principal beliefs of judaism
Y11 Studies of Religion
2. Principal Beliefs of Judaism
Text p 160 - 165
05/16/15
Students learn about:
1. Origins
2. Principal Beliefs
3. Sacred Texts and
Writings
4. Core Ethical
Teachings
5. Observance
05/16/15
2. Principal Beliefs
Text p161-165
Traditionally, Jewish belief is found in the Torah (the first five books of the Old Testament).
Given to the people of Israel at Mt. Sinai by God, via
Moses through divine revelation.
Jewish beliefs are also based on later parts of the OT
and commentaries on the OT.
At the heart of the Jewish religion however, lies the existence of a covenant between God and the people.
Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, the Prophets
05/16/15
Moses Maimonides
(1135-1204)
۩ Was born in Cordoba, Spain when under Muslim rule.
۩ One of the earliest of the great Jewish commentary writers.
۩ Thirteen Attributes of Faith – a list of Jewish beliefs.
See text p162
۩ In many respects he defined normative Judaism, both in his own Sephardi world and in the rabbinical Ashkenazi academies. ۩ His enduring legacy is his vast range of writings.
05/16/15
Unlike many other religions, Judaism does not focus much on abstract cosmological concepts.
Judaism focuses on relationships since the beginning of creation: • the relationship between G-d and mankind
• between G-d and the Jewish people
• between the Jewish people and the land of Israel
• and between all human beings.
The scriptures also specify the mutual obligations created by these relationships, although various movements of
Judaism disagree about the nature of these obligations.
• Some say they are absolute, unchanging laws from G-d
(Orthodox);
• some say they are laws from G-d that change and evolve over time (Conservative);
• some say that they are guidelines that you can choose whether or not to follow (Reform, Liberal movement).
Judaism tends to focus more on actions than on beliefs.
So, what are these actions that Judaism is so concerned about? The obligations are found in
2. Principal Beliefs of Judaism
Text p 160 - 165
05/16/15
Students learn about:
1. Origins
2. Principal Beliefs
3. Sacred Texts and
Writings
4. Core Ethical
Teachings
5. Observance
05/16/15
2. Principal Beliefs
Text p161-165
Traditionally, Jewish belief is found in the Torah (the first five books of the Old Testament).
Given to the people of Israel at Mt. Sinai by God, via
Moses through divine revelation.
Jewish beliefs are also based on later parts of the OT
and commentaries on the OT.
At the heart of the Jewish religion however, lies the existence of a covenant between God and the people.
Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, the Prophets
05/16/15
Moses Maimonides
(1135-1204)
۩ Was born in Cordoba, Spain when under Muslim rule.
۩ One of the earliest of the great Jewish commentary writers.
۩ Thirteen Attributes of Faith – a list of Jewish beliefs.
See text p162
۩ In many respects he defined normative Judaism, both in his own Sephardi world and in the rabbinical Ashkenazi academies. ۩ His enduring legacy is his vast range of writings.
05/16/15
Unlike many other religions, Judaism does not focus much on abstract cosmological concepts.
Judaism focuses on relationships since the beginning of creation: • the relationship between G-d and mankind
• between G-d and the Jewish people
• between the Jewish people and the land of Israel
• and between all human beings.
The scriptures also specify the mutual obligations created by these relationships, although various movements of
Judaism disagree about the nature of these obligations.
• Some say they are absolute, unchanging laws from G-d
(Orthodox);
• some say they are laws from G-d that change and evolve over time (Conservative);
• some say that they are guidelines that you can choose whether or not to follow (Reform, Liberal movement).
Judaism tends to focus more on actions than on beliefs.
So, what are these actions that Judaism is so concerned about? The obligations are found in