Judaism - Beliefs Flashcards
What refers to a Jew’s duty to give to those in need?
Charity
What word means belief in only one God?
Monotheism
What action was done by Abraham to show his acceptance of the covenant?
Circumcision
How many mitzvot are there in the Torah?
613
2 people that had covenants with God in the Tenakh
Moses and Abraham
What are the 3 qualities Jews believe God has?
Omnipotent, Omniscient, Omnipresent
2 ways Jews can put into practice the belief about Pikuach Nefesh
A doctor doing medical work to save a life during shabbat. Extinguishing a fire to stop it spreading to people during shabbat.
2 Jewish beliefs about life after death
God will judge how good or bad you were during your life. the soul is eternal and will be resurrected in a new body.
2 moral principles in Judaism
Kindness and Justice
Explain two ways in which the religious beliefs about monotheism are similar in Judaism and in the main religious tradition of Great Britain.
Both Judaism and Christianity (the main religious tradition in Great Britain) believe in one God who is the creator of the universe. They both see God as all-powerful, all-knowing, and involved in human affairs.
Explain two ways in which the Shema prayer is important to Jews.
The Shema affirms the belief in one God, which is central to Judaism. It is recited daily and written in the mezuzah placed on doorposts, reinforcing Jewish identity and devotion.
Explain two ways in which the covenants with Abraham and Moses are important in Judaism.
The Abrahamic covenant establishes Jews as God’s chosen people and promises them the land of Israel. The Mosaic covenant at Mount Sinai provides the Torah and commandments, guiding Jewish life and religious practice.
Explain two ways in which a belief in the sanctity of human life influences Jews today.
It encourages Jews to prioritize saving lives (Pikuach Nefesh), even if it means breaking religious laws. It promotes ethical behaviour, such as caring for the sick and helping those in need.
Explain two ways in which the covenant at Sinai influences Jews today.
The covenant requires Jews to follow the Torah’s commandments, shaping Jewish religious life. It reinforces the idea of collective responsibility and obedience to God’s will.
Explain two ways in which Jews explain the existence of evil in the world.
Free will allows humans to make choices, which can lead to evil actions. Some believe suffering is a test of faith that helps people grow spiritually and demonstrate their devotion to God.
Explain two ways in which Jews understand the nature and role of the Messiah.
Some Jews believe the Messiah will be a future king from David’s lineage who will restore peace and justice. Others see the Messianic Age as a time of universal peace rather than the arrival of a specific individual.
Explain two ways in which the Covenant with Abraham is important to Jews.
The covenant establishes the Jewish people’s special relationship with God. It includes the practice of circumcision as a sign of this bond and the promise of the land of Israel.
Explain two beliefs about the divine presence (Shekhinah).
Some Jews believe Shekhinah refers to God’s presence in the world, especially during prayer and worship. Others view it as a source of comfort and guidance, particularly in times of difficulty.
Explain two moral principles that Jews can follow to live a way that pleases God.
Jews follow justice , ensuring fairness and helping those in need. They also practice kindness, treating others with compassion and respect.
‘The mitzvot help Jews to use free will properly’ (12 marker)
Supporting: The mitzvot provide moral guidance, helping Jews make ethical choices. Observing mitzvot, such as tzedakah and keeping kosher, develops discipline and responsibility. Counter: Some argue that mitzvot limit free will by imposing strict rules. Many Jews selectively follow mitzvot based on personal beliefs, showing that free will can exist without them. Catholic view: Free will should be guided by moral laws, such as the Ten Commandments and Jesus’ teachings. Conclusion: The mitzvot guide free will but do not fully define it, as individuals ultimately choose whether to follow them.
‘The nature of God is the most important part of Jewish beliefs’ (12 marker)
Supporting: Belief in one God (monotheism) is the foundation of Judaism, emphasized in the Shema prayer. Jewish laws and ethics stem from an understanding of God’s nature. Counter: Some argue that the covenant and mitzvot are more important since they dictate religious practice. Jewish identity is also strongly tied to community and traditions. Catholic view: Christianity emphasizes the nature of God through the Trinity, while Judaism focuses on God’s oneness and role in guiding the Jewish people. Conclusion: While the nature of God is essential, Judaism is a religion of action, meaning mitzvot and the covenant are just as important.
