Judaism: Beliefs and Teachings

• What kind of religion is Judaism?

  A monotheistic religion
• Define the Shema

  A Jewish prayer affirming belief in the one God, found in the Torah
• What is monotheism?

  The belief in one God and only one God
• For Jews monotheism is not just the belief that there is only one God; it is a way of viewing the world and all the contents of it.
• Jews believe that because of monotheism, God is ever present in people’s lives; everything that happens in life is regarded as a meeting with God.
• A quote for God as One

  “The Lord is our God, the Lord alone.” Deuteronomy 6:4
• What is stated at the beginning of the Torah

  “When God began to create heaven and earth…” Genesis 1:1
• What belief is established from the very start of the Torah?

  The belief that God is the Creator
• What do Jews believe about God as Creator?

  Jews believe God created the universe out of nothing, exactly the way he wanted it to be.
• Jews believe that because God was able to create the universe, he is:

  1. Omnipotent
  2. Omniscient
  3. Omnipresent
• Who do Jews believe created evil?

  They believe that God, the only creator, must have created evil himself
• Why did God create evil?

  Jews believe that in order for people to have free will, they have to be able to make their own choices between good and bad -> which is why evil needs to exist
• Key quote about God creating evil

  “I make weal and create woe” Isaiah 45
• Jews believe God not only created the universe but also sustains it.
• What does God as Sustainer mean?

  God provided sufficient resources on the planet to feed and provide for all species
• Why did God give Jews many laws?

  In order to help people exercise their free will in the way he would like them to.
• What are the laws in the Torah called?

  Mitzvot
• How many mitzvot are in the Torah?

  613
• What are the first 10 mitzvot?

  The 10 Commandments
• Who were the 10 commandments given to?

  Moses
• What forms the foundation of the Mitzvot?

  The 10 Commandments
• Jews believe God judges them for?

  How well they follow the mitzvot, based on their actions, behaviour and beliefs.
• What is the purpose of God being the lawgiver?

  By providing the mitzvot, Jews believe that God set the basis of his relationship with his people
• What do Jews believe God’s judgements are?

  They are fair and always tempered by his loving, merciful nature
• When are the 2 times that God’s judgement happens?

  1. During the festival of Rosh Hashanah
  2. After death
• What is the Rosh Hashanah?

  The Jewish New Year
• What do Jews believe God does during the Rosh Hashanah?

  Judges people for their actions over the past year and decides what the coming year will bring them.
• Define Shekhinah

  The divine presence of God on earth
• Some Jews believe that life after death will be a physical life, whilst others believe it will be spiritual.
• Teachings about the After Life imply that:

  • The good will enter Gan Eden (paradise)
  • Others will go to a place called Sheol
• What is the Sheol?

  A place of waiting where souls are cleansed
• What are the different beliefs about judgement after death?

  • Some believe they will be judged by God as soon as they die
  • Some believe God will judge everyone on the Day of Judgement, after the coming of the Messiah
• A quote for Jews being Judged as soon as they die

  “And the dust returns to the ground, as it was, and the life breath returns to God, who bestowed it.” Ecclesiastes 12:7