Download Overview of Judaism- Teacher notes (Ruth Weiner)

AUDIT for the reformed GCSE Annex
Judaism
Common and divergent views within Judaism in the way beliefs and teachings are understood and
expressed should be included throughout.
Students should know and understand the basis for beliefs and teachings (1) and practices (2) and be able
to reference relevant sources of wisdom and authority, including scripture and/or sacred texts.
Specifications that include topic (3) ‘sources of wisdom and authority’ must require students to study in
detail the content requirements listed under that heading.
1. Beliefs and teachings

the nature of God
including God as One,
Creator, Law-Giver and
Judge
Judaism teaches:
 God is omnipotent – God is all
powerful
 God is omnipresent – God is
everywhere
 God is omniscience – God
knows everything, past, present
and future, knows our thoughts.
The only dogma in Judaism is;
There is no dogma in Judaism.
Indicate
areas for
INSET
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cross
Comment
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Judaism is a monotheist religion
You shall have no other gods before Me,
1st Commandment
God as Creator of Heaven and Earth
God is Universal, God of all nations
God the Giver of the Law,
God as Judge, will give the people God’s Laws
and Judge them, Yom Kippur is the Day of
Atonement and the Day of Judgement (Yom Ha
Din)
Redeemer and Saviour of the Jewish people,
Sanctifier. We become holy by doing holy acts:
“You shall be holy for I the Lord your God am
holy” (Leviticus 19)
We are created in the image of God, yet
God is incorporeal and has no physical
appearance. Anthropomorphic language used;
The hand of God, walking in the Garden of Eden
Name of God unknown. God is described by
God’s attributes including;
o Great, mighty, awesome, Father, King
(Sovereign/Ruler), Creator of Heaven and
Earth
Performing Mitzvot (a command/sometimes a
good deed) helps Jews become more holy
Creator of Heaven and Earth
 Jewish believe that God created the earth 5776
years ago. The new day starts at sunset the
evening beforehand, It was evening, it was
morning, day one (Genesis 1)
 Dates are defined as BCE, Before the Common
Era and CE, Common Era.
 Following the lunar calendar (cycles of the moon)
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
the divine presence
(Shekhinah

the importance of the
Covenant at Sinai (the
Ten Commandments)
including the role of
Moses
.
The Shekhinah is God's dwelling and immanence in the
created world. Usually referred to in masculine terms, as
God is incorporeal there are times when we refer to God
using feminine terms. The Shekhinah, the manifestation of
God’s presence that fills the universe, is conceived of in
feminine terms, and the word Shekhinah is a feminine
word. (website; Jewfaq, Judaism 101, Nov 2015)
Moses is central in the Torah as he was the only Prophet
to talk to (Burning Bush) and see the face of God (Mt
Sinai) but he would not lead the children of Israel to the
Land of Israel.
Believe God gave Moses the 10 Commandments to teach
the people who would promise to Teach them to their
children and their children’s children, from generation
to generation for those that will know Me and love Me.
This is the Brit Olam – An everlasting Covenant between
God and the Jewish people (Deuteronomy 14)
Covenant is sealed with acceptance of 10 commandments
at Mt Sinai in the desert, following the Exodus from Egypt.
The Orthodox view is that the word of God was spoken
and recorded and therefore cannot be altered in any way.
The Reform and Progressive view is that the word was
inspired by God and written by man and can therefore be
interpreted.

The importance that
Judaism places on the
sanctity of human life,
including the concept of
Pikuach Nefesh
Pikuach Nefesh
Saving a human life is sacrosanct.
This Mitzvah overrides the Mitzvah to Observe the
Sabbath and Keep it Holy
“Neither shall you stand by the blood of your neighbour”
(Lev 19:16). According to Pikuach Nefesh a person must
do everything in their power to save the life of another,
even donate bodily organs.
It is also permissible to travel on Shabbat to save a
person’s life. Maimonides (C12th CE Jewish
Philosopher) declared that a Jew should take the
individual, even if a gentile is present, in order to
encourage “compassion, loving-kindness and peace in the
world” (Mishneh Torah, 2:3). The laws of the Sabbath may
be suspended to provide any necessary medical care to a
critically ill individual or to an individual in the likelihood of
danger to life.

