Unit 7 Flashcards
3 groups of Judaism
Orthodox
Liberal/ reform
Secular
Orthodox Judaism
Believe Torah is literal word of God.
Value tradition and Mitzvots.
Strict
Reform/liberal Judaism
Believe Torah is inspired Word of God.
Take modern life into account when carrying out faith.
Secular Judaism
Not religious, just Jewish due to Ethnicity/culture.
Why is God not named?
As the Almighty is non-physical
cant be described fully
demonstrating God’s mystery and human’s lack of comprehension in glory.
Believe his name is so holy should never be spoken aloud/written.
Quote for the almighty
“And Hashem formed the man of dust from the ground” (Genesis)
Characteristics of the Almighty
ONE
CREATOR
LAWGIVER/JUDGE
How is God one?
Is mentioned in Shema (creed). Genesis says God is one. Is first of 10 commandments given to Moses (EXODUS 20) Impossible to divide God into parts. Monotheistic belief.
How’s God creator?
“And Hashem formed the man of dust from the ground” (Genesis)
Everything is created by him in Genesis.
Sustains life when provides bread for Moses in desert and has control over creation (parting of Red Sea).
Orthodox interpret creation literally while reform/liberal see as a metaphor.
How’s God lawgiver/judge?
“Hashem is our judge, Hashem is our lawgiver” (Isaiah)
Gave 613 mitzvots.
Torah gift from God to Moses as holds guidance to live good lives.
Exodus 20 shows 10 commandments.
How are the characteristics of God importance in everyday life?
Names bring them closer to him, despite lack of comprehension.
Show his complexity (yet remains one).
Reciting shema twice daily reinforces importance of God’s oneness > proclamation of faith.
Understanding his characteristics allows for acting in image of God w justice and mercy.
Shekhinah
Divine presence of God within the created world.
How’s the shekhinah experienced?
Study
Worship
Prayer
How’s shekhinah felt through study?
Divergence?
Study of tenakh and Talmud is regarded as act of worship.
Can study at Yeshiva.
Rabbi created Talmud via study of Torah.
At some orthodox yeshivas, Torah study is main focus.
Some Hasidic Jews reject secular study to just focus on Torah.
How’s shekhinah felt through worship?
God told Moses to make tabernacle, which maintained Jew’s connection w God as dwelling place of Shekhinah.
Today, light burns in front of ark as reminder of God’s presence.
How’s the Shekhinah felt through prayer?
Minyan/alone
God is present in community prayer
“The glory of Hashem filled the temple” chronicles
Tereus is your wish people believe in the shekhinah.
Developed in Talmud
He created the world and therefore continues to work in it.
Talmud
Rabbi’s interpretation of the Torah.
Why is the Talmud important today
Commentary on Torah written by rabbis.
Mishnah and Gemara.
Allows interpretation of laws so Jews know how to live.
Importance of shekhinah
Makes Jews closer to God as they can experience his glory despite lack of understanding.
Acknowledges God’s power and accepts him as our God.
Encourages deeper understanding of the faith.
Can grow closer to him whenever and wherever you are.
Means prophets were all inspired by God.
Presence of shekhinah shown in bible.
God told Moses to make tabernacle while in search of promised land.
Solomon dedicates new temple to God and Jews are overcome by God’s power, “the glory of Hashem filled the temple” chronicles.
Messianic age
The time when Messiah will rule. (End of days)
7.3 the Messiah quote
“The king will reign and prosper and he will administer justice and righteousness in the land. “ Jeremiah
Beliefs of messiah
Human Political leader descended from King David to administer justice “expert in Jewish law“ Isaiah Charismatic, inspiring leader Military leader “he will rebuild the temple “Jeremiah
Tikkun Olam
Better world, quickening messianic age.
Can be brought about via social, political, environmental improvements.
Diverging teachings of the Messianic age
Orthodox believe is when Messiah has come and is ruling the world.
Some reject the idea of personal Messiah
Reform believe it’s time of peace and harmony
Some believe there is Messiah in every generation
Some believe God has set a date
Some believe he will come when it is most needed
Covenant
And everlasting agreement between two parties
Brit olam
Everlasting Covenants challenges that God will not break the covenants.
Four main patriarchs
Abraham Isaac and Jacob Moses
Importance of the sinai covenant today
Law of the Torah is still followed today And followed at every sabbath
Study enables shekhinah
Celebrated at Shavuot festival, commemorating God’s gift to Moses.
Obedience will be blessed and disobedience punished.
When are the 10 Commandments read during the Jewish year
Shavuot
Deuteronomy
Exodus
Example of 10 Commandments
You shall not worship any other gods before me.
You shall not kill
You shall not steal
Jewish teachings about the covenant with Moses
Was given 613 mitzvot (inc 10 commandments in exodus 20)
Every Jewish soul was present at time.
Jews were chosen for responsibility to follow mitzvot.