Judaism Beliefs & Practices

Question 1

7.1 The Almighty

What are the 3 Types of Jews?

Answer 1

1. Secular Jews
- Don’t believe in God or in the Jewish religion, but think themselves as Jewish by birth and culture.

2. Reform Jews
- Modern Jews who have adapted the traditional ways to modern culture. They choose which mitzvots to follow.
- They do not interpret the Bible literally, but in a more symbolic way.

3. Orthodox Jews
- Traditional Jews, they intepret the Torah literally & keep the Biblical mitzvotz about dress.

Question 2

7.1 The Almighty

What are the 4 Characteristics of God?

Answer 2

1. God is One
- The Shema perfectly encaptures this idea ( “Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God, The Lord is One”. )

2. God is The Creator
- The Torah begins with the Book of Genesis, of how God created the world.
- Jews do not work on the Sabbath to appreciate Creation.

3. God as Lawgiver
- Rules given by God on how to live are shown in the 613 mitzvotz given though moses.
- Other laws allows Jews to show their faithfulness to God by living in particulars ways.

4. God as Judge
- Torah teaches that God hates sin and evil, and he punishes sin, but also rewards good deeds.
- On Judgement Day, or at the end of life, Jews believe that God will judge humans on all their actions.

Question 3

7.2 The Shekinah

What is the Shekinah?

Answer 3

The divine presence of God within the created world.

Question 4

7.2 The Shekinah

Describe 3 ways Jews can come to understand/believe in The Shekinah.

Answer 4

1. Study
- Study of the Tenakh & Talmud is an important part of being Jewish ( Talmud evolved from Rabbis studying the Torah )
- To study is regarded as an act of worship, as such the Shekinah is present.

2. Worship
- God instructed Moses to build the Tabernacle, a temple where God would dwell. ( God’s Divine Prescence )
- This continues today in the synagogue. A light burns in front of the Ark as a reminder of God’s presence.

3. Prayer
- Jews can pray in a group of 10 adults over the age of 13 ( minyan ). When this happens it is believed God is present. ( Kaddish & Barachu can only be said in minyan )
- In 2 Chronicles Solomon dedicates the newly built temple, and he and the Jewish people are overcome with God’s Power: ( “The glory of Hashmen filled the Temple.” )

Question 5

7.2 The Shekinah

Why is the Shekinah important to Jews?

Answer 5

1. As an experience of God, the Shekinah strengthens faith in God, and his presence brings hope.

2. The Shekinah shows God’s faithfulness, as He remained with the Jews, even in exile.

3. It connects Jews’ experience of God today, with experiences of Jews in Exodus times.

Question 6

7.3 The Messiah

When it comes to the Messiah, what do;
A) Orthodox Jews believe
B) Reform Jews believe

Answer 6

A) Orthodox Beliefs
1.The Messiah will be a descendant of King David.
2. He will be a political ruler, who will bring world peace - a Messianic Age.
3. He will rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem.

B) Reform Beliefs ( Varying )
1. Some believe that a Messiah will come, but that he will not be a supernatural figure. ( Inspirational role model )
2. Others believe that bringing about the Messianic Age is the duty of the Jews. ( A Time of Peace )
3. Torah does not speak of the Messiah in clear terms.

Question 7

7.4 The Covenant at Sinai

Describe what occured at the Covenant at Sinai.

Answer 7

1. God called Moses up to Mount Horeb, In Sinai. There God spoke to Moses in a thick cloud.

2. At Mount Sinai a new covenant was given;
- It made it clear those who didn’t follow it would be punished.
- It identified Jews as chosen people of God - ‘Chosen for responsibility’
- The 10 Commandments were given

3. Moses was then given the rest of the Torah ( 603 laws ), and was also given the Oral Torah, later written as the Talmud.

Question 8

7.4 The Covenant at Sinai

Why is the Covenant at Sinai important for Jews today?

Answer 8

1. The Law of the Torah is still followed today.
- It is still the most important part of the Tenakh

2. The Torah is read in the synagogue every Sabbat from the scroll kept in the Ark.

3. The gift of the Torah is celebrated every year at the festival of Shavuot, commemorating the day God gave the Torah.

Question 9

7.5 The Covenant with Abraham

Describe what occured at the Abrahamic Covenant.

