judaism beliefs and teachings 15 markers Flashcards
(10 cards)
“pickuach nefesh should be applied in all situations”
Agree:
Pikuach nefesh teaches that the preservation of life overrides almost all mitzvot. If a life is in danger, Jews are required to break Shabbat, eat non-kosher food, or miss fasts like Yom Kippur to save that life. This reflects the belief that human life is sacred.
The Mishnah states, “Whoever saves one life, it is as if they have saved the whole world” (Sanhedrin 4:5). This shows that each life has infinite value and takes precedence over ritual law in nearly all cases.
Disagree:
There are exceptions to pikuach nefesh — Jews are not allowed to break certain commandments even to save a life, including prohibitions against murder, idolatry, and sexual immorality. Choosing to sin in these cases would be considered worse than death.
Some Jews believe that in times of persecution or martyrdom, it is better to die rather than break key laws. For example, in the time of the Maccabees, Jews refused to eat pork and chose death, showing that obedience to God can sometimes take priority.
“You shall not worship any other gods” (Exodus 20:3) — This quote supports the disagree argument, showing that idolatry must not be committed even to preserve life.
“the characteristic which best describes the Almighty is that of the creator”
gree:
God as Creator is fundamental to Jewish belief. Genesis 1:1 states, “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth,” establishing Him as the source of all life and existence. Without this creative power, none of the other attributes would be possible.
God’s role as Creator is ongoing; Jews believe He continues to sustain the universe. This attribute shows His omnipotence and continual involvement in the world, which forms the basis for trust, prayer, and worship.
Disagree:
Other attributes, like God as Lawgiver and Judge, are more directly impactful in daily Jewish life. Isaiah 33:22 says, “For the Lord is our Judge, the Lord is our Lawgiver…” The giving of the Torah at Sinai defines the covenant and the framework of how Jews relate to God daily.
The attribute of God’s mercy or Shekhinah (divine presence) may resonate more personally with believers. For instance, God’s immanence and relational qualities allow Jews to feel His presence in prayer or during suffering, which can be more meaningful than the abstract concept of creation.
“It is the responsibility of jews to bring about the messianic age”
Agree:
Many Jews believe they must work to bring the world to a state of peace and justice to prepare for the Messiah. Acts of tikkun olam (repairing the world) and keeping mitzvot contribute to this process. Micah 6:8 instructs Jews “to do justice, love mercy and walk humbly with your God.”
The Messianic Age is believed to be a time of universal peace and divine closeness, and Jewish actions are seen as essential preparations. By building a moral and spiritual society, Jews help fulfil the conditions necessary for the Messiah to come.
Disagree:
Some Jews, particularly in Orthodox traditions, believe that only God will decide when the Messiah comes, and human action cannot hasten it. Ezekiel 34:23 says, “I will place over them one shepherd, my servant David”—indicating God’s sole control.
Focusing too much on bringing about the Messianic Age could distract from the importance of living a righteous life in the present. The Torah does not command Jews to bring the Messiah but rather to obey God’s law and live ethically now.
“belief in life after death is important for jews today”
Agree:
Belief in life after death offers comfort in times of grief and provides hope that good behaviour will be rewarded. Daniel 12:2 supports this: “Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake.”
The belief in Olam Ha-Ba (the World to Come) motivates moral action and encourages Jews to follow mitzvot. It reinforces the idea that God is just and will reward or punish accordingly.
Disagree:
Some Jews, especially Reform Jews, view life after death as metaphorical or unimportant. The focus is on this life and making the world better here and now. Deuteronomy 30:19-20 promotes life and blessing in the present.
Traditional Jewish teachings about the afterlife are vague and less central than mitzvot. Therefore, daily Jewish life is more influenced by halakhah (law) and community responsibilities than by what happens after death.
” belief in the messianh is more important for jews”
Agree:
The Messiah represents hope for a better world, peace, and justice. Belief in a Messianic future strengthens Jewish identity and motivates action. Isaiah 11:6 speaks of the peace he will bring: “The wolf shall live with the lamb… and a little child shall lead them.”
Daily Jewish prayer contains references to the Messiah’s coming, showing its centrality. The Amidah prayer includes, “May You cause the offspring of David, Your servant, to flourish,” demonstrating that this belief shapes Jewish spiritual life.
Disagree:
Other beliefs, like belief in God’s oneness or the importance of mitzvot, are more central to Judaism. Deuteronomy 6:4 declares, “Hear O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is one.”
