2.1 jewish beliefs and teachings - exam questions

Question 1

A: Outline three names for God in Judaism. (3 marks)

Answer 1

Firstly, a Jewish name for God is the Tetragrammaton, written YHVH.
Secondly, El is another name.
Thirdly, Adonai is another name.

Question 2

A Outline three beliefs about the Almighty as Creator. (3)

Answer 2

Firstly, God is good, as the Creator of all that exists.
Secondly, God is transcendent, beyond or ‘outside’ the universe.
Thirdly, God is immanent, inside, involved with and caring for the universe.

Question 3

C: Explain two characteristics of the Almighty God of Judaism. In your answer, you must refer to a source of wisdom and authority. (5 marks)

Answer 3

Firstly, the Almighty is lawgiver. God gives the Torah (the law) to Moses, so that the Jews can live good and happy lives, according to God’s will.
Secondly, God is the Creator of everything - as Genesis 1, says God is the maker of ‘heaven and earth’.

Question 4

D: ‘The characteristic which best describes the Almighty in Judaism is Creator’. Evaluate this statement, considering arguments for and against. In your answer you should:
Refer to Jewish teachings
Reach a justified conclusion.

Answer 4

This is quite a claim, and one which will cause plenty of debate.

It is certainly true that the idea of God as Creator is very important in Judaism. If there was no creation, the Jews would not have been created and they could not think of God as anything else (such as Lawgiver or Judge). In Genesis 1, the creation story tells how the omnipotent God created everything: ‘the heavens and the earth’. The story continues to explain how God worked for six days to create everything on earth, including humans, making them in God’s image. The Creation story teaches Jewish people to believe that God is a good and loving (benevolent) Creator, who made the whole universe. God’s creation is good and a gift to human beings. Creation is to be used properly and looked after (humans have stewardship of God’s creation). While God is beyond the universe (transcendent), he is also involved with the universe and cares for it. All life is holy (the sanctity of life) and a gift from God, so humans should look after it and have no right to destroy it. Jews believe we are meant to look after creation and life, because we are made in the image of God (eg. we have intelligence and the ability to love). Though some Jews (especially Orthodox Jews) take the Genesis story literally, many Jews see it as a story and see no contradiction between Genesis and the Big Bang and evolution. They believe the creation story in Genesis is a symbolic story, a metaphor, which teaches many truths about God and his relationship with creation.

So the idea of God as Creator is very important for Jews. However, there are also other qualities of God that are also important - such as oneness, lawgiver and judge. Some might argue that that God’s oneness, the unity of God, is the most important of all God’s qualities for the Jews. The Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4-9) is the central prayer of Judaism: “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord.” Some Jews might think that it is more important to believe that the Almighty is a divine presence in the world, guiding them through the laws he gave to Moses on Mount Sinai to help them live well and happily. The Jewish people believe that they will be judged on whether they have lived by these laws, and so some Jews might say that the Almighty’s role as Judge is the most important quality (although his judgment is balanced by his mercy).

In conclusion, I disagree with the statement because I think that the most important quality of God for the Jews is that God is one, as shown by the fact they pray the Shema twice a day in the morning and evening.

Question 5

B Explain two reasons the Shekhinah is important. (4 marks)

Answer 5

Firstly, the Temple (on Mount Zion) in Jerusalem was the place of the Shekhinah, and this is part of the reason why Jews today look upon Jerusalem as such a great and sacred city.
Secondly, Moses was surrounded by the Shekhinah on Mount Sinai when he received the Torah. The Torah contained the Mitzvot (commandments), and so the Torah and Mitzvot are thought to be the words of God by Jews today and are studied.

Question 6

(b) Explain two ways the divine presence is shown in the Torah. (5)

Answer 6

Firstly, the divine presence is seen in the Tabernacle, which is viewed as the dwelling place for the Almighty as he accompanies Israel and Moses throughout the desert.
Secondly, the divine presence is shown as fire. For example, when Moses sees the burning bush in Exodus 3, the voice says his name is ‘I am’. Or when Israel and Moses travel by night, God goes before them in a fire.
(You could also say: The divine presence is seen as a cloud when the Almighty gave Moses the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai).

