Judaism: Beliefs and Teachings Candidates should have considered the beliefs of Jews in relation to the following: The Nature of God: I can explain the nature of God as One. I can explain how God is seen as a Creator in Gen 1:3-5, 1:26-28, The Shema for Jews. I can explain how God can be seen as a lawgiver and judge as seen in Exodus 20:1-15. I can explain the nature and importance of the Shekinah (the divine presence). Messiah: I can explain the different views within Orthodox and Reform Judaism about the nature and role of the Mashiach (Messiah); special person who brings an age of peace, ourselves, his arrival as signalling the end of the world, praying for his coming, concerned more with living life according to the mitzvoth. Covenant: I can explain the meaning and significance of the Abrahamic Covenant: Genesis 12:1-3, 17:6-8, 17:11-14 including the importance of the Promised Land. The meaning and significance of the Covenant with Moses at Sinai: Exodus 3:11-15including the continuing importance of the idea of a Promised Land. Importance of the Ten Commandments: Exodus 20:2-14. Life on Earth: Beliefs and teachings about the nature and importance of Pikuach Nefesh (sanctity of life): Genesis 1:26-27, Talmud B Yoma 84b, Psalm 139: 13-15, Jeremiah 1:5 The relationship between freewill and the 613 mitzvot (duties) between humans and with God. The Afterlife: Orthodox and Reform beliefs and teachings about life after death, judgement and resurrection; spiritual and/or bodily resurrection, immortality of the soul and the belief that we must focus on this life in preparation for whatever happens in the next. There should be a consideration of the ways in which these beliefs might affect and influence the practice of Jews today. Covenant Kosher Messiah Mitzvot Pikuach Nefesh Shabbat Shekinhah Shema Synagogue Ten Commandments Torah A promise or agreement between two groups e.g. Abraham and God. Means proper. This is food Jews are allowed to eat. A chosen person who will change things for Jews, bringing peace and happiness. Duties and good actions. Jews should always save lives when they can. A day of rest and worship on Friday evening to Saturday evening. The idea that Jews can feel God with them. A prayer saying that Jews believe in one God. It is often said twice a day. Jewish place of worship. Ten rules given by God to Moses. All Jews should keep them. A Holy Book for Jews. 1
Differences in practice in Judaism In your exam you will be expected to refer to the different attitudes and practices between Orthodox and Reform Jews. There are many different beliefs, practices and teachings in Judaism. Sometimes this depends upon: how observant they are; the country they originated from; Or the influence of their family and friends. The main Jewish groups in the UK include: Orthodox Jews: the largest branch of Judaism in Britain. They believe that God gave the Torah at Mount Sinai and Jews must follow it. Reform Jews: believe that Jewish practices have to be modernised to fit in with today s society. There are also differences in practices based on country of origin: Ashkenazi Jews: descended from Jews from France, Germany and Eastern Europe. Sephardic Jews: descended from Jews from Spain, Portugal, North Africa and the Middle East. When answering questions it is important to show this diversity. For example: some Orthodox Jews might and, often, many Reform Jews will Situation Some situations eg. Avoiding idolatry and the importance of saving s life are important for all practising Jews. For other situations there will be different considerations eg. Whether women should be rabbis. Teachings The central teachings referred to by Jews would be the Torah. The written Torah is the first 5 books of Moses- Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy. Believed to have been given by God to Moses many Jews will consult the Torah as a source of authority. One of the main differences between Orthodox and Reform Jews is that Orthodox will observe the teachings of the written and oral Torah. Reform Jews will consider them in light of modern society. Authority There are many other sources of authority which Jews may consult eg. The Talmud and Mishnah, the teachings of historic rabbis eg. Hillel and Maimonides, or the rabbi from a local synagogue. Interpretation Many Orthodox Jews will observe the Torah literally with little or no interpretation. Many Reform Jews believe the teachings from the Torah and other sources of authority should be considered in modern society and not always taken literally. Reason As Jews believe God gave them freewill so they believe it is up to them if they follow a right inclination (Yetzer ha tov) or bad inclination (Yetzer ha ray). Studying the Torah is believed to help make a right decision. 2
Judaism: Beliefs and Teachings The Nature of G-d Jews are monotheistic They believe in only ONE G-d. God is the creator of the world. There is only one God. God is a spirit G-d is eternal. Only God must be worshipped God communicates through spiritual leaders Moses was an important spiritual leader The Torah was given to Moses from God. The Torah is very special to Jews God knows all humans think and do. God punishes evil and rewards good. 13 Principles about the nature of G-d God will send a specially chosen spiritual leader Humans will be with God after death. For the rest of the Tenakh, G-d is sometimes a pillar of cloud or flame, and sometimes just a voice G-d is referred to as Hashem when Moses speaks to him. It is only in the Garden of Eden that G-d is referred to as having a heavenly form.. The Shema:- Listen, Israel! The LORD our God is the only true God! So love the LORD your God with all your heart, soul, and strength. Deuteronomy 6:4-5 This statement of belief on ONE G-d is at the centre of Jewish life. The Shema also tells the Jews what G-d will provide for them and what they must do. 3
