What Do Jews Believe?
Religious Studies: KS3, topic 1.2.3
What do Jews Believe?
There are two important foundations of Jewish belief which are demonstrated by the figures of Abraham and Moses. These two figures both had covenants (agreements) with God.
Abraham
- Abraham was an important figure as God selected him to be a leader and role model.
- Abraham was selected to be leader after humanity had failed to live in accordance with God’s wishes.
Abraham as a role model
- Abraham would become a role model for how to live a godly life.
- Abraham taught the world about the one all-powerful God, creator of heaven and earth.
- This God cares about people and human behaviour matters to God.
- This God ultimately punishes the sinners and rewards the righteous.
Abraham and the One God
- The belief in One God means that when God says something is good then it is absolutely good.
- Abraham became a loyal servant of God and succeeded in passing on his commitment to his family.
Circumcision
- All male members of the group must be circumcised.
- This provides a physical sign of their relationship with God, and the agreement (covenant) they made with God.
- God promises to make Abraham the Father of many nations and to give him the Holy Land of Israel.
- God has a special relationship with Abraham.
Test yourself on What Do Jews Believe?
What is the physical sign of Abraham's family's commitment to God?