The nature and role of the
Messiah
Jews believe in a Messianic Age when there will be
universal peace on earth and good will towards all people.
God will appoint the Messiah who will come with God’s
authority when the world is finished, perfected, by
humankind.
The Messiah will be chosen by God, will be a descendent
of King David, heralded by the Prophet Elijah.
Tikkun Olam – Mitzvah: To repair or finish the world in
partnership with God the Creator. Jews pray daily for the
coming of the Messiah
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The Promised Land
promised to Abraham and
his descendants
God tells Abram to ‘Go, to a land that I will show you, to a
place you do not know, and I will make you a great nation
and I will bless you. Genesis XII, v1.4
This describes the journey and the Promised Land.
God tells Moses to bring the Children of Israel out of
slavery in Egypt to the Promised Land.

Key moral principles
including the relationship
between free will and the
613 Mitzvot
Judaism teaches God gave the people free will. Humanity
was formed with two impulses:
Mitzvah meaning:
A commandment or religious duty
Yezter Tov – Impulse/Will to do Good, and
Yezter Rah – Impulse/Will to do evil
God wants us to Choose Life, do Mitzvot and live in God’s
image.
Mitzvot must be observed:
 248 positive mitzvoth – must be followed
 365 negative mitzvoth – forbidden
The Pomegranate is said to have 613 seeds
corresponding with the Mitzvot in the Torah

Mitzvot between man and
God and between man
and man
Judaism teaches:
The world stands on three things;
principles:
o
o
o
Torah - Law
Avodah - Worship
G’millut Chassidim – Acts of
Loving Kindness
“And the study of Torah leads to them
all”.
Torah scroll
Written on parchment from a Kosher
animal (cloven hoof and chews the cud)
by a Scribe (Sofer)

Life after death including
judgement and
resurrection.
Also see Yom Kippur
Mitzvot between man and God, include:
Positive:
o Love God
o Know God
o Study Torah
o Remember the Sabbath and Keep it Holy (4th
commandment)
Negative:
o Do not profane God’s name
o Do not worship idols
Mitzvot between man and man, include:
Positive
o Tzedekah – Justice, giving charity or 10% of
salary, supporting the rights of others, working for
justice
o Honor thy father and thy mother
o Bikkur Cholim, Visiting the sick
o Gemilut Chassidim, Acts of Loving Kindness
o Chessed – kindness to others
o Pekuach Nefesh – save a human life
Negative:
o Do not commit adultery
o Do not envy
o Do not steal
o Do not kill
o Do not deal harshly with widows and orphans
o Do not hold back a hired man’s wages
Emphasis on correct living on earth.
No specific teaching in Judaism about an afterlife.
Maimonides, 12th Century CE Philosopher
“The pious of all nations of the world have a portion in the
world to come”.
In the second column please indicate if members of your department would like/need further assistance with the
topic listed in column one.
In the third column you might refine your response, suggesting the depth of need, or the aspect of the topic which
requires further attention.
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2. Practices

The place of public acts of
worship: synagogue
services
A Rabbi is the communal leader,
teacher and pastoral support for the
community
In Reform and Progressive
communities women as well as men
are ordained. Orthodox Rabbis are
all male.
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The significance of the
use of the Tenakh (the
Written Law) and the
Talmud (the Oral Law) in
daily life
Talmud
Legal commentary on the Torah.
Rabbinic rulings and discussions.
Comprised of Mishnah and Gemara.
All now written down
Mishnah
“Whoever destroys a single life is
considered as if he had destroyed the
whole world, and whoever saves a
single life as if he had saved the
whole world”

