Key beliefs of Judaism

    OCR
    GCSE

    Analyze the foundational theological tenets of Judaism, centering on ethical monotheism and the nature of God as Omnipotent, Omniscient, and Omnibenevolent. Examine the concept of Shekhinah (Divine Presence) in both Temple and exile contexts. Evaluate the structural importance of the Covenants (Abrahamic and Mosaic) in defining Jewish identity and the binding nature of the Mitzvot. Assess divergent eschatological views regarding the Messiah and the Messianic Age across Orthodox and Reform traditions, alongside the principle of Pikuach Nefesh (sanctity of life).

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    Objectives
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    Exam Tips
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    Pitfalls
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    Key Terms
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    Mark Points

    Learning Objectives

    What you need to know and understand

    • The Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4) as the declaration of monotheism.
    • Genesis 17: The Covenant of Circumcision (Brit Milah) with Abraham.
    • Exodus 20: The giving of the Torah/Decalogue to Moses at Sinai.
    • Leviticus 19:16: The basis for Pikuach Nefesh (saving a life).
    • Maimonides' 13 Principles of Faith as a foundation for Orthodox belief.
    • Jeremiah 31: Prophecies regarding the Messianic Age.

    Example Examiner Feedback

    Real feedback patterns examiners use when marking

    • "You have stated the belief, but you must explain *why* it is significant to a Jewish adherent today."
    • "Integrate a specific quote from the Torah or Talmud to substantiate this point; vague references limit your AO1 mark."
    • "Your evaluation is one-sided; acknowledge the Reform perspective to demonstrate the breadth of Judaism required for top-band AO2."
    • "Excellent use of the term 'Pikuach Nefesh', but you must explain how it overrides the laws of Shabbat to gain full credit."

    Marking Points

    Key points examiners look for in your answers

    • Credit accurate use of Hebrew terminology: Shekhinah, Pikuach Nefesh, Tikkun Olam, Mitzvot.
    • Award marks for explicit distinction between Orthodox and Reform understandings of the Messiah and the resurrection of the dead.
    • Responses must link the Abrahamic and Mosaic Covenants to contemporary Jewish practice (e.g., Brit Milah, keeping Kosher).
    • High-level responses must explain the theological implications of God as One (Monotheism), Creator, Law-Giver, and Judge.

    Examiner Tips

    Expert advice for maximising your marks

    • 💡For the 15-mark 'Discuss' question, ensure a 'farmed' argument structure: One paragraph supporting the statement, one challenging it, and a justified conclusion.
    • 💡Always cite a specific Source of Wisdom and Authority (SoA) in 6-mark and 15-mark answers; 'The Torah says...' is insufficient compared to 'Deuteronomy 6:4 states...'.
    • 💡Use the 'Orthodox vs. Reform' dialectic to generate AO2 evaluation marks; disagreement between denominations is a key analytical tool.
    • 💡Allocate strictly 15-17 minutes for the 15-mark essay to ensure completion of the paper.

    Common Mistakes

    Pitfalls to avoid in your exam answers

    • Conflating the Jewish concept of Mashiach with the Christian concept of Messiah (e.g., expecting a divine being rather than a human political/military leader).
    • Asserting that 'Jews do not believe in the afterlife' without qualifying the diversity of views on Olam Ha-Ba, Gan Eden, and Gehenna.
    • Failing to distinguish between the Ten Commandments (Aseret ha-Dibrot) and the wider 613 Mitzvot when discussing the Law.
    • Describing customs as universal when they are specific to Orthodox or Ultra-Orthodox communities.

    Key Terminology

    Essential terms to know

    Likely Command Words

    How questions on this topic are typically asked

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