Unit 7

Question 1

3 groups of Judaism

Answer 1

Orthodox
Liberal/ reform
Secular

Question 2

Orthodox Judaism

Answer 2

Believe Torah is literal word of God.
Value tradition and Mitzvots.
Strict

Question 3

Reform/liberal Judaism

Answer 3

Believe Torah is inspired Word of God.

Take modern life into account when carrying out faith.

Question 4

Secular Judaism

Answer 4

Not religious, just Jewish due to Ethnicity/culture.

Question 5

Why is God not named?

Answer 5

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.

Question 6

Quote for the almighty

Answer 6

“And Hashem formed the man of dust from the ground” (Genesis)

Question 7

Characteristics of the Almighty

Answer 7

ONE
CREATOR
LAWGIVER/JUDGE

Question 8

How is God one?

Answer 8

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.

Question 9

How’s God creator?

Answer 9

“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.

Question 10

How’s God lawgiver/judge?

Answer 10

“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.

Question 11

How are the characteristics of God importance in everyday life?

Answer 11

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.

Question 12

Shekhinah

Answer 12

Divine presence of God within the created world.

Question 13

How’s the shekhinah experienced?

Answer 13

Study
Worship
Prayer

Question 14

How’s shekhinah felt through study?

Divergence?

Answer 14

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.

Question 15

How’s shekhinah felt through worship?

Answer 15

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.

Question 16

How’s the Shekhinah felt through prayer?

Answer 16

Minyan/alone
God is present in community prayer
“The glory of Hashem filled the temple” chronicles

Question 17

Tereus is your wish people believe in the shekhinah.

Answer 17

Developed in Talmud

He created the world and therefore continues to work in it.

Question 18

Talmud

Answer 18

Rabbi’s interpretation of the Torah.

Question 19

Why is the Talmud important today

Answer 19

Commentary on Torah written by rabbis.
Mishnah and Gemara.
Allows interpretation of laws so Jews know how to live.

Question 20

Importance of shekhinah

Answer 20

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.

Question 21

Presence of shekhinah shown in bible.

Answer 21

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.

Question 22

Messianic age

Answer 22

The time when Messiah will rule. (End of days)

Question 23

7.3 the Messiah quote

Answer 23

“The king will reign and prosper and he will administer justice and righteousness in the land. “ Jeremiah

Question 24

Beliefs of messiah

Answer 24

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

Question 25

Tikkun Olam

Answer 25

Better world, quickening messianic age.

Can be brought about via social, political, environmental improvements.

Question 26

Diverging teachings of the Messianic age

Answer 26

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

Question 27

Covenant

Answer 27

And everlasting agreement between two parties

Question 28

Brit olam

Answer 28

Everlasting Covenants challenges that God will not break the covenants.

Question 29

Four main patriarchs

Answer 29

Abraham Isaac and Jacob Moses

Question 30

Importance of the sinai covenant today

Answer 30

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.

Question 31

When are the 10 Commandments read during the Jewish year

Answer 31

Shavuot
Deuteronomy
Exodus

Question 32

Example of 10 Commandments

Answer 32

You shall not worship any other gods before me.
You shall not kill
You shall not steal

Question 33

Jewish teachings about the covenant with Moses

Answer 33

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.