The document provides information about key beliefs, teachings, and practices in Judaism. It includes definitions and explanations of important concepts like the Almighty, Shekhinah, Messiah, covenants, mitzvots, life after death, Shabbat, festivals, and features of the synagogue. The document emphasizes that Judaism teaches strict monotheism and that Jews seek to experience the divine presence of God in their daily lives and practices by following mitzvots and coming together in worship and community.

2. Q. Marks Focus Top tip
a)
3 marks Outline A sentence for each
example
b)
4 marks Explain 2 fully developed
reasons
c)
5 marks Explain with SOWA 2 fully developed
reasons and then AN
EXTRA ONE FOR
SOWA
d) 12 marks or 15
marks with
SPAG
Evaluate in extended
writing
Agree – why –strong
/ weak – why
Disagree – why –
strong / weak – why
Conclusion
MOST
IMPORTANT

3. Unit 1: Beliefs and teachings Unit 2: Practices
Main topic Other links Main topic Other links
Almighty Tenakh and Talmud Public worship Shekhinah, Messiah, features
of a synagogue
Shekhinah Worship, festivals, rituals and
ceremony
Tenakh and Talmud Shekhinah, Messiah,
Almighty, Mitvots
Messiah Worship, Mitvots Private Prayer Shekhinah, Shema and
Amidah
Covenant at Sinai Mitvots, sanctity of life,
Tenakh
Shema and Amidah Shekhinah, Almighty, Private
prayer, public worship
Covenant with Abraham Rituals and ceremony, Tenakh Ritual and Ceremony Mitvots, both Covenants
Santcity of Life Mitvots Shabbat Shekhinah, Mitvots, Sanctity
of life
Mitvots Sanctity of life, Shabbat,
festivals, worship
Festivals Shekhinah, Mitvots
Life after death Mitvots, sanctity of life,
Almighty
Features of a synagogue Shekhinah, public worship,
private prayer

4. The Almighty
The Shekinah
Messiah
Covenant at Sinai
Covenant with Abraham
Sanctity of life
Mitzvots
Life after death

5. • G-d is one – Judaism teaches strict Monotheism (belief in one god)
“The Lord is G-d in heaven above and on earth below. There is no other”
Deuteronomy 4:39
• The Torah teaches that G-d is the creator of everything and that God’s
creation is good (Genesis 1 (reform – metaphor))
• The Torah says that G-d is the law giver as he gave the Miztvots / 10
Commandments (Exodus 20)
• G-d’s law require a judge and the Tenakh shows G-d as the one who
judges everything, all actions etc.
Importance today:
1) These beliefs are still true 2) Guides Jews in their actions / life 3)They believe they will be
judged by G-d 4) Names bring them closer to G-d
Stated in the Shema

6. • Shekinah refers to the ‘divine presence of God’
• It is used in the Torah to describe G-ds presence in the Tabernacle,
Temple and Jerusalem ways but not explicit
• It is difficult to understand and is interpreted in different ways by
different rabbis
• It is the basis of the belief that G-ds name reflects his presence and is
so holy that it should only be used in worship in the Synagogue or in
private prayer
Importance today:
1) Still want to experience G-d 2) Crucial Jewish belief 3) Believe in G-d so want to experience
G-d 4) G-d is present in every aspect of life
THROUGH
Act of worship

7. • The word Messiah means the anointed one and was used to refer to
the Kings of Israel who where anointed, chosen by G-d, line of King
David, human, military leader, just, judge, charismatic
• The Messianic age is a time when all nations will live in peace, all
believe in Jewish G-d, exiles returned
• Jewish people believe that the Messiah will be sent by G-d to bring in
the Messianic age
• Some Jews believe – A messiah in every generation
• Some Jews believe – In a Messianic Age
Importance today:
1) All Jews can contribute to the Messianic age through their actions 2) Still an important
belief 3) The Messiah could still come, date has been set

8. • The Covenant is an agreement between G-d and his people
• The Mosaic Covenant has become the very basis of Judaism
• Moses given the Oral Torah (Talmud) at Sinai
• Moses was given 613 Mitzvot (Commandments) by G-d (the lawgiver) which all Jewish
people must follow including the Ten Commandments (Decalogue)
• The Ten Commandments are the most important rules which all Jewish people must
follow. They sum up the worship and the morality of the covenant.
• Orthodox – Follow ALL
• Reform – Follow all but understand some are harder than others so ones they can not
follow they pray about
• Examples – FOOD LAWS, SHABBAT etc
Importance today:
1) These mitzvots are still followed by Jews today 2) They are still a basis for their religion
3)They are still living out the covenant by following them 4) Will be judged on how they follow
them 5) Study the Torah

