What you'll learn
This revision guide covers the core beliefs and teachings of Judaism as specified in the WJEC GCSE Religious Education syllabus. You will explore the Jewish understanding of God, key texts, the covenant relationship, beliefs about the Messiah, and Jewish views on life after death. These topics form the foundation for examination questions worth significant marks in Paper 1.
Key terms and definitions
Shema — the most important prayer in Judaism, affirming belief in one God, found in Deuteronomy 6:4-9
Covenant — a binding agreement between God and the Jewish people, establishing mutual responsibilities and promises
Messiah — the anointed one who Jews believe will bring peace and restore Israel; Orthodox Jews await a future human leader whilst Reform Jews see the Messianic Age as a time rather than a person
Shekinah — the divine presence of God dwelling on earth, originally in the Tabernacle and Temple, now understood as God's presence wherever people gather to worship
Torah — the first five books of the Hebrew Bible (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy), also called the Written Law, given by God to Moses at Mount Sinai
Talmud — the collection of rabbinic discussions and interpretations of the Torah, comprising the Mishnah and Gemara, considered the Oral Law
Pikuach Nefesh — the principle that preserving human life overrides almost all other religious commandments
Mitzvot — the 613 commandments found in the Torah that guide Jewish life and practice
Core concepts
The nature of God
Judaism is strictly monotheistic, believing in one eternal, omnipotent, omniscient and omnipresent God. This belief is expressed most clearly in the Shema: "Hear O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is One" (Deuteronomy 6:4).
Key characteristics of God in Judaism include:
- Creator — God created the universe from nothing (ex nihilo) as described in Genesis 1
- Lawgiver — God gave the Torah to Moses, providing moral and religious guidance
- Judge — God judges human actions and will hold people accountable
- Sustainer — God maintains the universe and continues to be involved in the world
- Personal — God can be approached through prayer and responds to human needs
The Shema is recited twice daily by observant Jews and is often the first prayer taught to children and the last words spoken before death. It appears in mezuzahs on doorposts and in tefillin worn during weekday morning prayers, demonstrating its centrality to Jewish faith.
Jews do not attempt to represent God in physical form, following the Second Commandment's prohibition against graven images. God is beyond human comprehension but has revealed the divine will through the Torah and continues to guide the Jewish people.
The covenant relationship
The covenant is fundamental to Jewish identity and practice. It establishes a special relationship between God and the Jewish people, involving both privileges and responsibilities.
Key covenants in Jewish tradition:
Abrahamic Covenant (Genesis 15, 17) — God promised Abraham that his descendants would be as numerous as the stars, would inherit the land of Canaan, and that through them all nations would be blessed. In return, Abraham and his descendants would worship only the one God. Circumcision (brit milah) serves as the physical sign of this covenant.
Mosaic Covenant (Exodus 19-24) — At Mount Sinai, God gave the Torah to Moses, including the Ten Commandments and the 613 mitzvot. The Jewish people agreed to follow these laws, and in return, God promised to make them "a kingdom of priests and a holy nation."
Covenant with David (2 Samuel 7) — God promised David that his dynasty would endure forever, forming the basis for messianic expectations.
The covenant makes Jews the chosen people, though this does not imply superiority. Rather, it means being chosen for responsibility — to live according to God's law, to be a moral example to other nations ("a light unto the nations" from Isaiah 49:6), and to maintain the covenant relationship.
The Messiah and messianic expectations
Jewish beliefs about the Messiah differ significantly between Orthodox and Reform traditions.
Orthodox Jewish beliefs:
- The Messiah will be a human descendant of King David
- He will rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem
- He will gather all Jews back to Israel
- He will bring world peace and universal knowledge of God
- The dead will be resurrected
- Maimonides' Thirteen Principles of Faith state: "I believe with perfect faith in the coming of the Messiah, and though he may tarry, I will wait daily for his coming"
Reform Jewish beliefs:
- Emphasis on a Messianic Age rather than a personal Messiah
- This age of peace and justice will be achieved through human effort and progress
- The focus is on repairing the world (tikkun olam) rather than waiting for a single leader
- Some Reform Jews interpret messianic prophecies metaphorically
The different interpretations reflect broader theological differences: Orthodox Judaism maintains traditional beliefs about divine intervention, whilst Reform Judaism emphasizes human partnership with God in perfecting the world.
