Key Beliefs (Junior Cert Religious Education): Revision Notes
📚Revision Notes
Key Beliefs
Judaism is built upon three fundamental religious beliefs that shape the lifestyle and practices of Jewish people around the world. These core beliefs have remained central to Jewish faith throughout thousands of years of history.
The three major beliefs in Judaism
Belief in one god
Jews practice monotheism, which means they believe in one true God. This belief has remained constant throughout Jewish history, even during difficult and challenging times. Jewish people maintain their faith that God is present in their daily lives.
Note
The concept of monotheism was revolutionary in ancient times when most cultures worshipped multiple gods. Judaism's unwavering commitment to this belief has been a defining characteristic for over 3,000 years.
One way this belief is demonstrated is through the Mezuzah - a small container holding sacred words that is placed on the doorframes of Jewish homes. This serves as a constant reminder of God's presence and the importance of faith in everyday life.
The Covenant
The Covenant refers to a sacred promise made between God and Abraham approximately 4,000 years ago. Despite facing many hardships throughout their history, Jewish people have always remembered and honoured this ancient agreement.
Important
The Covenant represents one of the oldest continuous religious commitments in human history, demonstrating the enduring nature of Jewish faith across millennia of challenges and changes.
One important way this covenant is observed is through the circumcision of Jewish baby boys. This practice serves as a physical sign of the continuing relationship between God and the Jewish people, connecting each new generation to this ancient promise.
Being God's chosen people
Jewish people believe they have a special and unique relationship with God - that they are God's chosen people. This belief emphasises that Jews have particular responsibilities and a distinctive role in their relationship with God.
This concept is clearly reflected in Jewish prayers and religious texts, particularly in the Book of Psalms, where this special relationship is frequently mentioned and celebrated.
Note
Being "chosen" in Judaism doesn't imply superiority over others, but rather carries the weight of special responsibilities and obligations in serving God and maintaining the covenant.
Place of worship
Jewish people gather for worship, prayer, meetings and celebrations in buildings called synagogues. These gatherings are especially important on the Sabbath, the weekly day of rest and worship.
Key features found in synagogues include:
- The ark - a special cabinet that contains the scrolls of the Torah, which are the most sacred Jewish texts
- The bimah - a raised platform where prayers are read aloud during services
Note
The physical layout of synagogues reflects Jewish beliefs, with the ark positioned to face Jerusalem and the Torah scrolls treated with the utmost reverence as direct connections to God's word.
These features help create a focused environment for worship and community gathering, reinforcing the key beliefs of Judaism through regular practice and study.
Summary
Key Points to Remember:
- Monotheism is the belief in one God that has remained central to Judaism throughout history
- The Covenant is the 4,000-year-old promise between God and Abraham that continues today
- Jewish people believe they are God's chosen people with a special relationship to God
- The synagogue serves as the main place for worship, prayer and community gatherings
- Religious practices like the Mezuzah and circumcision demonstrate these beliefs in daily life