Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM

Browse over 1 million classes created by top students, professors, publishers, and experts.


See full index

GCSE RE > Judaism - Beliefs and Teachings > Flashcards

Judaism - Beliefs and Teachings Flashcards

You may prefer our related Brainscape-certified flashcards:
GCSE Religious Studies - Edexcel Route A flashcards GCSE Religious Studies - Eduqas Route A flashcards GCSE Geography - AQA flashcards GCSE Religious Studies - Edexcel Route B flashcards GCSE Religious Studies - Eduqas Route B flashcards
1
Q

What is the Jewish Holy Book known as?

A

The ‘Jewish Bible’ or the ‘Tenakh’.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

What are the 3 sections of the Tenakh?

A

1) Torah - written law (5 books of Moses, e.g Genesis)
2) Nevi’im - the Prophets - 8 books (e.g Jeremiah)
3) Ketuvim - the Writings - 11 books (e.g Psalm)

Tenakh = 24 books

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

What links the Tenakh to the christian Bible?

A

The Tenakh essentially has the same books as the christian old testament, in a slightly different order.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

What is the key difference between christianity and judaism?

A

Christians believe the messiah has already come in the form of Jesus. Whilst, Jews recognise Jesus as having existed, they believe that he was merely a prophet.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

What is monotheism?

A

A religion that believes there is only one God.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

Why is the belief in one God so important to Jews?

A

Because for Jews every sight they see, everything they hear and everything they feel is a meeting with God and an example of God constantly at work.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

What is the Hebrew word for God?

A

Yahweh

God revealed himself as fhe hebrew consonants YHWH.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

Why do many Jews prefer not to say God and write it as G-d?

A

It is a sign of respect. When God is written in hebrew, it cannot simply be discarded. It has to be kept in a special synagogue and then has to be buried in a Jewish cemetry.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

What is the concept and nature of God in Judaism?

A

Jews believe that God has a major effect and influence on their lives and the world.

God is the source of all morality, beliefs and values.

God is the creator, sustainer, judge and lawgiver.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

What is the Shema?

A

The Shema is a jewish prayer that affirms belief in the one God. It is found in the Torah, in the Books of Deuteronomy and Numbers.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

State the verse in the Shema that is regularly recited in synagogues:

A

“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]

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

What does the Shema teach Jews?

A

It teaches Jews that they must love God with all their being.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

What is the belief ‘God as One’?

A

It is the belief that God is a single, whole indivisible being.

God is infinite, eternal and beyond human understanding.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

What do Jews believe about creation?

A

Jews believe that God created the universe out of nothing.

The Torah begins with, “When God began to create heaven and earth.” [Genesis 1:1]

Day 1 - Night and Day
Day 2 - The sky
Day 3 - The earth, sea and plants
Day 4 - The sun, moon and stars
Day 5 - The fish and the birds
Day 6 - Animals and Humans
Day 7 - God rested
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

What are Orthodox Jews?

A

Orthodox Jews strictly follow laws and practices in the Torah.

The Torah is Jewish written law and contains 613 mitzvot (commandments).

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

What are Ultra-orthodox Jews?

A

Ultra Orthodox Jews - very strictly follow laws and practices in the Torah.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

What are Reform Jews?

A

Reform Jews - Believe Jewish laws should be re-interpreted to suit modern life.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

How do different types of Jews view the creation story?

A

Orthodox and Ultra-orthodox Jews believe that the creation story is the literal truth, and reject scientific theories of evolution.

Reform Jews except the theory of evolution, but believe that God allowed for it as creator.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

What is Shabbat?

A

On the seventh day, God rested and made it a ‘holy day’. Jews remember this every week between sunset on Friday, to night time on Saturday, during the observance of Shabbat. This helps remind Jews of God’s importance and his role in creation.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

What do Jews believe about God as sustainer?

A

Jews believe that God sustains the universe and provides everything needed for life.

The fact resources are distributed unequally is due to human free will. Those who help provide resources for people are said to be fulfilling God’s plan for the world.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

What 3 non-human characteristics does God have?

A

1) Omnipotent - All Powerful
2) Omniscient - All Knowing
3) Omnipresent - Everywhere at once

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

What do Jews believe about evil?

A

Unlike christianity, there is no concept of evil being created by the devil (human free will).

They believe that God must have created evil. However, God gave people the choice to choose to do the right thing, in the form of free will, so that those good actions have significance.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

What do Jews believe about free will?

A

Jews believe that God gave us free will so that we could choose to do the right thing.

The misuse of free will is evil.

