J2 - Beliefs and Sacred Writings

Question 1

What does God as one mean? [4]

Answer 1

• God is a single, whole being.
• Everything in the universe has been created by God.
• God is the only being who should be praised and worshipped.
• God is the source of all Jewish morality, beliefs, and values.

Question 2

What does Shekinah mean?

Answer 2

The divine presence.
The presence of God on earth.

Question 3

How has God’s presence been shown to the Jews in the past? [3]

Answer 3

• The Tabernacle housed the presence of God.
• Solomon’s temple
• At times as a pillar of fire or a cloud

Question 4

What are 7 key Jewish beliefs about God? [7]

Answer 4

• He is omnipotent
• He is omniscient
• He is omnipresent
• He is eternal
• He is creater
• He is the sustainer of all
• He is the judge

Question 5

Where can we see examples of God being the creator?

Answer 5

Genesis 1 when He created the world.

Question 6

During what festival does God judge people for their actions over the past year?

Answer 6

Rosh Hashanah

Question 7

How is God as lawgiver shown in the Bible?

Answer 7

In Exodus 20, Leviticus, and Deuteronomy God gives the Jews 613 mitzvot to follow. It is a duty of Jewish people to follow the mitzvot.

Question 8

What is Abraham’s title?

Answer 8

The father of many nations.

Question 9

How did Abraham show obedience to God? [3]

Answer 9

• Circumcision
• Was prepared to sacrifice Isaac
• Left his home for Canaan

Question 10

How does Abraham’s obedience to God affect Judaism today? [3]

Answer 10

• Abraham did everything God commanded so Jews should do the same
• The Promised Land is given as reward for Abraham’s faith
• Jewish people are blessed by God because of their obedience to the covenant

Question 11

How did Abraham have faith and trust in God? [2]

Answer 11

• He had faith to leave everything behind in Canaan.
• He was prepared to trust God’s demand of sacrifice

Question 12

How does Abraham’s faith and trust influence Judaism today?

Answer 12

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

Question 13

How is God’s covenant with Abraham and God’s covenant with Moses related?

Answer 13

They are part of the same covenant and the covenant with Moses is just an extension of God’s covenant with Abraham.

Question 14

What is the name of the Written Law?

Answer 14

The Tenakh

Question 15

What are the three sections of the Tenakh?

Answer 15

Torah
Nevi’im
Ketuvim

Question 16

What is the Torah?

Answer 16

The first five books of Moses which form the basis of Jewish law.

Question 17

What is the Nevi’im?

Answer 17

Means ‘The Prophets’
Eight prophetic books that continue to trace Jewish history and expand on laws in the Torah.

Question 18

What is the Ketuvim?

Answer 18

Means ‘The Writings’
Eleven books that contain poetry, stories, advice, historical accounts, and more.

Question 19

Why is the Torah important?

Answer 19

It is the key source of wisdom and authority for Jewish people.
It contains the mitzvot.

Question 20

What is the name of the Oral Law?

Answer 20

The Talmud.

Question 21

What are the two sections of the Talmud?

Answer 21

Mishnah and Gemara.

Question 22

What is the Mishnah?

Answer 22

A collection of oral teachings in 6 sections.

Question 23

What is the Gemara?

Answer 23

Commentary on the Mishnah.

Question 24

What is the importance of the Talmud?

Answer 24

It provides commentary that helps Jews to understand rabbinic interpretations of the Hebrew Bible.
It is considerred a duty for many Jewish men to study the Oral Law.
Many also consider the Oral Law to be inspired by God.