9. • The Abrahamic Covenant is G-d’s agreement with Abraham that
G-d would make a great nation with Abraham’s descendants
• G-d would give them the promised land (Israel) as their own
if all their male children were circumcised and they worshipped
G-d alone
• The Covenant is so important that many Reform and Liberal
Jews have a ceremony for girls to welcome them into
Abraham’s covenant
• The Covenant gave rise to the idea that Jewish people had a
right to live in the area that was the ancient Kingdom of Israel
Importance today:
1) Jews today are the descendants of Abraham 2) This is still a basis for their religion 3)They are
still living out the covenant through circumcision (Brit Milah) 4) Daily prayers for Israel
Brit Milah
Abraham was chosen because: he was
loyal, trust worthy, followed God, didn’t
sin
Founder of
Judaism

10. • Jewish people believe in the Sanctity of Life because they believe that
life is a gift from G-d which makes life itself holy
• Created in G-d’s image so must be respected
• This is taught in the Torah (Genesis Creation account)
• The importance of the Sanctity of Life is seen in the teaching of
Pikachu
• This means that Jewish people must do everything in their power to
save a life even if involves breaking the Mitzvot (Commandment)
• Ill person does not need to fast, abortion acceptable to preserve life,
euthanasia and suicide are forbidden, organ donation acceptable
Importance today:
1) Life is holy and belongs to G-d 2) Most important MITZVOT 3)All have a duty to preserve life

11. • The mitzvots are the 613 commands/ laws Moses received from G-d
on Sinai (G-d as lawgiver).
• They make up the Jewish law that is still used today
• They affect the whole of a Jewish persons life.
• Only the Orthodox follow all of the mitzvot, for Liberal/ Reform
Jews the mitzvot are optional and ones that can not be followed are
prayed about.
• The Oral Torah is the unwritten Torah given to Moses by G-d
• Jews have free will and therefore a choice to follow
Importance today:
1) All Jews follow them today 2) Impact all aspects of Jewish life 3) Jewish law today
Also means ‘good deed’

12. • Jewish people believe that there will be life after death but unclear on
the nature / form of it
• Most Jews believe that the dead will be raised (resurrection) and judged
by G-d
• Some believe they live on in others memories (Stones on grave stone)
• Some Jewish people believe that Judgement (G-d is the Judge) will be
based on behaviour, others belief it is based on how religious you are
• Place of purification - Gehinnom
• Some think everyone will eventually go to heaven (Gan Eden) but no
eternal punishment
• Little in the Torah about it
Importance today:
1) Focus is on ‘living’ 2) Important how you treat others 3) Hope for the future, Messianic age
Olam Ha Ba

13. Public acts of worship
Tenakh and Talmud
Private Prayer
Shema and Amidah
Ritual and Ceremony
Shabbat
Festivals
Synagogue

14. • Most common form of worship is prayer
• Prayer is the most important part of Jewish worship and synagogues play an
important role in this
• Shabbat, festival, and the Daily Prayers are the most important services that
take place publicly in the synagogue
• These unite the community while providing time for the individual to offer
their own prayer of praise and thanksgiving
• Daily prayers – 3 times a day and often standing, silent when said alone
• Prayer towards Jerusalem
SIDDUR
Book of daily prayer
SHABBAT
Begins at dusk on Friday and ends Sat night
Services in the synagogue
Prayers, readings from the Torah
Whole family attend
Importance today:
1) Focus is on ‘community’ 2) Shekhinah 3) Part of mitzvots

15. The Tenakh is the Jewish Bible and
is in 3 divisions – Torah, Nevii’im
and the Ketuvim
The Torah is the most sacred object
Orthodox Jews - regard the Torah
as the literal word of G-d and can
not be altered
Reform Jews – Believe the Torah is
human creation inspired by their
understanding and the place of G-d
in lives
The Talmud is the oral tradition
Orthodox Jews – Given to Moses at Mount Sinai. Written
down 1000 years later so cant be distorted. Central to
Orthodox Jews life
Reform Jews – human creation that reflects distilled
wisdom of many generations of the Jewish people
Two parts – Mishnah and Gemara
Rich source of study
Source of all Jewish legal teaching and decision
Importance today:
1) Different views (Orthodox / Reform) 2) Study and read 3) Basis of all law today

16. Opportunity to bring kedusha or
holiness to one of the most
essential areas of existence.
CONNECT WITH G-D
Food that is acceptable – KOSHER
(fit)
Food that is not acceptable –
TREIFAH (torn)
Laws are found in the Torah, so are
from G-d
Can benefit health
Cant eat pigs
Orthodox Jews – kept the laws,
separate utensils for meat and diary
Reform Jews – feel they are
outdated for example, 3 hour gap
before dairy, meat and diary
combined
Passover – no yeast for the week,
deep clean of the house, separate
crockery and cutlery
KASHRUT
Jewish food laws
Importance today:
1) Still followed today 2) Mitzvots 3) Different interpretations

17. • Private prayer for Jews who cannot attend the synagogue
• Carried out individually or as a family
• Clear their minds before so they can focus on G-d
• Pray 3 times a day, morning (modeh ani – thanking for the gift of life),
afternoon and evening
• Shema (declaration of Faith) is recited at night
• Shabbat – Kiddush prayer of sanctification (celebrate G-d’s creation,
remember the release of their ancestors from slavery)
• Prayer – prayer, request and thanks
• Daily prayer allows connection with G-d, personal reflection and solitary time
with G-d
• Hebrew word for prayer means reflection
Importance today:
1) Experience the Shekhinah 2) Closer to G-D 3) Follow Mitzvots

18. TALLIT
Prayer shawl
worn by men.
Tzitzit (tassels)
are the mitvots
TEFILLIN
2 small boxes
on the head
(mind about G-
d) and arm
(heart about G-
d)
Worn by
women in
reform / liberal
MEZUZAH
Beside all doors
and contains
the Shema
SHEMA
Declaration of Faith
The SHEMA
Opening part of the Shema
is recited twice a day
(morning and evening).
Most important prayer.
The Amidah – standing prayer.
Core part of every Jewish worship service
3 sections - Praise, thanks and request
19 blessings
Said in morning prayer
Importance today:
1) Experience the Shekhinah 2) Closer to G-D 3) Follow Mitzvots

19. BIRTH
Soul exists in the womb but life begins
when the child is half emerged.
Born pure and free of sin
Purification of mother (Boys – 7days
+33, Girls -14days +66)
Always given a Hebrew name and
English
BRIT MILAH
Boys are circumcised as stated in the
Abraham Covenant.
Outward physical sign of God’s covenant
Almost always observed
Removal of the foreskin by someone
religiously qualified
BAR / BAT MITVAH
Coming of age ceremony
Boys – 13
Girls – 12
Can lead services in the synagogue
Expected to study and prepare carefully
MARRIAGE
Very little in the Torah
Kiddushin is binding engagement
Nisuin – full marriage
Half an hour ceremony
Reform – allow same sex marriage
MOURNING
5 periods of mourning over a year
Community takes a lead
Tear clothing to show something has
changed
FUNERAL
Cremated
Usually within 24hrs
Body washed and wrapped in a shroud
Plain coffins
In the cemetery not the synagogue
Most rituals followed by all
Jews.
Importance today:
1) Part of the covenant 2) Closer to G-D 3) Follow Mitzvots

20. • Shabbat is observed from Friday evening to Saturday evening
• Celebrated in the home on Friday with a special meal
• Celebrated in the synagogue either Friday evening or Saturday morning
which last 2 hours
• Modern life can make strict observation of Shabbat challenging for Jews
• The day is important for both family time and Torah study, it is keeping
God’s commandment.
Havdalah
Closing ceremony Shabbat
Bimah
Raised platform in the synagogue where readings are made
Shabbat in the synagogue
1) Amidah is recited
2) Shema is recited from the
Torah
3) Section of the Torah
4) Torah is returned to the Ark
5) Rabbi delivers a sermon
6) Ends with prayers
7) Kaddish follows, this
acknowledges that God is best
8) Final act to sign a hymn
Shabbat in the home
* Traditionally 3 meals take place at home during Shabbat (Friday evening, Sat
morning and late Sat afternoon).
* Friday begins with a Kiddush blessing and blessing the challah bread.
* End is marked with Havdalah blessing over wine, special candle is lit
* Home will be cleaned and tided, decorated with flowers
* Abstain from work, cooking, creating or destroying anything
Importance today:
1) Experience the Shekhinah 2) Closer to G-D 3) Follow Mitzvots
Yad
A pointer for following text

21. 1st Pilgrim Festival: Pesach
*Referred to as Passover
*Based on the night that God Passed
over Egypt and killed the first born
*Chametz is removed and not eaten for
7 days
*Home is cleaned
*Lasts 8 days
2nd Pilgrim Festival: Shavuot
*Celebrates the giving of Law
*7 week period between Passover and
Shavuot
*Celebrate the gift of the Torah
*Time to explore the texts
*Decorate the synagogue
3rd Pilgrim Festival: Sukkot
*Begins 4 days after Yom Kippur
*Marks end of summer
*Feast of the Tabernacles
*Celebrated for 8 days
Rosh Hashanah
Means ‘head of the year’, first day of
Jewish new year.
Orthodox celebrate for 2 days and
Reform 1 day.
Anniversary of creation
Visit synagogue, festive meal, eat slice
of apple in honey, pomegranate
Yom Kippur
Day of Atonement – holiest day of the
year.
Reflect on sins and ask for forgiveness
25 hours of fasting
Spent largely in the synagogue
Ark is opened
Festivals are an important part of Jewish life and are used to remember happy times in
Jewish history. Families and communities UNITE.
MOST IMPORTANT
Importance today:
1) Remember their history 2) Closer to G-D 3) Celebrate history - connection

22. Synagogue means ‘assembly’ or shul - school
A place to learn and come together as a
community
Objects of devotion
Many features are the same in Orthodox and
Reform traditions
Faces Jerusalem
Orthodox – men and women sit separately
Reminder of the temple in Jerusalem
Ark and Bimah most important
Importance today:
1) Experience the Shekhinah 2) Closer to G-D 3) Follow Mitzvots 4) Community