Jewish beliefs

Question 1

Nature of the Almighty sources of wisdom and authority

Answer 1

• The Lord is God in heaven above and on earth below. There is no other. (Deuteronomy 4:39)
• In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth (Genesis 1). Then, God formed man and gave him the breath of life (Genesis 2)

Question 2

Messiah sources of wisdom and authority

Answer 2

• a King who will reign wisely and do what is just and right (Jeremiah 23)
• The Spirit of the Lord will rest upon him. (Isaiah 11:2).
• The Messiah will rule wisely and justly and ensure the poor are treated fairly. (Isaiah 11:35)

Question 3

Covenant at Sinai (Moses) sources of wisdom and authority

Answer 3

• Exodus 20: “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery” + 10 commandments)
• I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the whole earth. (Isaiah 49)

Question 4

Covenant with Abraham (1st covenant) sources of wisdom and authority

Answer 4

• the whole land of Canaan…I will give as an everlasting possession to you and your descendants… and I will be their God (Genesis 17)
• You shall not make any cuttings in your flesh on account of the dead or tattoo any marks upon you: I am the Lord. (Leviticus 19:28)

Question 5

Sanctity of life (pikuach nefesh) sources of wisdom and authority

Answer 5

• Talmud yoma 83a: every danger to human life suspends the (laws of the) sabbath.
• The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away (Job 1)

Question 6

Moral principles and the mitzvot sources of wisdom and authority

Answer 6

• Torah teaches that God created man in his own image (Genesis 1)
• As the Talmud says, ‘The mitzvot were given for the purpose of refining people’

Question 7

Jewish beliefs about life after death sources of wisdom and authority

Answer 7

• The Torah speaks of the patriarchs being ‘gathered to their people’ (Deuteronomy 32)
• God will bring every deed into judgement.. Whether it’s good or evil (Ecclesiastes 12)

Question 8

Shekinah sources of wisdom and authority

Answer 8

• My presence will go with you and I will give you rest. (Exodus 33:14)
• the glory of the Lord filled the temple. (2 Chronicles 7)