Judaism

What do Orthodox Jews believe?

That God himself spoke to the prophets and wrote the Tenakh so they follow it very strictly and literally.

What do Liberal/Reform Jews believe?

That the Torah is the inspired Word of God and should be interpreted in light of modern life and issues.

What do Secular Jews believe?

They do not affiliate with a religious group, but view themselves as Jewish because of cultural or ethnic heritage.

What is the nature of the Almighty?

- God is non-physical, it is difficult to fully describe him.

- The name of God is so holy, it must not be written down, said aloud or ever erased.

- He has many different names.

How are the characteristics of the Almighty shown in the Torah?

- Deuteronomy 6:4-9, God cannot be split apart and Jews must only worship him.

- Genesis 2:7, there is just one God, everything in the universe was created by him.

- Isaiah 33:22, the Law is a gift from God to Moses and God judges how well Jews keep the laws.

Why is the Almighty important for Jews today?

- The names of God help brings Jews closer to him if they do not fully understand his greatness.

- The different names highlight the complexity of God, yet he remains One.

- Reciting the Shema twice a day reinforces the importance of God as one.

- Understanding God as a Creator, Lawgiver and Judge helps Jews to act in the image of God with Justice and Mercy.

What is the Shekinah?

The divine presence of God within the created world.

Where is the Shekinah found?

Within the Torah and the Talmud.

How is the divine presence of God felt by Jews?

- The study of the Tenakh and the Talmud.

- The tabernacle, prayer and worship today.

Why is studying the Tenakh and Talmud an important part of being Jewish?

To study is regarded as an act of worship, and as such the Shekinah is present.

When can Jewish people study?

At any time, they can sometimes attend a Jewish school called a yeshiva.

How did the Talmud evolve?

From Rabbis studying and discussing the Torah.

What did God instruct Moses to do?

Build the Tabernacle, a portable temple where God would dwell as they travelled in search of the Promised Land. The Tabernacle maintained the Jewish people's connection with God. A light burns in the arc as a reminder of God's presence.

How can Jews pray?

Alone or part or a minyan (a group of 10 adults over the age of 13 - men only in Orthodox tradition). When Jews pray as a community they believe that God is present.

What type of prayers can only be said with a minyan?

The Kaddish (praise) and the Barachu (call to prayer).

What is said in 2 Chronicles 7:1?

Solomon dedicates the newly built Temple, and he and Jewish people are overcome with God's power.

"the glory of Hashem filled the Temple"

What does Messiah mean?

"Anointed one" it means 'marked for greatness'.

What will the Messiah be annointed in the End of Days?

King of Israel.

What does Jeremiah 23:5-6 say about the Messiah?

"A king will prosper and he will administer justice and righteousness in the land"

What ancient ideas is there about the Jews and prophets?

They had been forced into exile and the prophets reassured them that a great leader would come to restore society.

How is messiahship shown in the scriptures?

- The Messiah is a great political leader, descended from King David and administers justice.

- He is human.

- He will rebuild the Temple Jeremiah 23:5-6

- He is an expert in Jewish law Isaiah 11:2-5

- He is charismatic and an inspiring leader.

- He is a great military leader.

- He will establish Jewish law in the land Jeremiah 33:18

What is the Jewish responsibility according to the Messiah?

Many Jews are motivated to bring about a better world (Tikkun Olam) by being active partners in hastening the Messianic Age (when the Messiah rules). This may be through involvement in social, political, and environmental improvements.

What are some divergent understandings of the Messianic Age?

- For Orthodox Jews, the Messianic Age means the time when the Messiah has come and is ruling the world.

- The emphasis for Reform and Liberal Jews is not on the Messiah. Instead their focus is the Messianic Age as a time of peace and harmony.

What are some divergent understandings of when the Messiah will come?

- Some Jews believe there is the possibility of the Messiah in every generation.

- Some believe God has set a date.

- Some believe the Messiah will come when most needed, or most deserved.

What is a covenant?

A covenant is an everlasting agreement between two parties. It is formed in love and creates an important relationship.

What does Brit Olam mean?

Everlasting covenant, it shows that Jesus believes that God will not break the covenant.

Who had covenants been made with before the covenant at Sinai?

- Abraham

- Isaac

- Jacob

What was Moses chosen to do?

Lead the three patriarchs' (Abraham, Isaac and Jacob) descendants to freedom.

What is Moses' background?

- He grew up in Pharaoh's household, but after discovering he was a Jew he fled.

