Judaism: Beliefs Flashcards
(96 cards)
1
Q
Monotheism
A
The belief in the existence and oneness of God.
2
Q
Shema
A
A Jewish prayer which affirms the belief in one God, found in the Torah.
3
Q
Torah
A
- First Section of Jewish Bible and Source of Authority.
- Given by God to Prophet Moses over the span of 40 years.
- The ‘Written Law’.
- First 5 books of Moses.
4
Q
Talmud
A
- A collection of teachings, commentary, and opinions of thousands of rabbis on a variety of subjects in relation to the Torah.
- Consists of the Mishnah and Gemara together.
- The ‘Oral Law’.
- Considered as an attempt to explain the Torah and relate it to life.
5
Q
Omnipotent
A
One who is almighty and has unlimited power or authority.
6
Q
Omniscient
A
One who knows everything, and has infinite awareness, understanding, and insight.
7
Q
Omnipresent
A
One who is present in all places at one time.
8
Q
Shabbat
A
Jewish Holy Day of spiritual renewal, from Friday sunset till Saturday sunset.
Celebrates God resting on the seventh day.
9
Q
Mitzvot
A
The 613 Jewish commandments/rules found in the Torah, with the first 10 (the Ten Commandments) given from God to Moses at Mount Sinai.
10
Q
Mitzvah
A
A Jewish law/commandment (singular for ‘mitzvot’)
11
Q
Mitzvot: between man & God
A
The section of the Mitzvot that sets out how man should worship God
12
Q
The Temple
A
- The ancient place of worship in Jerusalem that was central to Jewish religious life at the time of Jesus.
- Considered, even today, as the most holy place for Jews.
- There were two Temples in Jewish history:
- The First Temple – Built by King Solomon around 960 BCE, it was the primary place of Jewish worship and sacrifice until it was destroyed by the Babylonians in 586 BCE.
- The Second Temple – Rebuilt in 516 BCE after the Babylonian exile and later expanded by King Herod, it was the religious and cultural heart of Judaism until its destruction by the Romans in 70 CE.
- Around the centre was the Holy of Holies, which was believed to be the place of God’s residence, and, so, the meeting place between God and the high-priest.
- Today, only the outer wall, known as the ‘Wailing Wall’, exists.
13
Q
Shekhinah
A
The belief that God can focus his divine presence in a certain place on Earth.
14
Q
Mitzvot: between man and man
A
The section of the mitzvot that sets out how mankind should respect each other.
15
Q
God as Judge
A
Part of the understanding of the nature of God; the belief that God is fair. God’s justice incorporates both forgiveness and mercy.
16
Q
Resurrection
A
Being raised from the dead, or returning to life; part of the beliefs about life after death, that in a future age, the dead will rise and live again.
17
Q
Heaven
A
A spiritual realm where the righteous may be close to God, often linked to Gan Eden or Olam Ha-Ba (the World to Come). Beliefs vary, with a focus on righteous living rather than the afterlife.
18
Q
Sheol
A
A shadowy underworld where all souls go after death, regardless of righteousness. It is not a place of punishment but a temporary state of separation from God.
19
Q
Messiah
A
Literally ‘the anointed one’. Orthodox Jews believe that the Messiah will be a human person sent by God to establish justice and peace on the earth. For Reform Jews, the Messiah is a symbolic figure, or will bring upon the ‘Messianic Age’.
20
Q
Messianic Age
A
- A future time of global peace when everyone will want to become closer to God, possibly through the intervention of the Messiah
- For Orthodox Jews, this will be a time where the Messiah will bring about world peace, and rule over all humans with kindness and justice.
- For Reform Jews, this will be a time of global peace and harmony, which may be brought upon by the Messiah.
21
Q
Promised Land
A
The land of Canaan that God promised to the Jews through Abraham.
22
Q
Covenant
A
- An binding promise/agreement.
- In Judaism, it refers to a special agreement/promise between individuals , often on behalf of the Jews, and God.
- God made a covenant with Abraham, in which he promised to protect, bless, and look after him and his followers.
23
Q
Abraham (originally known as ‘Abram’)
A
- Known as the father of the Jewish people.
- God made a covenant with him, promising him land and descendants.
24
Q
Moses
A
The person through whom God set the Israelites free from slavery in Egypt, gave the Ten Commandments and made a covenant with Israel.
25
Mount Sinai
The mountain where Moses received the Law and where the covenant between God and Israel was made.
26
Sinai Covenant
- The covenant that God gave at Mount Sinai that reinforced the covenant that God had given to Abraham, and told the Jews what they would have to do as their side of the covenant.
- God again promised to stay with the Jews and never to abandon them, because they were his chosen people.
- God told the Jewish People that for their part, they must dedicate themselves to serving God for ever, and to making the world a better and holier place by obeying God's laws.
- The Jews agreed to do this by saying that they'll do all that the Lord has told them to do so.
