Covenant at Sinai

• What is a covenant in Judaism?

  An everlasting agreement between God and man
• Why did the Jewish people enter into a covenant with God?

  After Moses led them out of slavery
• What did Moses receive that is important in Judaism?

  The Torah, or Law
• What does 'Brit olam' mean?

  'Everlasting covenant'
• What do Jews believe about the covenant with God?

  God will not break the covenant
• Who were the three main patriarchs before the covenant at Sinai?

  Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob
• What significant event did Moses lead the Hebrews to after leaving Egypt?

  The crossing of the Reed Sea
• What happened at Mount Sinai?

  A new covenant was given to the people
• What were the consequences of not following the covenant at Sinai?

  Those who didn't would be punished
• How are Jews identified in relation to the covenant?

  As the chosen people of God
• What are the Ten Commandments also known as?

  The Decalogue
• What additional teachings were given to Moses along with the Torah?

  The Oral Torah, later written as the Talmud
• How often are the Ten Commandments read today?

  Three times a year
• Why did some Jews stop reciting the Ten Commandments daily?

  They saw them as more important than other Mitzvot
• Where can the Ten Commandments be found in the Torah?

  Exodus 20:1-17 and Deuteronomy 5:4-21
• What is the significance of the Torah in Jewish life today?

  • Most important part of the Tenakh
  • Read in synagogue every Sabbath
  • Study of the Torah is essential
  • Celebrated at the festival of Shavuot
• What are the blessings and punishments associated with the covenant?

  • Obedience will be blessed
  • Disobedience will be punished
• What is the relationship between the covenant at Sinai and the Jewish understanding of law?

  • The Law is central to Jewish identity
  • Given to Moses by God at Sinai
  • Reflects the responsibilities of being chosen