The sanctity of human life
Judaism places paramount importance on the sanctity of human life, derived from the belief that humans are created in God's image (Genesis 1:27).
Key principles:
Pikuach Nefesh — saving a life takes precedence over almost all other commandments. A Jew may break Shabbat rules, eat non-kosher food, or violate other laws to preserve life.
Quality vs sanctity — Traditional Judaism emphasizes the sanctity of life over quality of life considerations. Life is a divine gift that humans do not have absolute authority to end.
Medical ethics — Most Jewish authorities support medical treatment to preserve life. However, there are debates about end-of-life care, with some authorities distinguishing between prolonging life and prolonging death.
This principle influences Jewish views on:
- Abortion — generally prohibited except when the mother's life is endangered
- Euthanasia — forbidden by Orthodox authorities as only God may determine the time of death; some Reform rabbis permit passive euthanasia in extreme circumstances
- Suicide — considered a serious sin, though compassion is shown to those who take their own lives while mentally ill
The afterlife
Jewish beliefs about life after death vary considerably and have evolved over time. The Torah contains little explicit teaching about the afterlife, focusing instead on this-worldly obedience to God's law.
Traditional beliefs:
Sheol — early Hebrew Bible texts mention a shadowy underworld where all the dead go, regardless of their actions in life
Resurrection — the belief that God will physically resurrect the dead developed during the Second Temple period. The book of Daniel states: "Many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake" (Daniel 12:2)
Gan Eden (Garden of Eden/Paradise) and Gehenna (Hell) — the souls of the righteous go to Gan Eden whilst the wicked are purified in Gehenna, though even this punishment is not eternal in most Jewish thought
The World to Come (Olam Ha-Ba) — a future time when the Messiah arrives, the dead are resurrected, and the righteous live in perfect harmony with God
Modern perspectives:
- Orthodox Jews generally maintain belief in bodily resurrection and the World to Come
- Reform Jews often interpret afterlife teachings symbolically or focus on living on through one's deeds and through children
- Some Jews believe in Gilgul (reincarnation), particularly in Kabbalistic traditions
- The emphasis across all movements is on ethical living in this world rather than securing reward in the next
Jewish sacred texts
Understanding the structure and authority of Jewish texts is essential for comprehending Jewish beliefs.
The Tenakh (Hebrew Bible):
- Torah — the five books of Moses, the most sacred text
- Nevi'im — the Prophets, including historical and prophetic books
- Ketuvim — the Writings, including Psalms, Proverbs, and other wisdom literature
The Talmud:
- Mishnah — compiled around 200 CE, organizing the Oral Law into six orders covering agriculture, festivals, women and family, damages, holy things, and ritual purity
- Gemara — rabbinic commentary and discussion on the Mishnah, completed around 500 CE
Authority of texts:
Orthodox Judaism regards the Torah as the literal word of God, revealed to Moses at Sinai. Every word carries divine authority. The Talmud contains authoritative interpretations that guide practice.
Reform Judaism views the Torah as divinely inspired but written by humans, containing eternal moral truths expressed in historical contexts. Reform Jews feel free to reinterpret texts in light of modern ethics and knowledge.
The texts guide Jewish life through the mitzvot — 248 positive commandments (things to do) and 365 negative commandments (things to avoid). These cover ritual practice, ethics, civil law, and relationships with God and other people.
Worked examples
Example 1: AO1 question (5 marks)
Question: Describe Jewish beliefs about the covenant. [5 marks]
Model answer: The covenant is a binding agreement between God and the Jewish people that establishes their special relationship. The Abrahamic covenant promised Abraham that his descendants would be numerous and would inherit the land of Canaan, with circumcision as the physical sign. The Mosaic covenant was established at Mount Sinai when God gave the Torah to Moses, including the Ten Commandments and 613 mitzvot. In return for following God's law, the Jewish people were promised to be "a kingdom of priests and a holy nation." The covenant makes Jews the chosen people, meaning they are chosen for the responsibility of following God's law and being a moral example to other nations. This covenant relationship is permanent and defines Jewish identity and practice.
