4.1 Judaism Key Beliefs: The Nature of God (AQA GCSE Religious Studies A): Flashcards
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With whom was the covenant that began Judaism first made?
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Cards in this collection (38)
With whom was the covenant that began Judaism first made?
Abraham (continuing through Isaac, Jacob and Moses).
Define the Torah.
The main holy book of Judaism, containing 613 rules (mitzvot).
Who are the two main founders of Judaism?
Abraham and Moses.
How many rules (mitzvot) are in the Torah?
613.
What did the covenant promise the Israelites if they obeyed God's law?
That they would be God's chosen people.
True or False?
All Jewish groups share exactly the same beliefs and practices.
False.
There are different groups — Ultra-Orthodox, Hasidic, Orthodox, Reform, Liberal and Progressive — with differing beliefs and practices.
What is the difference between a cultural Jew and a religious Jew?
A cultural Jew is non-practising; a religious Jew is practising.
Define anti-Semitism.
Hatred of and prejudice against Jewish people, experienced throughout history.
During World War II, around ______ million Jewish people were killed by the Nazis in the Holocaust.
During World War II, around six million Jewish people were killed by the Nazis in the Holocaust.
In which year was the modern Jewish state of Israel founded?
1948.
Judaism is one of the oldest religions, at about ______ years old.
Judaism is one of the oldest religions, at about 3,500 years old.
Define monotheism.
The belief in one God.
Which prayer expresses the Jewish belief that God is One?
The Shema: 'Hear O Israel the Lord Our God, the Lord is one'.
Why do synagogues not contain statues of living beings?
Because Jews believe nothing should be compared to God.
What does it mean that God is omnipotent?
God is all-powerful.
What does it mean that God is omniscient?
God is all-knowing.
What does it mean that God is omnipresent?
God is everywhere at all times.
How do Jews believe God created the universe?
Out of nothing, exactly as He wanted it.
The Book of Genesis begins with the Hebrew word 'Bereshit', meaning 'in the ______'.
The Book of Genesis begins with the Hebrew word 'Bereshit', meaning 'in the beginning'.
What did God reveal to Moses as Law-Giver?
The duties Jews should keep, including the Ten Commandments.
Define the mitzvot.
The 613 laws in the Torah, which form the basis of the Halakhah (Jewish code of conduct).
When does God, as the Judge, judge people?
Especially at Rosh Hashanah and after death.
True or False?
All Jews believe God created the world literally in six days.
False.
Some Jews take it literally; others believe the story is not literal but shows that God is the creator.
Define transcendent (God in Judaism).
Beyond the constraints of time and space — not limited in the ways humans are.
The Torah teaches, 'Thou shalt have no other ______ before me' (Exodus 20).
The Torah teaches, 'Thou shalt have no other gods before me' (Exodus 20).
Which weekly festival celebrates God as creator?
Shabbat.
Define Shekhinah.
God's divine presence — from a Hebrew word meaning 'dwelling' or 'settling'.
What was the tabernacle?
A portable temple where God could dwell among the Israelites as they travelled.
How was the Shekhinah often pictured in the Torah?
As a cloud or a pillar of fire — the glory of God.
Define Ner Tamid.
The light that burns continuously in front of the ark in a synagogue, representing God's divine presence.
What are the three ways Jews believe they can experience God's presence today?
Study
Prayer
Worship
Define minyan.
A group of ten or more Jews gathered in prayer, when God is believed to be present.
Where do Jews believe God's presence (Shekhinah) is felt during worship?
In the synagogue.
True or False?
The word 'Shekhinah' appears directly in the Hebrew scriptures.
False.
The word does not appear in the Hebrew scriptures, but the Torah describes many experiences of God's divine presence.
Because Moses was surrounded by the Shekhinah when he received the Torah, Jews believe the ______ comes directly from God.
Because Moses was surrounded by the Shekhinah when he received the Torah, Jews believe the mitzvot comes directly from God.
In which book of the Torah does God's presence guide Moses through the wilderness?
Exodus.
Jews believe God's presence creates peace and calm, e.g. when ______ candles are lit.
Jews believe God's presence creates peace and calm, e.g. when Shabbat candles are lit.
Where might Jews study Jewish scripture to connect with God?
In a Yeshiva or at home.
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