Download gcse religion judaism

GCSE RELIGION
JUDAISM
Judaism
Belief in G-d
Jews are monotheists. They believe that there is only one G-d .
• G-d is eternal.
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G-d is everywhere at all times (omnipresent) and is all powerful (omnipotent).
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G-d id the creator of the world.
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G-d has a purpose for the world.
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G-d is completely good and completely loving.
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G-d wants people to respect one another.
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G-d judges each individual.
Good and Evil
• God is benevolent. He shows love and protection through the Ten Commandments.
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The story of good and evil is told through the story of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. G-d
created both good and evil. If God is omnipotent, Jews believe he must have created evil for a
reason. G-d has given us free will, the choice between both good and evil.
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People will be chastised for the sins that they have committed but not for other’s sins. Jews
should repent to G-d and to others. They do this in preparation for Yom Kippur, the Day of
Atonement each year.
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Jews have been persecuted throughout history by different groups (Egyptians, Babylonians etc.).
This is known as anti-Semitism. In spite of such injustice, it is crucial to remain obedient to G-d.
Revelation
The Jewish scriptures are called the Tenakh, the Torah or the Jewish Bible. They consist of 24 books.
Belief in one G-d is also described in Jewish prayers called the Shema. The Shema is part of the Torah or
the Five Books of Moses. The first five books of the Tenakh are the most important (Genesis, Exodus,
Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy). The first book gives an account of God creating the world.
The Talmud is the Mishnah (the first writing down of the oral tradition) and the Gemara (commentary
on the Mishnah) combined.
G-ds covenant (commitment) to his people was to teach humanity and the Jew’s covenant was to
worship one G-d and to obey commandments (mitzvot). The Torah recounts how this covenant was
broken but G-d forgave when people repented.
Some miracles are mentioned in the Tenakh such as the parting of the Sea of Reeds (Exodus 14, the
Plagues of Egypt (Exodus 7) and Aaron and his stick which turned into a snake (Exodus 7).
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Judaism and death
Jews do not have a clear teaching on the relationship between the body and soul. The rabbis teach that
the soul leaves the body during sleep and visits heaven for refreshment. During the Sabbath, it is
believed that everyone has an extra soul.
Sheol is seen as a place of waiting after death. Later teachings about heaven and hell suggest that good
people go to Gan Eden (paradise) and that bad people go to Gehenna after the last judgement.
Judgement will take place after the coming of the Messiah. It is believed that wicked people will be
punished after death, but there is not clear teaching on heaven.
As they are dying, Jews try to say the Shema (prayer) showing their belief in one God and Kaddish (a
funeral prayer) is also recited. The funeral takes place as quickly as possible. The body is washed and
wrapped in a white shroud (tachrichim). Men are wrapped in a tallit (prayer shawl). The body is put in a
plain, wooden coffin and the body is never left alone until it is buried. Before the burial, the mourners
make a tear in their garments to show their grief (keriah).
Funeral Rites
No flowers are given at funerals and- the service is short. Orthodox Jews do not cremate whereas
progressive Jews sometimes do. The family mourn for seven days (Shiva). They do not shave, cut hair or
leave the home. They sit on low stools and cover mirrors.
Kaddish is said three times a day. The thirty days of mourning following the burial are called sheloshim.
Shiva is only broken by Sabbath or a Jewish festival. For the next eleven months, Kaddish is said daily.
The dead person is then remembered each year by lighting a Yahrzeit candle and by reciting Kaddish.
Beliefs about Relationships
Judaism believes that sexual intercourse should be part of a stable marriage. This is based on passages in
the Tenakh, the Jewish Bible. It is a way of procreating but also showing ones love for another person.
Sex is controlled by strict laws about sexual purity called niddah (sexual purity). Women cannot engage
in sex during her menstrual period. After this is over, she has a bath (called a mikveh) and then she can
sleep with her husband again.
Marriage (Kiddushin) is considered very important. Family and the home are thought to be great
blessings. Homosexuality is forbidden by the Torah.
The Jewish ceremony is very short. A Jewish marriage takes place under a canopy (chupah). The groom
signs a contract (called a Ketubah) that contains his promises to his wife. Jewish marriage is intended for
life, but it is accepted that things don't always work out. The man has to give his wife a get, a document
of divorce. The divorce takes place after three months to ensure that the wife is not pregnant. It is not
considered favourably to marry a non-Jew.
Concern for Others
Jews give one tenth of their income to the poor. This practice is called tzedaka (righteousness). Many
Jews have collection boxes in their homes called pushkes. Jews believe it is wrong to let yourself become
poor because then you are another person's responsibility. Gemilut Hasadim means ‘the giving of lovingkindness’ and applies to all types of charitable works. It is a mitzvah (commandment) and is more
important than tzedaka. Jews do not approve of materialism.
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Prejudice and Discrimination
Judaism teaches that everyone is equal in the eyes of God and that everyone should be treated well.
Judaism teaches that everyone should abide by their own religion in order to please G-d. The Noachide
code however applies to all people:
People should worship only G-d, they shouldn't blaspheme, they should not murder, they should not
steal, they should not commit adultery, they should be kind to animals and establish a system of law and
order so that people can live together in harmony.
The Tenakh (Jewish Bible) and the Talmud (Misnah and Gemara collected together) describe different
roles for women and men. Jewish women have a sacred role as homemakers and as those who pass on
the Jewish faith. Some say the Jewish religion like some other religions is sexist. Men and women sit
separately in Orthodox services and women cannot take an active part in worship. Progressive Jews
(from liberal and reform traditions) treat women equally in all respects so they can become rabbis
(Jewish teacher) if they choose to do so.
The Sanctity of Life
Contraception and abortion
Contraception such as the contraceptive pill and IUD are permitted in Judaism under appropriate
circumstances. Reform and liberal schools allow birth control. Orthodox Jews are more restrictive..
Judaism can be generally opposed to contraceptives because of teachings.
Abortion
Jewish people are generally opposed to abortion but there is an exception made when the mother’s life
is in danger. The decision must be made by the mother.
Drugs
Judaism is opposed to the use of most non-prescription drugs.
Euthanasia
Judaism is opposed to euthanasia however it is felt that people should not be kept on life support
machines if there is no chance of recovery.
War and Peace
Judaism teaches that there are three types of war that must be fought: Milchemet mitzvah: is a war
commanded by G-d and similar to a Holy War, Milchemet reshut could be considered as being similar to
a Just War and a pre-emptive war (war in where attack upon Israel is imminent). Although Judaism is not
a pacifist religion, it does believe that peace is the highest and most noble aim.
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