‘The covenants with Abraham and Moses are no longer relevant in the modern world’ (12 marker)
Supporting: Modern Judaism has evolved beyond ancient covenants, with many Jews not strictly following Mosaic laws. The Abrahamic covenant, which includes the promise of Israel, is controversial today due to political and social issues. Counter: The covenants remain central to Jewish identity and religious practice. The Torah and mitzvot still guide Orthodox Jews, and the promise to Abraham is still relevant, especially in connection to Israel. Catholic view: Catholicism acknowledges the Old Testament covenants but believes they were fulfilled through Jesus. Judaism, however, still sees them as active agreements with God. Conclusion: While interpretations evolve, the covenants continue to shape Jewish religious life and identity, making them still relevant today.
‘The most important covenant for Jews is the one made at Sinai’ (12 marker)
Supporting: The Sinai covenant gave the Torah and the 613 mitzvot, forming the foundation of Jewish law and practice. It established a collective agreement between God and the Jewish people. Counter: The Abrahamic covenant is equally important as it first established the Jewish people’s relationship with God. Some Jews also see the Noahide covenant as significant for all of humanity. Catholic view: Christianity sees the Sinai covenant as important but believes it was replaced by the New Covenant through Jesus. However, Jews still follow the laws given at Sinai. Conclusion: While the Sinai covenant is fundamental, Judaism is built on multiple covenants that all contribute to Jewish identity and faith.
‘Belief in a messiah is the most important belief for Jews today’ (12 marker)
Supporting: Traditional Jewish belief holds that the Messiah will bring world peace and restore Israel, making this belief central to Jewish hope and identity. Many Jewish prayers and teachings reference the Messiah. Counter: Many modern Jews focus more on ethical living and mitzvot than on the concept of a Messiah. Some Jewish branches, like Reform Judaism, interpret the Messianic Age symbolically rather than expecting an actual Messiah. Catholic view: Christianity teaches that Jesus is the Messiah, while Judaism generally does not accept this. This has shaped Jewish and Christian beliefs over time. Conclusion: While belief in the Messiah is significant, it is not the central focus of Judaism today, as many Jews prioritize ethical actions and community.
What is the Shema?
A prayer that affirms Jewish Beliefs
What is the Torah?
Holy Scriptures, the Jewish Bible
What is the Talmud?
An important Jewish Book explaining the 613 mitzvots in detail.
What is the Shabbat?
A jewish period of rest, from Sunset on Friday and an hour after sundown on Saturday
What is the mitzvot?
The 613 laws followed by Jews
What is the Shekinah?
The belief that God can focus his presence in a specific location
What is the Temple?
The temple was the replacement for the original Ark, that was later destroyed by the Romans
God as the Judge
God is a judge who judges everyone based on their actions, beliefs etc.
Resurrection
The soul lives on for eternity according to Jewish Beliefs, the soul will be resurrected.
What is Heaven ?
According to beliefs, it is a paradise for the afterlife.
What is the Sheol?
Teachings about the afterlife, where souls are cleansed.
What is the messiah?
The chosen person who is sent by God to lead and heal the world from it’s sins.
What is the messianic age?
The future eternal period of time on Earth in which the messiah will reign
What is the promised land?
Jews believe that the land now known as Israel belongs to Jews in fulfilment of God’s covenant with Abraham to give the Jewish people a Promised Land
What is a covenant?
A solemn promise
Who was Abraham?
The founding father of the covenant
Who was Moses?
The saviour of the slaves from the Egyptian Pharaoh.
What is the Sinai Covenant?
Moses’ promise to God on behalf of all jews
What is circumcision?
A physical sign of the eternal covenant
What are the 10 commandments?
The first 10 Jewish mitzvots, they are also the most important ones, that were written on 2 stone tablets and given to Moses directly from God.
What is the sanctity of life?
The belief that human life has a special status.
What is Pikuach Nefesh?
The Jewish principle to allow laws to be broken to save someone’s life
What is meant by Free Will?
The fact that God gave Jews free will, close free as they get their own moral choices
