Origins
What is the significance of Abraham in the origins of Judaism?
Abraham is considered the patriarch of Judaism. He is significant because he entered into the first covenant with God, which established the foundation of the Jewish faith.
What is the Covenant between God and Abraham?
I will give you this land for your descendants. I will make you a great nation, and I will bless you. I will make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky.
What is the primary sacred text of Judaism, traditionally attributed to Moses?
The Torah
How many Mitzvot's are in the Torah?
613
365 Negative
248 Positive
What type of Observance do Jewish Adherents practice?
Shabbat
Describe the key events of the Exodus and their importance in the formation of the Jewish people.
The Exodus refers to the Israelites' liberation from slavery in Egypt under the leadership of Moses. Key events include the ten plagues, the parting of the Red Sea, and the receiving of the Ten Commandments at Mount Sinai.
The Exodus is crucial in Jewish history because it marks the birth of the Jewish nation and God's reaffirmation of the covenant with Israel.
What is the significance of the concept of the covenant in Judaism?
The covenant is a foundational principle of Judaism, representing the agreement between God and the Jewish people. It outlines the obligations Jews have to follow God's laws (mitzvot) in exchange for God's protection and blessings, first established with figures like Abraham and Moses.
What is the name of the Hewbrew Scripture?
How do the ethical teachings of wisdom and righteousness in the Book of Proverbs influence the behavior of Jewish adherents?
Wisdom and righteousness as central virtues in Jewish life. Wisdom guides adherents to make sound, ethical decisions and to live with discernment, while righteousness calls for just and moral behavior. These teachings influence Jewish behavior by encouraging individuals to seek understanding, act justly, and align their actions with ethical principles, fostering a life of integrity and moral clarity.
When does Shabbat start and end?
Sunset on Friday to sunset on Saturday
Explain the role of the Sinai Covenant in the establishment of the Jewish nation and religion.
The Sinai Covenant was made between God and the Israelites at Mount Sinai, where God gave Moses the Ten Commandments and other laws. This covenant established the Israelites as God's chosen people and laid the foundation for Jewish law (halakhah)
What are the 3 Principle Belifs of Judaism?
The belief in the one God and the attributes of God
The concept of a divinely inspired moral law
The Covenant
What are the 3 parts and their meanings in the Tanakh
Torah (Law) - The foundational laws and teachings.
Nevi'im (Prophets) - Historical accounts and prophecies.
Ketuvim (Writings) - A diverse collection of poetry, wisdom literature, and historical narratives.
What are the 3 Core Ethical Teachings?
The Commandments of the Torah
The Prophetic Vision
The Book of Proverbs
What type of food do they eat?
Kosher
How did the Babylonian Exile influence the development of Jewish religious thought and identity?
The Babylonian Exile (586 BCE) marked a significant shift in Jewish religious thought. With the destruction of the First Temple and the exile of the Jewish elite to Babylon, Judaism transitioned from a temple-centered religion to one that emphasized law, scripture, and communal prayer. This period also led to the development of the synagogue system and the codification of the Jewish scriptures (Tanakh).
How does the belief in divinely inspired law impact Jewish practices and ethics?
The belief in divinely inspired law, particularly at Mount Sinai where God revealed the Torah to Moses, is crucial to Judaism as it provides the foundation for the laws (halakhah) and ethical teachings that guide Jewish life. Jews see these laws as divinely mandated, shaping practices such as prayer, dietary laws (kashrut), and social justice.
What is the significance of the Talmud in Jewish tradition, and how does it relate to the Torah?
The Talmud is a central text of Rabbinic Judaism that provides interpretations and commentary on the Torah, helping to explain and expand on the laws and teachings in the Torah.
What is the Halacha?
Jewish law/jurisprudence that is derived from the Written and Oral Torah
What are the 4 main things needed for Shabbat?
Candles / candlesticks
Wine
Kiddush Cup (goblet)
Challah (sweet braided bread)
What are the differences between:
– Conservative Judaism
– Orthodox Judaism
– Progressive Judaism
Orthodox: Strict adherence to traditional law
Conservative: Balances tradition with modern adaptation
Progressive: Flexible, modern interpretation of Judaism
How does the Jewish concept of God reconcile God's transcendence (beyond and seperate from the world) with His immanence (being present within the world), and how is this reflected in Jewish liturgy and practices?
Judaism reconciles God's transcendence (being beyond and separate from the world) with His immanence (being present within the world) through the belief that God is both infinitely distant yet intimately involved in creation. This duality is reflected in prayers which declare God's oneness and transcendence, and also where God is addressed as a personal, responsive deity.
Practices like observing the Sabbath and following the commandments reflect this relationship, as Jews honor God's sovereignty while engaging with His presence in everyday life.
How does the concept of oral law in Judaism influence the interpretation of sacred texts, and what role does the Mishnah play in this tradition?
The oral law (legal commentary on the Torah) in Judaism complements the written Torah by providing details and clarifications on how to observe the commandments. The Mishnah, as the first written recording of the oral law, serves as the foundational text for Rabbinic discussions and legal interpretations, eventually compiled into the Talmud. It plays a key role in ensuring the continuity and practical application of Jewish law.
Analyse the impact of tikkun olam (repairing the world) on Jewish ethical practices and how it motivates social action and community involvement among adherents.
Tikkun olam, or "repairing the world," is a central Jewish ethical concept emphasising social justice and community responsibility. It impacts Jewish ethical practices by motivating adherents to engage in acts of charity, advocate for social justice, and work towards the betterment of society. This principle drives involvement in various social causes, from poverty alleviation to environmental sustainability, reflecting a commitment to improving the world based on Jewish values and teachings.
Why do Jews celebrate Shabbat?
Jewish adherents celebrate Shabbat as God has intended them to keep the sabbath holy, meaning they must respect its laws and customs.