The place of worship in
the home and of private
prayer
Shema
2 x daily affirmation;
Hear (listen/internalise) O Israel,
Adonai (God) is our God, Adonai
(God) is One
Indicate areas
for INSET
with a cross
The Synagogue (Greek: meaning Assembly) is the Jewish
House of Worship, House of Prayer and the House of
Study. It is the Library, the place of meetings and the
religion school. Also used as the community centre and
Youth club, elderly day care and other social uses.
Religious Services are held Friday evenings and Saturday
mornings and Festivals. Orthodox synagogues will also
hold weekly morning services (Shacharit)
To recite certain prayers requires a Minyan of 10 adult
Jewish men over 13 for Orthodox practice. Reform and
Progressive practice includes women over 13 years.
Services include Liturgy (fixed prayer), set weekly readings
from the Torah and Prophets and psalms. In Reform
communities singing is accompanied by musical
instruments.
The home is also a place to pray and live a Jewish life.
Praying as a community helps share the burden of sins,
sorrows, pain and grief also for the joys and blessings
(Simchas such as Weddings and Bar or Batmitzvah)
Rabbis are trained and ordained in Rabbinical colleges.
Rabbis have no special power, unlike in Christianity, they
cannot be intermediaries for their congregants where each
is responsible for their own prayers and their own soul.
Tanakh – the Jewish Bible, stands for the following books;
 Torah (5 Books of Moses - Pentateuch)
 Nevi’im - Book of Prophets
 Ketuvi’im - Book of Writings
All of Jewish Law includes
 Tanakh
 Talmud,
o Mishnah
o Gemara
Originally the Oral Law and Written Law, then become
Written Law.
The Oral Law was needed to ensure the people knew how
to fully observe the Laws of Torah. The Talmud states
how to Keep the Sabbath, including Lighting candles.

Din, binding customs, like wearing a kippar for
men.
Jewish Law continues to develop through Rabbinic
Responsa, required to meet the needs of modern life.
In Judaism prayer can take place anywhere. There are
blessings for everything.
Shabbat provides a place for family worship around the
table, before and after meals, lighting candles, blessing
children.
Private prayers such the Shema, recited evening and
morning; “When you sit in your house, when you walk by
the way, when you rise up and when you lie down”.
There are special Morning Blessings (Birchot HaShachar)
when you wake up, realise you are alive, thank God that
everything works and God has restored your soul to you.
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The significance of prayer
in Jewish worship
including Amidah – the
standing prayer
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The role of rituals: birth
ceremonies; Bar and Bat
Mitzvah; marriage;
mourning rituals
Birth rituals:
Boys – Brit Milah, Circumcision
Girls – Brit Ha Bah – Welcome to the
community blessing in synagogue
Bar/Bat Mitzvah rituals – Read from
the Torah to the community on
Shabbat (Orthodox girls will write a
D’Var Torah on a passage of Torah
that they have studied. Usually held
after the main service on Shabbat or
on Sunday afternoon.
Kiddushin - Marriage ceremonies take
place under a Chuppah (Marriage
Canopy) (Gen 2:24)
Mourning rituals include;
Burying the person (in a Jewish
cemetery) within 24 hours if possible
Reform and Progressive also have
cremations
Someone must sit with the body from
death to burial, an honour for a family
member.
Special Shiva (Mourning) Prayers said
in the home with the community for
seven nights.
30 days mourning period (Sheloshim)
are observed. Work is resumed.
One year mourning period.
The Headstone is set on the grave by
the end of the year usually with a
special ceremony and a memorial
candle is lit at home.

