Judaism Beliefs Flashcards
How is the Tenakh (Jewish holy book) divided up?
24 books:
Torah - Law (first 5 books)
Nebi’im - Prophets (e.g. Jeremiah)
Ketuim - Writings (e.g. Psalms)
What is the Shema?
A prayer asserting that God is one.
“Hear, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.”
Loving God requires total loyalty
(Deuteronomy 6:4-5)
What are the different natures of God in Judaism?
God as one, God as creator, God as lawgiver, God as judge
Explain God as one
- Single, whole, indivisible being
- Everything is created and sustained by one God
- Only being who should be worshipped
- Shema shows we should love and be dedicated to God
- Source of all morality, beliefs, values
Explain God as creator
- Created the universe with the ability to support life
- Created all living things
- ‘Rested’ and made the seventh day holy
- Sustains life on earth. He provides all the resources needed for life on earth the survive
- God created everything, including evil which is a necessary consequence of free will
Explain God as lawgiver
- Gave the Jews 613 mitzvot (laws)
* He expects people to follow to help them love/worship Him/love each other/teach them how to behave
Explain God as judge
- Judges people on how well they follow the laws he gave
* Judgements are considered to be merciful (fair)
What is Shekhinah?
The belief that God focuses his presence, not that he is more present but that his presence is more readily perceivable/experienced.
Where has the Shekhinah been?
- The tabernacle
- The pillar of fire or a cloud (while the Jews were in the desert)
- The Temple in Jerusalem
- Today, it’s believed to be brought to a place by doing good work, like justice, kindness and healing the world
Explain the Jewish viewpoint on evil and free will
As creator of everything, God created evil. However, he gave humans free will - the ability to make their own choices (Adam and Eve). Having a choice makes a good act more significant.
How many mitzvot are there?
613
How are the 10 commandments divded?
First four are between man and God, the other six are how to treat others (man and man).
What do Jews believe about the mitzvot?
Following them makes it impossible to disobey God. They guide Jews to use their free will correctly - to live in a way that pleases God.
What do Jews believe about life after death?
Many differing beliefs, as not much is written about it. Most believe it is more important to please God in the present.
What do Jews believe about life after death?
Many differing beliefs, as not much is written about it. Most believe it is more important to please God in the present.
Most Jews believe in heaven (paradise or Gan Eden). A place where you are with God. Whether it is a physical or spiritual place is unknown.
If you don’t enter heaven, you go to Sheol where you are cleansed. They don’t believe in eternal punishment.
They are judged by God in Death and annually (Rosh Hashanah).
Some believe in physical or spiritual resurrection but most do not.
