Jewish beliefs about G-d's nature (Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE Religious Studies): Revision Note

The Jewish religion is based on the principle that there is only one indivisible, all-powerful, all-knowing and all-present G-d, who is fair and just, the creator of the universe and mankind

According to Judaism, G-d has many qualities:

• One — According to Jewish teachings, G-d does not have multiple parts, and G-d is one

• Omnipotent — G-d is all-powerful

• Omnibenevolent — G-d is all-loving

• Omniscient — G-d is all-knowing

• Omnipresent — G-d is everywhere at all times

• Transcendent — G-d is not limited in ways that humans are; he is beyond the constraints of time and space

• Immanent — G-d is present in the world and sustains it

• Eternal — G-d has always and will always exist. He is without beginning and without end

• The creator — G-d made everything in the universe

• The lawgiver — G-d created humans to live in a certain way, and he gave them many spiritual and ethical rules, or laws

  • There are 613 of these laws in the Torah

• The judge — G-d will judge everyone and punish those who disobey his laws

• Merciful — G-d shows compassion

Views about the nature of G-d within Judaism are similar to the views of the other Abrahamic religions, Islam and Christianity

There are some views about the nature of G-d that are shared by all Jewish groups

• For example, all Jews believe in one indivisible G-d as expressed in the Shema: “Hear, O Israel, the Lord our G-d, the Lord is One”

  • This view is shared by Orthodox, Reform and Liberal Jews

However, there are some views about the nature of G-d that may vary between groups

• For example, Jews believe that G-d created the world ex nihilo, that the universe has purpose and order and that Shabbat celebrates G-d's rest after creation (Genesis 1–2)

  • Some Reform Jews may see creation more symbolically and not believe that G-d created everything literally in six days

• Also, all Jews believe that G-d is the lawgiver because G-d gave the Torah (including the 613 mitzvot) to Moses on Mount Sinai

  • Orthodox Jews believe that all laws are divine and must be kept

  • Reform/Liberal Jews may believe that some laws are symbolic or outdated and can be reinterpreted for modern times

• All Jews believe that G-d is both transcendent and immanent 

  • However, some Jews emphasise one aspect more than the other 

The nature of G-d is important as it is the foundation for Jewish beliefs and practices

• Knowing G-d’s nature helps Jews relate to G-d through prayer, obedience and worship

There are many ways in which belief in the nature of G-d impacts the daily practices of Jews

• The concept of Shekhinah refers to G-d’s divine presence on earth

  • This idea highlights G-d’s closeness to His people and His active involvement in the world

  • Many Jews believe they can experience G-d’s presence through prayer, studying the Torah and worshipping together

• All Jews believe in the “oneness” of G-d

  • Belief in one personal G-d leads Jews to pray daily, often three times (Shacharit, Minchah, Ma’ariv)

• Belief in G-d as lawgiver means that Jews obey the 613 mitzvot in the Torah

  • Orthodox Jews follow these strictly (for example, kashrut and Shabbat observance)

  • Reform Jews may choose which laws to follow, focusing on ethical teachings

• All Jews believe in a G-d that is just and compassionate

  • To try and achieve this in the world, Jews follow the practices of tzedakah, gemilut chasadim and teshuvah

• Remembering G-d as the creator, Jews rest on Shabbat from Friday sunset to Saturday night

  • This is a time for worship, family and reflection, imitating G-d’s rest after creation

• Belief in G-d’s omniscience and benevolence helps Jews face challenges with hope

  • Jews would believe that things happen for a reason and trust in G-d’s plan for them