Question 7

C Explain two reasons the Shekhinah is important. In your answer you must refer a source of wisdom and authority. (5 marks)

Answer 7

Firstly, the Temple (on Mount Zion) in Jerusalem was the place of the Shekhinah, and this is part of the reason why Jews today look upon Jerusalem as such a great and sacred city.
Secondly, Moses was surrounded by the Shekhinah on Mount Sinai when he received the Torah. The Torah contained the Mitzvot (commandments), and so the Torah and Mitzvot are thought to be the words of God by Jews today and are studied.

Question 8

C Explain two ways Jews connect with the Shekhinah. In your answer you must refer to a source of wisdom and authority. (5 marks)

Answer 8

Firstly, study is looked upon as an act of worship, and as such the Shekhinah is also present: ‘If two sit together and the words between them are of the Torah, then the Shekhinah is in their midst.’ (Rabbi Hananiah ben Teradion)
Secondly, whenever Jews pray as a community (eg. a minyan, group of ten adults over the age of 13), they believe God is present. Certain prayers (eg. the Kaddish, a prayer of praise blessing God’s name, or the Barachu, a call to prayer) can only be said with a minyan.
“Whenever ten are gathered for prayer, there the Shekhinah rests.” Talmud Sanhedrin 39a

Question 9

A Outline three things that Jews believe about the Messiah. (3 marks)

Answer 9

A Firstly some Jews believe that the Messiah will be a great political leader.
Secondly, some believe that he will know the Jewish law and keep its commandments.
Thirdly, some believe he will be a great military leader.

Question 10

C Explain 2 reasons why Jewish people lived in expectation of the Messiah. In your answer you must refer to a source of wisdom and authority. (5 marks)

Answer 10

The Jews expected a Messiah who bring about redemption spiritually and politically. He would restore them to Israel and to Jerusalem (Isaiah 11).
Secondly, he would be a great and just judge, making fair decisions. He would also make Israel the centre of all worldwide government.

Question 11

C Explain two ways the Messiah is understood by different Jews. In your answer you must refer to a source of wisdom and authority. (5)

Answer 11

First, even the Orthodox have different ideas about the Messiah. Perhaps he will be a great political leader, a bit like King David, the great leader from Jewish history. ‘Out of you will be born for me the one who is to rule over Israel; his origin goes back to the distant past, to the days of old’ (Micah 5:2) Or perhaps he would be a just judge, ruling fairly.
Secondly, some Liberal-Reform Jews may see the Messiah in the way the Orthodox Jews do, but some may not even think that there will be such a thing as a personal Messiah in the future. They think that it is the responsibility of Jews and other people to usher in the Messianic Age with tikkun olam (acts that heal the world).

Question 12

A: Outline three events of the Covenant at Sinai. (3)

Answer 12

Firstly, the Jews travelled from Egypt to Mount Sinai.
Secondly, Moses went up the mountain.
Thirdly, the Almighty gave Moses the Ten Commandments.

Question 13

B Explain two reasons why the covenant at Sinai is important for Jews. (4 marks)

Answer 13

First, the Torah (first 5 books of the Tenakh which Jews believe were given to Moses at Sinai in the covenant) is the most important part of the Tenakh, as it contains the Law of the covenant at Sinai. These remain a guide for Jewish living today.
Second, Jews believe they are bound to keeping the Law/Torah because of the covenant made by Moses. Obedience will be blessed and disobedience punished.

Question 14

C Explain two ways the Torah is a vital part of Jewish life. In your answer you must refer to a source of wisdom and authority. (5 marks)

Answer 14

First, the Torah is the most important part of the Tenakh, as it contains the Law of the covenant at Sinai. These remain a guide for Jewish living today.
Second, Torah scrolls are stored in the Aron Kodesh (= Ark). The most important reading is on the Shabbat (Sabbath = Saturday) when 7 members of the congregation are called up to read the Torah. A designated reader will chant the passage on their behalf.

