judaism beliefs

Question 1

what do jews believe about the nature of god?

Answer 1

-god is one (monotheism)
-god is the creator of the universe
-god is a law-giver and judge balancing justice with mercy
-god’s presence (shekhinah) can be experienced in worship and study

Question 2

what do jews believe about life after death?

Answer 2

some believe in resurrection and judgment, while others focus on living a good life rather than the afterlife

Question 3

what are different jewish beliefs about the messiah?

Answer 3

-orthodox jews believe the messiah will be a future king from david’s line bringing peace
-reform jews focus on a messianic age of peace brought about by human actions

Question 4

what is the covenant with abraham, and why is it important?

Answer 4

-god promised abraham descendants and the land of israel (genesis 12:1-3)
-circumcision (brit milah) is a sign of this covenant

Question 5

what is the covenant at sinai, and why is it significant?

Answer 5

-given to moses on mount sinai
-includes the ten commandments (exodus 20:1-17) guiding jewish life

Question 6

what are key moral principles in judaism?

Answer 6

justice, healing the world, charity and kindness to others

Question 7

what is pikuach nefesh and why is it important?

Answer 7

the belief in the sanctity of human life: saving a life overrides most religious laws

Question 8

how do jews understand free will and the mitzvot?

Answer 8

humans have free will but must follow the 613 mitzvot (commandments) to live a righteous life

Question 9

what is the difference between mitzvot between man and god and mitzvot between man and man?

Answer 9

-mitzvot between man and god include prayer, worship and shabbat observance
-mitzvot between man and man involve ethical behaviour, like treating others with kindness