Judaism Beliefs and Teachings

Question 1

Characteristics of God as One

Answer 1

God is a single unity who is whole, complete, and invisible. It is impossible to divide God into parts.
God is the only being to whom Jews should offer praise and power.

‘Hear, O israel: Hashem is our God, Hashem is the one and only.’ (Shema)

Question 2

Characteristics of God as the Creator

Answer 2

Many Orthodox Jews believe everything in the universe was created by God

God created humans from dust, granting them understanding and speech. Reform and Liberal Jews regard the creation story as a metaphor and believe in evolution, but as beginning with God as creator.

‘And Hashem God formed the man of dust from the ground, and He blew into his nostrils and soul of life; and man became a living being.’(Genesis 2:7)

Question 3

Characteristics of God as a Lawgiver

Answer 3

God gave the law to Moses on Mount Sinai.

In Exodus the Jewish people were freed from slavery in Egypt but needed guidance. God gave them the law so they could lead good lives.

Only God has the power to rule and judge, to save and destroy.

‘For Hashem is our judge; Hashem is our lawgiver; Hashem is our king; He will save us.’ (Isaiah 33.22)

Question 4

Characteristics of God as a Judge

Answer 4

God’s justice and mercy are perfectly balanced.

When Moses and Jewish people accepted the Law, they formed a covenant with God to keep it. God judges how well they keep moral and ritual laws. Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur are times of particular judgement during the year for Jews.

Question 5

What is the Shekhinah

Answer 5

Shekhinah means ‘to settle or dwell’ and refers to the divine presence of God within the created world. This is important in relation to:

The study of the Tenakh and Talmud

The Tabernacle and worship today.

The divine presence of God is felt in different, subtle ways by Jews: in study, worship and prayer.

Question 6

How do Jews experience the Shekinah through Study

Answer 6

Study of the Tenakh and Talmud is an important part of being Jewish.

Study is regarded as an act of worship and the Shekinah is present. Study of the Tenakh is done by both men and women: all Jews are encouraged to connect with God through study. This may take place in a yeshiva, but Jews can study at any time. The Talmud (Oral Law) evolved through and contains discussions between Rabbi’s since the start of Jewish history.

‘If two sit together and the words between them are of the Torah, then the Shekhinah is in their midst.’

Question 7

How do Jews experience the Shekinah through Prayer

Answer 7

‘Wherever ten are gathered together for prayer, there the Shekhinah rests.’(Talmud)

Jews can pray alone or as part of a minyan. When Jews pray as a community they believe God is present. Certain prayers like the Kaddish and Barachu can only be said with a minyan in the presence of God.

Tenakh also references the presence of God in response to prayer. Solomon dedicates the newly built Temple to God, and when he has finished his prayers, he and the Jewish people are overcome with God’s power.

Question 8

Messiah

Answer 8

Messiah means ‘anointed one.’ The belief in the eventual arrival of the Messiah is a fundamental Jewish belief.

The Messiah is the one who will be anointed as the king of Israel in the End of Days (Messianic Age)

The concept is not found in the Torah but was mentioned frequently by Jewish prophets. The prophets assured the Jewish people that if they obeyed God then a Messiah, a leader, might come to restore them and improve society.

‘Behold the days are coming…a king will reign and prosper…’(Jeremiah23:5-6)

Question 9

What do Jews believe the Messiah will be

Answer 9

A great political leader descended from King David. (Jeremiah 23:5)

Know Jewish law and observe its commandments. (Isaiah 11:2-5)

A charismatic leader, others will follow his example

A military leader who will win Battles for Israel

A judge who makes righteous decisions

A human being

Question 10

How is the Messiah shown in the scriptures

Answer 10

He will bring redemption politically and spiritually, by restoring Israel and Jerusalem. (Isaiah, Jeremiah, Hosea)

He will establish a just government in Israel which will be the centre of all government for all Jews and gentiles. (Isaiah)

He will restore the religious court system and establish Jewish law of the land. (Jeremiah)

He will rebuild the Temple and re-establish worship there. (Jeremiah)

Question 11

Divergent understandings of the Messiah

Answer 11

Olam Ha-Ba is term used to describe Messianic age. A time of peace with no more hatred, violence or war.

