Judaism

Question 1

Who are the main founders

Answer 1

Abraham and Moses

Question 2

What is Mitzvot

Answer 2

613 rules in the Torah which they try to follow as best they can whichever country they live in

Question 3

Ultra-Orthodox Jews are

Answer 3

• Very strict in how they read the Torah
• Take it word for word and never break the rules
• Wear traditional clothing
• Live in all Jewish community’s

Question 4

Orthodox Jews …

Answer 4

• Believe they should live their lives as close to the rules as possible
• Keep many rules of the Torah such as not working on Shabbat and men and women having different rules in a synagogue

Question 5

Reform Jews …

Answer 5

• Believe religion should move with the time

* Adapt rules for modern day life

Question 6

Key concept: Shekinhah

Answer 6

•The place where God’s presence rests and can be felt

Question 7

Key concept: Messiah

Answer 7

• The anointed one who Jews believe will bring in a new age for humankind
• This will include rebuilding the Temple and bringing in an age of universal peace

Question 8

Key concept: Mitzvot

Answer 8

• There are 613 Mitzvot

* Duties and good deeds

Question 9

Key concept: Covenant

Answer 9

• A promise between two people or groups.

* Covenants were made between God with Noah, Abraham and Moses.

Question 10

Key concept: Synagogue

Answer 10

• House of assembly

* Building for Jewish public prayer, study and assembly

Question 11

Key concept: Kosher

Answer 11

• Foods that can be eaten by Jewish people.

* it is also used to refer to the purity of objects like Torah scrolls

Question 12

Key concept: Torah

Answer 12

• The five books of Moses e.g Genesis

* The holiest books of the Tenakh

Question 13

Key concept: Shabbat

Answer 13

• Day of rest

* Happens every week on a Friday night to Saturday

Question 14

God is Creator

Practice and teachings

Answer 14

• On the sixth day god created humans to look after creation - Genesis
• As God gave life some believe only he can take life and so are opposed to euthanasia.
• God as creator is celebrated at festivals e.g. Rosh Hashanah and Shabbat.
• Importance of pikuach nefesh and preserving life.

Question 15

God is One - Judaism is a monotheistic religion

Practice and teachings

Answer 15

• Thou shalt have no other God’s before me - Exodus 20

* No statues in synagogues

Question 16

God is Law-giver

Practice and teachings

Answer 16

• The Tenakh Commandments - Exodus 20:1 -15

* Orthodox Jews try to follow all of the duties but reform Jews adapt them for modern day

Question 17

God is judge

Practice and teachings

Answer 17

• The Ten Commandmnts - Exodus 20:1-15

* At Rosh Hashanah God begins a judgement of food and bad deeds.

Question 18

Nature and significance of shekinhah

Answer 18

• Some Jews believe the shekinhah never left the Temple and that is why Israel has a special spirituality.
• It is believed that shekinhah creates a sense of calm and peace.
• God’s presence is often referred to when the Shabbat candles are lit.

Question 19

Views on the Messiah

Answer 19

• Many Jews pray for a messianic age which they believe will be one of peace on earth, bring Jews back to Israel and restore the Temple.
• Reform believe it’s important to focus on good actions of humans that bring about an age of peace
• Orthodox Jews believe that God has a date for the coming of the Messiah like. Others believe the Messiah will come when most needed.

Question 20

The meaning and significance of God covenant with Abraham

Answer 20

• Genesis 12:1-3 -Abraham and his family were called to Canaan now calls Israel. Jews have lived there for over 3,200 years.
• God promised to bless Abraham and his family