beliefs

Ten Commandments

Essential laws forming the basis of God's covenant with Moses, focusing on relationships between humans and God as well as between humans.

God as One

Belief in the oneness of God, reinforced in the Ten Commandments, central to Judaism, and rejecting idolatry.

Pikuach Nefesh

Term for saving a life, a principle in Judaism that allows breaking Shabbat laws to save a life, emphasizing the value of life.

Free will and mitzvot

Concept in Judaism where individuals have the freedom to choose to follow the mitzvot, guided by the Torah to follow the yetzer ha tov.

Covenant with Abraham

God's promises to Abraham including land, descendants, and circumcision, marking the start of the Jewish race.

Importance of the Land for Jews

The significance of the land promised by God to Jews through Abraham, providing protection, identity, and a connection to God.

Use of Tenakh and Talmud

The Tenakh as the Jewish holy book containing Torah and Nevi'im, and the Talmud as a tool to interpret laws and apply them in different contexts.

Shekhinah

The term for God's presence on Earth, felt by Jews during prayer and following the mitzvot, reflecting nurturing qualities and inclusivity.

Messiah

The belief in an anointed one who will bring peace and justice, differing interpretations between Orthodox and Reform Jews.

Moses

The Mosaic covenant between God and the Jewish people through Moses, emphasizing obedience to laws, mitzvot, and the importance of the Ten Commandments.

God as Judge and Lawgiver

God's role in giving laws, judging based on actions, and the consequences of following or disobeying the laws in Judaism.

Afterlife

Orthodox and Reform beliefs on the afterlife, resurrection, judgement, and the focus on living a righteous life.

Belief in God's Oneness

The central belief in Judaism, emphasized in the Shema and Ten Commandments, rejecting idolatry and reflected in synagogue design.

God as Creator

The belief in God's creation of the world, reflecting God's omnipotence and omnibenevolence, remembered through Shabbat observance.

613 Mitzvot

Laws given by God to Moses during the Mosaic covenant, outlining how Jews are to live according to God's will.

God as Lawgiver

Viewed as the most important aspect by some Jews due to the significance of the 613 mitzvot in shaping their identity and relationship with God.

God as Judge

Emphasized by certain Jews who believe in God's fairness and the opportunity for repentance during the ten days between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.

God as One

Considered the most important aspect of God's nature by many Jews, reflected in their daily recitation and physical structures.

Abrahamic Covenant

Seen as the most important by some, as it marks the beginning of the relationship between God and the Jewish people, emphasizing the significance of the land of Israel and circumcision.