- God spoke to him at the burning bush and then sent ten plagues upon Egypt.

- Pharaoh surrendered and let Moses lead the Hebrews out of Egypt.

- Pharaoh chased Moses as he crossed the Red Sea and eventually to Mount Sinai.

- Moses was then given the rest of the Torah and was also given the Oral Torah, later written as the Talmud. Jews believe every Jewish soul was present at Sinai and agreed to the terms of the covenant.

What happened at Mount Sinai?

A new covenant was given.

- It made clear that those who did not follow it would be punished.

- It identified Jews as chosen people of God "chosen for responsibility".

- The Ten Commandments were given.

When is the Torah read and where is it kept?

It is read in the synagogue every Sabbath day from the scroll kept in the Ark.

What is the festival of Shavuot?

A celebration every year of the day that God gave the Torah to those at Sinai.

What are four features of the Ten Commandments?

- They are read three times a year: during the reading of Exodus and Deuteronomy, and during Shavuot.

- In early times, they were recited daily but this was stopped as some Jews saw them as more important than the Mitzvot, the commandments that guide Jews.

- They are in Exodus 20:1-17 and Deuteronomy 5:4-21.

- They are the first 10 of the 613 laws Jews must follow.

What did the covenant with Abraham promise?

- Many descendants, a Promised Land and a blessed nation.

Why is Abraham important?

He was the founder of Judaism. He came to believe that the universe was created by one single creator. This was unusual as most religions at the time were polytheistic.

Who is Isaac and Jacob?

Isaac is the son of Abraham and Sarah and his son, Jacob had 12 sons who established the 12 tribes of Israel.

What is the nature and history of the Abrahamic covenant?

- God called Abraham to leave his home and family. He was promised the reward of land and many descendants.

- Abraham sealed the covenant by circumcising himself and all the males in his family.

- There were 10 tests for Abraham, the first was leaving home.

- The final test was to sacrifice his son Isaac, an angel stopped the sacrifice as Abraham proved he was obedient.

How does the Abrahamic covenant affect Jews today?

- The covenant is fundamental to all Jews.

- The covenant has not yet been fulfilled. Jews hope to live as a great nation in the Promised Land, blessed and redeemed by God.

- The covenant with Moses at Sinai gave them laws to live by, but by obeying these, they will also fulfil the Abrahamic covenant.

- Jews are still circumcised today.

- The birth of Isaac showed that God always keeps his promises and intervenes when needed.

How does the Promised Land affect Jewish life today?

- The land of Israel remains central to Judaism and many Laws link to the idea of a Promised Land.

- Prayers for a return to Israel are included in Sabbath prayers and festivals.

- Living outside of Israel is viewed as a form of exile by some Jews.

What SOWAA is there for Man being created in his image?

Genesis 1:27

What is Pikuach Nefesh?

The obligation to save a life, laws can be broken to save a life.

Why is life sacred?

It was given by God.

What does the Talmud say about the sanctity of life?

We are all descended from a single person. To take a life is like destroying the world.

What is the three principles of Pikuach Nefesh?

- Jewish law states that the preservation of human life overrides almost any law.

- When a person's life is in danger, almost any Mitzvah can be broken.

- Exceptions: murder, idolatry, incest and adultery.

What are the implications of Pikuach Nefesh?

- Jews should live by the Torah, not die by it.

- If Jews break Shabbat rules to save a life, they should be praised.

What are some examples of Pikuach Nefesh?

Actions that would otherwise be work on Shabbat:

- rescuing a drowning child

- breaking down a door to prevent it from trapping a child

- moving rubble from a collapsed wall to save a child

- extinguishing a fire to save a life.

What is Human Life discussed as in the Torah?

Leviticus 24:17 states that anyone who killed should be put to death. However, there is little evidence Jews took this literally. Traditionally there would have been fair financial compensation. Perpetrators should beg for forgiveness and do Teshuva - return to God or repentance.

How is Pikuach Nefesh carried out today?

- Doctors may answer emergency calls on Shabbat.

- Abortions to save a mother's life are mandatory - the unborn child is not considered equal to the mother.

- Euthanasia, suicide, and assisted suicide are strictly forbidden.

- It may be permissible to switch off life support machines, or end treatment that artificially prolongs life.

- Generally, Orthodox Jews take a stricter view on what Pikuach Nefesh permits, but it should be assymed, for example, that Reform Jews take a much more liberal approach.

What do Orthodox Jews believe about abortion?

