beliefs and teachings

Jews believe that g-d is

one - this is expressed in the shema

What is the Shema

“Hear, O Israel! The Lord your G-d ; the Lord is one. Love the lord your G-d with all your heart, with all your soul and with all your heart”

What do Jews believe about the Shema

That it is the basis of the Covenant with G-d

it is said twice a day

What is a Mezuzah

(a door post) is a case that contains the Shema, it is found on door frames

What is Teffilin

small leather boxes containing the Shema worn by observant Jews during prayer

What is G-d like to a Jew

• transcendent (through space and time)

• eternal

• rule maker “G-d gave Moses the 10 commandments”

• forgiving

• monotheistic faith “hear o’Israel ; the lord our g-d the lord is one”

How can Jews know G-d

• through celebrations

• festivals and holidays

• rabbis /readers

• shema / prayer

• through mitzvot

• Sabbath

• synagogue

• the Torah

• parents

What is the Shechinah

It is the dwelling or presence and it is how Jews know G-d

What do Jews believe about the Shechinah

Jews believe that G-d continues to work in the world today. Jews believe they can experience the Shechinah through worship, study and prayer

Through study Jews believe……

they can connect with G-d by studying Jewish scriptures

• at home or in the Synagogue

Through worship Jews believe….

they can feel G-d’s presence through worshiping together

Through prayer Jews believe…..

they are in the presence of G-d as

the Talmud states “when two or more Jews are gathered together in prayer, G-d is present”

What do orthodox Jews believe about the Shechinah

• they refer to it as a physical presence

• they believe that you can feel G-d’s presence at the western wall in Jerusalem —> Jews go there on pilgrimage

What do reform Jews believe about the Shechinah

• Shechinah = feminine word in hebrew

• they believe that the term refers to the feminine attributes of G-d,such as being caring and loving

What are some examples of physical manifestations (G-d physically there)

• Moses and the burning bush

• when the Jews arrive in the promised land, G-d instructs them to build a tabernacle - a temple who G-d could dwell among them

What is a covenant

a two way solemn binding relationship between G-d and his people

Why do Jews believe that Abraham is important

• He was the first Jew

• he led Jews to the promised land

• He trusted G-d, and made sacrifices for him (leaving his nephew Loch)

• He sealed the covenant between G-d and humans

• He is the patriarch (the father of the Jews)

• ABRAHAM - means father of many nations

How do Jews show the sign of the covenant

By circumcision of male Jews at 8 days old

covenant = to cut

G-d said to Abraham “every male among you shall be circumcised….. and it will be a sign of the covenant between me and you”

Why is Brit Milah believed to be important

• it seals the covenant

• it cannot be un-done

• it is a symbol of faith - a sign of being Jewish

• cannot be named or married without it

• brings together and unites the family and the community

• unites Jews past and present

How many mitzvot are there

613

10 are the 10 commandments

What are the ten commandments

• do not kill

• love your neighbour

• Keep the sabbath day holy

• do not commit adultery

• worship ONE true G-d

• do not worship idols

• do not steal

• do not bear false witnesses

• do not covet - dont get jelous

• honour your parents

What are some examples of Mitzvot

• pray the Shema twice a day

• to circumcise all males on the eighth day after birth

• do not cook meat and dairy together

What is a mitzvah

a commandment

What do Jews believe about life after death

• they believe that it is not too important as they believe it is more important to focus on the present and to live in a way that is pleasing to G-d

What is Gan Eden

heaven or paradise

• Jews believe they will go there after they die

• it is a place where people are with G-d

• it is a place of great joy and peace

• it is not the same as the garden of Eden

What is Gahenna

• Hell

• it is described in the Torah as a dark pit

• a place of punishment for the wicked

What does Olam Ha Ba mean

the world to come in a physical sense in which the world will be perfect

What do Jews believe about Judgement and resurrection

some believe that they will be judged by G-d as soon as they die

some Jews do believe in the idea of physical or spiritual ressurection