“Holy Matrimony”
This Jewish marriage contract outlines the husband’s obligations and the wife’s rights.
What is a Ketubah?
“Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and master it.” (Genesis 1:28) addresses what aspect of Jewish life?
Marriage and procreation.
The Jewish principle that saving a life overrides almost all commandments is called what?
What is Pikuach Nefesh?
Marriage in Judaism provides these two social benefits to adherents.
Companionship and stability of family structure.
Maimonides is also known by this Hebrew acronym.
Who is Rambam?
The canopy under which the wedding ceremony occurs, symbolises the couple’s future home.
What is a Chuppah?
“The preservation of human life overrides almost every other religious rule.” This principle is central to which Jewish ethical framework?
Pikuach Nefesh (Jewish bioethics).
Humans are considered sacred because they are created b’tzelem Elohim, meaning…
Made in the image of God.
How does observing Maimonides’ ethical teachings affect daily life?
Guides moral behavior, decision-making, and religious observance.
He authored this famous codification of Jewish law.
What is Mishneh Torah?
A special document a husband presents to his wife, prepared by a scribe and witnessed by a rabbinic court (Beth Din).
What is the Gett?
Maimonides wrote: “The study of Torah is equal to all the commandments.” How does this relate to marriage and family life?
Torah study guides ethical conduct and family responsibilities.
Jewish law typically forbids abortion, but allows it when what condition is present?
When the mother’s life is at risk.
Jewish bioethical principles impact adherents’ choices in which areas of life?
Healthcare, end-of-life decisions, medical treatments, and ethical dilemmas.
Maimonides’ “Guide for the Perplexed” addresses the relationship between what two concepts?
Philosophy and Torah (reason and faith).
Two key purposes of Jewish marriage according to the Torah.
What are procreation and companionship?
“Thou shalt not kill” (Exodus 20:13) influences decisions in which area of Jewish bioethics?
Abortion, euthanasia, and medical ethics.
Explain the Jewish ethical stance on euthanasia.
Active euthanasia is forbidden; passive measures are debated but life should be preserved where possible.
Explain how the observance of marriage rituals strengthens both individual and community identity.
Marriage creates family units, reinforces communal bonds, and upholds religious traditions.
According to Maimonides, what is the highest form of worship?
Study of Torah and performing mitzvot (commandments) with understanding.
Explain how marriage is considered a mitzvah (commandment) in Judaism.
Marriage fulfills the commandment to “be fruitful and multiply” (Genesis 1:28) and to form a sacred bond, reflecting divine order.
“Act in a manner that the world may be built upon justice and kindness.” How does this Maimonidean principle guide adherents’ approach to ethics in marriage and bioethical dilemmas?
Encourages ethical decision-making balancing duty, compassion, and societal responsibility.
How does Jewish bioethics reconcile modern medical dilemmas with Halakha?
Through rabbinical interpretation, responsa literature, and principles like Pikuach Nefesh to guide ethical decisions while respecting Torah law.
Analyse how Maimonides’ writings continue to influence modern Jewish thought and ethical decision-making.
His rationalist and ethical works provide frameworks for interpreting Halakha in contemporary contexts, including bioethics and social responsibility.
Explain how Maimonides’ 13 principles of faith shape Jewish belief and practice.
They provide a systematic foundation for Jewish theology, guiding understanding of God, commandments, and ethical living.