The Jewish God will be the only true God and Judaism will be the only true religion.

All Jewish people living in exile will return to their home in Israel.

Question 12

Alternate opinions on the Messiah

Answer 12

Some believe there is a possibility of a Messiah in every generation

Some believe God has already set a date for the Messianic Age, or when he is most needed or deserved.

Jews reject the idea Jesus is the Messiah as he did not fulfil their expectations for a Messiah.

Question 13

What is a Covenant

Answer 13

A covenant is an agreement between two parties. Both parties need to keep certain conditions or fulfil obligations. For Jews this is between God and the Jewish people. It is formed in love and creates an important relationship. A covenant can only be created and sealed with an oath.

Question 14

What does Brit Olam mean

Answer 14

Brit olam means an everlasting covenant and makes it clear Jews believe God will not break his covenant with his people. ‘For you are a holy people to Hashem, your God…’ (Deuteronomy)

Question 15

Covenant at Sinai

Answer 15

God appeared to Moses in form of a burning bush and told him to lead his people to freedom. The ten plagues began. The final plague allowed Moses to leave with his people. He crossed the Reed Sea and took the people to Mount Sinai.

This covenant identified the Jews as the chosen people of God. They were ‘chosen for responsibility.’ The Ten Commandments were inscribed in stone. The Torah was given to the Jews to lead an obedient life. Moses was also given the Oral Law, later written in the Talmud.

‘The entire people responded together and said, ‘everything that Hashem has spoken we shall do.’ (Exodus)

Question 16

Why is the Covenant at Mount Sinai important for Jews today

Answer 16

The covenant at Mount Sinai is important for Jews today because it remains a guide for Jewish living today. Jews believe they must follow the teachings in the Torah-obedience will be blessed and disobedience punished. Torah scrolls are stored in the Ark. The most important reading is said on the Sabbath. Study of the Torah is an important part of Jewish education.

The covenant at Sinai is central to Jewish understanding of itself as a people, and the gift of the Torah is celebrated every year at the festival of Shavuot.

Question 17

When are the Ten Commandments heard

Answer 17

The Ten Commandments are heard in the synagogue three times a year: in the readings of Exodux, Deuteronomy and during the festival of Shavuot. However, many Rabbis will remind Jews that all 613 mitzvots are important, not just the first 10.

Question 18

Why is Abraham important for Judaism

Answer 18

Abraham is important because he is the founder of Judaism. His son Isaac and grandson Jacob are known as the patriarchs and are physical/spiritual ancestors of Judaism.

Abraham believed the universe was the work of one single creator. This was unusual as most early religions believed in more than one god

Question 19

How did Abraham seal the covenant

Answer 19

Abraham sealed the covenant by circumcising himself and all the males in his family. For Jews, Abraham represents the start of the Jewish faith and they regard it as the start of the covenant between God and the Jewish people.

Question 20

How was God’s promise fulfilled in the Covenant with Abraham

Answer 20

In the covenant God promised ‘to make you a great nation.’ Abraham and Sarah did not have any children at this point. So, Abraham had a son called Ishmael with Sarah’s servant. Later the promise was fulfilled and Sarah had a son whom they named Isaac. Abraham’s faith was tested when he was asked by God to sacrifice Isaac. He was prepared to do this but God stopped Abraham and told him it was a test of obedience.

Question 21

How does the Covenant with Abraham affect Jews today

Answer 21

There are 3 parts to the covenant which Jews believe are still to be fulfilled: the Promised Land (Israel), a great nation, and blessing and redemption.

Jews believe the covenant at Sinai gave them laws to live by (Ten Commandments) and by obeying them they are also fulfilling the Abrahamic covenant.