Answer 9

1. God called Abraham to leave his home and family, He was promised land and descendants.

2. Abraham sealed the covenant by circumcising himself.

3. They were 10 tests for Abraham, the final one was sacrificing his son Isaac.

4. Abraham was promised a ‘great nation’, he then had a son called Ishmael.

Question 10

7.5 The Covenant with Abraham

Why is Abraham considered important in Jewish faith.

Answer 10

1. He was the founder of Judaism

2. He believed that the universe was the work of a single creator
- Basis for future belief in the one God.

Question 11

7.5 The Covenant with Abraham

Describe how the Abrahamic Covenant affects Jews today.

Answer 11

1. The covenant is fundamental to all Jews.

2. The covenant has not yet been fulfilled, Jews hope to live as a great nation in the promised land.

3. Jews are still circumcised today.

4. The birth of Isaac showed that God always keeps him promises, and that anything is possible through God.

Question 12

7.5 The Covenant with Abraham

Describe how the concept of the Promised Land affects Jewish life today.

Answer 12

1. The land of Israel remains central to Judaism and many Laws link to the idea of a Promised Land.

2. Prayers for a return to Israel are included in Sabbath prayers and festivals.

3. Living outside of Israel is viewed as a form of exile by some Jews.

Question 13

7.6 The Sanctity of life

What is Pikuach Nefesh?

Answer 13

The act of setting aside certian mitzvots, for the sake of saving life.

Question 14

7.6 The Sanctity of life

Describe some implication of Pikuach Nefesh today.

Answer 14

1. Doctors may answer emergency calls on Shabbat.

2. Abortions to save the mother’s life are mandatory - the unborn child is not considered equal to the mother.

3. Euthanasi, suicide, and assisted suicide are forbidden.

4. It may be permissible to switch off life support machines, or end treatment that artifically prolongs life.

Question 15

7.6 The Sanctity of life

Explain 2 reasons why protecting human life is important to Jews.

Answer 15

1. The story of Creation makes it clear that God is the giver of life, so all life is sacred.
- So disrespecting life could be seen as disrespecting God.

2. The Torah ( Leviticus 24:17 ) states that anyone who kills should be put to death.
- So by preserving life Jews can follow the Laws of the Almighty, which is the best way to live.

Question 16

7.7 Moral principles and the Mitzvot

What is/are;

A) The Mitzvot
B) A Mitzvah
C) The Halakhah

Answer 16

A) The commandments given by the Almighty that guide the actions in Jewish life.

B) A good deed

C) The list of Mitzvot that guide Jewish life, teaches Jews how to perform or fulfil the Mitzvot.

Question 17

7.7 Moral principles and the Mitzvot

Describe the importance of the Mitzvot to Jews.

Answer 17

1. Jews believe the Mitzvot were given by God to Moses.
- They follow the Mitzvot as they form part of the covenant between the Jewish people and God.

2. There is punishment for not following the Mitzvot. Also observing Mitzvot shows gratitude to God.

3. The Mitzvot act as a guide for Jewish life, so by following the Mitzvot it allows Jews to live the best life they can.

Question 18

7.7 Moral principles and the Mitzvot

What do Orthodox & Reform Jews believe when it comes to the Mitzvot.

Answer 18

A) Orthodox Jews

1. They believe the Halakhah was given orally on Sinai and written in the Torah

2. They believe the Torah is the Literal Word of God so every Mitzvot still had relevancy today.

B) Reform Jews

1. They believe the Mitzvot/Halakhah evolved through the generations.
- They try to keep as many Mitzvot as possible.

2. They believe the Torah is divinely inspired rather than the literal Word of God.
- They consider how Mitzvot may be influenced by culture, so may no longer be relevant or ethical.

Question 19

7.7 Moral principles and the Mitzvot

Discuss the importance of Moral principles and the Mitzvot for Jews today.

Answer 19

1. Many laws are no longer practised, such as animal sacrifice.

2. The Talmud is the starting point for modern questions, such as organ donation or abortation

3. The Mitzvot continue to be studied and analysed.

4. Judaism is a living religion that considers modern issues in light of tradition and scripture.

Question 20

7.7 Moral principles and the Mitzvot

Describe some Jewish beliefs concerning free will.

