The Nature of the Almighty Flashcards
Outline three features of the Tenakh. (3)
- One feature is that it contains the Torah which is the five books of Moses.
- A second feature is that it contains the Nevi’im which is the book of Prophets.
- A third feature is that it contains the Ketuvim which is the Writings.
Explain two features of the Torah. (4)
- One feature is that the Torah is the holiest and most important part of the Tenakh. This is because they believe that it came directly from God to Moses.
- A second feature is that the Torah has always been written on scrolls. This is important because every synagogue has a Torah scroll kept in a special place.
Outline three Jewish teachings about monotheism. (3)
- One teaching is that the Torah teaches that ‘there is no other.’
- A second teaching is that the Torah teaches that God said ‘there is no God besides me.’
- A third teaching is that the Shema says ‘the Lord our God the Lord is One.’
SOWAA for bringing up children as Jews.
‘Impress them on your children.’
SOWAA for tefillin.
‘bind them on your foreheads.’
SOWAA for mezuzah.
‘write them on the doorframes of your houses.’
Explain two ways Jews express their belief in one God. (4)
- One way is by having a container known as the mezuzah which holds the Shema on the doorframes and gates of their house. This is important as the Shema is a statement of God’s oneness.
- A second way is that Jewish men bind the tefillin to their forehead and arms when praying every morning. This means that they remember that there is only one God whilst praying.
SOWAA for the first words in the Torah.’
‘In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.’
Explain two characteristics of God. (5)
- One characteristic is that God is powerful. This is because he created the entire world. This is supported by ‘In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.’
- A second characteristic is that God is creative. This is because He can breathe life into inanimate objects. This is supported by ‘breathed into his nostrils the breath of life.’
Explain two beliefs about God as the creator. (4)
- One belief is that the Torah teaches that everything belongs to God as He created it all. This means that everything also depends on God.
- A second belief is that the Torah teaches that God’s creation is good. This is because ‘God saw all he had made and it was very good.’
SOWAA for Jewish stewardship.
‘rule over… every living creature.’
Explain two reasons why creation is important for Jews. (4)
- One reason is because creation is a gift from God. This means that they must look after the earth in the way God intended.
- A second reason is because life has a purpose and meaning. This is because God created the universe and all things in it.
SOWAA for following Jewish laws.
‘they are not just idle words for you.’
Explain two reasons why it is important for Jews to keep the mitzvot. (4)
- One reason is because keeping the mitzvot Jewish people believe they are connecting with God in a deep and special way. This is important because they believe they can bring holiness into the world.
- A second reason is because they believe following the mitzvot can prepare the world for the time when God’s plan for the world will be fulfilled. This means that by keeping the mitzvot they become God’s people.
Explain two reasons why belief in God as law giver is important. (4)
- One reason is because God’s laws form the halakhah. This is important because it is the basis of how Jews live their lives today.
- A second reason is because the laws of the Torah are part of the covenant with Moses. This is important because it is the basis of Judaism.
