NATURE OF BELIEFS + JUDAISM

SUPERNATURAL DIMENSION

The supernatural dimension is the belief in the existence of beings that are beyond human limitation

ROLES OF A SUPERNATURAL

• does not obey the laws of human existence

• high powers + abilities

• greater than earth

• can be transcendent or immanent

MONOTHEISTIC

refers to the belief in one god ONLY

features:

• Transcendent in power but immanent in influence

• Following prescribed rules from one God

• Belief + worship of one God

POLYTHEISTIC

refers to the belief in MUTLIPLE gods

TRANSCENDANT

being that exists BEYOND the universe and does not come down to earth in human form

EXAMPLE OF INTERACTION WITH HUMANS THROUGH INTERMEDIARY

• ISLAM: prophet muhammed (s) serves as a spiritual intermediary by delivering god’s message to the people

IMMANENT

being that exists WITHIN the world and can take on worldly forms such as plants and animals

EXAMPLE OF POWER THAT CAN BE ACQUIRED BY HUMANS

• HINDUISIM: Vishnu (exists within everyone and everything)

WHAT ARE THE MAIN 4 CHARACTERSTICS OF RELIGION?

1. belief + believers

2. sacred text + writings

3. ethics

4. rituals + ceremonies

BELIEF + BELIEVERS

• reflect key beliefs or other supernatural and their nature

• dicstates the relationship with the supernatural

• framework for all actions and practices

• without believers there is no religion

  EX: ISLAM:

• Belied in tawheed

• belief in prophets

• belief in angels

SCARED TEXTS + WRITINGS

• key text that provides guidance in region

• sacred text from god

• writings: from humans that explain key; beliefs, ethics, lore, law

• provide avenue to connect and understand the supernatural

  EX: ISLAM → quran

ETHICS

• the laws that dictate right and wrong in a religion

• relates back to achieving the overall goal in the religion → afterlife

  EX; Islam: halal / haram

RITUALS + CEREMONIES

• actions that commemorate key events in the individuals life such as birth, marriage, coming of age

• ceremonies → commemoration of key religious events that are significant to the religion

  EX: ISLAM → eid

LIVING RELIGOUS TRADITION

• a religion that continues to be actively practised and passed down through generations while maintaining its core beliefs into a contemporary society.,

  EX: ISLAM: prayer

DYNAMIC RELIGOUS TRADITION

• a dynamic religious tradition is a religion that adapts and evolves in relation to a changing society whilst maintaining its foundational beliefs

  EX: ISLAM → reading Quran on the phone

HOW DOES A RELIGION CONTRIBUTE TO AN INDIVIDUAL (LEILA ABDULLAH)

SENSE OF BELONGING

• being a part of a community

• family

• support through faith

• “I am at peace because i know ,my children are in a better place” → Leila expresses acceptance and faith through the comfort in the idea of her children at peace

  ETHICAL GUIDANCE

• perspectives on social issues

• forgiveness

• “ I am not going to hate him because that is not who we are” → Leila expresses her forgiveness reflecting her deep religious values.

  PERSONAL SEARCH FOR MEANING

• Answers endearing questions of human experience

• encourages gratitude and turning to religion for comfort

• “ The reason why i am here, why i am strong is because God has given me strength and given me peace” → Leila expresses gratitude to god and her ability to endure hardship

RITUAL MEANING

• meaning

• structured way of life

• “ The only thing we can take with us is our faith, our religion and how much we pray” → expresses material possessions do not matter after death, only ones faith and devotion

CONSERVATIVE EFFECT

LEILA ABDULLAH

• collective identity

• holding on to traditional values

• community belonging

• forgiveness: “our hearts is to share forgiveness to every Australian” → Danny Abdullah; he expresses desire to promote forgiveness and healing to inspire and embrace empathy.

  BILLY DIB

• tawakul ( trust in god)

• holding onto traditional values

• community belonging

• help a community

• share faith: “ i have conquered illness and i want other people to know how to do the same” → expresses his triumph over illness and desire to inspire others through his spiritual journey

PROGRESSIVE EFFECT

LEILA ABDULLAH

• changing society for the better

• “i forgive day” which inspired muslims to do jumaah kutbah for forgiveness

  BILLY DIB

• changing society for the better

• wrote a book “fighs of my life”

• influences others to hold onto faith through social media platforms and books:

• “boys dont cry” → childrens book

• “chill with bill” → school program

DREAMING

• a worldview that provides Aboriginal Australians with an ordered sense of reality, acting as a framework for understanding and interpreting the world and the place of humans in the world.

