judaism Flashcards
define monotheism
The belief that there is only one God
define omniscient, omnipresent, omnipotent, omnibenevolent
All-knowing, present everywhere, all-powerful, and all loving
God is referred to as ______ , ________ and ________
Creator, lawgiver, and judge
Genesis 1:1
“In the beginning, God created heaven and earth”
What do different jews believe about what is stated in the Torah
Some Jews believe everything that is written in the Torah however some jews believe it is not meant to be taken literally
What is said in prayers in orthodox services to illustrate how God created the world?
“Blessed be he who spoke and the world existed”
2 beliefs about the Shekinah
Shekinah followed jews into exile and it is also a belief that the Shekinah never fully left the temple area and that is why Israel has special spiritual quality
Why are the beliefs about the Shekinah not contradictory?
This is because the Shekinah is not limited to just one place.
Jews believe that God gave Moses…
-all the laws and duties that are expected of Jews
What is the Messianic age?
A term used for a future time of peace on earth when there will be no violence, hunger, or crime.
References to the Messianic age in the Torah?
There are no direct references to the Messianic age in the Torah but scriptures are interpreted to explain what the Messianic age might be like
Isaiah 11:1-9
Portrays messianic age as a time in which the wolf shall live with the lamb and in which the lion, like the ox shall eat straw
For Jews, what is the first step to the Messianic age
-The coming of the Messiah and the Messianic age
For some Jews a belief in the _____ is _____ to their faith
- messiah
- central
Who was Maimonides and what was his belief in the Messiah?
Maimonedes was a Jewish Philosopher from the twelfth century. He stated a belief in the Messiah was one of the 13 principles in Judaism
What do Reform Jews believe that contradicts Maimonedes’ belief about the Messiah?
Reform Jews believe it will be the good actions of humans that will bring a Messianic age of peace.
2 reasons why there are different views about the Messiah
1) No definite teachings about the Messiah in the Torah therefore passages that Jews think are relevant have to be interpreted
2) Jews strongly believe that humans should focus on the here and now
What is the Tenakh?
The Jewish Bible
What does the Torah say about when the Messiah will come
There are no references in the Torah for when the Messiah may come. Some Jews believe this is because the Torah was written for people to understand and the idea of the messianic age is beyond understanding
Orthodox Jews on when the Messiah will come
Orthodox Jews believe that God has a specific date for the coming of the Messiah however most believe that the coming of the Messiah will depend on when he is most needed.
Why will the Messiah be needed?
Because of the sins of the world or because the world is so good
Reform Jews on when the Messiah will come
They don’t focus on the coming of the Messiah as their main focus is on Jews looking forward to a better society
The traditional belief of what the Messiah will do?
The traditional belief is that the Messiah will be a great political leader and judge who will bring the world to an end
Other Jewish beliefs on what the Messiah will do
Some Jews believe he will not be a supernatural being but a human who is descended from King David. Many other Jews believe that in every generation a person is born with the potential to be the Messiah
In the Tenakh what are the three actions of the Messiah?
1) He will rebuild the temple in Jerusalem
2) He will bring back Jews to Israel and restore Jerusalem
3) He will bring about a time of peace when people will live together without fighting
What was the temple in Jerusalem
It was the most important place of Jewish worship which was destroyed in 70CE
What is the story of Moses and the Mitzvot
Moses took the Israelites out of Egypt and led them through the desert near Mount Sinai, he learned the 10 commandments that God wanted him to teach the Israelites- these make up the Torah
The 613 mitzvot in the ____ teach jews…
how they should live their lives
Where are the 10 commandments found
Exodus 20:2-14 in the Torah
2 reasons why the 10 commandments are special
- They are kept by every Jew and all of them should be obeyed
- Central to Jewish beliefs and practices
Genesis 1:26-27
“God created man with his image, in the image of God”
Importance of life through Jewish worship
- Genesis 1:26-27
- During celebrations “L’chaim” is said meaning ‘to life’
- When someone has died the relatives are wished long life
What is Pikuach Nefesh?
The importance of saving a life
Even too support life, what 3 Mitzvot can’t be broken
Idolatry, incest and adultery
.
.
To preserve a life what 2 things are Jews able to do?
It is permissible to remove organs from a dead body, one may travel on Shabbat and they may even break the fast on Yom Kippur
Describe the 613 mitzvot in 3 ways
- Keeping the duties given by God to Moses
- Doing good deeds
- Being given an honour such as a reading from the Torah
How does the tallit represent the mitzvot
The tallit has 613 knots to represent the mitzvot
Judaism teaches that people are born with what two inclinations?
Yetzer ha tov
Yetzer ha ra
Define Yetzer ha tov
The inclination or natural urge to do good actions
Define Yetzer ha Ra
The inclination or natural do evil actions
What is the afterlife in Judaism called?