Answer 20

1. God gave Adam and Eve the command not to eat of the Tree of Knowledge. So that means they had a choice. - Free Will

2. When Moses gave the Commandments to the Jews on Mount Sinai, they had the choice to keep or refuse them. - Free Will

3. While Jews believe they can be Judged for their sins, they can also repent and ask God for forgiveness ( Last 10 days of Yom Kippur ). - Free Will

Question 21

7.8 Life after death

What are some Jewish beliefs/teachings regarding Life after death.

Answer 21

A) Beliefs

1. Some Jews believe in The World to Come ( Olam Ha-Ba, a spiritual afterlife ), that there will be a heaven ( Gan Eden ), and a place of purification ( Gehinnom ).

2. Both resurrection and reincarnation are traditional Jewish beliefs.

B) Teachings

1. “Thus the dust returns to the ground, as it was, and the spirit returns to God who gave it” ( Ecclesiastes 12:7 )
- One of the few Torah verses about life after death, suggests the sould returns to God.

Question 22

7.8 Life after death

Describe the beliefs surrouding;
A) Gan Eden
B) Gehinnom

Answer 22

A) Gan Eden

1. The place for the righteous
2. Maimonides taught that righteous gentiles will also be rewarded

B) Gehinnom

1. Place of punishment for the unrighteous - those who neglected the Torah.

2. Rabbis taught that, once cleanses, these souls move to Gan Eden.

Question 23

8.1 Public acts of worship

Outline 3 occasions that Jews may attend the synagogue for worship.

Answer 23

1. The first occasions is Shabbat.

2. The Second occasion is Daily Prayers ( Shema ).

3. The Thid occasion is for Festivals ( Yom Kippur ).

Question 24

8.1 Public acts of worship

Describe the purpose of public worship.

Answer 24

1. After the Temple was destroyed ( 586 BCE ), the synagogue became the main place of worship.

2. It is a reminder that they are part of a community, a community chosen by the Almighty.

3. “My vows to Hashem I will pay, in the presence, now, of His entire people […] in the courtyards of the House of Hashem” ( Psalm 116:14-19 )

Question 25

8.1 Public acts of worship

Describe the features of the following Synagogue Services;
A) Shabbat
B) Daily Prayers.

Answer 25

A) Shabbat

1. Shabbat services take place on Friday evening and Saturday morning.

2. Reform and Liberal Jews usually focus on these services rather than daily prayers.

3. The Amidah and Aleinu are expressed.

B) Daily Prayers

1. If a minyan is present they can say the Kaddish, Kedusha **( the third section of all Amidah recitations ), or other prayers linked to the Torah.

2. Orthodox synagogues say prayers in Hebrew; Reform synagogues use the local language.

3. The Siddur ( ‘Order’ ) is the book of daily prayers Jews follow.

Question 26

8.1 Public acts of worship

Describe the importance of Synagogue Services.

Answer 26

1. Synagogue services unite the local community. They also remind Jews of their global community.

2. Jews pray towards the sit of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem, Israel.

3. Private prayers usually involve thanksgiving, praise, and requests for something.

4. A sermon will be given by a Rabbi, which may affect the way Jews live their lives.

Question 27

8.2 The Tenakh and Talmud

Describe the nature and purpose of the;
A) Tenakh
B) Talmud

Answer 27

A) The Tenakh

1. The Torah is the most sacred object in Judaism, kept in the Ark in the synagogue.

2. The rest of the Tenkah shows how Jewish people lived and tried to keep on the right path.

B) The Talmud

1. Oral tradition, Orthodoxs believe it is the Oral Torah, also given to Moses on Sinai.
- Reform Jews believe it is a human creation, reflecting the wisdom of generations of Jews.

2. Contains the teachings and opinions of thousands early Rabbis on topics such as;
- Law, ethics, philosophy, customs, and history, and is the source of Jewish legal teaching and decision.

Torah - Most important and holy book for Jewish people, forms part of the Tenakh

Talmud - Oral Law and contains information on how Torah’s laws should be interpreted.