The importance of
Shabbat in the home and
synagogue
Remember the Sabbath day to keep
it Holy
Delicious Challah!
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Prayer is the communication method of people to God.
Through prayer petitions can reach God.
Shema – Hear (or listen, internalise)
Private petitions are heard during the week, within The
Amidah Prayer (Ha Tefillah) the Standing Prayer, or 18
Benedictions.
Personal petitions are not included on the Sabbath, as
even God rests on the holy day.
Rituals can be comforting as people know how to behave,
what to do and what to expect. They are based around life
cycle events like Birth, Marriage and the Bar/Bat Mitzvah
Bar/Bat Mitzvah Jewish children reach the age of
responsibility at 13 for taking on the responsibilities of the
613 Mitzvot in the Torah. Orthodox tradition says girls are
responsible aged 12. Usually marked by reading from the
Torah to the community.
Mourning rituals include the mourners sitting at home on
low chairs after the funeral and being fed and attended for
7 days (shiva) by friends and family. They do not work.
Special Shiva prayers are said in the home. Some people
rent the corner of their garments (from the Story of Jacob
when he is told that Joseph has been killed by wild
animals)
Marriage rituals include the couple standing under the
Chupah (marriage canopy) with their parents either side, in
front of the community. There are seven blessings
bestowed upon the Bride and Groom and the marriage
certificate, a document called a Ketubah, pre-written and
terms of settlement should the marriage fail are included,
is read out loud. The plain gold ring is placed on the Brides
finger as a sign of the betrothal, some couples exchange
rings, and the couple drink from the same cup of wine
twice. They finish the ceremony when the Bridegroom
smashes a glass with his foot.
Shabbat is the holiest day of the week and of all the
festivals.
Family and friends come together on Friday evening to
light candles, sanctify the wine and challah (special
braided bread) and share a meal and sing songs.
Services are held in synagogue beforehand.
Shabbat morning services are held and the Torah portion
of the week is read. After the service the community
gathers to say Kiddush (sanctification) prayers over the
bread and wine before going home for lunch. A third meal
is served on Shabbat in honour of the Sabbath.
The end of Shabbat is marked by a beautiful ceremony
called Havdallah, with wine, spices to smell, songs and a
special plaited candle which takes place when three stars
can be seen in the sky.
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The origins and meaning
of festivals such as Rosh
Hashanah, Yom Kippur,
Pesach, Shavuot and
Sukkot
Apples are dipped in Honey for a
sweet New Year on Rosh Hashanah
On Yom Kippur a Shofar (Ram’s horn)
is blown in synagogue as a Call to
Prayer and Repentance
Building a Sukkah on Sukkot
All meals are eaten here for a week.
Seder plate with special symbolic
Passover foods
Rosh Hashanah – Head of the Year, or Birthday of the
World. A joyous yet serious holy day marked by going to
synagogue and sharing meals with friends and family, like
a big Shabbat. This marks the beginning of 10 days of
serious self -reflection, trying to be a better person, saying
sorry for things we have done to others personally and to
God, individually and collectively.
Yom Kippur – Day of Atonement, 25 hour fast, stay in
synagogue and pray all day. This is an entire day of selfreflection and communal praying.
A sick person is forbidden to fast if it will impair their
recovery and health (Pikuach Nefesh)
Belief that, On Rosh Hashanah it is written, on Yom Kippur
it is sealed (our sins)
Blessings include Shana Tova (Happy New Year), and
May you be sealed in the Book of Life for a good Year.
Three Harvest Festivals
In Biblical times pilgrimages where made to the Temple in
Jerusalem with offerings of the First Fruits and best of the
Harvest for God as God created everything.
Sukkot – Fruit, Feast of Weeks (4-5 days after Yom
Kippur)
The third Harvest Festival, celebrated with joy (Lev 23).
You shall dwell in booths for 7 days (Lev 23)
This is a reminder of the wandering in the desert after the
Exodus from Egypt when the Israelites lived in temporary
dwellings. Jews will build Sukkot and decorate the roof
with fresh cut boughs of green and hanging fruit. The roof
must be open to the stars. The 7 Patriarchs are invited to
dwell each one a different day (Ushpizin) and the walls of
the sukkah are decorated with their pictures or signs.
Special Blessings are recited for sitting in the Sukkah,
Sustaining us and bringing us to this new season. The first
and second for Orthodox and last day (2 for Orthodox) of
the festival are holy days of rest and praying in synagogue,
no work is done.
Pesach – Feast of Unleavened Bread (Chag Ha Matzot)
Barley Harvest, beginning of the Religious Year, First
Harvest Festival
Celebrated for 8 days, no work done on first and last days.
Recalls the story of the Exodus from Egypt. Story in Book
of Exodus.
Any chametz (leaven) is removed from the house and only
Matzah and special foods Kosher for Passover are eaten.
Festival demonstrates God’s love for the Children of Israel
and God’s power, by taking them out of slavery.
The Seder - A special service is held at home from a book
called the Haggadah, retelling the story of the Exodus from
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Moses received the Ten
Commandments from God on Mt
Sinai on Shavuot
Egypt and celebrated with Four glasses of wine, eating
Matzah and other symbolic foods and a special meal with
friends and family is enjoyed as free people.
Shavuot – Feast of Weeks, Festival of First Fruits,
Wheat Harvest, 2nd Harvest Festival
Celebrated for one (2 for Othodox) days
7 week period counted from Pesach to Shavuot, called
Counting the Omer. A special blessing is recited every day
for the 49 days of the Omer.
The 1st night of Shavuot is spent studying through the night
called Tikkun Leyl Shavuot. Synagogue services are held
the following morning where the Book of Ruth is read.
Shavuot First Fruits