Olam Ha-Ba
Define Olam Ha-Ba
(The world to come) Term used to refer to a person’s afterlife and also the Messianic Age
Teachings about the Afterlife in the Torah
There are no specific teachings about the afterlife in the Torah
2 different Jewish beliefs about the resurrection from different scholars
Nahmanides- Olam Ha-Ba would come after the resurrection of the dead
Maimonedes- Olam Ha-Ba is referred to as a time beyond the world of the resurrected
Different Rabbi’s views about Jewish beliefs on the resurrection
- Ressurection of the dead will occur during the Messianic age
- Only the righteous will be resurrected
- There is no need for a day of judgement after death as judgement happens every year on the festival of Rosh Hashanah
Orthodox Jewish beliefs about the resurrection of the body and soul
Orthodox Jews believe that within resurrection the body and soul is raised which influences Jewish attitudes to cremation and organ transplants as they believe the body must be completed to be resurrected
What are the reform Jewish beliefs on the resurrection
Reform Judaism has rejected views on the resurrection. Some believe memories of people live on through their actions/ good deeds. Others believe the soul lives on after death but there are different opinions about where
Jewish beliefs on reincarnation?
Some Jews believe in reincarnation however this is not a central belief
Explain Shabbat
It is the weekly festival that is celebrated from sunset on a Friday to sunset on a Saturday
Exodus 20:8
“The Sabbath to remember and to keep it holy”
Why is Shabbat considered by many Jews as the most important festival
It is seen as a gift from God and throughout history, Shabbat has been an important festival as even in times of persecution, jews had to celebrate Shabbat
What is the eruv
A special enclosure that allows Jewish residents or visitors to carry objects from one place to another
How is the presence of Shabbat brought into the home
The woman of the family lights 2 candles
When the father comes home they sit down for a special meal
How do meals in the Shabbat begin
They begin with a blessing over two loaves of bread which symbolize the double portion of manna eaten by the Israelites in the desert after the Exodus in Egypt
The _______ prayer is recited over a cup of ______
The Kiddush prayer is recited over a cup of wine
What do families do on the Saturday Morning of Shabbat
They walk to the synagogue because driving a car to the synagogue would be required as work
On Shabbat what work would they avoid?
Using electricity, cooking, and driving
How do Jews say goodbye to Shabbat
They light the Havdalah candle which means separation and symbolizes the distinction between Shabbat and the rest of the week is now over
2 things Jews do at the end of Shabbat
They pass around a glass of wine for everyone to take a sip from and sniff a sweet-smelling spice box to symbolize a sweet week ahead
3 main functions of the Jewish synagogue
1) Beit Tefilah, House of prayer
2) Beit Midrash, House of study
3) Social hall for religious and non-religious activities
Beit Tefilah - House of prayer
Place where Jews come together for community prayer services
Beit Midrash - House of study
Many Jews believe the study of sacred texts is a lifelong task and it is a place where children receive basic religious education
Social hall for religious and non-religious activities
The synagogue functions as a town hall where matters of importance to the community can be discussed. Also, there is usually a programme of social events which include opportunities to learn more about religious and cultural issues
Name 5 features of the synagogue
Aron Hakodesh Bimah Ner Tamid Torah scrolls Orthodox/reform seating
Aron Hakodesh
The most important place in the synagogue because this is where the Torah scrolls are kept
Bimah
Where the Torah Scrolls are read from
Ner Tamid
Also called the eternal lamp. Symbolizes the menorah that kept burning in the temple and is always kept burning as it also symbolises God’s presence and is always kept burning
Torah scrolls
The Torah scrolls are the most sacred part of any synagogue
Seating
In orthodox synagogues, men and women are separated however in a reform synagogue they are able to sit together
What is Brit Milah
Jewish circumcision (removal of the foreskin) of boys at 8 days old
Describe Jewish Brit Milah ceremony
Carried out by Mohel, performed in front of a minyan, and the baby is placed on Elijah’s chair. After he is placed on the lap of a sandek and the father recites a blessing
Difference between orthodox and reform Brit Milah ceremony
In orthodox synagogues, there is a mohel and usually, only men attend the ceremony
In reform synagogues, there is a mohelet and everyone is encouraged to be present
Why is the baby is placed on Elijah’s chair
Elijah’s chair represents an ancient belief that the spirit of prophet Elijah visits every circumcision
Who is the Sandek
It is someone who is chosen by the parents as a great honour for a Jewish brit milah ceremony
Why is the Brit Milah ceremony done?
It is a sign of the covenant God gave Abraham and reinforces the identity of the boy as he is given his Hebrew name
Describe Jewish Bar Mitzvah Ceremony
The event is celebrated in a synagogue on the Shabbat after the 13th Birthday. The boy is called up to the Bimah and recites a blessing from the Torah and reads part of the Torah in Hebrew. After, his father recites a statement where he thanks God
After the Bar Mitzvah, what are Jewish boys able to do
After the Bar Mitzvah, they are able to form part of the Minyan and they are considered responsible to fulfil the Mitzvot in the Torah. They also enter into a covenant relationship with God.
