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1 (a) Outline three ways the mitzvot are used by Jews - Edexcel - GCSE Religious Studies B - Question 1 - 2022 - Paper 1
Question 1
1 (a) Outline three ways the mitzvot are used by Jews. (b) Explain two ways Shekhinah is seen as important for Orthodox Jews. In your answer you must refer to a sou... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:1 (a) Outline three ways the mitzvot are used by Jews - Edexcel - GCSE Religious Studies B - Question 1 - 2022 - Paper 1
Step 1
Outline three ways the mitzvot are used by Jews.
Answer
- Mitzvot are used by Jews when they prepare food, following the kosher dietary laws.
- They provide rules for business, guiding ethical practices in commerce.
- Mitzvot are important during prayer, as they frame the structure of worship and connection to God.
Step 2
Explain two ways Shekhinah is seen as important for Orthodox Jews.
Answer
- Shekhinah represents the divine presence in the world, reminding Orthodox Jews of God's closeness and involvement in their lives. This is emphasized in the Talmud (Yoma 83-4), which highlights the necessity of preserving life, as God is always present.
- Shekhinah signifies the presence of God in Jewish worship and communal life, often seen as bringing holiness to their prayers and rituals. This is supported by the concept that God dwells among His people when they gather in worship, thus reinforcing community bonds.
Step 3
Explain two reasons why human life is holy for Jews.
Answer
- Life is considered sacred because it is created by God, as stated in Genesis 1:27, where humans are made in the image of God, which confers inherent dignity and worth.
- The obligation to save a life is emphasized in Jewish law, where Leviticus 19:16 states that one must not allow their fellow's blood to be shed, highlighting the sanctity of human life.
Step 4
Evaluate this statement considering arguments for and against.
Answer
Arguments for the statement:
- The Messianic Age is viewed as a time of peace and restoration, which Jews aspire to achieve through living according to God's commandments and mitzvot.
- Many believe that the coming of the Messiah will fulfill God's promises, bringing about a harmonious world where justice prevails.
Arguments against the statement:
- Some Jews, especially within the Reform movement, argue that focusing on a literal Messianic Age can detract from the importance of making a positive impact in the present world.
- Others interpret the Messianic Age not as an event, but as a collective aspiration, emphasizing social justice and ethical living as ways to bring about a better world.