Unit 7 Flashcards
1
Q
What is the Jewish belief about the almighty being one and a creator?
A
- monotheistic religion and that he is omnipotent he can never be separated. This is emphasised in the Sheema prayer
- they believe he is the creator and this creation story reveals his power and endless love for humanity so they care for it
2
Q
What are Jewish beliefs about the almighty being a judge and lawgiver?
A
- Judge as Jews are judged by God at death on law well they maintain the covenant and live a righteous life -they want to please him
- lawgiver as he gives the Torah and mitzvots within to guide them and sets a covenant where an agreement to follow these is laid out
3
Q
What are Jewish beliefs about the shekinah?
A
- The shekinah is experiences through prayers study and worship
- it is God’s dwelling in the world to guide Jews
- most present in Jerusalem at the wailing wall in the temple or ark in the synagogue
4
Q
Why is the shekinah important?
A
- it provides a closeness to God in every day life making a link between God and humanity -personal relationship
- reinforces the prophets were guided by this and therefore God as well as guidance for everyday Jews
- key teachings in the Tenakh and Torah
- found all around them in society especially the temple
5
Q
What are divergent beliefs to the shekinah?
A
- Reformed believe it represents the feminine attributes of God
- link between God and humanity to build a relationship and experience him in modern world
- some believe it is the equivalent of the Holy Spirit
6
Q
What qualities does the messiah have?
A
Human, charismatic, military and political leader, educated and a judge
7
Q
Why is the messiah important?
A
- is believed to be the person who will bing back Jewish people to the promised land
- they believe that by following the mitzvots they can achieve tikkun Olam and the messianic age brought about by the messiah
- key teaching of the Jewish faith (one of the 13 principles) of which Jews will pray for daily
8
Q
What are divergent beliefs to the messiah?
A
- reformed don’t believe in a single messiah but rather the duty of Jews to work together and bring about change
- some Jews believe there is a messiah I never age of which will come at a time of need from God
- some believe he will be a man others a women
- some believe he will be powerful others humble
9
Q
What are the features and importance of the covenant at Sinai?
A
- Moses was given the Torah and oral Talmud containing the mitzvots to guide Jewish life
- Jews become gods chosen people showing endless love and freeing them from slavery
- useful in everyday life as Jews will read the Torah and have festivals to remind them e.g. Shavuot
- Jews respect God as they learn they will be punished if not
10
Q
What are the features and implanted of the covenant of Abraham?
A
- all Jewish boys are to be circumcised which defines men by a sign of faith and honour
- it is everlasting so the covenant us upheld throughout generations
- first time God properly revealed himself
- gives Jews the promised land giving them and aim and purpose and is a central Jewish theme
- Abraham is the father of the faith and basis of monotheism
11
Q
Why do Jews follow pikuach nefesh and sanctity of life?
A
- we are created in God’s image so it is a gift from God which should be protected
- teaching found in the Torah and Talmud so they are obliged to follow it
- helps dues approach modern day topical issues like abortion
12
Q
What do Jews believe about abortion?
A
- Orthodox Jews only permit it when the mother’s life is at risk
- rape and mental illness/deformities doesn’t quantify abortion
- reformed Jews are more open to it but decision shouldn’t be instant and should consult a rabbi or advice from the Talmud
13
Q
What are Jewish views towards euthanasia ?
A
- reformed Jews are more open to it as they don’t want to prolong someone’s suffering so should be based on situation ethics
- orthodox Jews says it goes against the precept of sanctity of life instead they think one should pray to end suffering and give sympathy
- goes against Talmud as by killing one it killing many
14
Q
What are Jewish views towards organ donation?
A
- Jews allow it in order to save life but only when Jews are dead
- discredit it if it will speed up death of the done
- don’t support blood transfusion as goes against cleanliness laws
- should seek consultation from a rabbi
15
Q
Why are moral principles (mitzvots) important?
A
- by following them Jews can bring about the messianic age and return to the promised land -ultimate goal
- ensures they are living righteously to receive good judgement
- form a part of the covenant of Sinai -upholding this
- aids relationship with others and God as they are guided