Question 28

8.2 The Tenakh and Talmud

Describe the importance and use of the Torah in daily life.

Answer 28

1. The Torah is used and read four times a week in Orthodox synagogues, once a week in Reform synagogues.

2. Jews are encouraged to study the Talmud, Perkei Avot is a set of ethical teachings in the Mishnah, Chapter 2 says;
- “If [a man] has acquired words of the Torah, he has attained afterlife”

3. Daf Yomi (‘a page a day’) is an internation programme where Jews study the Torah in unison.

Question 29

8.2 The Tenakh and Talmud

Give the definition/meaning of the following.

A) The Kashrut
B) Kosher
C) Treifah
D) Parev

Answer 29

A) These are the Jewish religious laws concerning the suitability of food.

B) Something that is fitting or proper, according to Jewish laws. ( Usually about food )

C) Forbidden or unclean Opposite of Kosher

D) Foods that are “neutral”, and can be eaten with any meal e.g. vegetables.

Question 30

8.2 The Tenakh and Talmud

Explain 2 ways that kashrut may affect the lives of Jews today.

Answer 30

1. Firstly, Jews do not eat pork. However, they can eat other meat, as long as it is slaughtered correctly.

2. Secondly, meat and dairy cannot be mixed, this also applies to the prepartion of the food as it is said in the Torah that, “You shall not boil a kid in it’s mother’s milk”.

Question 31

8.3 Private Prayer

Outline 3 features of the Shabbat Prayer.

Answer 31

1. One feature is that a meal will be prepared alongside candles being lit.

2. Another feature is that prayers will be recited before the main meal.

3. A third feature is that the Kiddush ( prayer of sanctification ) is recited - celebrates creation and freedom of slaves from Egypt.

Question 32

8.3 Private Prayer

Explain 2 reasons why a Jew might pray daily.

Answer 32

1. They have been instructed by God to do so:
- “Evening, morning, and noon, i supplicate and moan; and He has hear my voice” ( Psalm 55:17 )
- It is believed that listening to the will of God is the best way to live a Jewish life.

2. This keeps God at the forefront of a Jew’s mind. This is shown through prayers like the Shema and the Modeh ani.

Shema - A prayer recited twice a day.

Modeh ani - A prayer recited upon waking up to thank God for the gift of life.

Question 33

8.4 The Shema and Amidah

Describe and provide the Importance of the following;
A) The Shema
B) The Amidah

Answer 33

A) This is the most important prayer in Judaism that is recited twice a day.
- Importance;
1. Declares the most fundamental principle of Jewish faith: belief in one God
2. Contains many important beliefs about God.

B) HaTefillah or ‘the prayer’, also known as ‘standing prayer’.
- Importance;
1. This is a core part of every Jewish service.
2. Features three parts that are central to a relation to God: praise, requests, thanks.

Question 34

8.4 The Shema and Amidah

Describe the purpose of the following items to Jews.
A) Tallit
B) Tefillin
C) Mezuzah

Answer 34

A) This is a Prayer shawl that is used as a reminder of the Mitzvot.

B) These are Black boxes with leather straps, they connect the heart and mind to God.
- ( Deuteronomy 6:8 )

C) This is a Container attached to doorposts in Jewish homes, containing the Shema. They remind Jews of God’s presence.

Question 35

8.4 The Shema and Amidah

Outline 3 Jewish Prayers

Answer 35

1. One Jewish prayer is the Shema.

2. Another Jewish prayer is the Amidah.

3. A third Jewish prayer is the Modeh ani.

Question 36

8.5 Ritual and ceremony

Describe the importance of rituals for Jews today.

Answer 36

1. Rituals are grounded in Jewish laws ( Leviticus ), so by performing the rituals they are honouring the word of God.

2. Observance shows gratitude to God, a sense of Jewish identity, and brings the Almighty into everyday life.

3. Important moments are marked by customs that go back to biblical times.

Question 37

8.5 Ritual and ceremony

Describe what Brit Milah is and provide the significance of it.

Answer 37

What is it:

1. Brit Milah is a ritual where circumcision is performed by a religiously trained person known as a mohel.

Significance:

2. Circumcision is one of the most universally observed Mitzvot. It is an outward sign of the everlasting Abrahamic covenant with the Almighty.