The Nature of G-d God as one God as Judge The nature of God God as creator God as lawgiver Shekhinah God as one What do Jews believe? God as one means that God is always present in people s lives, every sight they see, sound they hear, and experience they are aware of is regarded as a meeting with God. Sources of wisdom and authority (evidence): In Exodus when God gave Moses the 10 Commandments he said I am the Lord your God. This shows he is one. Influence of belief (how does this affect Jewish beliefs, attitude, behaviour, actions?) Jews believe that God should be praised so they will go to the Synagogue to pray. Jews will have a mezuzah on the doorframes of their house and inside will be the Shema. Jews believe that God is eternal and is beyond human understanding. Some Jews might cover their eyes when reciting the Shema to avoid all distractions and to show loyalty to God. 4
God as Creator What do Jews believe? Jews believe that God created the universe out of nothing. He created it exactly how he wanted it to be. The Book of Genesis in the Torah describes the creation story. It took four days for God to get the universe fit to support life and a further two days to create all living creatures. On the seventh day God rested and made it holy. Orthodox Jews believe that Genesis is literally true and that it happened around 6000 years ago. They do not believe scientific theories like the Big Bang and evolution. They believe Genesis tells them exactly how God created the world. Reform and Liberal Jews do not believe Genesis is literally true. They believe in evolution and accept that the universe is much older, but they do believe that God made everything happen and still believe that God is creator. God alone created all life. Humans were given the responsibility to look after the environment. Sources of authority (evidence): Genesis 1 says When God began to create the heaven and earth.. In Genesis it says Let us make man with our image and likeness.in the image of God he created him. Influence of belief (how does this affect Jewish beliefs, attitude, behaviour, actions?) Jews remember the seventh day of creation because God made it holy. Jews remember this every week between sunset on Friday to sunset on Saturday during the observance of Shabbat. This reminds them every week that God is important and is the creator. Jews remember that God is the creator at Rosh Hashanah Jews also remember God as creator during the Harvest festival of Sukkot As God gave life some believe only He can take life and so are opposed to anything that takes away life eg. Euthanasia. Jews believe in the importance of pikuach nefesh and preserving life- the duty to save a life even if it means breaking mitzvot. God as lawgiver What do Jews believe? Jews believe that God gave them free will. God wanted to help the Jews to choose to do the right thing with their free will so he gave them commandments (mitzvot). God expects Jews to follow the commandments. The commandments help Jews to know how God wants them to live. The Ten Commandments are part of the 613 commandments God gave to Moses. The commandments forms the Halakhah which is the accepted code of conduct for Jewish life. 5
Sources of wisdom and authority (evidence): In Exodus God gave Moses the 10 Commandments like Do not kill and Keep the Sabbath day holy. Influence of belief (how does this affect Jewish beliefs, attitude, behaviour, actions?) By obeying the mitzvot Jews believe that they are doing what God requires of them and fulfilling his will on earth. Jews believe that the mitzvot help them to have a good relationship with God as they know how he wants them to live. God as judge What do Jews believe? Jews believe that God not only gave them laws to follow, but also judges them for how well they follow these laws. They believe that God judges everyone whether they are Jew or not based on their actions, behaviour and beliefs. Jews believe that God is a fair and just judge. God is merciful and loving. He wants people to be treated fairly based on how they choose to live. Jews believe there are two main times when God judges them: during the festival of Rosh Hashanah (the Jewish new year) and after death. Sources of wisdom and authority (evidence): The Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1-15) Influence of belief (how does this affect Jewish beliefs, attitude, behaviour, actions?) Jews will celebrate Rosh Hashanah by reflecting on their behaviour over the year and to say sorry for anything they have done wrong. T hey also pray for goodness and happiness for themselves and their families. The divine presence (Shekhinah) What do Jews believe? Jews believe that God is present on earth and this is what the word Shekhinah means. When the Jews had escaped from slavery in Egypt they carried a Tabernacle with them. This was like a tent so that it could be moved easily as they travelled through the desert to Canaan. The Jews believe that the Tabernacle contained the presence of God. In the Torah God is also sometimes described as a cloud or a pillar of fire. This was a symbol of God s presence among his people. Some Jews believe that Shekhinah refers to the female qualities of God. 6
