Welcome to Your Judaism Study Guide!
Hello! In this chapter, we are going to explore Judaism, one of the oldest religions in the world and a key part of life in Great Britain today. We will look at what Jewish people believe about God, the special promises (covenants) they have with Him, and how they put those beliefs into action through daily life, prayer, and celebrations.
Don’t worry if some of the Hebrew terms seem tricky at first—we’ll break them down step-by-step. By the end of these notes, you’ll see how everything in Judaism connects, from the ancient laws in the Torah to why a Jewish family might have two different sinks in their kitchen!
Section 1: Beliefs and Teachings
1.1 The Nature of the Almighty
Jews believe in one God, whom they often refer to as The Almighty. In the Torah (the first five books of the Jewish Bible), God is shown to have four main roles:
1. One: Judaism is monotheistic. This means they believe there is only one God.
2. Creator: God made everything in the universe. Reference: Genesis 2 tells the story of how God finished His work of creation.
3. Law-Giver: God gave the Jewish people laws to live by so they could stay close to Him.
4. Judge: God is fair and will judge people based on how they follow His laws.
1.2 Shekhinah (The Divine Presence)
Shekhinah refers to the divine presence of God on Earth. Think of it like this: while God is everywhere, sometimes His presence is felt more strongly in certain places or moments.
Example: In 2 Chronicles 7:1–3, when the Temple was finished, a cloud filled the building to show God’s presence was there.
Divergent View: Some Orthodox Jews believe the Shekhinah never left the site of the Western Wall in Jerusalem, while others see it as a more general feeling of God’s presence during study or prayer.
1.3 The Messiah and the Messianic Age
The word Messiah means "anointed one." Jews believe a leader will come one day to bring peace to the world.
- Orthodox Jews: Usually believe the Messiah will be a specific person (a descendant of King David) who will rebuild the Temple.
- Reform Jews: Often believe in a Messianic Age—a time of peace that humanity must work together to achieve, rather than waiting for one specific man.
Scripture: Jeremiah 23:5–8 describes a king who will reign wisely and do what is just.
1.4 & 1.5 The Covenants (Abraham and Sinai)
A Covenant is like a very serious contract or a sacred promise between God and His people.
1. The Abrahamic Covenant: God promised Abraham that he would be the father of a great nation and gave him the Promised Land (Canaan). In return, Abraham and his descendants had to stay faithful to God (Genesis 17).
2. The Covenant at Sinai: God gave Moses the Ten Commandments (the Decalogue) on Mount Sinai (Exodus 20). This set the rules for how Jews should live. Moses is seen as the greatest prophet for bringing these laws to the people.
1.6 Sanctity of Life (Pikuach Nefesh)
Jews believe that human life is "holy" (sacred) because it was created by God. Pikuach Nefesh is the "primacy of life." This means that saving a life comes before almost any other religious law.
Analogy: If you are driving a sick person to the hospital on Shabbat (when you aren't supposed to drive), it is actually good to break the law to save the life.
Source: Talmud Yoma 83-84 explains that life is so special that laws can be set aside to protect it.
1.7 Moral Principles and the Mitzvot
Jewish people follow 613 laws called Mitzvot.
- Some are between humans and the Almighty (like how to pray).
- Some are between humans and humans (like being honest in business).
Jewish scholar Maimonides wrote the Mishneh Torah to help explain these. Jews believe God gave them free will to choose whether or not to follow these laws, but doing so brings them closer to God.
1.8 Life After Death
Jews focus more on life today than what happens after death. However, they do have beliefs about resurrection (rising from the dead) and judgment.
- Orthodox Jews: Often believe in a physical resurrection.
- Reform Jews: Usually believe the soul lives on, but not the physical body.
Scripture: Ecclesiastes 12 talks about the spirit returning to God.
Key Takeaway: Jewish belief is built on a relationship (Covenant) with God, focused on living a moral life through the Mitzvot and respecting the sanctity of life.
Section 2: Practices
2.1 & 2.2 Public Worship, Tenakh, and Talmud
Jewish worship happens in a Synagogue. Services are important for bringing the community together.
- Tenakh: The written Law (The Jewish Bible).
- Talmud: The oral Law (Explanations of how to follow the Tenakh).
Food Laws (Kashrut): This is a big part of daily practice. Kosher means "fit" or "allowed." Treifah means "forbidden" (like pork or shellfish).
Crucial Rule: Jews do not mix dairy and meat in the same meal. Reference: Deuteronomy 14:3–10.
2.3 & 2.4 Prayer, the Shema, and the Amidah
Many Jews pray three times a day.
- The Shema: The most important prayer. It declares there is only one God ("Hear, O Israel..."). It is often kept inside a Mezuzah on doorposts (Deuteronomy 6:4).
- The Amidah: The "standing prayer." It has 19 blessings and is a way for a person to speak directly to God.
2.5 Rituals and Rites of Passage
Jews mark important life stages with special rituals:
1. Brit Milah: Circumcision for baby boys, showing they have entered the covenant. (Genesis 21:1–8).
2. Bar/Bat Mitzvah: When a boy (13) or girl (12/13) becomes "son/daughter of the commandment" and is responsible for their own faith.
3. Marriage: A sacred union under a canopy (Chuppah).
4. Mourning: Includes Shiva (7 days of intense mourning), Avelut (the following year), and Yahrzeit (the anniversary of death).
2.6 Shabbat (The Sabbath)
Shabbat is a day of rest from Friday sunset to Saturday sunset. It reminds Jews of God resting after creation.
- In the Home: Lighting candles, sharing a meal with Challah (braided bread).
- In the Synagogue: Special services where the Torah is read.
Scripture: Exodus 31:12–18 says Shabbat is a sign of the covenant forever.
2.7 Jewish Festivals
Festivals help Jews remember their history (Leviticus 23):
- Rosh Hashanah: Jewish New Year.
- Yom Kippur: Day of Atonement (fasting and asking for forgiveness).
- Pesach (Passover): Remembering the escape from Egypt (Seder meal).
- Shavuot & Sukkot: Harvest festivals and remembering the journey through the desert.
2.8 Features of the Synagogue
The design of a Synagogue can vary between Orthodox (men and women often sit separately) and Reform/Liberal (everyone sits together).
Key Objects:
- The Ark (Aron Hakodesh): The cupboard where the Torah scrolls are kept.
- The Bimah: The raised platform where the Torah is read.
- Ner Tamid: The "Eternal Light" that stays lit all the time.
- Torah Scroll: Hand-written on parchment.
- Yad: A pointer used so the scroll isn't touched by hands.
Common Mistake to Avoid: Don't confuse the Menorah (seven-branched lampstand) with the Hanukkiah (nine-branched lamp used at Hanukkah). The Menorah is a symbol of the Temple and the state of Israel.
Key Takeaway: Jewish practice is about making life "holy" through routines. Whether it's the food they eat, the way they pray, or the way they rest on Shabbat, everything is a reminder of their relationship with the Almighty.