Keyword Shekhinah Torah Mitzvot/ Mitzvoth Messiah Covenant Synagogue Shabbat Kosher the place where God s presence rests and can be felt. Meaning the five books of Moses (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy). Regarded as the holiest books of the Tenakh. the term has a mix of meanings. It is often used to refer to duties (such as the 613 in the Torah) and good deeds. the anointed one who 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. a promise or agreement between two parties. Covenants were made between God with Noah, Abraham and Moses. house of assembly; building for Jewish public prayer, study and assembly. day of spiritual renewal and rest. Beginning at sunset on Friday and closing at nightfall on Saturday. ( fit or proper ). Foods that are permitted to be eaten according to Leviticus Chapter 11. It is also used to refer to the purity of ritual objects such as Torah scrolls.
Component 3: JUDAISM Theme 1: Beliefs and Teachings Syllabus sheet During this section you will study the following topics: Judaism Beliefs Key Topic 1: God Issues of God as: One, Creator: Genesis 1 3-5; 1 26-28, The Shema Law-Giver and Judge: Exodus 20:1-17 The nature and significance of shekhinah (the divine presence) Judaism Beliefs Key Topic 2: Messiah Different views within Judaism about the Mashiach (Messiah); special person who brings an age of peace, ourselves, his arrival as signaling the end of the world, praying for his coming, concerned more with living life according to the mitzvoth Judaism Beliefs Key Topic 3: Covenant 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 3:11-15 including the continuing importance of the idea of a Promised Land Importance of the Ten Commandments: Exodus 20:2-14 Judaism Beliefs Key Topic 4: 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 free will and the 613mitzvot (duties) between humans and with God Judaism Beliefs Key Topic 5: 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
Judge Omnipresent Creator Lawgiver A central belief in Judaism is that there is one God (monotheism) who is all knowing (omniscient), all powerful (omnipotent) and existing all the time (omnipresent). God as creator The Torah begins by showing how God created the world: In the beginning God created heaven and earth. Genesis 1:1 One Sustainer The central prayer of Judaism, the Shema, affirms the belief that there is only one God. This prayer is made up of three passages from the Torah and is the most important prayer in Judaism. It is recited daily by many Jews. The first paragraph declares a belief in the one God and in his ruling over all creation. Hear, O Israel: the LORD our God, the LORD is one. Deuteronomy 6:4 The belief that there is only one God is shown in the design of many synagogues with colourful glass windows, they do not have any statues or representations of human beings. It is God alone who should be worshipped. I am the Lord your God who brought you out of Egypt, where you were slaves. Worship no god but me. Do not make for yourselves images of anything in heaven or on earth or in the water under the earth. Do not bow down to any idol or worship it, because I am the Lord your God and I tolerate no rivals Exodus 20:2-5 It goes on to describe how God created day and night, the earth, plants and animals. Some Jews believe that every detail of the creation as told in the Torah is true, that God literally created the world in six days. Others believe the details are examples of what might have happened, but are not meant to be taken literally. For them the most important thing to understand from the creation story is that God is responsible for the creation of everything in existence. For many Jews the world is too wonderful and complex to have happened by chance. So it must have had a creator. Celebrating God as the creator is an important part of Judaism. Prayers said in Orthodox services illustrate how God created the world: Blessed be He who spoke, and the world existed. Psalm 33:9 God as Law Giver Jews believe that God revealed to the prophet Moses laws and duties that are expected of all Jews. God judges how each Jews follows the laws. By obeying the laws, Jews are not only fulfilling what God wants but they are forming a close relationship with him. God gave Moses the 10 Commandments (Exodus 20:1-17). These are a framework of how a just society that is close to God could be established. God as judge Judaism teaches that God is a God of both justice and mercy and that he will judge each person. Although God s ways may not be understandable by humans thy are considered to be just. You are not a God that has pleasure in wickedness. Psalm 5:4 states The Jewish festival of Rosh Hashanah celebrates the creation of the world. At this time it is believed God will judge every person. The Talmud describes how God brings out scales to weigh the deeds (mitzvoth) of each
Jewish views on Creation In Jewish belief, God is the source of all life and referred to throughout the Torah as the sole creator. Prayers are said in Orthodox synagogues expressing this belief Blessed be He who spoke and the world existed. The modeh ani prayer said by many Jews each morning and thanks God for allowing life for another day. Genesis (the first book of the Torah) tells two creation stories: Heaven and earth, animals and humans are created in six days with the seventh day being a day of rest. Each week observant Jews celebrate Shabbat and keep it as a day of rest. The second creation story in Genesis describes how Adam and Eve were created and placed in the Garden of Eden. In both, humans are created on the sixth day. Adam, the first human being, was made in the image of God, from dust from the earth. Adam and Eve had power over all things. Traditionally Rosh Hashanah is the celebration of the day when God created the world and marks the beginning of the New Year. Some Orthodox Jews believe these stories are true accounts. Other, perhaps more Reform Jews, believe that the creation accounts are stories which shouldn t be considered as historical facts. Some may believe that God started the universe through the Big Bang and has guided the creation of life through evolution. Where did the Universe come from? ~ Now you have studied Jewish beliefs on Creation, you can use them in Component 1 e.g. Origins and Meanings. Would a Catholic agree with Jewish beliefs? BIG QUESTIONS: Could life on earth exist due to blind chance? Is there any purpose to human life? Can you be a Catholic Christian and an Evolutionary Scientist?
