Jewish Beliefs Flashcards
What is the key belief in Judaism regarding the nature of God?
Monotheism - one God. ‘Hear O Israel, the Lord our God is one’ Deuteronomy 6:4
What is the Shema in Judaism?
A prayer affirming the oneness of God, parts of it are found in mezuzah and tefillin.
Who is considered the creator of the universe in Jewish belief?
God - ‘In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth’ Genesis 1
How might Reform Jews interpret the creation story in Genesis?
They may see it less literally and believe in creation through the Big Bang and evolution.
What are the 613 mitzvot in Judaism?
Commands given by God to guide Jewish life; the first ten are the Ten Commandments.
What are chukim in Jewish law?
Mitzvot without apparent reason, seen as tests of faith.
How does Judaism view God as a judge?
God is fair and will judge people based on how they follow the mitzvot.
What does Isaiah 45 imply about the nature of evil?
If God created all things, He is responsible for evil, which may result from human free will.
What is the significance of the Abrahamic covenant?
God promised Abraham to make him the father of many nations and protect his descendants.
What is the Sinai/Mosaic covenant?
God gave Moses the mitzvot, including the Ten Commandments.
What role does free will play in Jewish thought?
Humans can choose to obey or disobey God, as exemplified by Adam and Eve.
What are the two types of mitzvot?
- Mitzvot between God and man * Mitzvot between man and man
What does the term Shekhinah refer to?
God’s divine presence, exemplified in biblical events like the burning bush.
What is the role of the Messiah in Judaism?
To bring about a Messianic Age and peace, and gather Jews to Jerusalem.
Do Orthodox Jews believe in the coming of the Messiah?
Yes, they believe keeping the mitzvot will hasten the Messiah’s arrival.
What do Reform Jews believe regarding the Messianic Age?
It will be achieved by collective efforts rather than by a single individual.
What is Gan Eden in Jewish belief?
A concept of heaven or paradise where the good are rewarded.
What is Sheol in Jewish belief?
A pit or place where souls go after death, often viewed as a waiting area.
What is gehinnon in the context of Jewish afterlife beliefs?
A place where souls may be cleansed before entering Gan Eden.
What is the Day of Judgement in Judaism?
A belief that souls will be judged by God after death or at the coming of the Messiah.
What is resurrection in Jewish thought?
The belief that people may rise from their graves after death.
What is Tzedekah?
Justice and guidance for treating the poor and vulnerable in Judaism.
What does Tikkun Olam mean?
Healing the world, including social justice and environmental care.
What is Chesed in Judaism?
Kindness to others, emphasizing love and compassion.
What is the sanctity of life in Jewish belief?
Life is sacred and given by God.
What is pikuach nefesh?
The principle that life preservation is paramount, allowing the breaking of mitzvot to save a life.