Jewish men today are still circumcised as a symbol of this covenant.

The birth of Isaac shows Jews God keeps his promises

Question 22

What does the Misnah say about Life

Answer 22

Life is given by God and is therefore sacred. ‘…he who destroys one soul of a human being, the Scripture considers him as if he destroys a whole world…’ Misnah

Question 23

What is Pikauch Nefesh

Answer 23

The principle in Jewish law that states the preservation of human life overrides any other religious law is called Pikuach Nefesh.

Question 24

Almost any Jewish law can be broken to save a human life. The exceptions are murder, idolatry, incest and adultery. Judaism requires a person to break commandments to help human life: ‘you shall not stand aside while your fellow blood is shed.’ (Leviticus 19:16)

Answer 24

Almost any Jewish law can be broken to save a human life. The exceptions are murder, idolatry, incest and adultery. Judaism requires a person to break commandments to help human life: ‘you shall not stand aside while your fellow blood is shed.’ (Leviticus 19:16)

Question 25

Why is all human life regarded as Holy in Judiasm

Answer 25

Human life is holy because all life comes from God and is created in his image. ‘ Let us make Man in Our image…So God created Man in his image.’ (Genesis 1:26-27) Every life is linked to the first creation of man by God.

Question 26

Human life in the Torah

Answer 26

The Torah teaches that those who break the rules should be held accountable for their actions. The consequences of taking life are set out: ‘And a man-if he strikes mortally any human life, he shall be put to death.’ (Leviticus 24:17-18)

Question 27

What does the Torah say about Human life

Answer 27

Jews believe the Torah when it says ‘an eye for an eye and tooth for a tooth’ (Exodus 21:23-24)

The person who has done wrong should reflect on the damage caused to his fellow human’s quality of life. He/She should beg for forgiveness from the injured part and do Teshuva to seek forgiveness from God.

Question 28

Pikuach Nefesh today

Answer 28

A person who is ill is not allowed to fast on Yom Kippur like everyone else.

Doctors are allowed to answer emergency calls on Shabbat.

Abortions to save the life of the mother are justified.

Jews are not allowed to do anything to hasten death, Euthanasia, assisted suicide and suicide are forbidden.

Turning off a life support machine is permitted, if the patient cannot live without it.

Question 29

Divergent understandings of Pikauch Nefesh

Answer 29

Judaism does not support assisted dying in anyway as life if holy. However, although suicide is forbidden, it is usually looked at with understanding and sympathy.

Abortion is more complicated. Orthodox permits for saving the mother’s life or mental health reasons. Reform/Liberal allow wider circumstances such as social and medical issues.

Question 30

What are the only conditions Orthodox Jews can donate organs

Answer 30

Donation of an organ from a living person where donor’s health is not endangered, and there is a patient waiting is permitted and encouraged.

Donation from a dead body is also permitted for the purpose of saving a life.

Difficulties arise in defining death because most organs need to be transplanted before the heart stops beating, which suggests their removal causes death. Discussion is ongoing about what is acceptable.

Question 31

Nature and importance of the Mitzvot

Answer 31

There are 613 Mitzvot in the Torah. The Halakhah (laws) teaches Jews how to perform or fulfil the Mitzvot. Rabbi Maimonides was one of the first scholars to compile lists of what the Mitzvot are in the Misneh Torah. One of the books is called the ‘Book of Knowledge.’ It deals with correct belief and explains that idea that the foundation of everything is God.

Question 32

Why do Jews believe the Mitzvot were given by God to Moses

Answer 32

Jews believe the Mitzvot were given by God to Moses within the Torah. It was part of the covenant at Sinai. The consequence of disobedience was punishment. ‘I present before you today a blessing and a curse.’ (Deuteronomy 11:26-28)

Question 33

The Mitzvot and free will

Answer 33

In Genesis 15, God tells Abraham his descendents will be enslaved, freed and then return to Canaan. However, Jews still believe they have free will as well.

