Judaism: Beliefs and sacred writings

Topics

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Sample objectives

What this unit covers

• Jewish beliefs about G-d’s nature: Understand Jewish beliefs regarding the nature of G-d, including the oneness of G-d, G-d's merciful and just nature, G-d as the creator and sustainer of everything, the belief that G-d has no physical form, and G-d's omnipotence, omniscience, and omnipresence. Explore various Jewish perspectives on the significance of these beliefs and how they influence the everyday lives of Jewish people.
• G-d’s establishment of covenants (agreements) with G-d’s people: The establishment of agreements between G-d and His people includes: (a) The covenant of circumcision with Abraham, which involves G-d's promises of land and descendants, along with the expectation of faith in the one G-d; (b) The covenant of law with Moses, where G-d promises protection in return for obedience, provides commandments to Moses, and has Moses document the covenant; (c) The significance of these two covenants for Jews in defining their relationship with G-d as 'the chosen people' and their comprehensive way of life; (d) Various Jewish perspectives on the significance of these beliefs and events; (e) The influence of these beliefs and events on the everyday lives of Jews.
• J ewish beliefs about the Torah; different ways in which Jews understand and interpret the Torah: Understand Jewish beliefs regarding the Torah and the various interpretations of it, including: (a) its role as an authority and the commandments (mitzvot), (b) its nature as a divine revelation, (c) its function as a basis for moral guidelines, including positive mitzvot (actions Jews are encouraged to take) and negative mitzvot (actions Jews are discouraged from taking) as seen in the Ten Commandments and the Noahide laws, and (d) the significance of these beliefs in Jewish life.