The mitzvot are a guide for free will.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

What does God as Lawgiver mean?

A

Jews believe God gave laws to govern how people behave. By following the laws, Jews believe they are fulfilling God’s will on earth. The foundation for these laws are the Ten Commandments given by God to Moses over 3000 years ago.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
Q

What are mitzvot and how many are there?

A

There are 613 mitzvot in the Torah and each mitzvah is a law or commandment from God.

They are accepted as the Jewish code of conduct - impossible to disobey God if you follow them.

The first 10 mitzvot are the Ten Commandments.

Mitzovt are a guide for free will.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
26
Q

What does God as Judge mean?

A

Jews believe that God not only gave them rules to follow, but also judges them for how well they follow these laws. They believe that God judges everyone - not just Jews. They believe that God is merciful and perfectly balances justice with mercy.

27
Q

When do Jews believe they are judged?

*TWO THINGS

A

Jews believe they are judged twice.

1) Rosh Hashanah
2) When they die

28
Q

What is Shekhinah?

A

Shekhinah means ‘God’s divine presence’.

29
Q

Explain the concept of Shekhinah:

A

Jews believe that God can focus his presence in certain places. Essentially, although God is Omnipresent, he can be more present in certain areas.

30
Q

What does Shekhinah NOT mean?

A

It does not mean that God is physically present or that God is split into parts.

31
Q

Give the earliest example of Shekhinah:

A

The earliest example of Shekhinah was when the Jews carried a Tabernacle from Egypt to Canaan. The Tabernacle was said to have housed the presence of God.

When they arrived in Canaan, Solomon’s Temple was built and that replaced the Tabernacle. However, the Roman’s detroyed the Temple in 70CE, and even today, the ruins are said to house God’s presence.

32
Q

On the journey to Canaan, what were the Jews led by?

A

They were led by a “pillar of cloud” during the day and “a cloud with fire in it” at night. This is also believed to be an example of Shekhinah.

33
Q

What does Isaiah say when referencing Shekhinah?

A

“I beheld my Lord seated on a high and lofty throne”. [Isaiah 6:1].

This shows that God was truly present in the temple.

34
Q

What does the story of Adam and Eve teach Jews?

A

It teaches them that God has allowed them to choose how to live their lives - through free will.

35
Q

What are the Mitzvot between man and God?

A

The first 4 Ten Commandments are between man and God.

1) Worship no one but me.
2) Do not worship idols.
3) Do not use my name for evil purposes.
4) Keep the Sabbath day Holy.

Many of the Mitzvot are based around these 4 commandments and give further advice on how Jews can strengthen their relationship with God.

36
Q

What are the Mitzvot between man and man?

A

The last 6 Ten Commandments are between man and man. They teach Jews how to treat one another, and what God wants for them.

5) Respect your mother and father.
6) Do not murder.
7) Do not commit adultery.
8) Do not steal.
9) Do not lie.
10) Do not be jealous.

37
Q

What are some Jewish customs around death?

A

Jews believe that they shouldn’t die alone and it is a great honour to be with a family member when they pass.

38
Q

What do Jews believe about Life after Death?

A

Jews believe that death is inevitable but there is great debate about whether life after death is a physical or spiritual experience.

However, life after death is believed to be with God.

39
Q

What are Jewish beliefs about heaven?

A

Jews believe that the good will go to heaven (Gan Eden). There is no clear teaching on what heaven is like, but it is believed to be with God.

40
Q

What is Sheol?

A

Sheol is seen as a place of waiting where souls are cleaned. It is NOT HELL as there is no such place in Judaism.

41
Q

What do Jews believe about Judgement when they die?

A

Some Jews believe that they will be judged as soon as they die, whilst others believe that there will be a day of judgement comes.

42
Q

Give a quote for God’s Judgement:

A

“Blessed are you Lord our God, King of the Universe, the true Judge.”

43
Q

What are Jewish beliefs about resurrection?

A

Many Jews reject the idea of resurrection as they believe it’s more important to focus on the present by doing God’s work.

Daniel 12:2 looks forward to resurrection.

44
Q

What are the Origins of the Messiah?

A

In the 12th century Rabbi Moses ben Maimon compiled the Thirteen Fundamental Jewish Beliefs.

The 12th belief is in the arrival of the Messiah.

45
Q

What is the Messiah to Jews?

A

The future leader of the Jews, expected to live on earth and bring peace to the whole world, promised by God.

46
Q

What do Orthodox Jews believe about the Messiah?