3. Abraham circumicised himself and his descendants, starting with Isaac.

Question 38

8.5 Ritual and ceremony

Explain 2 important features of Jewish birth ceremonies.

Answer 38

1. After giving birth the woman is unable to touch anything sacred or attent the sanctuary. Today she will attend mikvah once she has stopped bleeding.
- “[the mother] may not touch anything sacred and she may not enter the Sanctuary” ( Leviticus 12:4 )

2. Secondly, offerings would also been made at the Temple.
- This would be in attempt of becoming “purified” as only purified souls can go to Gan Eden, the home of the Almighty.

Question 39

8.5 Ritual and ceremony

Outline 3 features of a;
A) Bar Mitzvah
B) Bat Mitzvah

Answer 39

A) Bar Mitzvah ( Boys )

1. One feature is that it happens at age 13.
2. Another feature is that they can lead synagogue service after this.
3. A third feature is that they need to learn enough Hebrew to read from the Torah.

B) Bat Mitzvah ( Girls )

1. One feature is that it happens at age 12. ( 13 in Reform/Liberal Synagogues )
2. Another feature is that Ceremonies are only about 100 years old.
3. A third feature is that they will be taught to cook challah & other important preparations in the home.

Challah - Plaited bread for Shabbat

Question 40

8.5 Ritual and ceremony

Outline the 5 periods of avelut ( mourning )

Answer 40

1. Aninut: From death to death to burial.

2. Shiva: First 7 days after burial, during this time they stay at home praying, no work is done.

3. Sheloshim: First 30 days to complete mourning, normal life goes on but no parties.

4. Yud-bet chodesh: Additional ‘year of mourning’ if the lossed one was a parent.

5. Yahrzeit: Anniversary of the date of death.

Question 41

8.5 Ritual and ceremony

Outline 3 features of a typical Jewish funeral.

Answer 41

1. One feature is that Jews are usually buried rather than cremated.

2. Another feature is that candles are lit and the body is never left alone.

3. A third feature is that hands are washed outside the ceremony to signify leaving death behind.

Question 42

8.6 Shabbat

Describe how Shabbat may vary when performed in The home and The synagogue.

Answer 42

A) The home

1. The house will be cleaned and tidied.
2. Candles are lit before Shabbat beings
3. Friday evening meal
4. Common to sing Shabbat hymns

B) The synagogue

1. Main Shabbat service can last 2 hours
2. Outline of the service:
- Amidah - facing Jerusalem
- Torah removed from Ark as Shema recited
- Torah reading
- Rabbi’s sermon
- Aleinu prayer
- Kaddish prayer
- Adon Olam ‘Master of the World’ hymn

Question 43

8.6 Shabbat

Describe the importance of Shabbat today.

Answer 43

1. Obervance of Shabbat is a core part of the Jewish faith.
- It is one of the Ten commandments.

2. It can be a challenge to observe it with modern living because life has changed dramatically since the time of Moses.

3. There are many new issues to address for Jews, and there is not always agreement.
- E.g. - What should you do if driving a car is considered work, due to its ignition, but you cannot walk to the synagogue?

4. By observing Shabbat, Jews are following God’s commandment of resting and keeping the day holy.

5. It remains a day of enjoyment and a time to connect to family.

Question 44

8.7 Festivals

Describe the nature, purpose & origin of Jewish festivals.

Answer 44

1. Most festivals are linked to the history of the Jewish people, connecting Jews today with the history of faith.

2. Joyful events are remembered as God’s intervention.

3. Festivals are often celebrated at home and in the synagogue, as opportunities for families and synagogue communities to come together and share their common past.

Question 45

8.7 Festivals

Describe some feature of the Jewish festival Rosh Hashanah.

Answer 45

1. ‘Head of the year’ - first day of Jewish year

2.Its a time to remember the story of creation.

3. Orthodox Jews celebrate over 2 days, Reform Jews usually 1 day.

4. The Mishnah says God writes down the deeds of a person, judges them, and makes decisions for the year to come

5. A time to reflect on behaviour and make peace before Judgment is finalised on Yom Kippur.

“In the sevenths month, on the first of the months, there shall be a rest day for you […] You shall not do any laborious work, and you shall offer a fire-offering to Hashem.” ( Leviticus 23:24-25 )

Question 46

8.7 Festivals

Describe some feature of the Jewish festival Yom Kippur.

