Judaism

Question 1

Abraham and the covenant

Answer 1

• Judaism began 4000 years ago in the northern desert of Arabia.
• Nomadic(wandering) tribes had stone age culture
• Covenant: relationship/agreement or contract or promise between God and humanity
• Hebrew: Ancient member of group living in Israel/Palestine, descended from Jacob
• Israelite: a member of the Hebrew nation
• Jew: a member of the cultural community with traditional religion Judaism tracing their origins to the Hebrew nation
  Patriarch: male head of family e.g. Abraha, Isaac, Jacob

“Go forth from your land and from your birthplace and from your father’s house, to the land, that I will show you. And I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you, and I will make your name great….and by you all the families of the earth shall bless themselves.”

Question 2

Moses, the Exodus and the giving of the Torah

Answer 2

• Exodus begins → Pharoah says all firstborn males must die → Moses was saved in a basket → Moses grew up an Egyptian → Found out he was Hebrew → Rebelled and killed an Egyptian → Escaped to desert → Sentic family adopted him and got married → God appeared in burning bush → went to Pharoah to let Hebrew go from slavery → does not listen to → the plague.
• An exodus is an important event in Jewish history. The last 4 books of the Torah explain the journey from Egypt to Israel. It wasn’t just a journey but a pilgrimage and the opportunity to develop a national identity. Moses led them for 40 years. During this time he led the people to Mount Sinai(Mount Horeb) where Moses received the Torah including the Ten Commandments. At the end of 40 years, Moses took the Jews to the promised land. They ceased to be a wandering clan and became a nation.

Question 3

Modern Judaism

Answer 3

Orthodox
Traditional
Rituals performed in Hebrew
Strict diets and observance over Sabbath
Torah is importantly from God

Conservative
Middle ground
Worshipped in both Hebrew and English
Men and women worship together
Women allowed to read from the Torah

Progressive
Modified orthodox to contemporary ways
Humans are seen as Gods partners
Focus on ethical teachings rather than teachings by Moses.

Question 4

Principal Beliefs (3) of Judaism

Answer 4

Belief in one God, Covenant(cornerstone), Moral Law(613 Mitzvot)

Question 5

Sacred texts and writings of Judaism

Answer 5

The Hebrew Scriptures
- Writings are a major source of the laws which regulate Jewish life(Halachah)
Sacred texts are considered:
- Direct words of god to man
- A record of laws, traditions, and historical developments
- Used in prayer, meditation and inspiration

Question 6

Core Ethical Teachings of Judaism

Answer 6

The commandments of the Torah
- 613 Mitzvot encompass all aspects of life for Jewish adherents
- Commandments were given by God and sealed the relationship between God and the Jewish people linking back to the halacha
guidance for every action of a Jewish adherents
- Commandments are concerned about one’s behaviour towards self others and God
demonstrates the distinctive roles of men/woman
- When they fulfil the commandment they are adhering to the Covenant

Prophetic Vision and Tikkun Olam

• Prophets speak out against any Injustice is and remind people about the Covenant which is visible in society
• Repairing the world through social justice e.g. equal society, manner, linking to the commandments.
• Tzedakah: almsgiving of material possessions adherents are encouraged to give material possessions to the needy but not just what they can do without instead the essentials of life said that they can see that God will provide for them
• Gemilut Chasidim: acts of loving-kindness and investing time and energy more physical acts that adherents can apply

Proverbs

• Bizdom, righteousness, purity and generosity of spirit
• Values to integrate into everyday life
• Acting out the word of the God as he is full of wisdom, righteousness, purity and generosity of spirit. Linking two attributes of God
• Model for us to inspire to act ethically

Question 7

Shabbat

Answer 7

Judaism’s day of rest and seventh day of the week. On this day, religious Jews, Samaritans and certain Christians remember the biblical story describing the creation of the heavens and the earth in six days and look forward to a future Messianic Age.