Today, Jews agree to live by the Mitzvot God set out. The commandments are right and set out the best way to live. Everyday decisions are to choose between right and wrong. This is free will in Judaism. Those who choose to do good and obey the commandments will be rewarded and those who choose to disobey will be punished.

Question 34

Mitzvot between humans and the almighty

Answer 34

The mitzvot reflect Judaism’s understanding of what it means to live a Jewish life. Jews obey because God requires it.

Some commentators suggest the Law was a kindly gift from God rather than rules.

Observing the Mitzvot is one way Jews show gratitude for God rescuing them from slavery in Egypt.

Mitzvot are acts which show Jews the best way to live. Observing them deepens their relationship with God.

Judaism has sometimes been criticised for having so many rules. Most Jews claim this is not the best way to observe Mitzvot.

Mitzvot gives meaning to every day occurrences. E.G Saying blessings before and after meals.

Reform Jews believe the Torah is divinely inspired rather than the literal word of God. They are more selective on which Mitzvot is relevant and ethical rather than following all.

Question 35

Mitzvot between humans

Answer 35

Mitzvot can also be used informally in Judaism to mean ‘good deed.’ These could include acts of loving kindness such as:

-visiting the sick

-comforting mourners

-feeding the hungry

-clothing the naked (helping the poor)

Question 36

Importance of the Mitzvot today

Answer 36

Study of the Torah and Talmud is an act of worship. Rabbis and scholars continue to analyse the Mitzvot.

This makes Judaism a living religion, which considers the issues of modern life in light of tradition and scripture.

Many laws are no longer practiced today. E.G animal sacrifice.

The Talmud is the starting point for modern day questions such as organ donation and abortion.

Some modern decisions are controversial. There are disputes as each Rabbi looks for guidance in ancient texts for modern challenges. The Mitzvot continue to guide Jews in the modern world.

Question 37

Jewish teachings about the afterlife

Answer 37

‘Thus the dust returns to the ground, as it was, and the spirit returns to God who gave it.’ (Ecclesiastes 12:7)

The quote suggests the soul of the individual returns to God. This could mean an afterlife with God or being part of him. There is no certain teaching.

Jewish teachings are formed mainly through Rabbis/scholars such as Maimonides:

‘I believe with prefect faith there will be a revival of the dead at the time when it shall please the creator.’ (Maimonides)

Question 38

Jewish beliefs about reuniting

Answer 38

The Torah suggests a reunion with people who have died before.

Exodus 31:14 ‘that soul shall be cut off.’ Those who break the Mitzvot will be punished in the afterlife through exclusion. However, there is no foxed view on what that punishment

Question 39

Jewish beliefs about reward and punishment

Answer 39

Gan Eden (heaven) is not defined within Jewish scripture. The Tenakh speaks more clearly about life after death:

‘Many of those who sleep in the dusty earth will awaken: these for everlasting life and these forshame, for everlasting abhorrence…’ (Daniel 12:2-3)

Question 40

The nature of resurrection and judgement

Answer 40

Orthodox Jews believe the promised Messiah will come to lead a Messianic Age.

The righteous will be resurrected and live in a restored Israel.

It will be a time of peace when the Temple will be rebuilt.

Reform Jews share some beliefs but reject the idea of an individual Messiah.

Question 41

Gan eden

Answer 41

Ancient Rabbis often talked about Gan Eden as a place where righteous people go after they die. But it is unclear whether this would happen straight after death or at some point in the future or even whether it is something achieved at the end of time.

‘The pious of all nations of the world have a portion in the world to come.’ (Maimonides) This quote included Gentiles (non-Jews) can be judged as righteous if they have followed the Seven Laws of Noah.

Question 42

Gehinom

Answer 42

Thought of as a place of punishment for unrighteous souls. Those who neglected the Torah would go there. However, only for a time for their souls to be cleansed before moving on to Gan Eden.