Question 15

C Explain two reasons why the Decalogue is important for Jews. In your answer you must refer to a source of wisdom and authority. (5 marks)

Answer 15

First of all, the Decalogue forms the basis of the Covenant between the Almighty and Moses and the people, when the Almighty gave the law to Moses on Mount Sinai and said: ‘I am the Lord your God’ (Exodus 20).
Second, the Almighty promises loving kindness (= hesed) to those who keep the Ten Commandments. One of these commandments is (you can add here any of the 10 commandments that you can remember) remaining faithful only to him: ‘You shall have no other gods before me’ (Exodus 20).

Question 16

D “The most important covenant for the Jews was the one at Sinai.”
Evaluate this statement considering arguments for and against.
In your response you should:
Refer to Jewish teachings
Reach a justified conclusion (15)

Answer 16

Some Jews would see this statement as being correct. They would say that the covenant at Sinai was arranged with the Jewish people through Moses. Moses is seen by many Jews, therefore, as the most important figure in their history (Moshe Rabbenu, ‘Moses our teacher’) because he spoke with God on Sinai and was given both the written Torah/Law and the oral Torah, which influences Jewish life today. The written Torah affects Jews in their daily lives all over the world and constitutes the heart of the 613 mitzvah by which they order so many areas of life (food, worship, ethics, etc.) and the oral Torah (along with the Genarah) constitutes a substantial part of the Talmud, which is also an important source of wisdom and authority for the Jews.

However, some Jews might argue that the Abrahamic covenant is the most important covenant. Circumcision (Brit Milah) of Jewish males is the abiding physical sign of this covenant. Abraham was the first person to recognise the oneness of the Almighty, and this is important because this monotheistic recognition is considered to be the beginning of Judaism. Abraham was a man of great faith and left everything behind because of his trust in God’s promises (and was even willing to sacrifice his son for God). Abraham was promised many descendants as part of the covenant, and Jews today believe that they are those descendants. Additionally he was promised a land, and went in search of it. Jews today believe they are faithful to the Abrahamic covenant by living in Israel. The Jews believe that they are God’s chosen people, given to the world to bring all peoples to the true God, as God promised Abraham when he said that through him and his descendants all the nations will be blessed.

Of course, it is also possible to claim that the two covenants we have just discussed are equal in importance because God chose to enter into a covenant with both Abraham and Moses.

After considering both sides, it is clear to me that, since there are significant individual contributions from both Abraham and Mosaic covenants to Jewish life today, the claim made in the statement is incorrect and there is no need to argue which is the more important.

Question 17

A Outline 3 reasons Abraham is important to Jews. (3 marks)

Answer 17

Abraham is a great covenant figure and the first person to believe in one God.
Abraham is considered to be the founder and father of the Jewish people
He is one of the Patriarchs, alongside his son Isaac, and his grandson Jacob (Israel).

Question 18

B Explain two ways the covenant with Abraham is important for Jews. (4 marks)

Answer 18

First of all, it marked the beginning of the religion of Judaism, because it united the people under one Almighty God (Abraham is thought to be the first person to recognise only one God).
Secondly, it was the start of the idea of a Jewish homeland, because Abraham was promised the land of Canaan (the Promised Land).
(You might also have answered that the Almighty made Abraham the father of a great nation and promised to look after them).

Question 19

C: Explain two reasons why the Covenant with Abraham is important for many Jews.

Answer 19

First of all, it marked the beginning of the religion of Judaism, because it united the people under one Almighty God (Abraham is thought to be the first person to recognise only one God).
Secondly, it was the start of the idea of a Jewish homeland, because Abraham was promised the land of Canaan (the Promised Land) in Genesis 17.
(You might also have answered that the Almighty made Abraham the father of a great nation and promised to look after them in Genesis 17. Or that Jews still hope to live in the Promised Land (Israel) today, as a great nation redeemed by God. They say prayers for Israel as part of the Sabbath and also in the daily prayers and the big Jewish festivals. They want to make Aliyah (return to Jerusalem/Israel). Or that Jewish men are still circumcised today as a sign of this covenant made with Abraham in Genesis 17. This is a sign that they want their sons to be brought up in the Jewish religion.).

