judaism specific

Question 1

What do different jews believe about what is stated in the Torah

Answer 1

Some Jews believe everything that is written in the Torah however some jews believe it is not meant to be taken literally

Question 2

What is the Messianic age?

Answer 2

A term used for a future time of peace on earth when there will be no violence, hunger, or crime.

Question 3

References to the Messianic age in the Torah?

Answer 3

There are no direct references to the Messianic age in the Torah but scriptures are interpreted to explain what the Messianic age might be like

Question 4

Isaiah 11:1-9

Answer 4

Portrays messianic age as a time in which the wolf shall live with the lamb and in which the lion, like the ox shall eat straw

Question 5

For Jews, what is the first step to the Messianic age

Answer 5

-The coming of the Messiah

Question 6

For some Jews a belief in the _____ is _____ to their faith

Answer 6

• messiah

- central

Question 7

Who was Maimonides and what was his belief in the Messiah?

Answer 7

Maimonedes was a Jewish Philosopher from the twelfth century. He stated a belief in the Messiah was one of the 13 principles in Judaism

Question 8

What do Reform Jews believe that contradicts Maimonedes’ belief about the Messiah?

Answer 8

Reform Jews believe it will be the good actions of humans that will bring a Messianic age of peace.

Question 9

2 reasons why there are different views about the Messiah

Answer 9

1) No definite teachings about the Messiah in the Torah therefore passages that Jews think are relevant have to be interpreted
2) Jews strongly believe that humans should focus on the here and now

Question 10

What does the Torah say about when the Messiah will come

Answer 10

There are no references in the Torah for when the Messiah may come. Some Jews believe this is because the Torah was written for people to understand and the idea of the messianic age is beyond understanding

Question 11

Orthodox Jews on when the Messiah will come

Answer 11

Orthodox Jews believe that God has a specific date for the coming of the Messiah however most believe that the coming of the Messiah will depend on when he is most needed.

Question 12

Why will the Messiah be needed?

Answer 12

Because of the sins of the world or because the world is so good

Question 13

Reform Jews on when the Messiah will come

Answer 13

They don’t focus on the coming of the Messiah as their main focus is on Jews looking forward to a better society

Question 14

The traditional belief of the Messiah

Answer 14

The traditional belief is that the Messiah will be a great political leader and judge who will bring the world to an end

Question 15

Other Jewish beliefs on who the Messiah will be

Answer 15

Some Jews believe he will not be a supernatural being but a human who is descended from King David.

Question 16

In the Tenakh what are the three actions of the Messiah?

Answer 16

1) He will rebuild the temple in Jerusalem
2) He will bring back Jews to Israel and restore Jerusalem

3)He will bring about a time of peace when people will live together without fighting

Question 17

The 613 mitzvot in the ____ teach jews…

Answer 17

how they should live their lives

Question 18

Importance of life through Jewish worship

Answer 18

• During celebrations “L’chaim” is said meaning ‘to life’

- When someone has died the relatives are wished long life

Question 19

What is Pikuach Nefesh?

Answer 19

The importance of saving a life

Question 20

Even too support life, what 3 Mitzvot can’t be broken

Answer 20

Idolatry, incest and adultery

Question 21

To preserve a life what 2 things are Jews able to do?

Answer 21

one may travel on Shabbat or they may even break the fast on Yom Kippur

Question 22

Describe the 613 mitzvot in 3 ways

Answer 22

• Keeping the duties given by God to Moses
• Doing good deeds
• Being given an honour such as a reading from the Torah

Question 23

Teachings about the Afterlife in the Torah

Answer 23

There are no specific teachings about the afterlife in the Torah

Question 24

2 different Jewish beliefs about the resurrection from different scholars

Answer 24

Nahmanides- Olam Ha-Ba would come after the resurrection of the dead
Maimonedes- Olam Ha-Ba is referred to as a time beyond the world of the resurrected

Question 25

Orthodox Jewish beliefs about the resurrection of the body and soul

Answer 25

Orthodox Jews believe that within resurrection the body and soul is raised which influences Jewish attitudes to cremation and organ transplants as they believe the body must be completed to be resurrected

Question 26

What are the reform Jewish beliefs on the resurrection

Answer 26

Reform Judaism has rejected views on the resurrection. Some believe memories of people live on through their actions/ good deeds. Others believe the soul lives on after death but there are different opinions about where

Question 27

Jewish beliefs on reincarnation?

Answer 27

Some Jews believe in reincarnation however this is not a central belief

Question 28

Why is Shabbat considered by many Jews as the most important festival

Answer 28

It is seen as a gift from God and throughout history, Shabbat has been an important festival as even in times of persecution, jews had to celebrate Shabbat. Exodus 20:8 "The Sabbath to remember and keep it holy"

Question 29

3 main functions of the Jewish synagogue

Answer 29

1) Beit Tefilah, House of prayer 2) Beit Midrash, House of study 3) Social hall for religious and non-religious activities

Question 30

Synagogue as a house of prayer

Answer 30

Place where Jews come together for community prayer services (Beit Tefilah)

Question 31

Beit Midrash - House of study

Answer 31

Many Jews believe the study of sacred texts is a lifelong task and it is a place where children receive basic religious education

Question 32

Social hall for religious and non-religious activities

Answer 32

The synagogue functions as a town hall where matters of importance can be discussed. Also, there are social events to learn more about religious and cultural issues

Question 33

Name 5 features of the synagogue

Answer 33

``` Aron Hakodesh Bimah Ner Tamid Torah scrolls Orthodox/reform seating ```

Question 34

Aron Hakodesh

Answer 34

The most important place in the synagogue because this is where the Torah scrolls are kept

Question 35

Bimah

Answer 35

Where the Torah Scrolls are read from

Question 36

Ner Tamid

Answer 36

Also called the eternal lamp. Symbolizes the menorah that kept burning in the temple and is always kept burning as it also symbolises God's presence and is always kept burning

Question 37

Torah scrolls

Answer 37

The Torah scrolls are the most sacred part of any synagogue

Question 38

Seating in a synagogue

Answer 38

In orthodox synagogues, men and women are separated however in a reform synagogue they are able to sit together

Question 39

Genesis 2:24

Answer 39

"A man shall therefore leave his father and mother and be united with his wife, and they shall become one flesh"

Question 40

Name 5 features of a Jewish wedding ceremony

Answer 40

``` Ketubah Chuppah Stamping of the glass Rings Nisuin Also, reform synagogues allow same-sex marriage ```

Question 41

Jewish wedding ceremony : Ketubah

Answer 41

The marriage contract is a legal document between the bride and groom where he promises to support his wife. Throughout the marriage where it remains property of the wife

Question 42

Jewish wedding ceremony: Chuppah

Answer 42

Where main part of the ceremony takes place. The four sides represent the four walls of a Jewish home. There is usually a blessing written in Hebrew

Question 43

Jewish wedding ceremony: Stamping of the glass

Answer 43

At the end of the ceremony glass is stepped on by the groom and it represents how marriage is fragile like glass as well as the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem