judaism specific Flashcards
What do different jews believe about what is stated in the Torah
Some Jews believe everything that is written in the Torah however some jews believe it is not meant to be taken literally
What is the Messianic age?
A term used for a future time of peace on earth when there will be no violence, hunger, or crime.
References to the Messianic age in the Torah?
There are no direct references to the Messianic age in the Torah but scriptures are interpreted to explain what the Messianic age might be like
Isaiah 11:1-9
Portrays messianic age as a time in which the wolf shall live with the lamb and in which the lion, like the ox shall eat straw
For Jews, what is the first step to the Messianic age
-The coming of the Messiah
For some Jews a belief in the _____ is _____ to their faith
- messiah
- central
Who was Maimonides and what was his belief in the Messiah?
Maimonedes was a Jewish Philosopher from the twelfth century. He stated a belief in the Messiah was one of the 13 principles in Judaism
What do Reform Jews believe that contradicts Maimonedes’ belief about the Messiah?
Reform Jews believe it will be the good actions of humans that will bring a Messianic age of peace.
2 reasons why there are different views about the Messiah
1) No definite teachings about the Messiah in the Torah therefore passages that Jews think are relevant have to be interpreted
2) Jews strongly believe that humans should focus on the here and now
What does the Torah say about when the Messiah will come
There are no references in the Torah for when the Messiah may come. Some Jews believe this is because the Torah was written for people to understand and the idea of the messianic age is beyond understanding
Orthodox Jews on when the Messiah will come
Orthodox Jews believe that God has a specific date for the coming of the Messiah however most believe that the coming of the Messiah will depend on when he is most needed.
Why will the Messiah be needed?
Because of the sins of the world or because the world is so good
Reform Jews on when the Messiah will come
They don’t focus on the coming of the Messiah as their main focus is on Jews looking forward to a better society
The traditional belief of the Messiah
The traditional belief is that the Messiah will be a great political leader and judge who will bring the world to an end
Other Jewish beliefs on who the Messiah will be
Some Jews believe he will not be a supernatural being but a human who is descended from King David.
In the Tenakh what are the three actions of the Messiah?
1) He will rebuild the temple in Jerusalem
2) He will bring back Jews to Israel and restore Jerusalem
3)He will bring about a time of peace when people will live together without fighting
The 613 mitzvot in the ____ teach jews…
how they should live their lives
Importance of life through Jewish worship
- During celebrations “L’chaim” is said meaning ‘to life’
- When someone has died the relatives are wished long life
What is Pikuach Nefesh?
The importance of saving a life
Even too support life, what 3 Mitzvot can’t be broken
Idolatry, incest and adultery
To preserve a life what 2 things are Jews able to do?
one may travel on Shabbat or they may even break the fast on Yom Kippur
Describe the 613 mitzvot in 3 ways
- Keeping the duties given by God to Moses
- Doing good deeds
- Being given an honour such as a reading from the Torah
Teachings about the Afterlife in the Torah
There are no specific teachings about the afterlife in the Torah
2 different Jewish beliefs about the resurrection from different scholars
Nahmanides- Olam Ha-Ba would come after the resurrection of the dead
Maimonedes- Olam Ha-Ba is referred to as a time beyond the world of the resurrected
Orthodox Jewish beliefs about the resurrection of the body and soul
Orthodox Jews believe that within resurrection the body and soul is raised which influences Jewish attitudes to cremation and organ transplants as they believe the body must be completed to be resurrected
What are the reform Jewish beliefs on the resurrection
Reform Judaism has rejected views on the resurrection. Some believe memories of people live on through their actions/ good deeds. Others believe the soul lives on after death but there are different opinions about where
Jewish beliefs on reincarnation?
Some Jews believe in reincarnation however this is not a central belief
Why is Shabbat considered by many Jews as the most important festival
It is seen as a gift from God and throughout history, Shabbat has been an important festival as even in times of persecution, jews had to celebrate Shabbat.
Exodus 20:8 “The Sabbath to remember and keep it holy”
3 main functions of the Jewish synagogue
1) Beit Tefilah, House of prayer
2) Beit Midrash, House of study
3) Social hall for religious and non-religious activities
Synagogue as a house of prayer
Place where Jews come together for community prayer services (Beit Tefilah)
Beit Midrash - House of study
Many Jews believe the study of sacred texts is a lifelong task and it is a place where children receive basic religious education
Social hall for religious and non-religious activities
The synagogue functions as a town hall where matters of importance can be discussed. Also, there are social events to learn more about religious and cultural issues
Name 5 features of the synagogue
Aron Hakodesh Bimah Ner Tamid Torah scrolls Orthodox/reform seating
Aron Hakodesh
The most important place in the synagogue because this is where the Torah scrolls are kept
Bimah
Where the Torah Scrolls are read from
Ner Tamid
Also called the eternal lamp. Symbolizes the menorah that kept burning in the temple and is always kept burning as it also symbolises God’s presence and is always kept burning
Torah scrolls
The Torah scrolls are the most sacred part of any synagogue
Seating in a synagogue
In orthodox synagogues, men and women are separated however in a reform synagogue they are able to sit together
Genesis 2:24
“A man shall therefore leave his father and mother and be united with his wife, and they shall become one flesh”
Name 5 features of a Jewish wedding ceremony
Ketubah Chuppah Stamping of the glass Rings Nisuin Also, reform synagogues allow same-sex marriage
Jewish wedding ceremony : Ketubah
The marriage contract is a legal document between the bride and groom where he promises to support his wife. Throughout the marriage where it remains property of the wife
Jewish wedding ceremony: Chuppah
Where main part of the ceremony takes place. The four sides represent the four walls of a Jewish home. There is usually a blessing written in Hebrew
Jewish wedding ceremony: Stamping of the glass
At the end of the ceremony glass is stepped on by the groom and it represents how marriage is fragile like glass as well as the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem
