Almighty

• What type of religion is Judaism?

  Monotheistic religion
• What are the main characteristics of God in Judaism?

  One, Creator, Lawgiver, and Judge
• How do different names of God help Jews?

  They help understand the nature of the Almighty
• What are the different groups within Judaism and their beliefs?

  • Orthodox: Literal Word of God, importance of tradition
  • Reform and Liberal: Inspired Word of God, modern interpretation
  • Secular: Cultural or ethnic identification without religious affiliation
• What do Orthodox Jews believe about the Torah?

  It is the literal Word of God
• What distinguishes Ultra-Orthodox Jews?

  They are the most strict in their beliefs
• How do Reform and Liberal Jews view the Torah?

  As the inspired Word of God, interpreted for modern life
• What do secular Jews identify with?

  Cultural or ethnic reasons
• Why is God considered non-physical in Judaism?

  It is difficult to describe Him fully
• What is the significance of God's name in Judaism?

  It is holy and should not be spoken aloud
• What does YHVH mean in Judaism?

  Lord, anglicised to Yahweh
• What does Hakadosh Baruch Hu mean?

  The Holy One, Blessed be He
• What does Hashem mean?

  The Name
• What does El Shaddai mean?

  God Almighty
• What does Elohim suggest about God?

  There is more than one part to God
• What does El mean in Judaism?

  A powerful and mighty God
• What do Jews believe about God's justice?

  God is just
• How are the characteristics of the Almighty shown in the Torah?

  • One: Impossible to divide God
  • Creator: Everything is created by God
  • Lawgiver: Torah is guidance for good living
  • Judge: God judges adherence to the Law
• What does the Shema affirm about God?

  ‘Hashem is the one and only’
• What does the Creation story signify in Judaism?

  Everything in the universe is created by God
• How do Orthodox and Reform Jews interpret the Creation story?

  Orthodox interpret literally, Reform metaphorically
• What is the significance of the Torah in Judaism?

  It is a gift from God for guidance
• What do Jews believe about their relationship with God?

  They are children of God, father-like
• How does Judaism balance law and mercy?

  God's justice is balanced with mercy
• What is the covenant made by Moses and the Jewish people?

  To keep the Law given by God
• How do the names of God affect Jewish life today?

  They help bring Jews closer to God
• What does reciting the Shema reinforce?

  The importance of God as One
• How does understanding God as Creator, Lawgiver, and Judge influence Jews?

  It helps them act with justice and mercy
• What is the importance of the Shema in Jewish practice?

  • Recited twice a day
  • Reinforces the belief in one God
  • Central to Jewish identity and faith
• ‘Hashem is our Judge, Hashem is our Lawgiver’

  • Meaning: The law (Torah) is given as a gift to lead a good life’
  • Jews are God‘s children
  • God will judge but he is merciful so he is balanced.
  • When Moses accepted the law (covenant at Sinai) it created a covenant between God and Jews.
• ‘Hashem formed the man of dust from the ground’


  Meaning: There is one God and everything is created by him. Orthodox believe the creation story is literally while reform and liberal believe it is metaphorical.