Sources of wisdom and authority (evidence): God appeared as a burning bush when he spoke to Moses. When God gave Moses the 10 Commandments he appeared as a dense cloud. Influence of belief (how does this affect Jewish beliefs, attitude, behaviour, actions?) Shekhinah can help Jews understand suffering, as it means God is alongside them. The Shekhinah is present when a minyan pray together. The Ner Tamid in the synagogue represents the Shekhinah 7
The Messiah and The Messianic Age The Messiah is the anointed one who some Jews believe will bring in a new era or age for humankind. This will include rebuilding the Temple and bringing in an age of universal peace. Maimonides said a belief in the Messiah is central to Judaism. The Messianic Age is a term to describe a future time of peace on earth without crime, war and poverty. In Judaism, they believe this time will come under the rule of a Messiah or anointed one, who will be sent by G-d. In this age all people will follow the Laws in the Torah. There will be no warfare and suffering. The Characteristics of the Messiah Isaiah 9:5-6 A child has been born for us. We have been given a son who will be our ruler. His names will be a Wonderful Advisor and Mighty God, Eternal Father and Prince of Peace. His power will never end; peace will last forever. He will rule David's kingdom and make it grow strong. He will always rule with honesty and justice. The LORD All-Powerful will make certain that all of this is done. Characteristics of the Messiah Have authority of G-d. Peaceful ruler Introduce a time of peace that will last forever Sit on the throne of David and will rule justly. The Different views of the Messiah within Judaism: Many Jews pray for a Messianic Age where there will be peace on earth, it will bring Jews back to Israel and restore the destroyed Temple in Jerusalem. Orthodox Jews believe the Messiah will be a great political leader who will bring the world to an end. Sources of wisdom and authority (evidence): In the Book of Micah it talks about a time when people will never know war again. Saul was anointed by Samuel to show that he was chosen by God to be king. Influence of Belief: Jews feel motivated to improve the world- stewardship. Reform Jews believe it is their duty to bring about a better world- Tikkun Olam. Exam Tip: In the exam you will be asked to describe and explain. These are two different skills. When describing it is important to consider what are the main details you are going to write about. When explaining, then you must be able to think about why. 8
Christians believe that Jesus was the Messiah. Jews DO NOT believe that Jesus was the Messiah. This is because they think Jesus did not fulfil the expectations that Jews have for their Messiah, especially in his observance of the Torah law and because Jews do not believe he established the Messianic Age. 9
The Covenant A covenant is a special agreement or promise made between G-d and man. Simply put, the Covenant is, I will be your G-d if you will be my people. Throughout Jewish History, there have been many covenant's which have shaped how Judaism was and is practiced. The covenants God made with Abraham and Moses were binding for Abraham and Moses as well as the people they represented and God The covenants of the Torah were often broken by humans. Jews believe that God has never broken a covenant and never will. He always keeps his side of the covenant Abraham... G-d made 3 covenants with Abraham. 1. He promised to make him the father of a great nation. He showed this by changing his name from Abram to Abraham. 2. G-d gave Abraham and his descendants the Land of Canaan to live in. And promised to look after them. 3. G-d enabled Sarah, Abraham s wife to have a child called Isaac. To show that Abraham and his descendants agreed to this covenant they had to circumcise all males born when they were 8 days old as a sign. Sources of wisdom and authority (evidence): In Genesis God said he would make Abraham a great nation. In Genesis God told the Jews that they needed to seal the covenant with all boys being circumcised. Influence of belief: (how does this affect Jewish beliefs, attitude, behaviour, actions?) Jews believe that Israel is the land God promised to Abraham. Jews today believe that the covenants are still important for them. They believe that God s blessings are passed on from Abraham through his descendants, right up to the present-day Jews. Jews today believe that God still cares for them and that they remain special people Exam Tip: The exam specification requires you to be able to know and explain the covenants with Abraham and Moses. You need to be able to know the meaning and significance of the covenants with Abraham and Moses, then questions can be asked on the meaning, the significance or both. 10
