Moral Principles and the Mitzvot

Question 1

What is the halakhah?

Answer 1

Jewish law from the written and oral torah.

Question 2

SOWAA for free will.

Answer 2

‘in his own image’

Question 3

Explain two Jewish beliefs about keeping the mitzvot? (4)

Answer 3

• One belief is that the mitzvot are commandments. This means that they are not optional.
• A second belief is that it is up to Jews whether they want to follow the mitzvot. This is because God created them with free will. This is supported by ‘in his own image.’

Question 4

Explain two reasons why the mitzvot are important for understanding the relationship between God and humans. (4)

Answer 4

• One reason is because the mitzvot shouldn’t just be something that is kept day to day. This is because Jews should understand the mitzvot at a deeper and spiritual level.
• A second reason is because mitzvah means commandment but it is also closely related with the Hebrew word for connection. This is important because Jews believe that keeping the mitzvot is a way to keep a connection with God.

Question 5

Explain two reasons why the mitzvot are important for understanding the relationship between people. (5)

Answer 5

• One reason is because Jews believe that keeping the mitzvot will make Jews better behaved. This is important because it is the aim of Judaism to ensure everyone behaves correctly. This is supported by the talmud which states that ‘the mitzvot were given for the purpose of refining people.’
• A second reason is because each mitzvah has something to teach Jews. This is important as for example, the laws about borrowing and lending teaches Jews compassion.

Question 6

Explain two reasons why there are different views in Judaism about the importance of the mitzvot. (4)

Answer 6

• One reason is because Orthodox Jews believe that the mitzvot cover the whole of life and no feature of life is unaffected by the mitzvot. This is important as Orthodox Jews believe that there is a right and wrong way of doing things.
• A second reason is because Liberal Jews believe the mitzvot aren’t important as they don’t come directly from God to Moses. This means that they believe following the mitzvot is a personal choice.

Question 7

Explain two reasons why Jews need the halakhah as well as the Written Torah. (5)

Answer 7

• One reason is because