Judaism Beliefs and Teachings Flashcards
What are the three ways Jews can experience the Shekinah today
Study, worship and prayer
How can Jews experience the Shekinah through prayer
They can experience the Shekinah through studying the Tenakh and the Talmud. Study is an act of worship and may take place in the Yeshiva. It is done by both men and women
How can Jews experience the Shekinah through Worship
when God freed the Jews from Egypt, he told them to build a tabernacle where God would dwell and keep his presenc, this connection is seen in the Synagogue where a light burns in front of the ark where the Torah is kept
How can Jews experience the Shekinah through Prayer
Jews can pray alone or as part of a Minyan, the Kaddish or barachu has to be said as part of a Minyan, When Jews pray, they believe God is present. Today Jews have a spiritual connection with God when they prey
What is the Shekhinah
God’s divine prescense
How did the Shekinah present itself at the Exodus event
It presented itself as a pillar of fire which stopped the Egyptians from being able to capture the Jews. It also presented itself as wind which allowed for the Jews to cross the Red sea
What was the Shekinah’s resting place in early Judaism
A portable tent, they carried this with them during the Exodus journey
After Canaan was conquered where was the Shekhniah stored
It was stored in Solomons Temple but after it was destroyed in 70CE, it is believed that God’s presence is no longer in the world for Jews
What do Jews believe the Messiah would be
. A political leader
. One that follows all the commandments
. One that inspires others
. A military leader
. A great judge who makes fair decisions
. A human being
What is the sanctity of life
The Sanctity of Life helps Jews to make moral decisions. Only God can give life and take it away
Why is Euthanasia and murder forbidden in Judaism
Preserving life is a duty in Judaism, therefore Euthanasia and murder forbidden as stated in the 10 commandments
What is Pikuach Nefesh
Pikuach Nefesh is the Jewish belief that they have a duty to preserve life. This means that they can break Shabbat law to ensure that they do save
Why is Transplant surgery an honor
Transplant Surgery is seen as an honor because you are saving someone’s life.
What does the Talmud say about saving a life
The Talmud says that ‘if you save one life it is as if you saved a whole nation’
What is the Mitzvot
The Mitzvot is plural of the word Mitzvah which means ‘commandment’ or it can refer to a good deed or charitable act
Following the Mitzvot
. Following the Mitzvot makes it impossible to disobey God
. Following the Mitzvot teaches Jews how to use free will correctly
. Following the Mitzvot helps Jews make good choices pleasing to God
How much mitzvot are there
. 613 Mitzvot in the Torah and more in the Talmud
. 248 positive Mitzvot representing the 248 bones in our bodies
. 365 negative Mitzvot representing the the days of the year, they prevent breaking the bond between God and humans
Mitzvot between Man and God
. The first of the 4, 10 commandments are about God e.g do not make false idols
. The Mitzvot laws based on the first 4 commandments are about improving the relationship with God
. Deals with rituals, worship and sacrifice
Mitzvot between Man and Man
. Torah says Jews must love God and their neighbor. Obeying the Mitzvot involves peoples relationships with each other
. Mitzvot laws between man and man involves covers how to treat workers, food laws and setting disputes
. These Mitzvot gives positive advice on how to live true to the faith
Free will
. God gave a gift to Adam and Eve, it was Free Will
. If Jews use it well, Jews receive favorable judgement at death
. Using it to justify bad actions, Jews wont be close to God after death
Orthodox Jews for the importance of Messiah and Judaism
. Orthodox Jews believe in every generation there is the potential to be a Messiah if the Jews are worthy of redemption, God will appoint someone to rule with kindness. he will rebuild Jerusalem and there will be peace
Reformed Jews for the importance of Messiah and Judaism
. Reformed Jews reject the idea of a Messiah instead believing in everyone should work together to unite the world. The Messianic age for them involves everyone’s collective actions
