Unit 7 Flashcards
3 groups of Judaism
Orthodox
Liberal/ reform
Secular
Orthodox Judaism
Believe Torah is literal word of God.
Value tradition and Mitzvots.
Strict
Reform/liberal Judaism
Believe Torah is inspired Word of God.
Take modern life into account when carrying out faith.
Secular Judaism
Not religious, just Jewish due to Ethnicity/culture.
Why is God not named?
As the Almighty is non-physical
cant be described fully
demonstrating God’s mystery and human’s lack of comprehension in glory.
Believe his name is so holy should never be spoken aloud/written.
Quote for the almighty
“And Hashem formed the man of dust from the ground” (Genesis)
Characteristics of the Almighty
ONE
CREATOR
LAWGIVER/JUDGE
How is God one?
Is mentioned in Shema (creed). Genesis says God is one. Is first of 10 commandments given to Moses (EXODUS 20) Impossible to divide God into parts. Monotheistic belief.
How’s God creator?
“And Hashem formed the man of dust from the ground” (Genesis)
Everything is created by him in Genesis.
Sustains life when provides bread for Moses in desert and has control over creation (parting of Red Sea).
Orthodox interpret creation literally while reform/liberal see as a metaphor.
How’s God lawgiver/judge?
“Hashem is our judge, Hashem is our lawgiver” (Isaiah)
Gave 613 mitzvots.
Torah gift from God to Moses as holds guidance to live good lives.
Exodus 20 shows 10 commandments.
How are the characteristics of God importance in everyday life?
Names bring them closer to him, despite lack of comprehension.
Show his complexity (yet remains one).
Reciting shema twice daily reinforces importance of God’s oneness > proclamation of faith.
Understanding his characteristics allows for acting in image of God w justice and mercy.
Shekhinah
Divine presence of God within the created world.
How’s the shekhinah experienced?
Study
Worship
Prayer
How’s shekhinah felt through study?
Divergence?
Study of tenakh and Talmud is regarded as act of worship.
Can study at Yeshiva.
Rabbi created Talmud via study of Torah.
At some orthodox yeshivas, Torah study is main focus.
Some Hasidic Jews reject secular study to just focus on Torah.
How’s shekhinah felt through worship?
God told Moses to make tabernacle, which maintained Jew’s connection w God as dwelling place of Shekhinah.
Today, light burns in front of ark as reminder of God’s presence.
How’s the Shekhinah felt through prayer?
Minyan/alone
God is present in community prayer
“The glory of Hashem filled the temple” chronicles
Tereus is your wish people believe in the shekhinah.
Developed in Talmud
He created the world and therefore continues to work in it.
Talmud
Rabbi’s interpretation of the Torah.
Why is the Talmud important today
Commentary on Torah written by rabbis.
Mishnah and Gemara.
Allows interpretation of laws so Jews know how to live.
Importance of shekhinah
Makes Jews closer to God as they can experience his glory despite lack of understanding.
Acknowledges God’s power and accepts him as our God.
Encourages deeper understanding of the faith.
Can grow closer to him whenever and wherever you are.
Means prophets were all inspired by God.
Presence of shekhinah shown in bible.
God told Moses to make tabernacle while in search of promised land.
Solomon dedicates new temple to God and Jews are overcome by God’s power, “the glory of Hashem filled the temple” chronicles.
Messianic age
The time when Messiah will rule. (End of days)
7.3 the Messiah quote
“The king will reign and prosper and he will administer justice and righteousness in the land. “ Jeremiah
Beliefs of messiah
Human Political leader descended from King David to administer justice “expert in Jewish law“ Isaiah Charismatic, inspiring leader Military leader “he will rebuild the temple “Jeremiah