27
Circumcision
The removal of the foreskin from the penis.
28
Ten Commandments
A source of religious and moral authority/rules that were given as the ten most important Mitzvah by God to Moses on Mount Sinai over 3000 years ago.
29
Justice
A key moral principle, which brings about what is right and fair in the way people are treated, according to the law, or making up for a wrong that has been committed.
30
Healing the World
A key moral principle related to making the world a better place by being involved in God's work to sustain the world, to increase social justice, and/or to preserve the environment.
31
Kindness to Others
A key moral principle regarding positive, caring actions that should be shown to all living things.
32
Charity
A key moral principle about giving to the needy.
- Hebrew term ‘tzedakah’ literally means ‘justice’, but is used to refer to charity, because giving to those in need is part of promoting justice.
- It involves providing help and love to those in need, and supporting not-for-profit organisations, whose main purpose is to help those in need.
33
Sanctity of Life
- The belief that human life is holy, sacred and special because it is a precious creation and gift from God and since it is loved by God.
- It also includes the belief that human life should not be misused and abused.
34
Pikuach Nefesh
- The obligation to save a life, even if doing so breaks Jewish law.
- This principle overrides all other laws because saving a human life should be of upmost importance in any situation.
35
Free Will
- The belief that God gives humans the opportunity of a free choose to do right or wrong, and to make decisions for themselves.
- This freedom is a gift from God, but it comes with responsibility.
36
Tenakh
- The Jewish Bible
- Consists of Three Sections: Torah, Nebi'im, Ketuim
37
Nebi'im
Books of the Prophets
Books about the lives and teachings of the prophets
38
Creator
The one who makes things and brings things about.
39
Orthodox Jews
Jews who emphasise the importance of following the laws and guidance in the Torah; they believe the Torah was given directly by God to Moses, so should be followed as closely as possible.
40
Ultra-Orthodox Jews
Jews who are even more committed than Orthodox Jews to strictly following the laws and guidance in the Torah.
41
Judgement
The belief that God judges a person based on their actions, and either rewards or punishes them as a result.
42
Reform Jews
A branch of Judaism that embraces modern values, adapting Jewish laws and traditions to fit contemporary society while maintaining Jewish identity and ethics.
43
Rabbi
A Jewish religious leader and teacher.
44
What is the core belief about God in Judaism?
Judaism is monotheistic—Jews believe in one God who is indivisible, the only one to be worshipped, and the source of all morality and creation.
45
What is the Shema and its significance?
The Shema is a key Jewish prayer from Deuteronomy 6:4-5, affirming belief in one God and calling Jews to love Him with all their heart, soul, and might.
46
Quote Deuteronomy 6:4-5.
"Hear, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might." (Relevant to: The Nature of God - God as One)
47
How does the belief in God as One influence Jews?
It shapes their view of the world as a meeting with God, who is always present, and guides their morality and values.
48
What do Jews believe about God as Creator?
God created the universe from nothing over six days (Genesis), sustains it, and gave humans free will, necessitating the existence of evil.
49
How do Orthodox Jews interpret the Genesis creation story?
Many Orthodox and ultra-Orthodox Jews believe Genesis happened literally about 6000 years ago and reject evolution.
50
How do other Jews view the Genesis story?
Some Jews interpret Genesis less literally, accepting an older universe and evolution, but still see God as the ultimate creator.
51
What attributes must God have as Creator?
God is omnipotent (all-powerful), omniscient (all-knowing), and omnipresent (everywhere).
52
Why does evil exist according to Jewish belief?
Evil exists because God gave free will, requiring a choice between good and bad, making good actions more significant.
53
Quote Isaiah 45:6-7.
"I am the Lord and there is none else, I form light and create darkness, I make weal and create woe—I the Lord do all these things." (Relevant to: The Nature of God - God as Creator)
54
How do Jews view God as Lawgiver?
God gave 613 laws (mitzvot) in the Torah, including the Ten Commandments, to guide free will and behavior.
55
What is the role of God as Judge?
God judges how well people follow His laws, fairly and mercifully, at Rosh Hashanah and possibly after death.
56
What are the 613 mitzvot part of?
They form the Halakah, the accepted code of conduct for Jewish life.
57
What is the Shekhinah?
The Shekhinah is the divine presence of God on earth, experienced in history.
58
Name two examples of the Shekhinah in Jewish history.
1. The Tabernacle (portable temple). 2. Solomon’s Temple (Isaiah 6:1-2).
59
Quote Isaiah 6:1-2.
"In the year that King Uzziah died, I beheld my Lord seated on a high and lofty throne; and the skirts of His robe filled the Temple. Seraphs stood in attendance on Him." (Relevant to: The Nature of God - God as Lawgiver and Judge; Divine Presence)
60
What is the Promised Land?