A covenant is an agreement between two people or groups of people. God makes relationships with individuals or groups through a covenant. As part of the agreement, usually both groups will benefit. Each covenant marks a special time in God s relationship with the Jewish people. The Covenant: Abraham Who was Abraham? Abraham - founder of the Jewish people & often called father. First person to teach that there was only one God; before then, people believed in many gods. His father made statues (idols) for people to worship but Abraham is believed to have smashed these when he realises there is only one God. Originally called Abram but then name Abraham by God as it means father of many nations. There are three main parts of the Abrahamic Covenant: 1) The Promised Land (Genesis 12:1) God called Abraham from Ur to Canaan: 'Go away from your land, from your birthplace, and from your father's house, to the land that I will show you. (Genesis 12:1). The land is often referred to as the Promised Land because of God s repeated promise (Genesis 12:7, 13:15, 15:18, 17:8) to give the land to the descendants of Abraham. Jews have continued to live here for more than 3000 years. 2) The promise of descendants (Genesis 12:2) God promised Abraham that he would make a great nation out of him. That is why God changed his name from Abram to Abraham, meaning father of many nations. This promise is shown: I will make you into a great nation. I will bless you and make you great. (Genesis 12:2) The promise of descendants first came true with the birth of Isaac to Abraham and Sarah who were childless. 3) The promise of blessing and redemption (Genesis 12:3) God promised to bless Abraham and the families of the earth through him. God said to Abram, I will make you into a great nation. I will bless you and make you great. You shall become a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and he who curses you, I will curse. All the families of the earth will be blessed through you. Genesis 12:3 This shows that the descendants of Abraham would be God s chosen people and that he would always look after them. As a part of this covenant God gave Abraham the rite of circumcision as the specific sign of the Abrahamic Covenant. Circumcision involves the removal of a boy s foreskin on the eigth day after birth. It is performed in front of a minyan (ten Jewish males). Boys are named at the same time. All males were to be circumcised and so carry a lifelong mark in their flesh of their relationship with God.
Who was Moses? The Covenant: Story of Moses The Jews were living as slaves in Egypt but Moses, who was brought up as an Egyptian but born a Hebrew, was called by God to set them free. When pharaoh refused to let them leave Egypt, God sent the ten plagues. Pharaoh did eventually agree to let them go, but then sent his army after them God then parted the Red Sea for the Jews to cross but brought it crashing back down on the Egyptian army. But Moses said to God, I am nobody. How can I go to the king and bring the Israelites out of Egypt? God answered, I will be with you, and when you bring the people out of Egypt, you will worship me on this mountain. That will be the proof that I have sent you. But Moses replied, When I go to the Israelites and say to them, The God of your ancestors sent me to you,. Exodus 3:11-15 Moses and the mitzvot After the Israelites left Egypt Moses led them through the desert to Mount Sinai. Moses then went up the mountain to learn the commandments that God wanted him to teach the Israelites These commandments make up the Torah. There are 613 mitzvot (or laws) Jews see as a guide on how to live their lives. Some of the mitzvot are no longer relevant and seem quite old fashioned. The Ten Commandments are part of the mitzvot. Why is Moses so important to Judaism? Moses is known by some Jews as the greatest of the prophets and some call him our teacher Moses (Moshe Rabbenu). Moses was chosen by God to lead the Israelites to the Promised Land (Israel). Moses was a great leader and teacher. God performed miracles through Moses. E.G The Ten Plagues. Moses had a special relationship with God and is believed to be the only person to speak with God face to face. Moses The first four commandments refer to Jews relationship with God. The next six commandments relate to people s relationships with each other. 1. I am God your Lord, 5. Honour your father who brought you out and mother. of slavery in Egypt. 