Should only happen to save the mother's life.

What do Reform/Liberal Jews believe about abortion?

May allow for wider circumstances, such as social and non-life threatening medical issues, to be considered.

What do Orthodox Jews believe about organ donation?

Very controversial. Only allowed if;

- From a living person with no danger to health.

- From a dead body to save a life.

- But question whether transplant stops heart beating and causes death.

What do Reform/Liberal Jews believe about organ donation?

Usually permitted in most circumstances.

What is the nature and importance of the Mitzvot?

- Halakhah teaches Jews how to perform the Mitzvot.

- Maimonides compiled the Mishneh Torah, a compilation of all the Mitzvot.

- Jews believe the Mitzvot were given by God to Moses. They follow the Mitzvot as they form part of the covenant between the Jewish people and God and there is punishment for not following the Mitzvot.

- Orthodox Jews believe the Halakhah was given orally on Mount Sinai and written in the Torah. Reform Jews believe it evolves through generations. They try to keep as many Mitzvot as possible.

- Reform Jews believe the Torah is divinely inspired rather than the Literal Word of God. They consider how the Mitzvot may have been influenced by culture, so may no longer be relevant or ethical.

What does the Mitzvot say about freewill?

- God seems to predetermine fate, i.e telling Abraham his descendants would be enslaved, freed and return to Canaan. However, Jews believe they have free will.

- Some philosophers thought God knew what would happen rather than determining what would happen. This was a sign of God's omnipotence - knowledge of all human actions, past, present, and future.

What does the Mitzvot say between humans and the almighty?

- Some Jews see them as a gift from God.

- Observing Mitzvot shows gratitude to God.

- They show the best way to live, which deepens the relationship with God.

- Religious significance is given to everyday actions such as eating, by giving blessings for food.

What does the Mitzvot say between humans?

- The Mitzvot includes rules on how humans should behave towards each other.

- Examples are; visiting the sick, comforting mourners, feeding the hungry, helping the poor.

What are the moral principles of the Mitzvot?

- The Mitzvot continues to be studied and analysed.

- Some decisions are controversial, and not all Jews will agree with all Rabbis and their decisions.

- The Talmud is the starting point for modern questions, such as organ donation and abortion.

- Many laws are no longer practised, such as animal sacrifice.

- Judaism is a living religion that considers modern issues in light of tradition and scripture.

What do Jews believe about life after death?

- There are different Jewish opinions on the possibility of life after death, but there is a general agreement that death is not the end.

- Some Jews believe in the World to Come (Olam-Ha-Ba), that there will be Heaven (Gan Eden), and a place of purification of the soul (Gehinnom).

- Both resurrection and reincarnation are traditional Jewish beliefs.

- Most Jews do not believe in eternal punishment.

What does Ecclesiastes say about life after death?

"The spirit returns to God who gave it"

It suggests that the soul returns to God. This could be an afterlife with God, or simply being part of him again.

What does the Torah say about being reunited after death?

- The Torah suggests those who die are reunited with their family.

- Jacob was 'gathered with his people' when he died, Genesis 49:33

What does the Torah say about reward and punishment after death?

- Those who break the Mitzvot will be punished in the afterlife: "that soul shall be cut off".

- Many of those who sleep in the dusty earth will awaken.

What is the nature of resurrection and judgement?

- Orthodox Jews believe the promised Messiah will come to lead a Messianic Age when the righteous will be resurrected and live in a restored Israel.

- Reform Jews share in this age to come, but reject the idea of an individual Messiah.

What is Gan Eden?

- The place for the righteous.

- Unclear whether souls will go there immediately after death, or in the Messianic Age.

- Maimonides taught that righteous gentiles will also be rewarded.

What is Gehinnom?

- Place of punishment for the unrighteous - those who neglected the Torah.

- Souls go there to be cleansed.

- Rabbis taught that, once cleansed, these souls move to Gan Eden.

What are the nature, features, and purpose of public worship?

- Avodat Hashem means 'worship God'.

- After the Temple was destroyed in 586 BCE and again in 70 CE, the synagogue became the main place of worship.

- Jews continue to worship in the synagogue today. It is a reminder that they are part of a community.

- Psalm 116:14-19 highlights the value of public worship.

- Prayer in the synagogue became more important after the destruction of the Temple.

What happens in the synagogue for Shabbat?

- Shabbat services take place on Friday evening and Saturday morning.

- Reform and Liberal Jews usually focus on these services rather than daily prayers.