Moses... Often called the Sinai Covenant, this was made while the Jews were wandering in the desert. Moses had a special relationship with God and is considered the greatest prophet. Moses was chosen by God to lead the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt. Moses is believed to be the only person who has seen God face to face. G-d gave Moses the 10 commandments and 603 other Laws to live by as the Torah on Mount Sinai. Orthodox Jews believe he was also given the oral Torah, the commentary which discusses the written Torah. Moses promised G-d that the Hebrews would keep to these Laws. The 10 Commandments 1. You shall have no other Gods but me. 2. You shall not make for yourself any idol, nor bow down to it or worship it. 3. You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God. 4. You shall remember and keep the Sabbath day holy. 5. Respect your father and mother. 6. You must not kill. 7. You must not commit adultery. 8. You must not steal. 9. You must not give false evidence against your neighbour. 10. You must not be envious of your neighbour's goods. You shall not be envious of his house nor his wife, nor anything that belongs to your neighbour. Sources of wisdom and authority (evidence): In the Book of Exodus it explains the story of the Escape from Egypt In the Book of Exodus there are the 10 Commandments. Influence of Belief Jewish beliefs about G-d are the reason why they practice his commandments, because they believe he rewards goodness and punishes those who don t keep his rules. Jews know this from stories in the Torah, such as the killing of the Hebrews who worshipped the Golden statue at the bottom of Mount Sinai and refused to follow the 10 Commandments. Jews remember the escape from Egypt every year in the festival of the Passover. The Covenant gives the Jews hope and reminds them that if they follow G-d s rules he will keep them safe and happy. They know this also from the Torah, because it was G-d who saved the Jews from their slavery in Egypt and brought them back to the promised Land. The belief in the Messianic age also gives the Jews hope because it will be a time when there will be no more persecution. Everything Jews do links back to a mitzvot as part of the Covenant. 11
Sanctity of Life Life on Earth What does sanctity of life mean? Jews believe that all life is holy because it was created and loved by God. This means human life should not be misused or abused. Sources of wisdom and authority (evidence): Jews believe in the sanctity of life because God breathed life into Adam and into the whole of creation in Genesis 2. In Genesis 1 it says that God made humans in his image. In the Talmud it says that anyone who saves a life, saves the whole world. Influence of belief : (how does this affect Jewish beliefs, attitude, behaviour, actions?) Jews believe that any action that ends a life is wrong. This means that murder, euthanasia (helping a terminally ill person end their life), abortion and the death penalty are wrong. Jews believe they should help to preserve human life not end it. Orthodox Jews would believe that this means people should be kept alive whatever the cost. Eg. Life support machines should never be turned off. Progressive Jews would think that it is ok to remove life support if the person is being kept alive artificially. This is because the person should be allowed to die naturally. Pikuach Nefesh (Saving a Life) What does it mean? In the Torah there are 613 mitzvot (commandments) that Jews are expected to follow. However, Jews are allowed to break a mitzvah (commandment) if it means saving a life. Jews believe this because they believe that all humans were made in the image of God. Sources of wisdom and authority (evidence): In the Talmud it says that anyone who saves a life, saves the whole world. Influence of belief : (how does this affect Jewish beliefs, attitude, behaviour, actions?) For example, the Torah says Jews should not do any work on the Sabbath, but Jews are allowed to work if it means saving a life. A doctor can answer emergency calls. Another example is in the Torah it says that when Jews die their body needs to be complete. This could mean Jews should not donate organs. Some Jews, however, would think it is an honour, to donate organs even though they break the laws about burying the body whole, because they are saving a life. 12
The Mitzvot and freewill A mitzvah is a commandment, or religious duty. There are 613 biblical commandments 248 positive, 365 are forbidden. There are some mitzvot that can only be performed in Israel. Boys take on responsibility at the age of 13 and one day. Girls at the age of 12 and one day. Women do not need to observe as many as men because they are more spiritual. Some of the 613 mitzvot are no longer relevant as they relate to the Temple, which was destroyed. There is no immediate promise of a reward for a mitzvot but Judaism teaches that you can only be truly happy if you keep them. The observance of the mitzvot influences every aspect of Jewish life and is central to the ways in which Jews have lived in the past and continue to live today. Orthodox Jews try to observe as many of the 613 as they can. Reform Jews say that some are not relevant to C21st. The Torah teaches God has given Jews freedom to chose what is right and wrong. Each Jews is believed to be born with two inclinations- to do good or bad. Studying the Torah can help humans choose to do good. They believe God gave them freewill to choose to follow the mitzvot or not. Some Jews see the mitzvot as a guideline, others as a path to follow or be punished. 13