Reform Jews often reject belief in a personal Messiah, focusing instead on a Messianic Age of human progress. Thus, belief in the Messiah is not universally seen as essential.
“jews belief that if they keep the mitzvot they will reach gan eden”
Agree:
Mitzvot represent obedience and faithfulness to God, which leads to reward. Many rabbis teach that those who are righteous will be rewarded with a place in Gan Eden. Deuteronomy 28:2 says, “All these blessings will come upon you if you obey the Lord.”
By following mitzvot, Jews fulfil their side of the covenant. This spiritual closeness with God leads to the ultimate reward in the next life—Gan Eden, a paradise for the soul.
Disagree:
Some believe it’s not just about actions but the intention behind them. Hosea 6:6 says, “For I desire mercy, not sacrifice.” God values sincere belief and moral integrity over ritual observance alone.
Not all Jews take Gan Eden literally. Many liberal Jews interpret it symbolically, as a state of peace or closeness to God. Therefore, the emphasis is on living well now rather than securing a specific place in the afterlife.
“the most important covenant the was the one at sinai”
Agree:
The covenant at Sinai formalised the relationship between God and the Jewish people, giving them the Torah and the mitzvot. Exodus 19:5 says, “Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession.”
This covenant formed the basis of Jewish law, identity, and purpose. It was a national, public event witnessed by the entire people of Israel, making it central to collective Jewish memory and law.
Disagree:
Some argue that the covenant with Abraham is more foundational. It established the Jewish people and the promise of land and descendants. Genesis 17:7 says, “I will establish my covenant as an everlasting covenant.”
Other covenants, like the one with Noah, are universal and show God’s concern for all humanity. This covenant shows the broader ethical mission of the Jews as “a light to the nations.”
“the almighty should be the only judge you need in life”
God is seen as the ultimate and most just judge, who knows all actions, thoughts, and intentions. Human judges can make mistakes or be biased, but God’s justice is perfect. Psalm 75:7 says, “It is God who judges: He brings one down, he exalts another.” This belief fosters accountability and moral integrity, as God sees everything.
The Day of Judgement (Yom HaDin) and the concept of divine judgement in the afterlife reinforce the idea that it is God’s judgement that ultimately matters. Many Jews believe that while humans might judge wrongly, God alone delivers true and eternal justice.
Disagree:
Jewish law (halakhah) depends on human judges (dayanim) in courts (beit din) to apply the Torah in real-life situations. Exodus 18:21 shows Moses appointing judges to help govern the people: “Select capable men from all the people… and appoint them as officials.” This shows that human judgement is divinely sanctioned and essential.
In a functioning society, relying only on God’s judgement could cause lawlessness. People still need earthly justice systems for fairness, accountability, and order. Deuteronomy 16:18 commands, “Appoint judges and officials… and they shall judge the people fairly.” This demonstrates that human judges play an important God-given role.
” the shekinah helps jews to better understand the almighty”
Agree:
The Shekhinah refers to God’s presence dwelling among people, especially in the Temple or during prayer. It shows God is close and accessible, helping Jews relate to Him personally. Exodus 25:8 says, “Then have them make a sanctuary for me, and I will dwell among them.”
Experiences of Shekhinah during prayer or study help deepen spiritual understanding. The presence of Shekhinah at Sinai or in the Mishkan shows God is not distant but relational.
Disagree:
God’s essence is ultimately beyond human comprehension. Isaiah 55:8 says, “My thoughts are not your thoughts.” Therefore, understanding the Shekhinah doesn’t mean fully understanding God.
Some Jews focus more on God’s laws and actions than on mystical ideas like Shekhinah. For them, studying Torah and performing mitzvot are clearer ways to know God’s will.
” saving a life is more important than obeying a commandment”
Agree:
The principle of pikuach nefesh teaches that saving a life overrides almost every mitzvah. The Talmud (Yoma 85b) says, “It is better to violate one Sabbath so that he may keep many Sabbaths.”
Leviticus 18:5 says, “Keep my decrees and laws, for the person who obeys them will live by them.” This is interpreted as meaning the laws are meant to preserve life, not endanger it.
Disagree:
There are three cardinal sins—idolatry, murder, and incest/adultery—that may not be broken even to save a life. These are considered so serious that dying is preferable to violating them.
Overemphasis on saving life in all cases might lead to ignoring the spiritual or communal cost of breaking commandments. Some may argue that obedience to God’s laws is what gives life true meaning.