A

Orthodox Jews believe that every generation, a descendent of King David is born with the potential to be the Messiah. It is a PERSON.

They believe the messiah will bring about peace and rule over humans with kindness and justice.

This future period in time is called the Messianic Age.

He will rebuild the temple in Jerusalem.

He will be the ultimate teacher of the Torah.

47
Q

What do Reform Jews believe about the Messiah?

A

Reform Jews believe that the Messiah will not be a person.

They believe that by following the 3 Key Moral Principles, they will bring about the Messianic Age, a time of global peace and harmony.

48
Q

What are the 3 Key Moral Principles Jews follow?

A

1) Justice
2) Healing the world - tikkun olam
3) Kindness to Others

49
Q

What is Justice and how can Jews put it into practice?

A

For Jews, pursuing justice is a sacred duty and it is defined as bringing about what is right and fair.

Jews can do this by following the Torah and helping the poor and vulnerable.

50
Q

What is Healing the World and how can Jews put it into practice?

A

Healing the world (tikkut olam) is being involved in helping sustain God’s creation and those on it.

It brings Jews closer to God and it can be put into practice by volunteering for a charity, protecting the environment and gettung closer to God through prayer.

51
Q

What is Kindness to Others and how can Jews put it into practice?

A

Being kind to others is doing positive caring actions to all living things.

Leviticus 19 - “Love your fellow as yourself”.

Kindness can be put into practice by small acts of kindness and big demonstrations of love and positivity.

52
Q

Who was Abraham / Abram?

A

Abraham was a nomad (traveller) and he was born in the city of Ur 4000+ years ago. Abraham became convinced that there was only one God and believed it was wrong to worship idols.

He left Ur to travel to Canaan, but along the way stopped. God appeared to Abraham and made a Covenant with him.

53
Q

What was God’s Covenant with Abraham?

A

Covenant: God would protect and favour the Israelites AND give Abraham the Promised Land. “I give this land to you and your offspring forever”.

  • In return Abraham would dedicate his life to God, and that is what Jews today try to do.
  • To make it possible for Abraham to become the “father of a great nation” God gave Abraham a son, despite his wife Sarah’s old age.
  • God sealed the Covenant by commanding that all Jewish boys be circumcised.

Significance
-Gave Jews the Promised Land.

54
Q

What is the Promised Land - given to Jews through Abraham’s covenant?

A

The land of Canaan that God promised to the Jews. Canaan is now Israel.

55
Q

What do Jews, Christians and Muslims have in common?

A

They are Abrahamic religions as they all believe that God chose to enter human history by revealing himself to Abraham.

“I will make you the father of a great nation and I will bless you” [Genesis 12:1]

56
Q

Who led the Israelites (Jews) out of slavery in Egypt, 1000 years after Abraham died?

A

Moses

57
Q

What did Moses do?

A

Moses warned Pharoah that God would send 10 plagues and asked Pharoah to let his people go.

After Pharoah’s son was killed, Pharoah finally agreed to let them go, and Moses led the Israelites to Canaan.

58
Q

What happend at Mount Sinai?

A

The Jews had been walking for years from Egypt to Canaan.

God appeared to Moses at Mount Sinai and gave him the Ten Commandments. These were carved on two stone tablets. The Jews were to follow them, and in return, God would protect them and give them the Promised Land.

59
Q

Why is the Covenant at Sinai so important to Jews today?

A

They believe that the Covenant is still binding and that:

  • they are ‘God’s chosen people’
  • they must obey the laws (mitzvot)
60
Q

What is the Sanctity of Life?

A

The Judeo-christian belief that life is holy and precious as it is created by God. This belief comes from God when God breathed life into Adam. Most Jews are therefore against murder, abortion, capital punishment and war.

61
Q

What is the Talmud?

A

The Talmud is an important Jewish book in which rabbis give detailed explanations of the laws in the Torah.

Mishnah - explanation of the Torah
Gemara - commentary on the Mishnah

62
Q

What does the Talmud say about preserving life?

A

“He who destroys one human soul, destroys the whole world, he who saves one human soul, saves the whole world.”

65
Q

What is Pikuach nefesh?

A

Pikuach nefesh is a principle that allows most Jewish laws to be broken in order to save a life. It emphasises how valuable life is to Jews.

66
Q

Give some examples of Pikuach nefesh:

A

Transplant surgery is an example of pikuach nefesh as it goes against the law that the body should be whole when buried, but saves a life.

The sabbath day is also allowed to be broken if it saves a life.

GCSE RE (8 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2024 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions