Judaism beliefs

Monotheism

The belief in the existence of only one God.

Omnipotent

The quality of being all-powerful with unlimited ability.

Omniscient

The quality of being all-knowing, possessing complete awareness of all things.

Benevolent

The quality of being all-loving, good, and deeply caring.

Central Jewish declaration of monotheism found in Deuteronomy 6:4

"The Lord our God, the Lord is one."

Key quotation from Genesis 1:1 demonstrating God's role in creation

"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth."

God as Law-Giver and Judge

The belief that God establishes divine moral rules for humans to follow and evaluates each individual's conduct with justice, mercy, and forgiveness.

Quotation from Psalm 103:8 illustrating God's merciful and loving nature

"The Lord is compassionate and gracious."

Shekhinah

The divine presence of God dwelling directly within the created world and among people.

Quotation from Exodus 25:8 showing God dwelling among the people

"Let them make me a sanctuary, that I may dwell among them."

Olam Ha-Ba

The "World to Come", referring to the spiritual afterlife or future post-resurrection world in Jewish belief.

Quotation from Daniel 12:2 supporting belief in bodily resurrection

"Many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake."

Difference between Orthodox and Reform Jewish beliefs regarding the Messiah

Orthodox Judaism generally expects an anointed human leader sent by God to restore peace and Israel, whereas Reform Judaism focuses on a collective Messianic Age of universal peace and justice rather than an individual redeemer.

Quotation from Isaiah 2:4 illustrating universal peace in the Messianic Age

"They will beat their swords into ploughshares."

Key promises in God's covenant with Abraham

God promised that Abraham would become the father of a great nation, his descendants would inherit the Promised Land, and divine blessing would be bestowed upon them.

Quotation from Genesis 12:2 confirming God's covenant promise to Abraham

"I will make you into a great nation."

Covenant at Mount Sinai

The agreement between God and the Israelites through Moses where God gave the Ten Commandments and the Torah, establishing Jewish responsibilities toward God and other people.

Quotation from Exodus 20:3 affirming the first commandment and monotheism

"You shall have no other gods before me."

The two primary categories of the 613 Mitzvot

Duties between humans and God (such as praying and observing Shabbat) and duties between humans and their fellow beings (such as giving charity and acting justly).

Moral commandment from Leviticus 19:18 regarding treatment of others

"Love your neighbour as yourself."

Tzedakah

Acts of charity or giving to those in need, rooted in the religious duty of righteousness and justice.

Tikkun Olam

The Jewish concept of "repairing the world" through acts of social justice, environmental care, and community improvement.

Gemilut Chasadim

Acts of loving-kindness and personal benevolence carried out without expectation of reward.

Quotation from Deuteronomy 16:20 emphasizing the duty to uphold fairness

"Justice, justice shall you pursue."

Pikuach Nefesh

The overriding Jewish principle that preserving human life takes precedence over almost all other religious commandments, including Shabbat restrictions.

Quotation from Leviticus 19:16 supporting the principle of Pikuach Nefesh

"You shall not stand idly by the blood of your neighbour."

Quotation from Deuteronomy 30:19 affirming human free will and moral responsibility

"Choose life."