Judaism Beliefs Flashcards
What is the ‘Jewish Bible’ or Tenakh made up of?
- Torah - written law (first 5 books, e.g. Genesis) • Nebi’im - Prophets e.g. Jeremiah
- Ketuim - Writings e.g. Psalms.
What is the Talmud?
The explanation of the Torah by the rabbis Also called the ‘oral law’.
What are Orthodox Jews?
Strictly follows laws and practices in the Torah.
What is ultra Orthodox Jews?
Very strictly follows laws and practices in the Torah.
What are Reform Jews
They believe traditional Jewish laws should be re-interpreted to suit modern life. Reform Jews tend to follow the spirit of the law – not the specific laws
How do Jews write God?
G-d
What is The Shema?
It is an important prayer for the Jews and it affirms that there is only one God.
What is monotheism?
Every experience Jews have is considered to be a meeting with God.
The Mitzvot and the Ten Commandments
There are 613 Jewish Mitzvot (laws)
- Worship no others Gods but me
- Do not worship false idols
- Do not use God’s name for evil purposes
- Remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy
- Respect your father and your mother
- Do not commit murder
- Do not commit adultery
- Do not steal
- Do not accuse anyone falsely (lie)
- Do not be jealous of other peoples’ belongings.
What is Sheol?
It is like cyściec. It is like a waiting room, waiting to be judged.
If you don’t enter heaven you go to Sheol where you are cleansed. No belief in eternal punishment.
Orthodox beliefs about the Messiah
- In every generation a descendent of King David is born with the potential to be the Messiah (a person).
- Will bring about world peace
- This is called the Messianic age
- He will be the ultimate teacher of the Torah (law).
- He will rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem
- These beliefs are outlined in the Torah.
Reform Jews beliefs about the Messiah
• The Messiah will not be a person….
• Instead, there will be a ‘messianic age’
• a time of global peace and harmony
• Everyone has a duty to work together to
achieve this
• Including by observing religious duties.
What is The Sanctity of Life?
• Life is sacred and holy because it comes from God - God breathes life into Adam
• As God gives life, only God should end life
• Jews have a duty to preserve life – particularly those of
innocent, vulnerable people
• Jews should not do anything to quicken a person’s natural death.
What is Pikuach nefesh?
The Jewish obligation (duty) to save a life even if it means breaking Jewish laws.
What is the Shekhinah?
Jews believe that G-d can ‘focus his presence’ on earth in certain places. This is the Shekhinah.
