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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. (c) Explain two reasons why human li... 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
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Mitzvot guide Jews in their daily religious practices, such as the dietary laws that dictate what food they can eat, which helps maintain their faith and cultural identity.
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Mitzvot provide rules for conducting business with ethical guidelines, ensuring fairness and honesty in transactions.
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Mitzvot include laws related to prayer, which help Jews maintain a strong connection with God through regular communication and worship.
Step 2
Explain two ways Shekhinah is seen as important for Orthodox Jews.
Answer
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Shekhinah represents the divine presence of God among the Jewish people, reinforcing the belief that God is always with them and guiding their actions.
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Orthodox Jews view Shekhinah as a source of authority in religious practices, validating the importance of tradition and adherence to the commandments.
Step 3
Explain two reasons why human life is holy for Jews. In your answer you must refer to a source of wisdom and authority.
Answer
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Human life is considered sacred because it is created in the image of God, as stated in Genesis 1:27. This divine likeness imparts intrinsic value to every individual.
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The Torah also teaches in Leviticus 19:16 that Jews must not jeopardize another's life, emphasizing the responsibility to preserve and respect life.
Step 4
Evaluate this statement considering arguments for and against.
Answer
Arguments for the statement:
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The Messianic Age is believed to bring peace and harmony to the world, which is an ultimate goal for many Jews.
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Orthodox Jews assert that each generation has a potential Messiah, highlighting the continuous hope and effort towards attaining the Messianic Age.
Arguments against the statement:
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Some Jews view beliefs regarding a literal Messianic Age as unrealistic, arguing that faith should focus on current actions rather than a future event.
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Reform Judaism may not emphasize the Messianic Age as a goal, suggesting that individuals can generate positive change through collective actions without a specific messianic figure.
In conclusion, while the Messianic Age holds significance for many Jews, the perspectives vary widely, and it is essential to consider these differing views when evaluating the statement.