6. Do not commit adul2. Do not have any tery other gods before 7. Do not steal Me. 8. Do not commit mur3. Do not take the der name of God your 9. Do not testify as a Lord in vain. false witness. 4. Remember the Sabath to keep it holy. 10. Do not be envious of your neighbour s wife or belongings. The people of Israel obeyed Joshua and kept the commands that the LORD had given them through Moses. There has never been a prophet in Israel like Moses; the LORD spoke with him face to face. Deuteronomy 34:10 Moses made a covenant with God. Moses was given both the Written and Oral Torah. Without Moses, the Jews would never have become a people. Some Jews also call him the first rabbi. The story of Moses freeing the Hebrews, the ten plagues and crossing of the Red Sea is celebrated each year at the festival of Passover (Pesach). This is a day you are to commemorate; for the generations to come you shall celebrate it as a festival to the Lord a lasting ordinance Exodus 12:14
K I S S Knowledge and Understanding of religious ideas, beliefs, practices. Influence of beliefs~ if appropriate Specialist language Sources of wisdom/authority Identify the topic in the question and describe what you know Who was Abraham? What is the Abrahamic covenant? How do Jewish beliefs influence/change their actions? How do Jews today show the Abrahamic covenant? Describe this practice. Use keywords and key terms TT = TeNaKh (Jewish Scriptures) or Talmud (oral law) K I Knowledge and Understanding of religious ideas, beliefs, practices. Influence of beliefs~ if appropriate Identify the topic in the question and describe what you know Who was Moses? What did Moses have to do with the mitzvot? Why is Moses important to Jews? How do Jewish beliefs influence/change their actions? How do Jews today remember the 10th Plague? Describe this festival. Do Jews today still keep the laws given to Moses? S S Specialist language Sources of wisdom/authority Use keywords and key terms TT = TeNaKh (Jewish Scriptures) or Talmud (oral law)
Isaiah 11:1-9 Key Word Messiah- The anointed one A leader of the Jews who is expected to live on earth at some time in the future. The royal line of David is like a tree that has been cut down; but just as new branches sprout from a stump, so a new king will arise from among David s descendants. The Spirit of the LORD will give him wisdom, And the knowledge and skill to rule his people. He will know the LORD S will and honour him. The Messianic Age and the Messiah The Messianic Age is a term used for a time of peace on earth when there will be no violence, hunger or crime. There is no direct reference to the Messianic Age in the Torah but scripture like Isaiah (11:1 9) are used to explain what this time might be like. Many Jews believe the Messiah Age will start with the coming of the Messiah. For some Jews a belief in the Messiah is central to their faith. Maimonides, (a Jewish philosopher), said that a belief in the Messiah was one of the 13 Principles of Judaism. Reform Jews who believe that it will be the good actions of people that will bring a Messianic Age. The reasons for this are: There are no definite teachings about the Messiah in the Torah. Jews believe that humans should focus on the here and now. Humans cannot understand what the world to come will be like. Therefore, Reform Jews belief that we should focus on trying to live a good life and bringing about the Messianic Age through working together. And find pleasure in obeying him. He will not judge by appearance of hearsay; He will judge the poor fairly and defend the rights of the helpless. At his command the people will be punished, and evil persons will die. He will rule his people with justice and integrity. Wolves and sheep will live together in peace, and the leopards will lie down with the young goats. Calves and lions cubs will feed together, and the little children will take care of them. Cows and bears will eat together, and their calves and clubs will lie down in peace. Lions will eat straw as cattle do. Even a baby will not be harmed if it plays near a poisonous snake. On Zion, God s sacred hill, there will be nothing harmful or evil. The land will be full of knowledge of the LORD as the seas are full of water. What will the Messiah do? He will bring Jews back to Israel. He will rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem. He will bring about a time of peace when people will live together without fighting. He will have the authority of God.
