Judaism: Beliefs Flashcards
(47 cards)
What is the concept and nature of Judaism?
Judaism is a monotheistic religion. This means that Jews believe there is only one God. The belief in God as One is expressed in the Shema - an important Jewish prayer.
What are some key ideas of god being one?
God is a single, whole, indivisible being. God is the only being who should be praised and worshipped. Everything in the universe has been created and is sustained by this one God. God is the source of all Jewish morality, beliefs and values.
What is the shema?
The belief in one God is expressed in the Shema. This is an important Jewish prayer that is formed from passages in Deuteronomy and Numbers.
What is key idea of god as lawgiver?
Jews believe God judges them for how well they follow these laws, based on their actions, behaviour and beliefs. 613 mitzvot.
What is the key idea about god as judge?
God’s judgements are Jewish children studying the mitzvoth considered to be fair and tempered by his loving, merciful nature. Judged after death
What is the Shekhinah?
The Shekhinah is the presence of God on earth. Jewish writings tell how the divine presence of God was experienced by the early Jews In early Judaism in the Tabernacle which was considered to house the divine presence of God.
What is the beliefs about creation?
God took four days to make the universe fit to support life. God took two days to create all living creatures. God then rested and made the seventh day holy.
What is the key idea of god as the sustainer?
God created the universe out of nothing, exactly as he wanted it to be, and sustains the world so all species are able to live on it.
What is the key belief about evil and freewill?
Jews believe God has given them the free will to make their own choices. But this does not mean people can do what they like without any consequences. Good actions bring Jews closer to God and ensure they are judged favourably by him. Bad actions will not bring people closer to God, in life or after death.
What are the key beliefs about the mitzvot and freewill?
A mitzvah is a Jewish rule or commandment. The mitzvot give guidance to Jews on how to use their free will correctly and to live in a way that pleases God. Jews believe that following them carefully makes it impossible to disobey God.
What are the key ideas about mitzvot between man and God.
These are mitzvot that tell Jews how they can improve their relationship with God. They cover areas such as worship, sacrifice, and the observance of festivals. The most important are the first four of the Ten Commandments.
What are the key ideas about the mitzvot between man and man.
These are mitzvot that tell Jews how to improve their relationship with other people. This is important because the Torah teaches that Jews should show love towards other people and by doing this, Jews are showing their love for God.
What are the origins of the word messiah?
The word ‘Messiah’ was originally used in the Tenakh to refer to the kings of Israel. The first king of Israel was Saul, who lived around the eleventh century. Before Saul was made king, the prophet Samuel anointed him with oil to show who he was.
What is the key orthodox belief about the messiah?
Orthodox Jews believe there is a descendent of King David in every generation who has the potential to become the Messiah. If the Jews are worthy of redemption, this person will be directed by God to become the Messiah.
What is the key reform belief about the messiah?
Many Reform Jews reject the idea of the Messiah. They do believe in a future Messianic age, but believe this will be achieved by everyone working together to create world peace, rather than as the result of the leadership of one person.
What are the three key moral principles in Judaism?
Justice
Kindness
Healing the world
What are the key ideas about justice?
Protecting the vulnerable - justice isn’t just for those who can pay for a good lawyer; it’s especially for those who have no one to fight for them.
Justice is both individual and communal - you personally must act justly, but Jewish tradition also emphasizes building a society where justice is built into the structures, for example courts.
Monotheism
The belief that there is only one God.
Shema
A central Jewish prayer declaring the oneness of God.
Torah
The first five books of the Hebrew Bible, containing Jewish law and teachings.
Orthodox Jews
Jews who strictly follow traditional beliefs and practices.
Shabbat
The Jewish day of rest, From Friday evening to Saturday evening.
Omnipotence
The belief that God is all-powerful.
Omniscience
The belief that God is all-knowing.
