Judaism
Beliefs, Teachings and Practices
Key Words
Tenakh – main sacred Jewish text.
Talmud – collection of teachings and record of originally spoken discussions between Torah scholars.
Orthodox Jews – believe that the Torah and Talmud are of divine origin.
Progressive Jews – believe that the Torah and Talmud are people’s interpretation of God’s word. There are two main movements of Progressive Jews:
- Reform Judaism – a mix of new and old traditions.
- Liberal Judaism – similar to Reform Judaism but more radical.
Shekhinah – is God’s presence on earth.
Covenant – a formal agreement between two or more people.
Mitzvot – Jewish laws.
Pikuach nefesh – the principle of saving a life, even it it means breaking mitzvot.
Tzedakah – the practice of giving 10% of your weath to charity.
Messiah – an inspirational leader.
Synagogue – a Jewish place of worship. They all have the following features:
- Aron Hakodesh (the Ark) – a large cupboard on the wall facing Jerusalem.
- Sefer Torah (Scroll of the Torah) – a parechment scroll kept inside the ark.
- Ner Tamid (Perpetual Light) – a light above the ark which never goes out.
- Bimah or Almemar – raised platform with a reading desk.
Links for Learning
Websites  Videos  Games  Quizzes
Bitesize: Key beliefs
Bitesize: Covenant and mitzvot
Bitesize: Practices
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