Is it possible to keep the mitzvot today? It is difficult to find a word in English that really translates mitzvot as it has more than one meaning: Keeping the duties given by God to Moses Doing good deeds Today it is impossible to keep all 613 mitzvot as many were connected with religious practices in the Temple which has been destroyed. For Orthodox Jews, keeping the mitzvot is an important principle of Judaism. Although many Reform Jews also try to keep the mitzvot many consider that some are no longer compatible to twenty-first-century life. Decisions about which ones to observe are often based upon individual choices. Being given an honour such as reading from the Torah. What are the Mitzvot? The Talmud refers to the 613 mitzvot in the Torah. This number is represented by the number of knots on the tallit, which is worn by many Jews during worship. Just as with the Ten Commandments, the mitzvot either show how people should relate to God or how they should relate to other people. Through both types of actions Jews believe they build a relationship with God. The Torah explains that the purpose of human existence is to achieve closeness to God. That which is hateful unto you do not do to your neighbour. This is the whole of the Torah, The rest is commentary. Go forth and study. Talmud This meant that although there are many mitzvot, it is through the practice of treating people with respect that Jews build their relationship with God. Free will Mitzvah Day was started in Britain in 2008 and has now spread across the world. It encourages people to join together to make a positive effect on their community. Jews and non-jews work together to try to: 1. Reduce poverty (Tzedakah the righteousness and justice that is shown through social action and acts of loving-kindness) 2. Care for the environment (Tikkun olam healing or perfecting ) 3. Care for others (Gemilut hasadim the the giving of loving-kindness ) The Torah teaches that God has given Jews a choice the choice whether to keep the mitzvot or not. As humans they were made in the image of God, and it is believed they have the mind and the soul to help with that choice. Judaism does not teach that people are born sinful but that each individual has been born with two natural ways to act: Yetzer ha tov natural urge to do good actions. Yetzer ha ra natural urge to do evil actions. In Judaism it is believed that people are born with yetzer ha tov and yetzer ha ra as a balance but as the person does more good or bad actions so the balance changes. Although humans are given free will, Judaism teaches that it is not possible to hide acts of evil from God. It is also believed that doing one good action will suddenly make someone a good person. Each is considered separately by God on the Ten Days of Repentance between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. Sins against God can be atoned for through showing repentance, prayer and giving to charity.
Pikuach Nefesh In Judaism, human life is essential and so pikuach nefesh, the obligation to save a life in danger, is considered a major value to uphold. Life on earth Choose life! It is a tree of life for those who In Judaism the emphasis is on life not on death. God is the creator who grasp it, and all who uphold it are has given life. blessed. Proverbs 3:18 God said, Let us make man with our image and likeness. Let him dominate the fi sh of the sea, the birds of the sky, the livestock animals, and all the earth and every land animal that walks the earth. God [thus] created man with His image. In the image of God, He created him, male and female He created them. Saving life (a good deed) may require a Jew to break mitzvot Genesis 1: 26 27 Saving of life should take priority over everything even if this means breaking some of the mitzvot in the Torah. In the Talmud God says his people will live by the Torah as opposed to dying by it. God is the one creator of life and therefore life is sacred. Only he can give and preserve life. Not only should humans respect their life but they should live it to the full. It is the way that they live their life that will be judged. All, except 3, of 613 mitzvot can be broken to save life (Pikuach Nefesh). 1) Incest 2) Adultery 3) Idolatry (worship false idols) For example if someone is ill on the Sabbath day then observance can be broken to save them. Good deeds, like a tree, take root and sprout into other good deeds. To preserve a life, it is permissible to remove organs from a dead body (otherwise, Jews are forbidden to disturb a body except to wash it, clothe it decently and bury it). The importance of life can be seen throughout Jewish worship and lifestyle: To preserve a life one may travel on Shabbat or even break the fast on Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement). The Torah is described as the tree of life as its mitzvot can only be followed in this world. During celebrations, especially at weddings, L Chaim is said, meaning to life. It can only be when life is shared that it is truly lived. When someone has died, the relatives are wished long life. When I had not yet formed you in the womb, I knew you, and when you had not yet emerged from the womb I made you. Jeremiah 1:5 Before you I have placed life and death, the blessing and the curse. You must choose life, so that you and your descendants will survive. Deuteronomy 30:19 Whoever destroys a single life is considered as if he has destroyed the whole world, and whoever saves a single life as if he has saved the whole world. Talmud For You created my veins, You covered me in my mother s womb. I shall thank You for in an awesome, wondrous way I was fashioned; Your works are wondrous, and my soul knows it very well. Psalm 139: 13-15
Jewish views made in the image of God ~ sanctity of life/ abortion For many Jews, God is believed to be the sole creator, giver and taker of life. Genesis (the first book of the Torah) teaches that humans are created in the image of God (Genesis 1 26-27) and life is precious. In the Tenakh there are references to a relationship with God even before birth (Psalm 139) and Jeremiah (1). The Ten Commandments, believed to have been given to Moses, forbids the taking of a life. The Talmud discusses a number of cases in which mitzvoth in the Torah can be disregarded in order to save a human life. This includes working on Shabbat and breaking the fast on Yom Kippur. There are many different Jewish views concerning abortion. These are often formed by interpretation of religious texts and teachings. Some Jews believe as God is creator only He can take life. An important belief in Judaism is pikuach nefesh the saving of a life. It is taught that Anyone who destroys a human life is considered as if he had destroyed an entire world. In the Ten Commandments it is forbidden to kill and some Jews believe this can refer to the unborn. However, most Jews believe that the unborn foetus is not a person until it is born. Many Reform Jews believe that abortion can be permitted but only for serious reasons such as the mother s life is at risk. Is human life sacred? ~ Now you have studied Jewish beliefs on Pikuach Nefesh (the duty to save life), you can use them in Component 1 e.g. Origins and Meanings. Would a Catholic agree with Jewish beliefs? BIG QUESTIONS: If God created all life, do humans ever have the right to take it away? Is human life 'sacred'? When does life begin? What would a humanist like Peter Singer say?