QUOTES ON DREAMING

“Dreaming is a term that we use to describe the relations and balance between the spiritual, natural and moral elements of the world” → Mudrooroo ( indigenous writer and academic)

• highlights the dreaming is not just a story but a way of understanding the world. It connects the spiritual and physical aspects of life providing guidance on how to live with the land and community.

“The land is my backbone… I only stand string because of the land, because i still have land, because i still have culture, because i still have dreaming” → Galarrwuy yunupingu (yolnu leader and activist)

• emphasises the deep spiritual connection between aboriginal people and the land. It also shows how dreaming is a source of strength, identity and continuity for aboriginal culture

TOTEMS

• a natural element such as plant and animals that are given as a spirtual significance to aboriginal groups

• 4 levels of totem: moeity, clan, family, individual

• can come at any age/time

• duty too protect totem and responsibly for protecting their species

  EX: “Totems define people’s rules and responsibilities each other and creation” → Uncle Graham Paulson (Indigenous pastor in Australia)

• He suggests that totems symbolise roles, duties and interconnectedness within groups and honour these symbols of creation.

KINSHIP

• defines roles and relationships

• 3 levels to a kinship system: moeity, totem and skin names

• everybody from within the same moeity are brothers and sisters and are obliged to help each other out

• skin names helps decide who can marry who so that it prevents incest and marrying blood relatives for unwanted diseases

  EX: “Kinship is the very foundation of who we are , its how we are connected to each other, to the land and our ancestors” → Uncle John (Aboriginal elder from NSW)

• highlights that kinships is a system that connects individuals to their family, and the broader natural world.

ORIGINS OF THE UNIVERSE

• every story regardless of the location begins and ends with ancestors interacting with, shaping and impacting the land.

• practical and ethical teachings

• transmission of the dreaming

• represented in ceremonies and art

  EX: “Dreaming tells us the land, the sky, the stars and all living things were crated by our ancestors, who gave us the laws to live by” → Uncle Ray Jackson

• This reflects the belief the universe was created during the Dreaming, a foundational concept in many Aboriginal cultures, where ancestral beings shaped the world and established the laws for life.

SYMBOLISM + ART

• form of physically expressing the dreaming

• cave painting to record history

• maps used as a practical resource

• body art used during ceremonies

• unique to teach dreaming ex; instruments

  EX: “Our art is our history book, if you take away our art, you take away our history” → Galarrwuy Yunpingu (yolnu elder)

• emphasises aboriginal art is deeply tied to cultural identity preserving stories, laws and traditions through symbolism passed down for generations.

SACRED SITES

• Land in which ancestors slumber

• land in which ancestors shaped/ impacted/influenced

• perform ceremonies on sacred sites

• ritual estates assigned to particular kinship groups

  EX: “ if you destroy sacred sites, you destroy our idenity and connection to the land” ( Gurindui Elder)

• sacred sites are central to aboriginal culture representing spiritual heritage, law and belonging making their preservation vital for cultural survival.

CEREMONIES

• connects indigenous people with their ancestors

• allows for a transition into new adult responsibilities

• re-enactment of dreaming stories

• rites of passage

• reinforcing communal kinship and roles

• keep the dreaming alive

  EX: “ceremonies connect us to the land, to our ancestors and to each other” → Dr Miriam Ungunmerr

• Aboriginal ceremonies reinforce cultural identity, strengthening spirtual ties and ensure the continuation of traditions and dreaming stories.

MERIAM VS YOLONGU

FEATURES OF DREAMING	YOLONGU	MERIEM
TOTEMS	Tamarind tree Unique reminder of their historical relationship with the macassans	Must protect the shark Story of the father and son who encountered a shark and it did not harm them so they protected it.
KINSHIP	Names inspired by ties to indonesian macassans Udan = hussein Intermarriages influenced practices	Languages across all TSI = creole in order to foster a sense of community On Mer Island they speak Mer Adoption practices
ORIGIN OF UNIVERSE	Wangarr rose from within the land and shaped the land, returned to the land but left forms behind.	-Malo- octopus formed island and created 8 tribes, laws and ceremonies
SYMBOLISM  + ART	Phrases used in ceremonies, “oh allah, oh muhammed” As a result of macassan influence	Mer song “Taba naba” Performed as a sitting dance to recall fishing practises of reef
SACRED SITES	Macassan boats on walls in caves in arnhem land Tamarind tree Didgeridoo unique to yolngu tribe Sites of tamarind trees mark location of trade and gatherings with Macassans	Dhari: feathered headpiece worn during ceremonies, clip feathers represent fishtails Customs of sea/ reef: 60km North, 60 km South island

GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION

• All Aboriginas and Torres Strait Islander nations practise the features of the dreaming BUT the practises will change based on geographical location and ritual estate, therefore, dreaming is different according to location so the ancestors will be different

• YOLONGU: NORTHERN TERRITORY, ARNHEM LAND

• MERIEM: NORTH OFF QUEENSLAND

INEXTRICABLE CONNECTION BETWEEN LAND, DREAMING + IDENTITY

• KINSHIP → DERIVED FROM THE LAND → RPOVIDES ROLES IN DREAMING = IDENITITY

  EX: NAMES INSPIRED BY MACASSANS- UDANG = HUSSEIN

• TOTEMS → PROTECT LAND → REINFORCE SIGNIFICANT FATURES IN DREAMING= GIVING IDENITY

  EX; TOTEMS: PROTECTING SHARK” STORY OF FATHER AND SON WHO ENCOUNTER A SHARK

IMPACTS OF DISPOSESSION

Impacts of Dispossession

• Lower life expectancy

• 3x higher infant mortality

• Educational disadvantage

• Only 2.2% of AUS population

• Loss of culture/language

• Psychological trauma

• Can’t practice spirituality (e.g., ceremonies)

• No sense of security

• Intergenerational trauma

• Recidivism (reoffending cycle)

Separation from Land

• Identity stripped

• Loss of lore

• Totems not cared for

• Sacred sites destroyed

Separation from Kinship

• Gaps in kinship roles/responsibilities

• Broken/separated families

• Loss of community

• Loss of generational knowledge

• Stolen Generation

• Rites of passage lost

• Marriage/inheritance systems affected

Today

• Higher incarceration rates

• More drug & alcohol abuse

• Strained relationships with government

EVENTS OF DISPOSESSION

• Every AUS state/territory decided where Aboriginals could live and with whom

• Indigenous people weren’t counted as population

• White people controlled where Aboriginals could live

• Most were placed into missions (due to Protection Acts → Stolen Generation)

• Segregated by skin colour

• Aim: to "breed out" Aboriginal identity

• Policies:

  • Missionisation

  • Assimilation

  • Stolen Generation

  • Separation from kinship

  • Separation from land

DEFINE THE IMPORTANCE OF THE LAND FOR THE DREAMING

In Aboriginal spirituality, the land is inextricably connected to the Dreaming because it was created by ancestral spirits who shaped the landscape and then returned to the land, making it sacred. This connection means the land is not just a physical space but a living, spiritual entity that is central to Aboriginal identity. It holds the stories of ancestors and serves as the foundation for spiritual beliefs and ceremonies. Sacred sites linked to these ancestors are used for rituals and teachings. Caring for the land maintains this spiritual connection, reinforcing its role in culture and heritage.

What event marks the beginning of monotheism in Abraham’s life?

Abraham questions his father's belief in idol worship.
“And the Lord said to Abraham, ‘Go forth from your land, and from your birthplace and from your father's house to the land I will show you’” (Genesis 12:1)
Significance: This is the establishment of monotheism.

What did God promise Abraham when he left his home and family?

3 promises god made; great name, land, and bless his seed (family).
“And I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you, and I will aggrandise your name and you shall be a blessing” (Genesis 12:2)
Significance: Beginning of the covenant with God and the three promises that establish it

What does Abraham’s name change from Abram signify?

His new name means "father of many nations."

“And your name shall no longer be Abram, but your name shall be Abraham, for I have made you the father of a multitude of nations.” (Genesis 17:5 )
Significance: Abraham becomes the forefather of many nations of Israel.

What was the significance of Abraham being circumcised?

It was a sign of the covenant between God and Abraham.
“And You shall circumcise the flesh of your foreskin and it shall be as the sign of a covenant between you and between me” (Genesis 17:11)
Significance: A test to prove Abraham's worthiness and a lasting mark of the covenant.

What did God promise Abraham and Sarah about their descendants?

God promised Sarah would bear a son, Isaac, and the covenant would continue through him.
“Indeed, your wife Sarah will bear you a son and you shall name him Issac and I will establish my covenant for his seed after him.”
Significance: Symbol of the everlasting covenant. God kept His promise to Abraham.

What is the significance of Isaac being born to elderly parents?

Significance: Symbolises God's promise to Abraham of lineage and being the father of many nations.
Quote: "And Abraham was a hundred years old when his son Isaac was born to him." (Genesis 21:5)

What does Isaac’s circumcision at 8 days old signify in Judaism?

Significance: Creates a blueprint for parents on how to raise a child according to Jewish faith.
Quote: "And Abraham circumcised his son Isaac when he was 8 days old, as God commanded him." (Genesis 21:4)

What is the significance of Isaac being used as a sacrifice?

Significance: Shows ultimate act of obedience by Abraham and Isaac.
Quote: "And he said, 'Please take your son, your only one, whom you love, Isaac, and go away to the land of Moriah and bring him up there for a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I tell you.'" (Genesis 22:2)

What does Isaac performing prayer in the field represent?

Significance: Illustrates prayer as a normal practice of God's people, the Jewish people.
Quote: "And Isaac went forth in the field, towards the evening, and he lifted his eyes and saw and behold camels were approaching." (Genesis 24:63)

Why is Isaac having twins (Jacob and Esau) significant?

Significance: Allows the covenant to continue through Jacob, fulfilling God’s promise to Abraham to be the father of many nations.
Quote: "And I will establish my covenant between me and between you and between your seed after, throughout their generations as an everlasting covenant, to be to you for a God and to your seed after you." (Genesis 17:7)

What is the significance of Jacob tricking Esau into giving him his birthright?

Significance: Jacob becomes the father to twelve sons who are the twelve tribes of Israel.
Quote: "And Jacob said, 'Sell me as of this day your birthright.'" (Genesis 25:31)

What is the significance of Jacob deceiving his father into giving him the blessing of firstborn rights?

Significance: This event concerned the future of an entire people; God had promised Rebekah that Jacob would be the ancestor of a great nation and a blessing to humanity.
Quote: "And he said, 'Your brother came with cunning and took your blessing.'" (Genesis 27:35)

What is the significance of Jacob wrestling with the angel?

Significance: Jacob, though a liar and deceiver, is forgiven by God and becomes an example that anyone can be forgiven. His name is changed to Israel, meaning “the one who prevails with God,” showing that those who fight for their second chance can receive it.
Quote: "And Jacob was left alone, and a man wrestled with him until the break of dawn." (Genesis 32:25)

What is the significance of the 10 signs (plagues) from God?

Significance: These signs were a means to bring the Jewish people back to monotheism. The last sign (plague) marks the beginning of Passover, celebrated yearly by Jews.
Quote: “Draw forth or buy for yourselves sheep for your families and slaughter the Passover sacrifice.” (Exodus 12:21)

What is the significance of Moses saving the Israelites from Egypt and leading them to the Red Sea?

Significance: He is the saviour of the Jewish people, chosen by God. Moses saves them from Egyptian slavery and leads them to the promised land.
Quote: “So now come and I will send you to the Pharaoh, and take my people, the children of Israel, out of Egypt.” (Exodus 3:10)

What is the significance of Moses being given the Torah?

Significance: The Jews now have 613 laws (mitzvot) to live by. Monotheism becomes a divine command, and those who stray face consequences.
Quote: “I am God, your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the house of slaves.” (Exodus 20:2)

SHEMA

The Shema is a central command in Judaism that calls for total devotion to one God. It's not just a belief, but a way of life, shaping how Jews live, pray, and worship.

