Jewish Beliefs & Teachings: God (Edexcel GCSE Religious Studies A: Judaism): Flashcards
Exam code: 1RA0
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Define Tenakh.
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Define Tenakh.
The Tenakh is the main collection of Jewish sacred scriptures, made up of the Torah (the books of Moses), the Nevi’im (the Prophets) and the Ketuvim (the Writings).
Why do Jews use names such as Hashem for God?
Jews use names such as Hashem because the name of God is so holy that they should not speak it aloud or even write it.
True or False?
Judaism teaches that it is possible to divide God into parts.
False.
Judaism teaches that God is one: it is impossible to divide God into parts or describe Him by physical qualities.
The most important Jewish prayer, the ______, states the belief that God is one.
The most important Jewish prayer, the shema, states the belief that God is one.
What follows from the belief that God is the creator of the universe?
Because God created the universe, everything in it comes from Him, belongs to Him and is dependent on Him.
Define mitzvot.
The mitzvot are the 613 commands in the Torah, which Orthodox Jews believe God gave directly to Moses.
Belief in God as creator is the ______ of Maimonides’ Thirteen Principles of Faith.
Belief in God as creator is the first of Maimonides’ Thirteen Principles of Faith.
How do Jews show respect for the one God when they pass a mezuzah?
Jews kiss their fingers and touch the mezuzah to show love and respect for the one God and His commandments.
Define Halakhah.
The Halakhah is the divine law of Judaism, set out in the mitzvot; the word means "the path that one walks".
True or False?
The Tenakh teaches that God as judge will treat only some people fairly.
False.
The Tenakh teaches that God will treat everyone fairly, punishing the evil and rewarding those who do good.
Why does belief in God as creator lead Jews to care for the environment?
Jews believe the Earth is a precious gift from God, so they must respect it and look after it.
True or False?
Jews believe that God’s work of creation ended once He had made the world.
False.
Jews believe creation is ongoing: a daily prayer says God "in His goodness renews the work of creation each day continually".
Why is belief in God as law-giver important for Jews today?
Following God’s laws is part of the covenant with Moses, the basis of Judaism, and gives meaning and purpose to each person’s daily life.
How does belief in God as judge shape the way Jews live?
Belief in God as judge helps Jews to act with justice and mercy themselves.
What does belief in God’s oneness mean for Jewish worship?
It means Jews should offer prayers and praise to only one God.
Define shekhinah.
Shekhinah means God’s divine presence within the world; it comes from a Hebrew word meaning "dwelling" or "settling".
True or False?
The word shekhinah appears directly in the Hebrew scriptures.
False.
The word does not appear directly, but the Torah includes many descriptions of humans experiencing a divine presence.
How does the Torah picture the shekhinah at Mount Sinai?
The Torah pictures the shekhinah as a cloud and as fire and smoke.
God told Moses to build a _____________, a portable temple, in which God would dwell as the Israelites travelled.
God told Moses to build a tabernacle, a portable temple, in which God would dwell as the Israelites travelled.
What did the Israelites’ portable temple become when they reached the Promised Land?
When the Israelites reached the Promised Land, their portable temple became the Temple in Jerusalem.
Shekhinah is difficult to understand because God is infinite and non-physical, while humans are _______ beings.
Shekhinah is difficult to understand because God is infinite and non-physical, while humans are finite beings.
How do many Orthodox Jews understand the shekhinah?
Many Orthodox Jews see the shekhinah as a created light that acts as a link between God and the world, as Maimonides taught.
Which prophet had a vision of God seated on a throne?
The prophet Isaiah had a vision of God seated on a throne, with the train of His robe filling the temple.
True or False?
In the kabbalah tradition, the shekhinah keeps believers apart from God’s presence.
False.
In kabbalah, the shekhinah is part of the "tree of life", the gateway to higher consciousness that brings believers more fully into God’s presence.
How do some Jews link the shekhinah to Tikkun Olam?
Some Jews say that people experience the shekhinah when they do good works in the world.
How does reverence for God shape the way Jews speak about God?
Jews use terms such as "the Almighty" rather than speak God’s name.
True or False?
Jews believe they can only experience the shekhinah at the Temple in Jerusalem.
False.
Jews believe God is present in the world, so they could experience the shekhinah at any time themselves.
Why do Jews treat the mitzvot with the greatest respect?
Moses received the mitzvot through the shekhinah, so Jews believe they are God’s words.
Why is Mount Zion highly significant for many Jews?
Many Jews see Mount Zion as special because people have experienced the shekhinah there.
How does the shekhinah help Judaism relate God to feminism?
Shekhinah is a feminine word in Hebrew and often represents the feminine aspects of God.
How does the kabbalah idea of shekhinah help to overcome religious prejudice?
The idea appeals across religions: there are Christian and Muslim kabbalists, so it helps to break down barriers.
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