Tue different Jewish beliefs about the Afterlife Reform Jews do not believe in a resurrection for the afterlife. They believe that people live on through their memories The afterlife in Judaism is called Olam Ha-Ba (the world to come). This term is used to refer to a person s afterlife and also the Messianic Age in which some Jews believe. The Belief shared by all Jews is that focusing on this life is more important. Jews should focus more on living a good life by observing the Torah and studying the Mitzvot rather than focusing on the afterlife. There are no specific teachings about the afterlife in the Torah. There are references to a physical place, called Sheol, to which one goes down following this life, but the nature of this place and who goes there is unclear. This means that many. Jews beliefs about the afterlife are their own interpretations of sacred texts. What all Jews share, is a belief that doing good actions in this life is more Important than spending time thinking about what might happen after death. Orthodox Jews believe in the resurrection, however there is different views about what the resurrection will be like: Some Orthodox Jews believe in Nahmanides teaching of physical and spiritual resurrection. Some Orthodox Jews believe in Maimonides teaching of a spiritual resurrection, that your soul will rest with the presence of God. Why Jews have those beliefs? Jews believe that focusing on this life is more important than focusing on the afterlife because in the Mishna it says: Prepare yourself in the lobby, so that you may enter the banquet hall In the Talmud it also says: This world is like the eve of Shabbat, and the Olam Ha-Ba is like Shabbat. He who prepares on the eve of Shabbat will have food to eat of Shabbat Jews believe that you will be judged on how you live your life as they believe that one of God s natures is that he is a judge. Some Orthodox Jews believe in some form of resurrection because there is reference to a resurrection in daily prayers, at funerals and in the 13 principles.
Exam question practice a What is the Torah? (2) b- Describe two Jewish teachings about the covenant with Abraham. (5) c- Explain the Jewish beliefs about the messiah (8) d All Jews should believe in life after death (15)Discuss this statement showing that you have considered more than one point of view. (You must refer to religion and belief in your answer). Model answer The reform and orthodox views on the afterlife are very different. This is because there are no definite answers in the Torah about what Jews should believe. I believe that Jews should think there is some form of life after death, because this belief would influence the behaviour of Jewish people and convince them to act well in life. In the Ketuvim, which is one of the books of the Tanakh which outlines the beliefs of Judaism, it states that God is going to judge everything we do (Ecclesiastes 12:13-15). If all Jews believed that after death, they would rest in Gan Eden a place of perfect paradise, then this gives them a reason to follow all 613 mitzvot and live a good life because they believe that God will judge them and send them to either Gan Eden or Sheol. On a wider scale, if everyone lived by these rules, the world may become a better place and could be one step closer to the messianic age, therefore, I agree that Jews should believe in an afterlife. Alternatively, some may disagree with the statement and think that not all Jews should believe in the afterlife because there is no certainty from the Torah. Therefore Jewish people may have to seek guidance from rabbis who can offer advice but different rabbis will offer different answers. Reform Jews do not believe in an afterlife like Orthodox Jews. A Jewish proverb states that only the truly dead are forgotten. This means that people life on through the memories of others and the legacy they leave behind, which I believe is not the same as life after death. In conclusion, I agree with the statement because although the Torah is not specific about life after death there are a number of references to an afterlife and it gives life more meaning to believe that death is not the end. Introduction set the scene Arguments refer to beliefs and sources of authority. Weigh up and discuss these arguments. Refer to different and/or opposing views within Judaism. Link to wider understanding of Judaism Make sure your argument makes sense! Conclusion on balance, having considered the different points of view, do you agree or disagree? Sum up, linking back to the statement.
Key notes for revision or exam question practice: