What is the difference between the Abrahamic and Mosaic Covenants?

The Abrahamic Covenant was the first, focusing on God's promise to make Abraham the father of a great nation and provide the Promised Land (Canaan) in exchange for circumcision. The Mosaic Covenant occurred later at Mount Sinai, where God gave Moses the Ten Commandments and the full Torah, establishing the 613 Mitzvot as the code of conduct for the Jewish people to remain holy.

Why is the Shema so important in Judaism?

The Shema is the central declaration of Jewish faith, found in Deuteronomy 6:4: 'Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.' It confirms the absolute monotheism of Judaism and is recited twice daily. It is often the first prayer a child learns and the last words a person speaks before death, signifying total devotion to God's oneness.

How does Pikuach Nefesh affect Jewish laws?

Pikuach Nefesh is the principle that saving a life overrides almost any other religious law. For example, a Jew is permitted—and actually required—to drive someone to the hospital or perform surgery on Shabbat, even though work and driving are normally forbidden. This highlights the belief that human life is sacred and must be preserved above ritual observance.

What do Jews believe happens after death?

Judaism focuses more on life in this world (Olam Ha-Zeh) than the world to come (Olam Ha-Ba). While there is a belief in a spiritual afterlife where the righteous are rewarded (Gan Eden) and the soul is purified (Gehinnom), there is no official, detailed description of heaven or hell. Most Jews believe that the soul is eternal and returns to God.

What is the Shekhinah and where is it found?

The Shekhinah refers to the 'divine presence' or the 'dwelling' of God on Earth. In the Torah, it was associated with the Tabernacle in the desert and later the Temple in Jerusalem. Today, many Jews believe the Shekhinah can be felt during communal prayer, Torah study, or in the home, suggesting that God is not distant but intimately involved in the world.

Will the Messiah be a divine figure like Jesus?

No, in Judaism, the Messiah (Mashiach) is expected to be a human being, a great political and military leader who is a descendant of King David. He will not be divine or a 'saviour' from sin. His role is to bring about world peace, return all Jews to Israel, and rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem during his lifetime.

Component 3 (Route B): Study of a World Faith — Judaism: Theme 1: Beliefs and Teachings

WJEC

GCSE

This subtopic explores the foundational beliefs and teachings within Judaism, as studied in WJEC GCSE Religious Studies Route B. Candidates examine core theological concepts such as the unity and nature of God, the significance of the Shema, and the covenantal relationship between God and the Jewish people. Understanding these doctrines is essential for analysing Jewish identity, worship, and ethical practice both historically and in contemporary society.

Objectives

Exam Tips

Pitfalls

Key Terms

Mark Points

Topic Overview

Component 3 (Route B) Theme 1 focuses on the foundational beliefs and teachings of Judaism, exploring how the nature of God, the importance of the Covenant, and the concept of the Messiah shape Jewish life. Students will examine the core monotheistic belief expressed in the Shema, the divine presence known as the Shekhinah, and the moral obligations arising from the 613 Mitzvot. Understanding these concepts is vital because they provide the theological framework for all Jewish practices, rituals, and ethical decisions studied later in the course.

This topic also delves into the historical and spiritual relationship between God and the Jewish people through the Covenants made with Abraham and Moses. By studying the Ten Commandments and the sanctity of life (Pikuach Nefesh), students see how ancient laws are applied to modern moral dilemmas. This theme is not just about historical facts; it is about understanding a living faith that prioritises action (Mitzvot) and the preservation of life above almost all other religious obligations, making it a cornerstone for any student of theology or ethics.

Key Concepts

Core ideas you must understand for this topic

→The Nature of God: Judaism is strictly monotheistic, viewing God as One, Creator, Law-giver, and Judge. This is encapsulated in the Shema, the most important prayer in Judaism.
→The Covenant (Brit): The solemn agreements between God and His people, specifically the Abrahamic Covenant (concerning land and descendants) and the Mosaic Covenant (the giving of the Torah and the 613 Mitzvot).
→Shekhinah: The concept of the divine presence of God in the world, often associated with the Tabernacle, the Temple in Jerusalem, and the study of the Torah.
→The Messiah (Mashiach): The belief in a future leader who will be a descendant of King David, who will bring a time of peace, rebuild the Temple, and unite humanity.
→Pikuach Nefesh: The principle that the preservation of human life takes precedence over all other religious laws, reflecting the belief that humans are created 'Imago Dei' (in the image of God).

What You Need to Demonstrate

Key skills and knowledge for this topic

Award credit for demonstrating accurate understanding of the Shema as a declaration of monotheism and its role in daily prayer and practice.
Credit responses that clearly explain the concept of covenant, referencing specific covenants such as those with Abraham and Moses, and their ongoing significance.
Look for well-developed answers that connect beliefs about God's nature (e.g., omnipotent, omniscient, benevolent) to Jewish teachings and worship.
Assessment of understanding of the Messiah and the Messianic Age should show awareness of diverse Jewish interpretations.

Marking Points

Key points examiners look for in your answers

Award credit for demonstrating accurate understanding of the Shema as a declaration of monotheism and its role in daily prayer and practice.
Credit responses that clearly explain the concept of covenant, referencing specific covenants such as those with Abraham and Moses, and their ongoing significance.
Look for well-developed answers that connect beliefs about God's nature (e.g., omnipotent, omniscient, benevolent) to Jewish teachings and worship.
Assessment of understanding of the Messiah and the Messianic Age should show awareness of diverse Jewish interpretations.

Examiner Tips

Expert advice for maximising your marks

💡When answering questions on beliefs, always use specialist terminology precisely (e.g., 'omnipotent', 'covenant', 'Shekhinah') and support points with specific scriptural or traditional references.
💡Plan responses to ensure coverage of both shared and divergent views within Judaism, particularly between Orthodox and Reform traditions, to access higher mark bands.
💡For evaluation questions, structure arguments around clear points of view, giving reasons for and against, and a justified conclusion.
💡Always use specific Hebrew terminology: Using terms like 'Mitzvot', 'Shekhinah', or 'Tzedakah' instead of their English equivalents demonstrates a higher level of subject knowledge and can help secure marks in the higher bands.
💡Integrate 'Sources of Wisdom and Authority' (SOWA): To achieve top marks in Part (c) and (d) questions, you must quote or paraphrase the Torah, the Tenakh, or the Talmud. For example, referencing Genesis 17 when discussing the Covenant with Abraham.
💡Link beliefs to practices: When discussing a belief, briefly mention how it affects a Jewish person's life today. For instance, link the belief in God as Creator to the observance of Shabbat.

Common Mistakes

Pitfalls to avoid in your exam answers

Confusing the Jewish concept of the Messiah with the Christian understanding, or assuming all Jews believe in a personal Messiah.
Misunderstanding the term 'chosen people' as implying racial superiority rather than a covenantal responsibility to uphold God's laws.
Failing to distinguish between the Written and Oral Torah when discussing sources of authority.
Confusing the Jewish Messiah with the Christian view of Jesus: Students often assume Jews view the Messiah as a divine 'Saviour' from sin. In Judaism, the Messiah is a human leader and king, not a divine being, and his role is earthly and political rather than purely spiritual.
Misinterpreting 'An eye for an eye': Many students take this literally as a command for physical retaliation. In Jewish teaching and the Talmud, this is interpreted as 'monetary compensation' or the principle of proportionate justice, not physical blinding.
Assuming all Jews view the afterlife the same way: Unlike some other faiths, Judaism focuses heavily on life on Earth (Olam Ha-Zeh). While concepts like Gan Eden and Gehinnom exist, there is no single, definitive Jewish dogma regarding the nature of the afterlife (Olam Ha-Ba).

Revision Plan

How to revise this topic in 1–2 weeks

1Week 1, Day 1-2: Focus on the Nature of God and the Shema. Memorise the core characteristics (One, Creator, Judge) and find two supporting SOWAs.
2Week 1, Day 3-5: Compare the Abrahamic and Mosaic Covenants. Create a table showing the promises made by God and the obligations required of the Jewish people for each.
3Week 2, Day 1-2: Study the 613 Mitzvot and the concept of Pikuach Nefesh. Research how Pikuach Nefesh allows for the breaking of Shabbat laws in emergencies.
4Week 2, Day 3-4: Explore Jewish beliefs about the Messiah and the Afterlife. Note the differences between Orthodox and Reform perspectives on these topics.
5Week 2, Day 5: Practice timed exam questions, specifically focusing on 15-mark 'd' questions that require evaluation of different Jewish viewpoints.

Exam Question Types

How this topic typically appears in the exam

📋Part (a) [2 marks]: Short definition questions. Example: 'What is meant by Shekhinah?' Tip: Give a concise, accurate definition using religious language.
📋Part (b) [5 marks]: Descriptive questions. Example: 'Describe Jewish beliefs about the Messiah.' Tip: Use two or three distinct points and develop them with a brief explanation.
📋Part (c) [8 marks]: Explanatory questions. Example: 'Explain why the Covenant with Abraham is important for Jews today.' Tip: You must include a SOWA and show how the belief impacts modern Jewish life.
📋Part (d) [15 marks]: Evaluative essays. Example: 'The most important duty for a Jew is to follow the 613 Mitzvot.' Tip: Present a balanced argument with points for and against, use SOWAs, and reach a justified conclusion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions students ask about this topic

Before You Start

Prior knowledge that will help with this topic

•A basic understanding of monotheism (the belief in one God) and how it differs from polytheism.
•Familiarity with the structure of the Hebrew Bible (Tenakh), specifically the Torah as the primary source of law.
•An awareness of the historical context of the ancient Near East, particularly the significance of land and lineage.

Ready to test yourself?

Practice questions tailored to this topic

Component 3 (Route B): Study of a World Faith — Judaism: Theme 1: Beliefs and Teachings

Topic Overview

Key Concepts

What You Need to Demonstrate

Marking Points

Examiner Tips

Common Mistakes

Revision Plan

Exam Question Types

Frequently Asked Questions

Before You Start

Ready to test yourself?

Related Topics in WJEC GCSE Religious Studies

Component 1 (Route A): Religious Philosophical and Ethical Studies in the Modern World — Theme 1: Issues of Relationships

Component 1 (Route A): Religious Philosophical and Ethical Studies in the Modern World — Theme 2: Issues of Life and Death

Component 1 (Route A): Religious Philosophical and Ethical Studies in the Modern World — Theme 3: Issues of Good and Evil

Component 1 (Route A): Religious Philosophical and Ethical Studies in the Modern World — Theme 4: Issues of Human Rights

How to Revise Component 3 (Route B): Study of a World Faith — Judaism: Theme 1: Beliefs and Teachings — WJEC GCSE Religious Studies

Examiner Tips for Component 3 (Route B): Study of a World Faith — Judaism: Theme 1: Beliefs and Teachings

Common Mistakes in Component 3 (Route B): Study of a World Faith — Judaism: Theme 1: Beliefs and Teachings

Key Marking Points

Component 3 (Route B): Study of a World Faith — Judaism: Theme 1: Beliefs and Teachings

Topic Overview

Key Concepts

What You Need to Demonstrate

Marking Points

Examiner Tips

Common Mistakes

Revision Plan

Exam Question Types

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the Abrahamic and Mosaic Covenants?

Why is the Shema so important in Judaism?

How does Pikuach Nefesh affect Jewish laws?

What do Jews believe happens after death?

What is the Shekhinah and where is it found?

Will the Messiah be a divine figure like Jesus?

Before You Start

Ready to test yourself?

Related Topics in WJEC GCSE Religious Studies

Component 1 (Route A): Religious Philosophical and Ethical Studies in the Modern World — Theme 1: Issues of Relationships

Component 1 (Route A): Religious Philosophical and Ethical Studies in the Modern World — Theme 2: Issues of Life and Death

Component 1 (Route A): Religious Philosophical and Ethical Studies in the Modern World — Theme 3: Issues of Good and Evil

Component 1 (Route A): Religious Philosophical and Ethical Studies in the Modern World — Theme 4: Issues of Human Rights