Different Jewish beliefs about free will and mitzvot Sources of wisdom and authority (evidence): In the Torah it says Love your fellow as yourself. It also says You shall love him as yourself. The 10 Commandments can be found in the book of Exodus in the Torah. Influence of belief : (How does this affect Jewish beliefs, attitude, behaviour, actions?) Jews will: - Observe Shabbat each week. - Pray to God the Shema shows that they are worshipping one God only- this is one of the 10 Commandments. - Jews will think about how they treat others. They will follow the key moral principles: 1. Justice - Try to bring about what is right and fair, according to the law or making up for wrong doing that has been committed. 2. Healing the world being involved in God s work to sustain the world; it can involve work to increase social justice or to preserve the environment. This means they support charities for the poor like World Jewish Relief or charities that protect the environment. 3. Kindness to others positive, caring actions that should be shown to all living things. 14
Jewish beliefs about the afterlife What do Jews believe about the afterlife? There is little teaching about life after death in Jewish holy books; beliefs have developed over centuries, leading to differences between Jews. Some Jews believe that life after death will be a physical life - this means the body and the soul will be in heaven. Some Jews believe that life after death will be a spiritual life- this means that only the soul will go to heaven because only the soul is immortal, this is called the immortality of the soul. The Jewish teacher Maimonides said that a belief in resurrection is one of the 13 Principles of Judaism. Orthodox Jews who follow this teaching believe that there will be a physical resurrection so they do not agree with cremation. They call the cemetery Bet ha- Hayyim which means the House of Life. Reform Jews do not believe that the body will be resurrected and so they will allow cremation. They believe that a dead person will live on through the good that they have done in the memories of the people they leave behind. Heaven and Sheol: Jews believe that good people will go to heaven and others will go to a place called Sheol. This is a place where the souls will be cleansed. Jews believe anyone who has followed their faith properly (lived according to Halakhah) will be judged good enough to go to heaven. There is no clear teaching about what heaven is like. But it is believed that heaven will be with God. Jews don t know if this will be a physical place or a spiritual place. Jews used to believe that the soul would go to sheol, a place of waiting beneath the earth, but most Jews now think that this is merely symbolically trying to convey an idea which we cannot fully explain. Judgement and resurrection: Some Jews believe that because God is a law-giver and judge that they will be judged as soon as they die. Some Jews believe they won t be judged until the end of time when the Messiah comes on the Day of Judgement. They believe that this is when God will decide who goes to heaven and who goes to hell They do believe, however, that God will judge them, and what happens to them after death will depend on what they have done in this life. In the book of Daniel it says those who sleep in the dusty earth will awaken. (Daniel 12:2) Some Jews believe in heaven and hell. They say that those who are judged to have lived good lives by God will go to Gan Eden (paradise) while those who have done wrong will go to Gehenna. Jews believe that God will judge them after the Messiah comes. No view: Some Jews don t believe in the resurrection but instead have no firm belief about what happens after death. 15
Sources of wisdom and authority (evidence): In the Torah it says and the dust returns to the ground it came from, and the spirit returns to God who gave it. This tells Jews that just as God created humans from dust they will return to the creator and be judged. In the Book of Daniel it says that Daniel looks forward to a time of resurrection at some point in the future. Influence of belief : (how does this affect Jewish beliefs, attitude, behaviour, actions?) One of the reasons for different opinions about the afterlife is that Jews believe the present is more important and they should focus on living in a way that is pleasing to God. A rabbi (teacher) in America used a story to explain why Jews should focus on the present instead of the afterlife. A rich man thought he would get into heaven just because he was rich, but when he got to heaven he was told deeds are more important. Jewish customs surrounding death Jews believe death is part of God s plan. Judaism teaches Jews should not die alone, if possible. The dying person s family should visit and look after them. It is considered an act of kindness to be with someone when they die and to close the dead person s eyes When Jews here the death of a loved one, they make a blessing to God Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the Universe, the True Judge. Intense mourning follows a person s death, especially when waiting for their burial, and ten for 7 days after the burial, followed by 30 days of lesser mourning. Jews follow these customs to show respect to the dying person and to show that they accept that God has taken their loved one s life. 16