Judaisum: beliefs and teachings. key words

monotheistic

belief that there is one God and one God only

Shema

a Jewish prayer affirming belief in the one God, found in the torah

Torah

Five Books of Moses, which are from the 1 section of teachings

creator

the one who makes things and brings things about

Orthodox jews

Jews who emphasise the importance of following the Torah.

Ultra-Orthodox jews

extremely committed Jews who strictly follow the laws and guidance in the torah

Shabbat

Jewish holy day of the week; spiritual renewal from Friday sunset to Saturday sunset

Omnipotent

almighty, having ultimate power, a quality of God

Omniscient

knowing everything a quality of God

Omnipresent

God is everywhere at all times, a quality of god

ten commandments

Ten laws given by God to Moses over 3000 years ago

Mitzvot

Jewish rules or commandments

merciful

the quality of God that shows compassion or forgiveness to humans/ even though he has the power to punish them

Shekhinah

the divine presence of God

Temple

the centre of Jewish worship at the time of Jesus; the meeting place between God + the priest

judgement

The belief that God judges a person based on their actions + either rewards or punishes them as a result

resurrection

rising from the dead or returning to life

rabbi

a Jewish religious leader + teacher

messiah

the anointed one, a leader of the jews who is expected to live on earth at some time in the future

messianic age

a future time of global peace when everyone will want to become closer to god, possibly through the intervention of the messiah

promised land

the land of Canaan that God promised to jews

covenant

an agreement in Judaism it refers to an agreement between indiviuals, often on behalf of the jews and god

circumcision

the removal of the foreskin penis

Brit Milah

the ceremony of circumcision

Justice

bringing about what is right + fair according to the law or making up for a wrong

healing the world (tikkum olam)

being involved in God’s work to sustain the world; it can involve work to increase social justice

charity (tedakah)

providing help and love to those in need, an organisation that does not make a profit, main purpose to help those in need

kindness to others (gemilut chasadim)

positive caring actions that should be shown to all living things

sanctity of life

All life is holy as it is created + loved by God; human life should not be misused or abused

Talmua

A commentary by the rabbis on the Torah, it consists of the Mishnah + Gemara together in a collection

Pikuach netesh

obligation to save a life, even if doing so breaks jewish laws

free will

belief that God gives people the opportunity to make decisions for themselves