Jewish Beliefs

Question 1

What is the key belief in Judaism regarding the nature of God?

Answer 1

Monotheism - one God. ‘Hear O Israel, the Lord our God is one’ Deuteronomy 6:4

Question 2

What is the Shema in Judaism?

Answer 2

A prayer affirming the oneness of God, parts of it are found in mezuzah and tefillin.

Question 3

Who is considered the creator of the universe in Jewish belief?

Answer 3

God - ‘In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth’ Genesis 1

Question 4

How might Reform Jews interpret the creation story in Genesis?

Answer 4

They may see it less literally and believe in creation through the Big Bang and evolution.

Question 5

What are the 613 mitzvot in Judaism?

Answer 5

Commands given by God to guide Jewish life; the first ten are the Ten Commandments.

Question 6

What are chukim in Jewish law?

Answer 6

Mitzvot without apparent reason, seen as tests of faith.

Question 7

How does Judaism view God as a judge?

Answer 7

God is fair and will judge people based on how they follow the mitzvot.

Question 8

What does Isaiah 45 imply about the nature of evil?

Answer 8

If God created all things, He is responsible for evil, which may result from human free will.

Question 9

What is the significance of the Abrahamic covenant?

Answer 9

God promised Abraham to make him the father of many nations and protect his descendants.

Question 10

What is the Sinai/Mosaic covenant?

Answer 10

God gave Moses the mitzvot, including the Ten Commandments.

Question 11

What role does free will play in Jewish thought?

Answer 11

Humans can choose to obey or disobey God, as exemplified by Adam and Eve.

Question 12

What are the two types of mitzvot?

Answer 12

• Mitzvot between God and man * Mitzvot between man and man

Question 13

What does the term Shekhinah refer to?

Answer 13

God’s divine presence, exemplified in biblical events like the burning bush.

Question 14

What is the role of the Messiah in Judaism?

Answer 14

To bring about a Messianic Age and peace, and gather Jews to Jerusalem.

Question 15

Do Orthodox Jews believe in the coming of the Messiah?

Answer 15

Yes, they believe keeping the mitzvot will hasten the Messiah’s arrival.

Question 16

What do Reform Jews believe regarding the Messianic Age?

Answer 16

It will be achieved by collective efforts rather than by a single individual.

Question 17

What is Gan Eden in Jewish belief?

Answer 17

A concept of heaven or paradise where the good are rewarded.

Question 18

What is Sheol in Jewish belief?

Answer 18

A pit or place where souls go after death, often viewed as a waiting area.

Question 19

What is gehinnon in the context of Jewish afterlife beliefs?

Answer 19

A place where souls may be cleansed before entering Gan Eden.

Question 20

What is the Day of Judgement in Judaism?

Answer 20

A belief that souls will be judged by God after death or at the coming of the Messiah.

Question 21

What is resurrection in Jewish thought?

Answer 21

The belief that people may rise from their graves after death.

Question 22

What is Tzedekah?

Answer 22

Justice and guidance for treating the poor and vulnerable in Judaism.

Question 23

What does Tikkun Olam mean?

Answer 23

Healing the world, including social justice and environmental care.

Question 24

What is Chesed in Judaism?

Answer 24

Kindness to others, emphasizing love and compassion.

Question 25

What is the sanctity of life in Jewish belief?

Answer 25

Life is sacred and given by God.

Question 26

What is pikuach nefesh?

Answer 26

The principle that life preservation is paramount, allowing the breaking of mitzvot to save a life.