The land of Canaan, promised by God to Abraham and his descendants as a place to make a great nation.
61
What did God promise Abraham in their covenant?
To make Abraham the father of many nations and give him Canaan (Genesis 12:1-2).
62
What was required of Abraham in the covenant?
To walk in God’s ways and be blameless (Genesis 17:1), sealed by circumcision.
63
How did God fulfill His promise to Abraham?
God enabled Sarah, despite her old age, to bear Isaac, marking the covenant’s start.
64
Quote Genesis 12:1-2.
"The Lord said to Abram, ‘Go forth from your native land… to the land that I will show you. I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you…’" (Relevant to: The Promised Land and the Covenant with Abraham)
65
Quote Genesis 12:1-2.
"The Lord said to Abram, ‘Go forth from your native land… to the land that I will show you. I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you…’" (Relevant to: The Promised Land and the Covenant with Abraham)
66
What is the covenant at Sinai?
An agreement where God protects the Jews, and they obey His laws (including the Ten Commandments) after escaping Egypt.
67
What are the Ten Commandments?
Ten laws given to Moses by God at Mount Sinai, foundational to Jewish law (Exodus 20:2-14).
68
How are the Ten Commandments divided?
First four focus on relationship with God; last six on relationships with others for a peaceful society.
69
Why are Jews considered the chosen people?
The covenant at Sinai establishes them as God’s people, under His protection if they obey His laws.
70
Who is the Messiah in Judaism?
A future leader, “the anointed one,” who will rule with kindness and justice during the Messianic Age.
71
What is the Messianic Age?
A future time of global peace and harmony when people seek closeness to God.
72
What do Orthodox Jews believe about the Messiah?
A descendant of King David in each generation could become the Messiah if Jews are worthy.
73
What do Reform Jews believe about the Messiah?
They reject a personal Messiah, believing the Messianic Age comes through collective effort for peace.
74
Why don’t Jews believe Jesus was the Messiah?
He didn’t establish the Messianic Age or strictly observe Torah law.
75
What are the three key moral principles in Judaism?
Justice, healing the world (tikkun olam), and kindness to others.
76
What does justice mean to Jews?
Bringing about what is right and fair, a sacred duty (Micah 6:8).
77
Quote Micah 6:8.
"To do justice and to love goodness." (Relevant to: Key Moral Principles in Judaism)
78
How do Jews heal the world?
Through social justice, charity (e.g., World Jewish Relief), or obeying mitzvot to grow closer to God.
79
How do Jews show kindness to others?
Through positive, caring actions, guided by Torah laws like loving others as themselves (Leviticus 19:18).
80
Quote Leviticus 19:18.
"Love your fellow as yourself." (Relevant to: Key Moral Principles in Judaism)
81
Quote Leviticus 19:34.
"The stranger who resides with you… you shall love him as yourself, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt." (Relevant to: Key Moral Principles in Judaism)
82
What is the sanctity of life in Judaism?
Life is sacred and holy because God created it; only God can take it away (Genesis 2).
83
What practices do Jews oppose due to sanctity of life?
Murder and active euthanasia, as they hasten natural death.
84
What is pikuach nefesh?
The duty to save a life, even if it means breaking Jewish laws like Shabbat.
85
Quote Sanhedrin 4:5.
"He who destroys one soul of a human being, the Scripture considers him as if he should destroy a whole world." (Relevant to: Sanctity of Life)
86
What do Jews believe about free will?
God gave humans free will to choose, but actions have consequences—good brings closeness to God, bad does not.
87
What does Genesis 3 teach about free will?
Adam and Eve’s disobedience (eating the fruit) led to banishment, showing free will has serious consequences.
88
What are mitzvot?
613 rules/commandments in the Torah guiding Jews to please God.
89
How are mitzvot categorized?
1. Between man and God (e.g., worship). 2. Between man and man (e.g., kindness).
90
What is the Jewish focus regarding the afterlife?
Jews focus on living well now to please God, not on knowing the afterlife.
91
What do some Jews believe about heaven?
Good souls go to Gan Eden (paradise) to be with God; it’s unclear if it’s physical or spiritual.
92
What is Sheol?
A place of waiting where souls are cleansed, not eternal punishment.
93
What are two beliefs about judgment?
1. Judgment after death (Ecclesiastes 12:7). 2. Judgment on the Day of Judgment after the Messiah (Daniel 12:2).
94
Quote Ecclesiastes 12:7.
"The dust returns to the ground as it was, and the lifebreath returns to God who bestowed it." (Relevant to: Life After Death, Judgment, and Resurrection)
95
Quote Daniel 12:2.
"Many of those that sleep in the dust of the earth will awake, some to eternal life, others to reproaches, to everlasting abhorrence." (Relevant to: Life After Death, Judgment, and Resurrection)
96
What do some Jews believe about resurrection?
Some accept physical/spiritual resurrection; many reject it.