Answer 46

1. Day of Atonement.

2. Holiest day of the year.

3. Jews seek forgiveness from others for any wrong they have done them.
- Jews then ask God for forgiveness.

4. God finalises his judgement about each Jew’s behaviour and decides their fate.

5. Many Jews fast for 25 hours.

6. Evening service where Jews cancel any promises they cannot keep.

7. White is often worn as a symbol of purity.

Question 47

8.7 Festivals

Describe the first pilgrim festival: Pesach

Answer 47

1. Pesach is also called Passover after the night that God ‘passed over’ Egypt killing first-born males.

2. It is a reminder of God’s love for the Jews.

3. To celebrate, all chametz is removed from the house & the house is thoroughly cleaned.
- It lasts for 8 days for orthodox Jews & 7 days for Reform Jews.

4. The Sedar Meal is the most important event.
- Every part of the seder meal is symbolic.

Chametz -

Question 48

8.7 Festivals

Outline & explain the different items on a Jewish Sedar Meal.

Answer 48

1. Charoset: nut and apple paste, to symbolise the mortar used for making bricks.

2. Lamb bone: represents the lamb that was sacrificed.

3. Green herbs: dipped in salt water, to represent the tears shed by Hebrew slaves.

4. Maror & Chazeret: both can be bitter and represent the bitterness of slavery.

5. Roasted egg: represents the new life that Jews had after their escape from Egypt.

Question 49

8.7 Festivals

Describe the second pilgrim festival: Shavuot

Answer 49

1. Shavuot celebreates the giving of Law on Mount Sinai as well as the wheat harvest.

2. Jews traditionally took wheat to the Temple.

3. It marks 49 days between **Passover and Shavuot. **

4. Jews may do extra Torah study.

5. Often Jews eat dairy food and decorate the synagogue with greenery.

Question 50

8.7 Festivals

Describe the third pilgrim festival: Sukkot

Answer 50

1. Sukkot happens 4 days after Yom Kippur.

2. It marks the end of summer and the start of the autumn fruit harvest.

3. It is also called the Feast of the Tabernacles.

4. Sukkot is a reminder of the dwelling places where Jews lived during the wilderness years.

5. It’s celebrates for 8 days - It is a holiday period where Jews offer hospitality to others.

Question 51

8.8 Features of the synagogue

Describe the designs and practices of a;
A) Orthodox Synagogue
B) Reform/Liberal Synagogue

Answer 51

A) Orthdox Synagogues
1. Seating on 3 sides facing the bimah
2. Ark of 4th side.
3. Men & women sit separately.
4. Women cover their heads for modesty.
5. No music.
6. Men lead services & read.

B) Reform/Liberal Synagogues
1. Seating may be the same as Orthodox’s
- Or bimah may be at the front seating facing Ark
2. Men and women may sit together
3. Women may wear a tallit, or kippah
4. Musical instruments may be used.
5. Women may take active role in services.

Question 52

8.8 Features of the synagogue

Explain all of the features of a synagogue.

Answer 52

1. Ark
- What it is? Area to store Torah scrolls.
- How is it used? Door or curtain opened when scrolls are in use.
- Why is it used? Reminder of the Holy of Holies in the Temple; to keep scrolls safe.

2. Ner tamid
- What it is? ‘Eternal light’ above the Ark.
- How is it used? Light burns at all times as reminder of God’s eternal nature.
- Why is it used? Requirement in Exodus 27:20-21

3. Menorah
- What it is? Seven-branched candlestick.
- How is it used? Used in the Temple as the eternal light.
- Why is it used? Requirement in Exodus 25:31-40

4. Bimah
- What it is? Reading platform.
- How is it used? Rabbi leads service from here; Torah read from here.
- Why is it used? Represents Temple altar; makes Torah main focus.

5. Yad
- What it is? Reading stick.
- How is it used? As a point while reading from the Torah.
- Why is it used? So as not to touch the sacred Torah.