Unit 7 - Judaism Flashcards
El definition
Powerful and might God
Elohim definition
Plural of El, suggesting there are multiple parts to God
El Shaddai definition
God almighty
Hashem Tzevaot definition
Lord of Hosts
How Orthodox Jews view Torah
Torah is literal Word of God and must be followed strictly
How Reform Jews view the Torah
Should be interpreted in light of modern life and issues
Characteristics of the Almighty
One
Creator
Lawgiver
Judge
How One characteristic is show in faith
Shema states that:
-God is the only being to who Jews should offer praise and prayers
God is whole, complete and can’t be described so physical description like Deuteronomy 4:34 aren’t literal
Shema definition
Most important prayer for Jews Commanded to be prayed in Torah Recited twice daily Consists of Deuteronomy 6:4-9, 11:13-21 and Numbers 15:37-41 Shows God’s one-ness
How Creator characteristic is shown in faith
Genesis 2:7 shows how God made man
Genesis 1 and 2 shows how God made the universe
How Lawgiver characteristic is shown in faith
Only God has power to rule and judge
Avinu Malkeinu states God as “our father, our king” like a lawgiver
God gave laws through the Torah as guidance to good lives after slavery
Isaiah 33:22
“For Hashem is our Judge; Hashem is our Lawgiver; Hashem is our King; He will save us”
Genesis 2:7
“And Hashem God formed the man of dust from the ground, and He blew into his nostrils the soil of life; and man became a living being”
How Judge characteristic is shown in faith
God judges both moral and ritual laws
Jewish people uphold His laws to keep the covenant
God’s justice is merciful
Importance of God’s characteristic for Jews today
Names brings Jews closer together to help understand Him
Daily Shema reinforces belief of God’s unity
Understanding His characteristics helps Jews act justly
Multiple names helps them to understand His complexity
Shekkinah definition
“settle or dwell”
refers to divine presence of God in the world
How Jews study and understand their faith and connect to Shekhinah
Through the Tenakh
Yeshiva
The Talmud
Rabbi teachings through the ages
Yeshiva definition
Jewish school of Talmudic study
Divergence beliefs in study
Orthodox yeshiva schools focus on Torah
Hassidic (most strict) Jews reject secular (non-religious) study and focus in textual learning
How Jews connect with Shekhinah
Study of Torah
Worship
Prayer
How Jews worship to connect to Shekhinah
Exodus 25:8 states they should build a tabernacle which keeps His presence with them
How Jews pray to connect to Shekhinah
Certain prayers can only be done with Shekhinah like Kaddish and Barachu
Talmud Senhedrin 39a
God is present in response to prayer 2 Chronicles 6, 7:1
Messiah definition
“anointed one”
the one who will be anointed as king of Israel in Messianic Age
Not found in Torah but mentioned frequently by Jewish prophets
Characteristics of Messiah
Political leader Descendant of King David Smart in Jewish law Charismatic, inspiring leader Great military leader Righteous judge Human being
Messiahship in Scripture
Bring about redemption spiritually and politically
Establish a just worldwide government centre in Israel for everyone
Restore religious court systems and establish it as law of the land
Rebuild temple and re-establish worship there
Orthodox beliefs of Messiah
Messiah has come and is ruling the world
Reform beliefs of Messiah
Messianic age is better time of peace and harmony
Other beliefs of Messiah
Possibility of Messiah in every generation
There is a set date for Messianic Age or it’ll come when most needed or deserved (Tikkun Olam)
General Jewish belief of Messiah
Time of peace with no more hatred, intolerance or war
World will recognise only Jewish God as one true God and Judaism as only true religion
All Jewish people will return to Israel
Jewish definition of covenant
Agreement between God and Jewish people
Formed in love and creates important relationship
Can only be created and sealed with oath
Brit olam definition
everlasting covenant
Mount Sinai beliefs
God made covenant with Jewish people but those who didn’t obey were punished
Moses was given Decalogue in stone, as well as 613 mitzvots
Also given Torah and Talmud
Every Jewish soul that would ever be born was at covenant
Importance of Torah
Contains Law of covenant
Guide for Jewish living today
Bound to follow teachings due to covenant
Study of Torah forms significant part of Jewish education
Importance of Abraham and his covenant
Founder of Judaism
Was first given the promised land
Role model for Jews as followed God’s orders to keep covenant
How covenant affects Jews today
Obeying mitzvots helps fulfil Abrahamic covenant
Jewish men still circumcised as symbol of covenant
Birth of Isaac shows God’s power to Jews today
Exodus 3:8
“A land flowing with milk and honey”
Describes promised land
How promised land affects Jews today
Many Jewish laws only can be implemented there
Daily Sabbath prayers and festivals hope for return to it
Living outside of Israel is viewed as exile by some Jews
Why life is holy
Jews are made in image of God
Comes from God so is holy
Gift from God Son needs to be protected
Pikuach Nefesh definition
Preservation of life over any other religious law
Why Jews follow Pikuach Nefesh
Teaching found in Torah and Talmud and are obliged to follow it
Preserves life as gift from God
Important guide to daily life
Examples of Pikuach Nefesh
Abortion - only and mandatory when mother’s life is at risk
Euthanasia - most disagree but understand when people commit suicide
Organ donation - allowed to save a life but only if doesn’t speed up death of donor
Importance of moral principles / mitzvots
Commands from God (found in Torah)
Form part of Abrahamic covenant
Believed that they are judged when they die based on how they followed Mitzvots
aids relationships with God and other people
Relevance of mitzvots
From God so always relevant
Some are outdated and should be seen in light of culture
Basis of Sinai covenant and Jewish faith
Following mitzvots may bring Messiah sooner (Tikkun Olam)
Some Jews use free will to choose what they wish to follow
gemilut hasadim definition
Acts of loving kindness Includes: Visiting the sick Feeding the hungry Comforting mourners Helping the poor
Jewish afterlife names
Gan Eden (“eternal heaven”)
Gehinnom (“temporary hell / purgatory”)
Sheol (common grave for all)
Olam Ha-Ba (The World to Come)
Ecclesiastes 12:7
“Thus the dust returns to the ground, as it was, and the Spirit returns to God Who gave it”
The soul goes to the afterlife or becomes part of Him
Why are there little teachings about life after death?
Focuses on life here and now so little reference in Scripture
Most teachings formed by Rabbis and prophets over time
Jewish beliefs of life after death
Soul is judged by God after death
Gan Eden is eternal while Gehinnom is temporary
Nearly all Jews believe in resurrection of the dead at the end of the world
Olam Ha-Ba comes when Messiah comes
Divergent beliefs on life after death
May be judged on solely on belief or may also include action
May occur when messiah comes, or may just occur without Messiah
Importance of life after death
Jews aim to follow mitzvots to be judged fairly after death
Gives meaning and purpose to life of Jews
