Judaism - 3.1.6.1 Beliefs and teachings: Key beliefs

The idea

The 'Key beliefs' of Judaism centre on the nature of God and the afterlife. God is understood as One, the Creator of the universe, and the ultimate Lawgiver and Judge who provides the mitzvot and evaluates human actions. The divine presence, known as the Shekhinah, represents God's dwelling or presence in the world, historically associated with the Tabernacle and Temple. Additionally, Jewish teachings encompass beliefs about life after death, including judgement and resurrection. While beliefs vary, with Orthodox Jews often holding more literal views of physical resurrection and Reform Jews focusing on spiritual immortality or the legacy left behind, these concepts fundamentally shape Jewish ethical living and reverence for God.

What earns the marks

• Explain the nature of God as One, Creator, Lawgiver, and Judge, highlighting how these roles influence Jewish obedience to the mitzvot.
• Describe the concept of the Shekhinah as the divine presence of God on earth.
• Outline Jewish teachings about life after death, including the concepts of judgement and the afterlife (Olam Ha-Ba).
• Contrast Orthodox beliefs in physical resurrection with Reform views that often emphasise spiritual immortality or living on through memory.

Common mistakes and how to put them right

• Confusing the Shekhinah with the Christian Holy Spirit.

  Put it right: Define the Shekhinah specifically as the Jewish concept of the divine presence or dwelling of God in the world.

• Assuming Judaism has a single, uniform view of the afterlife.

  Put it right: Acknowledge the diversity of thought, noting that the Torah focuses more on the present life, leading to varied interpretations of resurrection and judgement.

• Omitting God's role as Judge.

  Put it right: Explicitly mention that God as Lawgiver is also the Judge who evaluates how well individuals follow the laws, particularly highlighted during Rosh Hashanah.

Exam tips

• Link God's role as Lawgiver and Judge to the observance of the mitzvot and festivals like Yom Kippur.
• When discussing life after death, use the term 'Olam Ha-Ba' (the world to come) and contrast Orthodox and Reform perspectives.