Judaism: Beliefs

Question 1

What is the Tenakh

Answer 1

Jewish Bible

Question 2

What is tenakh made of

Answer 2

Torah - written law
Nebi’im - prophets
Ketuim - writings eg psalms

Question 3

What is the talmud

Answer 3

Explanation of the torah by the rabbis. Also called the ‘oral law’

Question 4

Orthodox jews

Answer 4

Follows laws and practices in the torah

Question 5

Ultra otherodox

Answer 5

Very strictly follows laws and practices in the torah

Question 6

Reform jews

Answer 6

Believes traditional jewish law show be re scripted to suit in the modern life

Question 7

What do reform jews tend to follow

Answer 7

The spirit of the law - not the specific law

Question 8

Jewish beliefs about God (looks)

Answer 8

God has no body

God is neaither male or female

Jews refer for g-d using masculine terms he for convinience

Jews are forbidden from representing God in a physical form - it is considered idoltry

Question 9

What do jews believe god is

Answer 9

Omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent

Question 10

What do jews believe god characterisics are

Answer 10

Merciful

As one

Creator

Sustainer

Judge

Lawgiver

The divine presence

Question 11

What is god is one mean

Answer 11

God is a single whole indivisible being

God is the only being who should be praised and worshipped

Everything in the world has been made by God

Question 12

How does deutoronomy show judaism beliefs

Answer 12

‘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’

Alone - Confirms there are only one God

Heart - loving God aquires loyalty

Soul - spiritual dedication to god is needed

Question 13

What is monotheism

Answer 13

God is ever present – every experience Jews have is considered to be a meeting with God.

Question 14

Importance of the shema

Answer 14

Expresses belief in the one God

Instructs jews how they should respond to this belief in the daily life

It is the word of god

Question 15

Types of jews beliefs of creation

Answer 15

Orthodox: God literilly made the world in six days - they reject the big bang and evolution

Reform: God created the world using the big bang and evolution

Question 16

Evil and free will (judaism)

Answer 16

As god is the creator of everything, God created evil

However, he gave humans free will – the ability to make their own choices (Adam & Eve)

Question 17

God the sustainer

Answer 17

God sustains the universe – provides everything needed for life
• However, in our world, resources are distributed unequally – some have less than they need
• This is a result of human free will
• Jews who help put this right help fulfil God’s plan for creation

Question 18

The ten commandments

Answer 18

1. Worship no others Gods but me
2. Do not worship false idols
3. Do not use God’s name for evil purposes
4. Remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy
5. Respect your father and your mother
6. Do not commit murder
7. Do not commit adultery
8. Do not steal
9. Do not accuse anyone falsely (lie)
10. Do not be jealous of other peoples’ belongings

Question 19

What are the relations of the first four commandments and the rest

Answer 19

The first four commandments are between man and God

The other six are how to treat others - man and man

Question 20

Mitzvot and free will

Answer 20

Following the mitzvot makes it impossible to disobey God
• The mitzvot guide Jews on how to use their free will correctly – to live in a way that pleases God
• There are consequences for bad actions (Adam & Eve)

Question 21

God as judge explained (judaism)

Answer 21

God judges on how well they follow the laws • His judgements are fair and merciful
• Good actions bring you closer to God and
ensure favourable judgement
• Bad actions lead you away from God

Question 22

Beliefs of life after death in judaism

Answer 22

Heaven
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.

Sheol
If you don’t enter heaven you go to Sheol where you are cleansed. No belief in eternal punishment

Judgement
Judged by God on death and on annually (Rosh Hashanah)

Resurrection
Some believe in physical or spiritual resurrection but most do not.

Question 23

Beliefs of the mesiah judaism (orthodox)

Answer 23

Future leader of the Jews, expected to live on earth and bring peace to the whole world.

Orthodox beliefs
• 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

Question 24

Beliefs of the mesiah (reform)

Answer 24

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…

Question 25

What are the three moral principles (judaism)

Answer 25

Justice: bringing about what is right and fair for a just society. Everyone must follow the Torah and help others Healing the world: charity work - also obeying the mitzvot and prayer Kindness to others: the Torah encourages acts of kindness to all (whether Jew or non Jew)

Question 26

Sanctity of life (judaism)

Answer 26

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 Therefore, most Jews would be against euthanasia, war, abortion, death penalty etc.

Question 27

Pikuach nefesh

Answer 27

The Jewish obligation (duty) to save a life even if it means breaking Jewish laws (e.g. Shabbat)..... This rule overrides all other rules/laws...it shows the importance of life give blood He who destroys one soul of a human is considered as if Because of this belief many Jews and/or donate their organs on death "he has destroyed a whole world ’. (The Talmud)

Question 28

Shekhinah

Answer 28

The Tabernacle was believed to house the Shekhinah • While in the desert, Jews were led by a ‘pillar of fire’ or a ‘cloud’ – thought to be the Shekhinah • When they reached the ‘promised land’, the Temple in Jerusalem became home to the Shekhinah • Several prophets support this belief. For example: • ‘I beheld my Lord seated on a high and lofty throne’ (Isaiah 6:1)

Question 29

How is shekhinah shown in todays world

Answer 29

Today, Jews believe the Shekhinah is brought to a place by doing good work...eg. Justice, kindness, healing the world (supporting charities etc).

Question 30

Covenant with abraham

Answer 30

God’s covenant • To specially protect and favour the Jews • God gives Abraham the promised land of Canaan (Israel) for the Jews Jews’ covenant To live a life dedicated to God

Question 31

Quote from geneisis that shows the covenant with Abraham

Answer 31

From now on you must circumcise every baby boy when he is eight days old....this will show that there is a covenant between you and me’

Question 32

Covenant at sinai

Answer 32

Given to Moses by God on Mount Sinai • Moses represents all Jews • Jews today believe this covenant is STILL BINDING • It is a major reason Jews believe they are God’s chosen people... and follow Jewish laws