Judaism Beliefs Flashcards
What is the concept and nature of God?
Jews believe that God is always present in people’s lives. In addition, everything they see and experience is considered to be a meeting with God.
God or G-d?
Some Jews write ‘G-d’ as a sign of respect.
What is the belief of God as one?
God is beyond the full understanding of humans.
Single, whole, indivisible being.
Created and sustains everything in the universe.
God is the only being who should be worshipped and praised.
God is infinite, eternal.
Our morality (beliefs and values) all come from God.
What is the shema?
An important Jewish prayer that is formed from passages in Deuteronomy and Numbers. It fully expresses the belief in the one God and how humans should respond to this belief. It starts with the following words:
“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.” (Deuteronomy 6:4-5)
What is the belief of God as Lawgiver?
Orthodox believe following the mitzvot makes it impossible to disobey God so they are followed very strictly.
Reform believe that free will means Jews choose how to follow the mitzvot (fit with modern life).
What is the belief of God as Judge?
Jews believe they are judged:
Once a year (at new year - Rosh Hashanah)
When they die
Go judges Jews on how well they follow the laws
God’s judgements are fair and merciful (forgiving)
Good actions bring Jews closer to God - bad actions lead them away
What is the Shekhinah?
The presence of God on Earth.
* The Tabernacle
* Solomon’s Temple
* Pillar of cloud
Quote about the presence of the Shekhinah?
“I beheld my Lord seated on a high and lofty throne…” (Isaiah 6:1-2)
What are beliefs about creation?
Orthodox Jews generally believe that God literally made the world in six days - they reject the Big Bang and evolution.
Reform Jews believe the creation stories are symbolic - they tell us that God created the world using the Big Bang and created humans through evolution.
God is:
Omnipotent: All powerful
Omniscient: God is all knowing
Omnipresent: God is everywhere at once
What are beliefs about God as sustainer?
God sustains the universe - provides everything needed for life.
But humans have distributed resources (food, water, etc) unequally.
What are the beliefs about evil and free will?
God created evil, however, God also gave humans free will - the choice to do good or bad.
What are the mitzvot?
A mitzvah is a Jewish rule or commandment. There are 613 mitzvot in the Torah.
The mitzvot give guidance to Jews on how to use their free will correctly, to live in a way that pleases God.
Mitzvot between man and God?
Worship no God but me
Do not worship idols
Do not take the name of the Lord in vain
Observe the Sabbath
How Jews can improve their relationship with God.
Mitzvot between man and man?
Honour your father and mother
Do not kill
Do not commit adultery
Do not steal
Do not lie
Do not be jealous of other
Tell Jews how to improve their relationship with other people. This is important because the Torah teaches that Jews should show love towards other people and by doing this, Jews are showing their love for God.
What are beliefs about heaven?
The good will enter paradise.
Those who follow their faith properly will be judged good enough for heaven.
Heaven will be with God.
It is not known if this is a state of consciousness, or a physical or spiritual place.
What are beliefs about Sheol?
People, other than good, will go to a place, sometimes referred to as Sheol.
This is seen as a place of waiting, where souls are cleansed.
When does judgemenr happen?
Some believe that judgement will happen as soon as they die, while some believe that God will judge everyone on the Day of Judgement, after the coming of the Messiah.
Beliefs about resurrection?
Some believe in resurrection, however many reject it.
Quote about judgement & resurrection?
‘Many of those that sleep in the dust of the earth will awake’ (Daniel 12:2)
Origins of the phrase Messiah?
Today, the word ‘Messiah’ is used to refer to a future leader of the Jews.
This leader is expected to be a future king of Israel - a descendent of Saul’s successor, King David.
Orthodox beliefs about the Messiah?
In every generation, a descendent of King David is born, who is the potential Messiah.
The Messiah will bring world peace and rule with kindness and justice.
He’ll be the ultimate teacher of the Torah.
He’ll rebuild the temple in Jerusalem.
Reform beliefs about the Messiah?
The Messiah won’t be a person but a ‘messianic age’ of global peace.
All Jews have a duty to work together to adhere this by following the laws and duties.
Story of Abraham and the Promised Land?
They had been travelling for a long time, but once Abraham reached Canaan, God told him that he would give him this land. This became the Promised Land.
Story of the escape from Egypt?
God sends 10 plagues and after the 10th, the pharaoh tells the Israelites to leave Egypt.
What was the covenant with Abraham?
God made a covenant to Abraham, to make him the father of many nations if he follows God.
What was the Sinai Covenant?
God re-stated his promise that the Israelites were his special people and Moses promised, on behalf of all Jews, to obey God’s commandments.
Beliefs about the Sanctity of Life?
Lead Jews against abortion, capital punishment, euthanasia and war, but has also inspired Jews to help preserve life. By giving blood and donating their organs upon death.
What is pikiach nefesh?
A Jewish principle that allows Jewish laws to be broken in order to save life.
What is the moral principle of justice?
Bringing about what is right and fair, according to the law, or making up for a wrong that has been committed.
To bring justice for the poor and vulnerable.
Charity work (GIFT)
What is the moral principle of healing the world?
Being involved in God’s work to sustain the world.Increase social justice or preserve the environment.
Charity work
What is the moral principle of kindness?
Positive, caring actions that should be shown to all living things.
“Love your fellow as yourself” (Leviticus 19:18)