The importance of the
synagogue; religious
features of synagogues
including design, artefacts
and associated practices
The Everlasting Light (Ner Tamid)
hanging in front of the Holy Ark (Aron
Kodesh) in the synagogue
The synagogue is the heart of the community.
House of Prayer, House of Study, House of Assembly.
Religious features include:
 Main prayer hall
 Aron Kodesh (Holy Ark or cupboard) where the
Torah scrolls are kept
 The Torah is dressed in fine robes like a
Sovereign, with a crown or bells, a Yad (or hand)
to point to the words when reading, and a breast
plate to protect it.
 The Ner Tamid (Everlasting Light) hangs from the
ceiling above the Ark.
 The Bimah (stage) holds the reading desk where
the Torah is read using a special pointer called a
Yad (hand)
 In Orthodox communities men and women sit
separately. The women may sit upstairs or
downstairs behind a special screen. In Reform
communities everyone sits together.
 Certain special prayers are recited facing East
where the ancient Temple in Jerusalem stood.
 Some Orthodox synagogues will have a Mikveh,
ritual bath.
 Some have stained glass windows but
synagogues are not adorned with pictures of
images of how we might think of the image of God.
Neither are there pictures of the Prophets.
 The synagogue kitchen will be Kosher, separating
milk and meat products.
 The rest of the community building will hold
offices, Youth spaces and classrooms and the
Library
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The role of dietary laws:
kosher and trefah,
separation of milk and
meat
Kosher Food – from the Laws of Kashrut meaning
separate, from Torah
Part of being a Holy people means adhering to Laws.
Meat must be from a Kosher animal (cloven hoof and
chew the cud), ritually slaughtered by a trained Schochet
and must be koshered by soaking in salt water before
cooking as there must be no blood in the meat or fish.
Fish must have fins and scales. There can be no bugs or
insects on fruit or vegetables.
Milk and meat must be strictly separated including the
utensils, pots, pans, cutlery and crockery and anything
used to prepare or service must be separate for Dairy and
meat. Some people separate Parev foods (neither milk
nor meat such as eggs).
Kosher meat is bought from a Kosher butcher or in sealed
containers supplied from Kosher butchers to some
supermarkets.
No product from a non-kosher animal can be used
(including gelatine.)
Kosher food is identified by the Rabbinic authority stamp of
Kashrut.
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