God as law giver and judge

• The Torah contains many laws, called mitzvot or commandments, that underlie God's role as lawgiver. God expects Jews to follow the commandments without question, and Jews believe that they are judged for their obedience or disobedience, so God is also a judge.
• Mitzvot

  • Traditionally, Jews count 613 laws.
  • Some prefer to think of the mitzvot as chances to connect with God.
  • Some mitzvot are positive actions that must be done. Others are activities that must be avoided.
  • These rules form the basis of the relationship between God and the Jewish people.
• Fulfilling the laws

  • No Jew has to keep to all 613 laws as some apply only to men, some only to women, some only to the king and others only to landowners.
  • As a nation, the laws are fulfilled by its different members. This strengthens their relationship with God.
• God's judgement

  • Jews believe that they are judged for their obedience or disobedience to the laws throughout their lives.
  • There will also be a judgement after death that determines one’s afterlife.
  • God's judgement is always subjective, and God is merciful, taking into account a person’s circumstances and background.
  • God is loving and wants a positive relationship with his people.
• Jewish festivals of Judgement

  • The Jewish festivals of Rosh Hashannah and Yom Kippur are periods of judgement where Jews reflect and seek forgiveness for mistakes they have made.
  • Repentance is always possible throughout the year.