- The Amidah and Aleinu are expressed.

- There is a longer reading of the Torah than usual and a sermon by the Rabbi.

- The whole family is encouraged to attend.

What happens in the synagogue regarding daily prayers?

- Jews can pray anywhere, but if a minyan is present that can say the Kaddish, kedusha, or other prayers linked to the Torah.

- Jews are expected to pray three times daily - morning, afternoon and evening.

- Orthodox synagogues say prayers in Hebrew; Reform synagogues use the local language.

- The Siddur is the book of daily prayer Jews follow.

What is the importance of synagogue services?

- Synagogue services unite the local community.

- They are a reminder of the global community that Jews are part of.

- Jews pray towards the site of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem, Israel.

- Private prayers usually involve thanksgiving, praise, and requests for something.

- A sermon is given by a Rabbi, which may affect the way Jews then live their lives.

What is the nature and purpose of the Tenakh?

- The Torah is the most sacred object in Judaism, kept in the Ark in the synagogue.

- The rest of the Tenakh shows how Jewish people lived and tried to keep on the right path.

- Orthodox Jews believe it is the literal Word of God and cannot be changed.

- Reform Jews think it is a human creation, inspired by God.

What is the nature and purpose of the Talmud?

- Oral tradition - literally 'instruction or learning'.

- Orthodox tradition says it is the Oral Torah, also given to Moses on Sinai and written down 1000 years later.

- Reform Jews believe it is a human creation, reflecting the wisdom of many generations of Jewish people.

- It contains the teachings and opinions of thousands of early Rabbis on topics such as law, ethics, philosophy, customs and history, and is the source of Jewish legal teaching and decision.

What is the importance of the use of the Tenakh and Talmud in daily life and worship?

- The different views of Jews have led to the separation of Orthodox and Reform Jews in worship and practice. However, the Torah remains central to all Jews.

- The Torah is used and read four times a week in Orthodox synagogues, once a week in Reform synagogues.

- Jews are encouraged to study the Talmud. Perkei Avot or 'Ethics of the Fathers' is a set of ethical teachings in the Mishnah, "If a man has acquired words of the Torah, he has attained afterlife"

- Regular study and lectures are held in synagogues, while Daf Yomi is an international programme where Jews study in unison.

What is the nature and purpose of the kashrut?

- Acceptable food is called kosher meaning 'correct', non kosher food is called treifah, meaning 'torn'.

- It is an opportunity to bring kedusha, or holiness, into everyday life.

- Jews believe these laws come from God, which is why they keep them.

- Some suggest the laws had health benefits at the time they were made - seafood would have travelled long distances without refrigeration, pigs carried disease etc.

- Deuteronomy 14 lists some of the foods that are allowed and forbidden.

What are the implications of kashrut today?

- Orthodox Jews feel they are still important to keep, while some Reform and Liberal may not observe all laws.

- Most Jews refrain from eating pork.

- There are other kosher requirements that can create challenges for Jews today especially if eating out.

What are the two main kashrut laws?

- Meat and dairy should not be mixed - including during preparation.

- Meat must be slaughtered in the correct way.

What is the nature of prayer in the home and of private prayer?

- Most Jews cannot attend the synagogue daily.

- Jews will often pray at home, individually, or as a family.

- They are encouraged to clear their mind and then 'reflect in your heart', Psalm 4:4 meaning to look inward and connect with God from the heart.

What is Shabbat prayer?

- Meal prepared and candles lit.

- Prayers recited before the meal.

- Kiddush (prayer of sanctification) recited - celebrates creation and freedom of slaves from Egypt.

- Connection of family, friends, and global community considered of great value.

What is the importance of prayer three times a day?

- Orthodox Jews pray three times a day. For Reform Jews however, it is a matter of personal choice.

- Keeps God at the forefront of a Jews's thoughts.

- Shema often said at night.

- Modeh ani prayer is recited upon waking to thank God for the gift of life.

What are the four features of private prayer?

- Prayer in a group unites a community.

- Jews pray for a wide variety of reasons.

- Jews praise God, make requests and give thanks.

- Jews often pray before and after eating.

What types of prayer could be used and when?

- Daily Prayer: connecting in faith as a family.

- Individual Prayer: personal time with God.

- Constant Prayer: keeps God in a Jew's heart and mind.

- Shabbat Prayer: brings together family and friends.

What is the nature of the Shema?

- Most important prayer in Judaism.

- Recited twice a day in morning and evening services.

