Principles and the Mitzvot

• What are the Mitzvot in Judaism?

  Commandments that guide Jews to live in the Torah
• What is a Mitzvah?

  A good deed
• What does Halakhah represent in Jewish life?

  The set of Mitzvot that guide Jewish life
• What do Jews believe about free will in relation to the Mitzvot?

  They believe they have free will to follow them
• How do the Mitzvot deepen a relationship with God?

  By guiding Jews in their actions and faith
• Who compiled the Mishneh Torah?

  Maimonides
• What do Jews believe about the origin of the Mitzvot?

  They were given by God to Moses
• What is the significance of the covenant in relation to the Mitzvot?

  It binds the Jewish people to follow them
• How do Orthodox and Reform Jews differ in their beliefs about the Torah?

  Orthodox believe it was given orally and written; Reform believe it evolves
• How do Reform Jews view the Mitzvot?

  They try to keep as many as possible
• What do Reform Jews believe about the Torah's divine inspiration?

  They believe it is divinely inspired, not literal
• What is the philosophical debate regarding God's knowledge and human free will?

  Some believe God knows but does not determine fate
• Why do Jews obey the Mitzvot?

  Because they come from God
• How do Mitzvot express gratitude to God?

  By observing them in daily life
• What is the significance of everyday actions in relation to Mitzvot?

  They are given religious significance through blessings
• What informal meaning does the term Mitzvah have?

  Good deed
• Why are some decisions regarding Mitzvot controversial today?

  Not all Jews agree with all Rabbis' decisions
• How does Judaism approach modern issues in relation to tradition?

  • Judaism is a living religion
  • Considers modern issues in light of tradition and scripture
  • The Talmud is the starting point for modern questions
• What is one practice that is no longer performed in Judaism?

  Animal sacrifice
• What is the role of the Talmud in modern Jewish questions?

  It serves as the starting point for discussions
• How do interpretations of Mitzvot continue to evolve today?

  Debate continues about their application to modern life