Judaism Unit 1 Flashcards
G-d is one:
- This means God is a single, whole indivisible being. Jews are monotheistic.
- This is stated in the Shema, an important prayer: “Hear O Israel, the L-rd your G-d is one, the L-rd alone.” (Deuteronomy 6:4)
- God is the only being who should be worshipped with total loyalty, love and dedication: “You shall love the L-rd your G-d with all your heart and with all your soul and might (Deuteronomy 6:5)
G-d is creator:
- Jews believe the Genesis story from the Torah.
- Orthodox Jews interpret this as a literal 7-day creation story and reject scientific theories of evolution.
- Reform Jews, may accept this less literally, believing in an older universe and evolution.
- G-d created everything including evil: “I make weal and create woe” (Isaiah 45:7)
- The existence of evil is a necessary consequence of free will.
- Like Christians, Jews believe that G-d is: omnipotent (all-powerful), omniscient (all-knowing), omnipresent (everywhere at all times).
G-d is a lawgiver and judge:
- God has given the 613 laws in the Torah called Mitzvot.
- The first 10 of the Mitzvot are the 10 Commandments.
- During the days of atonement at Rosh Hashanah Jews believe that G-d judges people for their actions over the past year and decides what the new year holds.
- Many Jews also believe God will judge them after death.
What is the Shekinah (or the Divine Presence)?
the presence of G-d on Earth.
Where is G-d’s presence seen?
in the Tabernacle.
What is the Tabernacle?
a portable temple, similar to a tent, carried through the desert to the land of Canaan.
Where else was G-d’s presence contained?
in the Temple of Jerusalem - the centre of Jewish worship.
What were the Jews led by according to the Tenakh and what is its significance?
a Pillar of Fire or cloud - these were appearances that show G-d’s power and glory.
Heaven (Gan Eden)
Many Jews believe that if they follow their faith they will go to heaven, which is a place of paradise (Gan Eden). It is not clear whether this is a physical or spiritual place.
Resurrection
- Some believe that there will be a physical resurrection when the Messiah comes.
- This Day of Judgement is supported by “Those that sleep in the dust of the earth will awake” (Daniel 12:2)
Sheol
- Some Jews believe that those people do not go to heaven go to Sheol (a place of waiting where souls are cleansed).
- Jews do not believe in eternal punishment.
Judgement
- Some Jews believe in judgement as soon as they die.
- “And the dust returns to the ground as it was, and the lifebreath returns to G-d” (Ecclesiastes 12:7)
What does the word “Messiah” mean and what is the Messiah’s role?
- Messiah = Anointed One.
- The word Messiah refers to the future leader who will rule with justice and kindness.
How was King Saul (the first King Israel) shown to have been chosen by G-d?
- He was anointed with oil.
- “Samuel took a flash of oil and poured some on Saul’s head and kissed him, and said, ‘the L-rd anoints you ruler over your own people,’” (1 Samuel 10:1)
Who is the Messiah expected to be a descendant of?
Saul’s successor King David.
Jews are still awaiting the coming of the Messiah.