Question 20

C Explain two ways the covenant with Abraham affects Jewish life today. In your answer you must refer to a source of wisdom and authority. (5 marks)

Answer 20

Firstly, Jews still hope to live in the Promised Land (Israel) today, as a great nation redeemed by God. They say prayers for Israel as part of the Sabbath and also in the daily prayers and the big Jewish festivals. They want to make Aliyah (return to Jerusalem/Israel).
Secondly, Jewish men are still circumcised today as a sign of this covenant made with Abraham in Genesis 17. This is a sign that they want their sons to be brought up in the Jewish religion.

Question 21

C Explain two Jewish beliefs about circumcision. In your answer you must refer to a source of wisdom and authority. (5 marks)

Answer 21

One Jewish teaching about circumcision is that baby boys should be circumcised on the 8th day. The parents are making a promise to bring the baby boy up in the Jewish faith and keeping the Abrahamic covenant.
Another Jewish belief about circumcision is that it contradicts God’s commands and could create medical issues. Leviticus 19 states that humans should not make marks or cuts in their flesh. Instead some Liberal/Reform Jews may celebrate the birth of a baby boy with a Brit Shalom.

Question 22

A: Outline three ways belief in the sanctity of life is shown by Jews. (3)

Answer 22

Firstly one of the Ten Commandments is not to kill. Second, most Jews would not accept euthanasia.
Third, most Jews will not accept capital punishment.

Question 23

C: Explain two reasons why protecting human life is important for Jews. In your answer you must refer to a source of wisdom and authority. (5)

Answer 23

Jews believe that human life is the prime concern, because life is God’s gift, and therefore sacred. In Genesis 1 we are told that God created humans in his own image.
Also, the Talmud says that all people are descended from a single person, and so to take a human life is like destroying the entire world.

Question 24

A Outline three good deeds to human beings that some Jews would consider Mitzvah. (3 marks)

Answer 24

First, visiting the sick.
Second, feeding the hungry.
Third, clothing the naked.

Question 25

C Explain two reasons why Jews believe it is important to follow Mitzvot. In your answer you must refer to a source of wisdom and authority. (5 marks)

Answer 25

First, some Jews (eg. Orthodox) believe that the Mitzvot were given by God to Moses on Mount Sinai. Therefore, because they are direct commands from God, and by following them the Jews fulfil the Mosaic covenant.

Second, some Jews say that the Law was a kind gift from God (rather than a set of bossy rules!) to help them govern themselves after a long period being governed by others in slavery, acts which show Jews the best way to live happy lives. Therefore observing these Mitzvot is a way of thanking God for rescuing them from slavery, a way of deepening relationship with God, and a way of being happy.

Question 26

B Explain two Jewish beliefs about life after death. (4)

Answer 26

Firstly, there is a general understanding among Jewish people that death is not the end, that there is a world to come (olam ha-ba). It needs to be said, however, that Judaism is far more focused on life in this world, the here and now, rather than an afterlife. Because of this focus, because Judaism stretches back thousands of years, and because the Jewish people consider that God’s ways are beyond our understanding, there is no single Jewish understanding among Jewish people about the nature of life after death.
Secondly, ancient Rabbis talked about Gan Eden as the place where the righteous go after death, although it is not clear whether this happens straight after death with their souls, or at some point in the future, perhaps during the Messianic Age, or whether it is the resurrected dead (soul and body) at the end of time.

Question 27

C Explain two Jewish beliefs about life after death. In your answer you must refer to a source of wisdom and authority. (5 marks)

Answer 27

First, Judaism is far more focused on life in this world, the here and now, rather than an afterlife. Because of this focus, because Judaism stretches back thousands of years, and because the Jewish people consider that God’s ways are beyond our understanding, there is no single Jewish understanding among Jewish people about the nature of life after death. There is a general understanding among Jewish people, however, that death is not the end.
Second, ancient Rabbis talked about Gan Eden as the place where the righteous go after death, although it is not clear whether this happens straight after death with their souls, or at some point in the future, eg. during the Messianic Age, or whether it is the resurrected dead (soul and body) at the end of time. Maimonides said that the pious of all nations of the world have a portion in the world to come’. This happens if they follow the seven laws of Noah.