Judaism - 3.1.6.1 Beliefs and teachings — AQA GCSE Religious Studies
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Judaism - 3.1.6.1 Beliefs and teachings explained
Judaism teaches that God granted humanity free will, meaning individuals have the genuine ability to choose between good and evil.
Read the full explanation
This freedom is essential for moral responsibility. The 613 mitzvot, the commandments found in the Torah, provide the divine framework for living a holy life. The relationship between the two is fundamental: without free will, following the mitzvot would be meaningless, as humans would simply act like programmed robots. By actively choosing to obey the mitzvot, such as observing Shabbat or giving tzedakah, Jews demonstrate their love for God and take responsibility for their actions. Free will makes the observance of the 613 mitzvot a conscious, meritorious act that actively strengthens the Jewish covenant with God.
Your focus
- Define the Jewish understanding of free will.
- Identify the role of the 613 mitzvot in guiding Jewish moral and religious life.
- Explain how free will gives meaning to the observance of the 613 mitzvot.
Judaism - 3.1.6.1 Beliefs and teachings exam tips
Marking Points
- Free will is the belief that God gives humans the ability to make their own moral choices between right and wrong.
- The 613 mitzvot are the rules and commandments given by God in the Torah to guide Jewish life.
- Following the mitzvot is only meaningful because humans have the free will to choose whether to obey or disobey them.
- Choosing to follow the mitzvot brings Jews closer to God and fulfils their side of the covenant.
Examiner Tips
- 💡Explain that the existence of the Yetzer Ha-Tov (good inclination) and Yetzer Ha-Ra (evil inclination) highlights the constant exercise of free will in following the mitzvot.
- 💡Use the concept of the covenant to explain why choosing to follow the mitzvot is so important for the Jewish community.
Common Mistakes
- Error: Claiming that Jews are forced by God to follow the 613 mitzvot. Correction: Emphasise that God provides the mitzvot as guidance, but humans must use their free will to choose to follow them.
- Error: Confusing the 613 mitzvot with the Ten Commandments. Correction: State that the Ten Commandments are a subset of the wider 613 mitzvot found throughout the Torah.
- Error: Stating that free will means Jews can make up their own rules. Correction: Clarify that free will is the choice to obey or disobey God's established laws (the mitzvot), not the freedom to invent new ones.