Features:

• Obedience: Listen and obey

• Affirmation of one God

• Love for God

• Declares God as both national and personal deity

• Rejects idolatry and polytheism

• Shapes religious identity from prayer to worship

  Quote:
  "Hear, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord is one. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength, The Lord, Our God. (Deut 6:4–5)

  How it relates to monotheism:

• Ensures that all adherents are listening and obeying God throughout their lives

• Emphasises the oneness of God

• Encourages deeper worship and closeness to God through mitzvot

• Reinforces the covenant relationship between God and the Jewish people

*NOTE: THEY MUST ALSO SAY THIS IN THE MORNING AND EVENING

FIRST FOUR COMMANDMENTS → MONOTHEISM

1. "You shall have no other gods before me"

2. "You shall not make yourself any graven image"

3. "You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain"

4. "Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy”

   • IMPACT ON INDIVIDUALS/HOW IT RELATES TO MONOTHEISM:

   • Directly linked to God → reinforcing monotheism

   • Emphasise the importance of worshipping God alone and taking time out on the Sabbath to remember Him

13 ARTICLES OF FAITH → (1-6) MONOTHEISM

1. God is the cause of existence:

2. God is one:

3. God is incorporeal:

4. God is eternal:

5. We must serve God exclusively:

6. God communicates through prophecy:

   • IMPACT ON INDIVIDUALS/HOW IT RELATES TO MONOTHEISM:

   • Complied by Maimonides' 13 principles help Jews know God and His attributes, impacting their praise and worship.

   • it is recited in the shabat, connects them to god through connecting them to torah acting as a summary of story

   • genesis = creation

   • exodus = moses

FIRST FOUR COMMANDMENTS → (5-10) DIML

5. Honor your father and mother"

6. "You shall not kill"

7. "You shall not commit adultery"

8. "You shall not steal"

9. "You shall not lie"

10. "You shall not covet"

13 ARTICLES OF FAITH → (7-11) DIML

7. Moses was the ultimate prophet

8. Torah is of divine origin

9. Torah is immutable (cannot be changed)

10. God is omniscient (all-seeing)

11. God rewards and punishes

KOSHER

• Tells them what they can and can’t eat

• To be considered kosher:

  • An animal must chew its cud and have a split hoof

  • Fish must have fins and scales

• Animals must be slaughtered with a sharp knife in one swipe and a special blessing must be said

• Forbids meat and dairy together

  • "Thou shalt not cook a kid in its mother’s milk" (Exodus 23:19)

• Requires different sinks, ovens, pantry, pans etc. to keep meat and dairy separate

• Makes the spiritual physical – connects the Torah to actions

• Shechita: The act of kosher slaughter – using a sharp knife in one sweep, down across the throat

MITZVAH

• Hebrew word for “commandment”

• Once you hit puberty, you are responsible for obeying the commandments

• Jewish people mostly follow Rabbis

• Practicing mitzvot creates a better connection with God

• Talmud simplifies Tanakh

  • 2 Jewish laws called Halacha (based on Talmud)

  • Mishnah explains the Torah

COVENANT

The covenant is a special agreement between god and the jewish people

• god promises to protect, bless and guide them as his treasured posessions

• The people promise to obey God’s laws and be faithful to him

• It is like a holy contract that forms the foundation of judaism

  ABRHAMIC COVENANT:

• an agreement or promise between god and abraham

  MOSIANIC COVENANT:

• an agreement or promise between god and the people through moses and the establishment of the 613 mitzvah

TANAKH

• T: TORAH (LAWS AND TEACHINGS)

• N: NEVI’UM (PROPHETS)

• K: KETIVU (WRITINGS)

TORAH → GENESIS

• describes the creation of the world, establishment of monotheism and origins of humanity through the patriarchs (Abraham, Issac, Jacob)

TORAH → EXODUS

• Tells us the story of the Israelites slavery in Egypt, how the covenant became communal through Moses and the 613 commandments

TORAH → LEVITICUS

• Focuses on priestly laws, ritual purity and holiness

TORAH → NUMBERS

• The Israelites journey through the wildness and their trials and leadership challenges

TORAH → DEUTRONOMY

• Contains Moses' final speeches and summaries of the law before entering the Promised Land

NEVIUM

• It contains the writings of other prophets — people chosen by God to deliver messages, guidance, or warnings to the Israelites.

Example: Ezekiel

KETIVUM

• The book of Proverbs is part of wisdom, righteousness, purity, and generosity of spirit, acting as moral guidance in life.

WISDOM

Quote:
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” (Proverbs 9:10)

• True wisdom starts when we respect and honour God.

• Without that, we’re just being smart without direction.

Linked to Mitzvah:
Mitzvah #1 – To know there is a God (Exodus 20:2)

• “Fear of the Lord” means knowing and respecting God.

• Supports the 1st commandment: we become wise when we accept that God is in charge.

PURITY

Quote 1:
“Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.” (Proverbs 4:23)

• Protect your thoughts and feelings; they influence everything you do.

• Mitzvah #73 – Not to follow the desires of your heart and eyes (Numbers 15:39)

• These commandments teach inner purity—not just outer, but mental and emotional cleanliness.

GENORISTY OF SPIRIT

Quote 1:
“One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want.” (Proverbs 11:24)

• Generous people are often blessed; stingy people suffer more.

• Mitzvah #478 – To give charity (Deut. 15:8)

• Giving helps others and brings blessings (Tzedakah).

RIGHTEOUSNESS

Quote:
“The Lord detests dishonest scales, but accurate weights find favour with Him.” (Proverbs 11:1)

• God hates cheating, especially in business. He loves fairness.

• Mitzvah #602 – Not to cheat in weights and measures (Leviticus 19:35–36)

• This quote supports fair business practices.

• Honesty in small things shows righteousness.

TALMUD

Features:

• Mishnah – Oral laws

• Gemara – Commentary on Mishnah

Purpose:

• Provides interpretation of Torah

• Serves as a guide for daily life, religious practice, ethics, and law

• Encourages debate and reflection on moral/spiritual questions

• Promotes Halakhah (Jewish law) through discussion and rulings by rabbis

TIKKUN OLAM

• Meaning: Fixing the world

• In Jewish teachings, it’s believed that God purposely left room for Jews to improve upon His work

• When Jews achieve this, they will be in the Messianic Era (the Messiah will come), and the world will be healed

• Quote:
  “That with wisdom, and that is the Torah; and with enhancement of the good traits and acts of loving kindness, and with the fulfillment of commandments and sacrifices, there will be continuous refinement of the world and ordering of its existence in the complete way.” – Maimonides, Avot 1:2

• Jews see themselves as the chosen people, tasked with upholding God's laws and bringing righteousness to the world

CHESED (LOVE/KINDNESS)

• Voluntary

• Individual

• Motivated by personal connection or compassion

• Gemilut Chasadim: the giving of time and kindness to help others

  • Giving food to hungry

  • Bringing food to friend after birth

  • Visiting the sick

  • Doesn’t need to be someone in need

TZEDEKAH (CHARITY)

• Obligatory

• Offers financial resources for those in need

• Examples:

  • Donate 10% of wealth

  • Taking someone under your wing financially

• Maimonides: “The highest form of tzedakah is making a person self-sufficient.”

TZEDEK (JUSTICE)

• Changing systems/structures to remove inequality

• Giving people the same advantages/opportunities

• Promotes equity

• Focused on liberation and creating a better world through fairness

• Examples:

  • Raise minimum wage

  • Stop racism

HATZALAH

• Largest non-profit ambulance service in the U.S.

• Volunteer-based emergency service operating in Jewish communities worldwide

• Operates under Jewish values of preserving life (Pikuach Nefesh)

• Shows loving kindness by volunteering and providing life-saving emergency services to communities

Key Stats:

• 35 volunteer responders

• 2,500 calls per year

• 3,500 lives impacted

• 1,500 voluntary EMTs

• 100,000+ calls/year

• 85+ ambulances

• Raised $6 million in NYC

• 1,000+ emergency vehicles deployed

• Responds within 90 seconds

ABARAHM JOSHUA HESCHEL

• 20th century Jewish theologian and civil rights activist

• Advocated for social justice and human dignity (Tzedek)

• Marched with Martin Luther King Jr. in the Civil Rights Movement

• Quote: “Racism is Satanism, unmitigated evil.”

  • Equated evil with racism

  • Emphasised that racism is incompatible with a just society

  • Called for actively opposing racism and ensuring people are treated with dignity

Key Quote:
“You cannot worship God and at the same time look at him as if he were a horse.”

• Viewing others as inferior contradicts the Jewish idea of justice and dignity

PROPHETIC VISION → EZEIKEL

Ezekiel, a 6th century BCE prophet, warned the people of the Babylonian attack through dramatic public acts. His sacrifices—like lying on his side for a year and cooking over feces—symbolised Chesed (kindness) and Tikkun Olam. Though he failed to change the people, he showed deep love, resilience, and devotion to God.

Problems he responded to:

• Corruption

• Oppression

• Idol worship

• Disobedience to the covenant

SHABAT

Shabbat commemorates God creating the world in 6 days and resting on the 7th. Jews honour it by resting, lighting candles, praying, blessing wine, and sharing two loaves of challah. It’s a time to pause, reflect, and reconnect with God and freedom from slavery.

Key quote:
“The seventh day is a complete sabbath… the Lord made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day He rested.” (Exodus 31:15–17)

Forbidden on Shabbat:

• Writing

• Driving

• Shopping

• Telephone

• Electricity

• Cooking

• Gardening

• Laundry

PERSPECTIVES → ENLIGHTMENT & EMANCIPATION

• Enlightenment emphasised logic and discovering truth independently

• Emancipation marked the start of modern Judaism

• Moses Maimonides promoted Jewish freedom

• Jews gained civic rights and German citizenship

• Enlightenment influenced Jews to modernise religion through logic and science

• Progressive Jews emerged to help Jews integrate and gain equal rights

Changes introduced by Progressive Jews:

• Removed references to Jerusalem in prayer

• Stopped wearing kippahs

• Added organ music

• Removed laws that isolated them (assimilation)

• Orthodox Jews rejected these reforms

• In the 1840s, Progressive Jews believed Judaism should evolve

• Rejected belief in the divine origin of the Talmud

• Example: Progressive Jews cut beards, Orthodox Jews do not

ORTHODOX JEWS

• Formed in response to the Reform movement

• Follows all of the Torah strictly

• Sticks to traditional law

• Strong emphasis on gender roles

• Clear separation in gender roles and practices

  SHABAT

• No use of TV, radio, computer

• No answering phones

• All men wear yarmulkes

PROGRESSIVE JEWS

• Prioritises morality over ritual

• Modernises traditions to fit mainstream society

• Less focus on Jerusalem

• Services in common language

• Don’t wear traditional dress

• Include organ music

• Remove unclear ritual laws (e.g. kosher)

• Believes Judaism should keep evolving

  SHABAT

• Restrictions are not binding

• People can choose to follow them if they find them meaningful

CONSERVATIVE JEWS

• Prayer is still in Hebrew

• Committed to tradition

• Accepts new customs, but not at the expense of traditional ritual

  SHABAT

• All work is prohibited

• Level of observance varies; many members follow it minimally

DEFINE METATEMPORAL

it exists in the past, present and future (ex; dreaming)

DEFINE INEXTRCIABLE

the connection between, land, identity and dreaming

STORY OF DREAMING → MALO (MERIEM PEOPLE)

The story of Malo tells of a powerful ancestral spirit who gave the community their traditional laws (Malo Law), teaching them how to live respectfully, share resources, and maintain social order.

Why it matters culturally:
Malo’s Dreaming forms the foundation of Meriam identity and law. It connects them to their land, sea, and each other through shared rules and sacred obligations. It remains central to how Meriam people understand justice, responsibility, and belonging.

What it teaches:
The story teaches respect, honesty, fairness, and the importance of community cooperation. It shows that living a good life means following ancestral wisdom and caring for the land, sea, and family.

STORY OF DREAMING → SHARK STORY (YOLONGU PEOPLE)

The Shark Story depicts a father and a son that met with an ancestral shark that did not harm them, making sharks become a significant totem for yolongu people.

Why it matters culturally:
connects families to the ocean, creates kinship to specific places, and to their clan responsibilities. It explains sacred relationships between people, animals, and the environment, and strengthens their identity and obligations to Country.

What it teaches:
The story teaches respect for the sea, the importance of following sacred laws, and the dangers of breaking taboos. It reminds Yolngu people to honour their ancestors, protect marine life, and maintain harmony with nature.

WESTERN VS DREAMING

Concept	Indigenous Worldview	Western Worldview
Relationship with Nature	Humans are one with nature; balance and stewardship are vital	Humans dominate nature; resources are exploited for gain
View of Society	Community-based, interconnected, focused on shared responsibility	Competitive, individualistic, and hierarchical
Resource Use	Shared, responsible, promotes sustainability	Overused, owned by few, creates inequality and insecurity
Definition of Health	Health is measured by the wellbeing of the whole and harmony	Health is measured by GDP and economic output
Role of Nature	Nature is essential for survival, production, and protection	System is unsustainable, damaging 1/3 of the Earth

WHAT IS CHALLAH?

Challah is a type of bread usually given as two during shabbat that is not fully risen, this is to resemble the holy food (mana) god gave the israelites from heaven.