Life On Earth

Question 1

Importance of human life

Answer 1

Jews firmly place an emphasis on life not death
Humans are created in the image of God and Jews therefore believe that humans are worthy of respect and dignity
At celebrations, Jews said L’Chaim, which meant to life, and when someone dies, their relatives are wished a long life
‘My God, the soul you placed in me is pure’
‘Whoever destroys a single life… (has destroyed) the whole world’

Question 2

Pikuach Nefesh

Answer 2

Jews believe that human life is sacred, believing in the concept of imago dei
‘Before i formed you in the womb, i knew you’
‘Let us make man in our image’
Pikuach Nefesh is the belief that the saving of a life should take priority over all else - even if it means breaking the Mitzvot in the Torah
The saving of human life is more important than the observation of the law
Only these Mitzvot cannot be broken:
- Idolatry
- Incest
- Adultery

Question 3

Mitzvot

Answer 3

613 Mitzvot in the Torah, guide lines for behaviour
Reform Jews believe that they should try to keep the Mitzvot, but some are outdated, and no longer compatible with 21st century life
Orthodox Jews believe that all Mitzvot ought to be followed
‘That which is hateful unto you do not do to your neighbour’

Question 4

Mitzvah Day

Answer 4

It is a day rooted in the values of the Mitzvot and treating people with the respect tha they would want themselves
3 Jewish concepts are particularly important:
Tikkun Olam - healing the world, taking responsibility for making the world better by helping others
Gemilut Hasadim - The giving of loving kindnesss, without expecting anything in return
Tzedakah - The righteousness and justice that is shown through social action
Projects like sunshine for seniors and plant a tree on mitzvah day

Question 5

Free will

Answer 5

Judaism teaches that god is the creator of all life, and he alone decides when people are born and die
‘Without your consent you were born, live, and die’
The Torah teaches that God has given Jews a choice over whether to keep the Mitzvot or not
They have the mind and should to make that choice
There are two natural ways to act - the inclination to do good, and to do evil
People are born with both, but as a person does more actions, the balance changes
These actions are impossible to hide from god
Sins can be atoned for by showing repentance, prayer or charity