Judaism Belief Flashcards
What does “monotheism” mean in Judaism?
belief in one God
List three qualities of God according to Jewish belief
Omnipotent (all-powerful), Omnibenevolent (all-loving), Omniscient (all-knowing)
What is the significance of God being “immanent”?
It means God is present in the world and sustains life.
How many laws are in the Torah?
613 laws
What does “God as the Lawgiver” mean?
It means God provided ethical and spiritual laws for humans to follow
What is Shekhinah?
The divine presence of God in the world
Give a Bible quote showing God’s presence on Earth
“The earth shone with His glory.” — Ezekiel 43:2
What does “The earth shone with His glory.” — Ezekiel 43:2 mean
God’s presence is transformative and brings enlightenment, purity, and life
What are the qualities of the Messiah?
- A descendant of King David
- A perfect teacher of God’s law
- A great political leader, and a bringer of peace
What is the “Messianic Age”?
A time of peace and prosperity where all people turn to God and live in harmony
What do Jews believe about resurrection?
The good will rise from the dead during the Messianic Age
What is the Jewish belief about Gan Eden?
Often viewed as Heaven—a place of closeness to God or a state of consciousness
What is Sheol?
A place of waiting where souls are cleansed and purified
Who is Abraham in Judaism?
- Known as the founder or first patriarch of Judaism
- Represents the first point of contact between God and the Jews
What is the significance of Abraham’s covenant with God?
- The covenant marked the promise of the Promised Land (Canaan)
- Sealed through circumcision, which remains a practice among Jews today
What are the key events in Abraham’s life?
- Born in Ur (modern-day Iraq) during a time of idol worship
- Instructed by God to leave Ur for Canaan
- Promised a child despite old age; Sarah bore Isaac
- Isaac inherited the covenant, which passed to his son Jacob
What role did Moses play in Jewish history?
- Led the Jews from slavery in Egypt (Exodus)
- Received the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai as part of a covenant with God
What are the key teachings of the 10 commandments?
- Worship no other gods
- Do not make idols
- Keep the Sabbath holy
- Honor your parents
- Do not commit murder, adultery, or theft
- Do not bear false witness or covet.
What is the Oral Torah?
Explanation of the Torah given to Moses, later written in the Mishnah
What are the differences between the Reform & Orthodox jews?
- Reform Jews - Torah as an interpretation of God’s words
- Orthodox Jews - Torah was dictated directly by God.
What are mitzvot?
- Jewish rules/commandments (613 in total)
Divided into: - Positive mitzvot (mitzvot aseh): Actions Jews should take (248 rules)
- Negative mitzvot (mitzvot lo taaseh): Actions Jews should avoid (365 rules)
What are the two types of Mitzvot?
- Ritual mitzvot - Relating to worship and festivals (e.g., Sabbath)
- Moral mitzvot - Relating to ethical behavior towards others (e.g., “Do not steal”)
Why do Jews follow the Mitzvot?
Helps Jews live closer to God and use their free will correctly
What are the key moral principles?
- Gemilut hasadim: Carrying out good deeds.
- Tzedekah: Justice and charity as obligations.
- Tikkun olam: Repairing the world, often through social justice.
What are quotations for Judaism moral beliefs
- “To do justice and to love goodness” — Micah 6:8
- “Love your fellow as yourself” — Leviticus 19:18
What is Pikuach Nefesh?
- The belief that saving a life overrides other mitzvot.
- Reflects the sanctity of life, which belongs to God.
How is the Pikuach Nefesh applied?
- Breaking the Sabbath to save a life.
- Eating non-kosher food to survive.
- Organ donation is permissible if it saves lives.