- Found in Deuteronomy 6, 11 and Numbers 15.

What is the importance of the Shema?

- Declares most fundamental principle of Jewish faith: the belief in one God.

- Contains many important beliefs about God.

What is the nature of the Amidah?

- HaTefillah or 'the prayer'.

- Known as 'standing prayer'.

What is the importance of the Amidah?

- Core part of every Jewish service.

- Features three parts that are central to a relationship to God: praise, requests, thanks.

What is a Tallit?

- Prayer shawl.

- Reminder of the Mitzvot in the Torah.

What is the Tefillin?

- Black boxes with leather straps.

- Connects heart and mind to God, Deuteronomy 6:8.

What is a Mezuzah?

- Container attached to doorposts in Jewish homes, containing Shema.

- Reminder of God's presence.

What do Jews prayer for in the morning?

- Thanks for the use of the body.

- Psalms and sections of Tenakh chosen to focus the mind on God.

- Shema and Amidah recited.

What do Jews prayer for in the afternoon?

- Psalm 145 (Praise David) is read.

- Followed by the Amidah and Aleinu.

What do Jews prayer for in the evening?

- Shema, Amidah, and Aleinu are recited.

What other prayers are said?

- The Kaddish; prayer of praise and is used after the Rabbi's teaching or longer version called Mourner's Kaddish at a funeral.

- Barkhu; the call to prayer at the start of a synagogue service by the prayer leader.

What is the importance of rituals today for Jews?

- Rituals are grounded in Jewish law.

- Observance shows gratitude to God, a sense of Jewish identity, and brings the Almighty into everyday life.

- Important moments are marked by customs that go back to biblical times.

What are the rituals and ceremony associated with Birth in Judaism?

- Life begins as a baby emerges halfway from the mother's womb; it is pure and free from sin.

- Leviticus 12 outlines the Temple rituals for purification of the mother after birth. She can not touch anything sacred for, Boys: 7 days plus 33 days and Girls: 14 days plus 66 days.

- The recovery time is doubled for a girl to reflect the extra work the mother has done to make a creator.

- Offerings would then have been made at the Temple to become 'purified'.

- Once the woman has stopped bleeding she attends the mikvah (ritual bath of purification).

- Children are always given a Hebrew name and often an English name. Girl: given in the synagogue, Boy: given during the Brit Milah, (circumcision).

What are some key features of the Brit Milah?

- Circumcision is one of the most universally observed Mitzvot. It is an outward sign of the everlasting covenant with the Almighty.

- Abraham circumcised himself and his descendants, starting with Isaac.

- Circumcision is performed by a religiously trained person known as mohel.

What happens in a Bar Mitzvah?

- Happens at age 13.

- Can lead synagogues after this.

- Need to learn enough Hebrew to read from the Torah.

What happens in a Bat Mitzvah?

- Happens at age 12 (13 in Reform/Liberal synagogues).

- Ceremony only about 100 years old.

- Will be taught to cook challah and other important preparations in the home.

What happens in both Bar and Bat Mitzvahs?

- Both expected to study and prepare carefully.

- Reform/Liberal communities may allow boys and girls to read from the Torah.

What are some key features of Marriage in Judaism?

- There are very few teachings on marriage in the Torah.

- The Talmud explains how to find a partner, the form of the ceremony, and the nature of marital relationships.

- Jews must first go through a ritual engagement of Kiddushin.

- Full marriage is called Nisuin.

What are some key features of mourning ceremonies in Judaism?

- These help the bereaved to return to normal life after the loss of a loved one.

- Orthodox Jews will often tear their clothes when they lose a loved one, as Jacob did.

- Reform Jews may wear a torn black ribbon.

What are some features of the funeral in Judaism?

- Jews are usually buried rather than cremated, ideally within 24 hours of death.

- Candles are lit and the body is never left alone, it is wrapped in a linen shroud, men are wrapped in a tallit too, plain coffins are used.

- The funeral takes place entirely at the cemetery as the synagogue is considered a place for the living.

- Hands are washed outside the ceremony to signify leaving death behind.

What are five features of the Shabbat?

- It is a time to relax, with family and community, as well as worship in the synagogue.

- Jews believe that the Almighty instructed them to observe the Sabbath.

- It begins Friday evening at dusk and ends when three stars appear in the sky on Saturday.

- This is the end of the week for Jews.

- Some Reform communities observe Shabbat from 6pm on Friday to 6pm on Saturday to ease conflict with modern work commitments.