enrichment

zachor

• states to remember the significance of Shabbat as a commemoration of creation and the Jew’s freedom from slavery in Egypt
• performed through the concept of rest, reminding Jews they are free in a general sense.
• For example, they are not to worry about weekly concerns or deadlines or commitments.

Shamor

• work that is creative, or exercises control or dominion over their environment is forbidden on Shabbat.
• For example travel, buying and selling and electricity are all forbidden on this day.
• clear guidance to adherents of the requirements with Shabbat and highlight the meaning behind it, guiding adherents within their daily lives.