What do orthodox Jewish girls Celebrate
Bat Chayil
What is the Bat Chayil
It is a special service in the synagogue at the age of 12 followed by the girl giving a presentation of some of the things she has learnt in her study of Judaism
What do reform Jewish girls celebrate
Bat Mitzvah
What is the Bat Mitzvah
There is a ceremony in the synagogue during the Shabbat morning service. She is able to form part of the minyan, lead prayers, and read from the Torah scroll. This shows she is taking on additional privileges and responsibilities.
Genesis 2:24
“A man shall therefore leave his father and mother and be united with his wife, and they shall become one flesh”
Name 5 features of a Jewish wedding ceremony
Ketubah Chuppah Stamping of the glass Rings Nisuin Also, reform synagogues allow same-sex marriage
Jewish wedding ceremony : Ketubah
The marriage contract is a legal document between the bride and groom where he promises to support his wife. Throughout the marriage where it remains property of the wife
Jewish wedding ceremony: Chuppah
Where main part of the ceremony takes place. The four sides represent the four walls of a Jewish home. There is usually a blessing written in Hebrew
Jewish wedding ceremony: Stamping of the glass
At the end of the ceremony glass is stepped on by the groom and it represents how marriage is fragile like glass as well as the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem
Jewish wedding ceremony: Rings
When the rings are given the ring is placed on the index finger of the bride as Jews believe it is the finger connected to the heart. The round rings symbol eternity
Jewish wedding ceremony: Nisuin
The second part of the ceremony where 7 further blessings are said to finalize the marriage. These blessings praise God for creating the human race and bringing happiness to the couple
What is the burial society attached to the synagogue
Chevra Kadisha
Name 5 features of Jewish death/mourning rituals
Chevra Kadisha Onan Burial Shiva Tombstone
What do the Chevra Kadisha do?
They prepare the body for the ritual by washing them and putting the body in plain white gowns. Volunteers take great care as it is believed the body is an earthly container for the soul and so it should be treated with dignity.
Who is the Onan?
The onan is the main mourner who arranges the funeral and takes charge of the burial. A dead person should not be left alone and someone will stay with the body until burial as an act of respect for the body created in God’s image
What happens at a Jewish burial?
Most Jews are buried rather than cremated. The funeral is plain and simple as the coffin is unpolished with no brass handles to show how rich and poor are alike in death. Once the grave is filled the mourners pray and the Kaddish are recited with a memorial prayer as the service concludes
What is Shiva?
It is the first week after the funeral which includes set rituals that represent how life cannot immediately carry on as before, after a loved one has died.
What happens during Shiva?
Mourners will stay in their homes and be visited by relatives and members of the synagogue. Male mourners recite the Kaddish declaring God’s greatness. Often they sit on low stools, mirrors are covered and a candle is kept burning day and night to represent the person’s soul.
Proverbs 20:27
“A person’s soul is the candle of the lord”
What happens almost a year after the death?
Before the end of the first year, the tombstone is erected this is called the unveiling and the Kaddish is recited. Stones are left instead of flowers as a sign of respect because Abraham left a pebble to mark the spot where his wife was buried
What is Rosh Hashanah?
When God judges all people for their deeds for the past year and that on this day more decisions are written by God. Celebration for when God created the world and marks the New year
How is Rosh Hashanah celebrated?
On the Eve of Rosh Hashanah special services are held at the synagogue. In the Morning the Shofar is blown 100 times to represent the crying of the soul asking to be with God
What are the 10 days of returning?
Between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur where Jews consider their deeds over the past year, try to make amends, and plan ways to do better in the next year.
What does Judaism teach about forgiveness (10 days of returning)
Judaism teaches that God does not forgive a wrong done to another person unless that person has already been asked for forgiveness
What is Yom Kippur?
It is the day of atonement and the holiest day of the year when many people will attend the synagogue. It is the end of 10 days of repentance and is a day of forgiveness
How do Jews celebrate Yom Kippur?
They fast, don’t wear leather, or have sex for 25 hours
What is Sukkot?
It is the fifth day after Yom Kippur counted as one of the Mitzvot that Jews should keep and it celebrates the Israelites journey through the desert on the way to the promised land. They live in tents that commemorate the 40 years their ancestors spent in the desert
What is Pesach?
It celebrates the Israelites’ liberation from slavery in Egypt led by Moses. It is often called the festival of freedom where prayers are said for those who arent free
Symbolism of Sedar meal at Pesach
Bitter herbs- Reflect bitterness of slavery
Roasted egg- Symbol of the new life jews had after the escape from Egypt
Green vegetable to dip in saltwater- To remember the tears when jews were kept in captivity
