Key beliefs of Judaism Revision Notes
Subject: Religious Studies | Level: GCSE | Exam Board: WJEC
This study guide provides a comprehensive, exam-focused overview of the Key Beliefs of Judaism for WJEC GCSE Religious Studies. It delves into the nature of God, the foundational Covenants, and the practical application of these beliefs in Jewish life, equipping candidates with the specific knowledge and analytical skills required to achieve top marks.
Revision Notes & Key Concepts
Key Terms & Definitions
- Shekhinah
- The divine presence of God dwelling in the world.
- Mitzvot
- The 613 commandments in the Torah that guide Jewish life.
- Covenant (Brit)
- A solemn and binding agreement between God and the Jewish people.
- Pikuach Nefesh
- The principle of the sanctity of life, which states that preserving a human life overrides almost all other commandments.
- Olam Ha-Ba
- The 'World to Come' - the Jewish concept of the afterlife.
- Tikkun Olam
- Literally 'repairing the world'. A concept in Reform Judaism that humanity has a shared responsibility to heal, repair and transform the world.
Worked Examples
Worked Example
Question: Explain two ways in which the Abrahamic Covenant is important for Jews today. (5 marks)
Solution: **First way**: The Abrahamic Covenant is important today because it is the basis for the practice of circumcision (*Brit Milah*). This is a key part of the covenant established in Genesis 17, where God commands Abraham to circumcise himself and his descendants as a physical sign of their special relationship. For many Jews, this is a foundational ritual performed on the eighth day of a baby boy's life, marking him as a member of the Jewish people and a descendant of Abraham. **Second way**: The covenant is also important as it contains the promise of the Land of Israel (Canaan). God promised this land to Abraham and his descendants forever. This belief forms a central part of Jewish identity and is a key reason for the religious and historical connection many Jews feel to the modern state of Israel. It is seen as the fulfilment of God's ancient promise.
Worked Example
Question: "The most important Jewish belief is that God is the Law-Giver." Discuss this statement. (15 marks)
Solution: **Introduction**: Judaism is founded on a range of core beliefs about the nature of God and His relationship with the Jewish people. While the belief in God as Law-Giver is undoubtedly central, as it provides the framework for Jewish life through the Torah and Mitzvot, it is arguable whether it is the *most* important. This essay will argue that the belief in God as One (Monotheism) is more foundational, as all other beliefs, including that of Law-Giver, are contingent upon it. It will also consider the importance of God as Creator and Judge. **Argument For (God as Law-Giver is most important)**: The belief in God as Law-Giver is fundamental because it defines the practical expression of Judaism. At the Mosaic Covenant at Sinai (Exodus 20), God gave the Torah, containing 613 Mitzvot, which govern every aspect of a Jew's life, from dietary laws (kashrut) to observing Shabbat. This provides a clear guide for how to live in accordance with God's will and maintain the covenant relationship. For Orthodox Jews, the divine origin of this law means it is eternal and unchanging, making it the bedrock of their faith. Without the law, Judaism could be seen as a set of abstract ideas with no concrete application. **Argument Against (God as One is more important)**: However, the belief in God as Law-Giver is dependent on the more primary belief that God is One. The Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4) states, "Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is One." This declaration of absolute monotheism is the cornerstone of Judaism. It is the first principle of Maimonides' Thirteen Principles of Faith. The authority of the Law-Giver is derived from His status as the one, true God. If God were not One, the entire system of Mitzvot would lose its ultimate authority. Therefore, monotheism is the foundational root from which the branch of divine law grows. **Further Arguments (Creator/Judge)**: Furthermore, the belief in God as Creator is also profoundly important. Genesis 1 establishes God as the source of all existence, which in turn establishes the concept of the sanctity of life (Pikuach Nefesh). Similarly, the belief in God as Judge, who holds humanity to account, provides the moral and ethical impetus to follow the laws. These beliefs are not separate from the Law-Giver but are interwoven with it, suggesting that focusing on one attribute as 'most important' may be a flawed approach. **Conclusion**: In conclusion, while the belief in God as Law-Giver is critically important for the daily practice and identity of Judaism, it is not the most important belief. The belief in God as One is more foundational, as it is the ultimate source of authority for the law itself. The Shema precedes the Mitzvot both in theological priority and as a declaration of faith. To be a Jew is, first and foremost, to affirm the oneness of God. The commitment to follow His laws is a consequence of that primary affirmation. Therefore, monotheism, not the role of Law-Giver, stands as the most important Jewish belief.
Worked Example
Question: Explain two Jewish beliefs about the Messiah. Refer to different Jewish traditions in your answer. (8 marks)
Solution: **First belief (Orthodox Judaism)**: Orthodox Jews believe that the Messiah will be a human person, a great political leader descended from King David. This is a future redeemer who will be anointed as king and will rule over the Jewish people. His main tasks will be to rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem, gather all Jewish exiles back to the Land of Israel, and bring about an era of world peace and universal knowledge of God. It is crucial to note that in this tradition, the Messiah is not divine or a 'son of God'; he is a human being with a specific, God-given mission. **Second belief (Reform Judaism)**: In contrast, many in Reform Judaism do not believe in a single, personal Messiah. Instead, they believe in a 'Messianic Age'. This is a future time of peace, justice, and human harmony that will be achieved through the collective effort of humanity. This belief is closely linked to the concept of *Tikkun Olam* (repairing the world). For Reform Jews, the emphasis is not on waiting for a supernatural redeemer, but on working to create a better world, thereby bringing about the Messianic Age themselves. The focus is on human agency and social justice as the path to redemption.
Practice Questions
Question: Explain two Jewish beliefs about the nature of God. (5 marks)
Answer:
Question: Explain why the Mosaic Covenant is important to Jews. (8 marks)
Answer:
Question: Explain two Jewish beliefs about life after death. (5 marks)
Answer:
Question: Explain why Pikuach Nefesh is important in Judaism. (8 marks)
Answer:
Question: "For Jews, the most important part of the Abrahamic covenant was the promise of land." Discuss this statement. (15 marks)
Answer:
