Ethical Monotheism Flashcards
Ethical monotheism
The worship of one God who guides humanity through ethical principles
Shema prayer
“Hear,O Israel, the lord our God, the Lord is one” Deuteronomy 6:4
When is the ‘shema prayer’ said
First thing in the morning and last thing at night
Recited over newborn baby and at death
Obligations Jews have to God
- 613 commandments set by God
- 10 commandments given to Moses
- Performing God’s will as the chosen people
- Allows Jews to work to create a special rs with: God/other Jews/society
Moses Maimonides
- Jewish Philosopher
- Born in Spain
- Influenced Jewish/Non-Jewish thought
- Believed that Jews should always stick to God’s laws
- Created 13 Principles of Faith
Significance of the 13 Principles of Faith
Simpler to follow than the 613 mitzvot
Shabbat
This is the sabbath day which is on the Friday of each week where Jews do not do any activities
Noahide code
Covenant made with Noah that God would not flood the earth again
Moses
Covenant made with Moses that the Jews were his chosen people and he would not abandon them
Abraham
Covenant made with Abraham to state that he would have many children as much as the stars in the sky
How was the Torah revealed
It was revealed to Moses on Mount Sinai
He was given both the Oral Torah and the Written Torah
What is the Oral Torah
The Oral Torah is the explanation of the Written Torah
It explains traditions such as the Sabbat and states what should be done during this time
Beliefs: Orthodox Judaism
Both the Written Torah and the Oral Torah are of divine origin and represent the word of God
Beliefs: Reform Judaism
Both the Oral and Written laws are a product of human hands
They also stress the equality between sexes
Religious services: Orthodox Judaism
Conduct services solely in Hebrew
Women and men are seated separately and only men can lead the service
Religious service: Reform Judaism
Services use a mixture of Hebrew and the local language
Men and women can sit together and women can become Rabbis
God’s revelation: Orthodox Judaism
Revelation Jews received through Moses was appropriate for all time
Aspects of the revelation can be interpreted not altered
God’s revelation: Reform Judaism
God’s will is continually revealed and each generation will get a direction for their own time
Original Revelation remains important but modern insight and scientific knowledge is also considered
Religious Practice: Orthodox Judaism
- Inability to drive to synagogue on the Sabbath day
- refraining from work also
- observe food laws fully
- wear traditional clothes
- make no changes to traditional practices
Religious Practice: Reform Judaism
Recommends individual study of the traditional practices:
• Celebrating major events of life
• Private and Public prayer/worship
• Keeping Sabbath and holy days
Forbidden activities on the Sabbath
- growing + preparing food
- making clothing
- leatherwork + writing
- creating fire
- work completion
Quotes based on the Sabbath
“Let no one leave his place on the seventh day”
“You shall not do any work”
“Kindle no fire throughout ur settlements…”
Types of kosher food
- Meat
- Milk (hard cheese made with veg rennet)
- Fish (parve)
How can food be kosher?
Kosher all meat is ritually slaughtered by shechitah
A blessing is said and the animal is killed - single cut across the throat
Shalom Zachar
First Friday night after a boy is born
Friends and family come to ‘great the male’
Shalom Nekevah/ Shalom Bat
New custom of ‘greeting the female’ or ‘greeting the daughter’
Brit Milah
Covenant of circumcision
Quote for ‘Brit Milah’
“Every male among you shall be circumcised”
Bar Mitzvah
Tradition when a boy reaches the age of 13; fully responsible for fulfilling the commandments
Bat Mitzvah
Increasing trend in progressive communities for girls to have a ceremony at the age of 12
Quote for Kiddushin (marriage)
“Hence a man leaves his father and mother and clings to his wife, so that they become one flesh”
Requirements of the kiddushin
Marriage can happen anywhere as long as it is under a canopy (chuppah)
Jewish thought on ‘DIVORCE’
Is permitted in Judaism but must only take place after 3 months ensuring the woman is not pregnant
Jewish thought on ‘DEATH’
Funerals are either on the day of the death or the day after.
No flowers are given
For 7 days the mirrors in the house are hidden and the mourners do not leave their house
Advantages of Jewish Traditions
- Brings Jewish community together
- Upholds covenant between Jews and God
- Obeys the commands of God
- Supports the expansion of the Jewish community (kiddushin)
Disadvantages of Jewish Traditions
- Reform Jews may not see relevance of some of these traditions
- Keeping to all of these traditions may not be deemed realistic
- Orthodox/Reform Jews do not agree on every tradition
- Some traditions may be seen as outdated in Modern society