Examiner comments: This answer demonstrates detailed knowledge (5/5). It explains what the covenant is, identifies specific examples (Abrahamic and Mosaic), includes accurate religious language (mitzvot, chosen people), and explains the mutual nature of the relationship.
Example 2: AO1 question (2 marks)
Question: Give two Jewish beliefs about God. [2 marks]
Model answer:
- Jews believe God is one — monotheism is expressed in the Shema: "The Lord our God, the Lord is One."
- Jews believe God is the creator who made the universe from nothing.
Examiner comments: Each belief gains one mark (2/2). Brief, accurate, and clearly stated.
Example 3: AO2 question (15 marks)
Question: "Belief in the Messiah is essential to Judaism." Discuss this statement showing that you have considered more than one point of view. (You must refer to religion and belief in your answer.) [15 marks]
Model answer:
Many Orthodox Jews would agree with this statement because belief in the coming of the Messiah is one of Maimonides' Thirteen Principles of Faith, which many consider essential beliefs for Jews. The prayer "I believe with perfect faith in the coming of the Messiah" is recited regularly, and messianic expectation has sustained Jewish hope through centuries of persecution. The belief that the Messiah will restore the Temple, gather the exiles, and bring world peace gives meaning to Jewish suffering and provides hope for the future. This belief is deeply connected to the covenant with David, which promised his dynasty would endure forever. Without this belief, Orthodox Jews might argue that a crucial element of God's promises would be denied.
However, Reform Jews would likely disagree with the statement because they interpret messianic beliefs differently. Rather than waiting for a personal Messiah, Reform Judaism focuses on the Messianic Age — a time of peace and justice that humans help bring about through ethical action and social justice (tikkun olam). For Reform Jews, what is essential is the moral and ethical teachings of Judaism, not specific beliefs about a future leader. They might argue that Judaism's essence lies in the covenant relationship, following the mitzvot, and ethical monotheism, rather than any particular eschatological belief. Reform Judaism demonstrates that one can be authentically Jewish whilst holding different views about the Messiah.
In conclusion, whilst messianic belief has been important throughout Jewish history, the diversity of Jewish thought shows that it may not be essential in the strictest sense. Judaism encompasses a range of beliefs and practices, and Reform Judaism demonstrates that the tradition can adapt whilst maintaining its core identity. However, for Orthodox Jews, this belief remains a fundamental article of faith.
Examiner comments: This answer would achieve high marks (13-15/15). It presents balanced arguments with religious knowledge (AO1 embedded in AO2), considers different Jewish perspectives (Orthodox vs Reform), uses accurate terminology (Maimonides, tikkun olam, covenant with David), reaches a justified conclusion, and demonstrates analytical thinking about what makes a belief "essential."
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
Confusing the Torah with the Tenakh — Remember the Torah is specifically the first five books, whilst the Tenakh is the entire Hebrew Bible. Don't use these terms interchangeably.
Treating all Jews as holding identical beliefs — Always distinguish between Orthodox and Reform perspectives, particularly on the Messiah, afterlife, and the authority of texts. Use phrases like "Orthodox Jews believe..." or "Reform Jews might argue..."
Mixing up covenant figures — Keep Abraham, Moses, and David separate. Each covenant has distinct promises and signs: Abraham (circumcision, land, descendants), Moses (Torah, chosen people), David (eternal dynasty).
Writing vaguely about God's characteristics — Use precise theological terms: omnipotent (all-powerful), omniscient (all-knowing), omnipresent (everywhere), eternal, transcendent, immanent. Support with brief biblical references where possible.
Forgetting to explain technical terms — Don't assume the examiner knows what Shema, mitzvot, or Shekinah means. Briefly define terms the first time you use them, especially in longer answers.
Neglecting to reference texts in AO2 answers — Even in evaluation questions, demonstrate knowledge of Torah passages, Talmudic principles, or specific Jewish teachings to support arguments.
Exam technique for "Judaism: Beliefs and Teachings"
Know your command words: "Describe" requires detailed knowledge (AO1); "Explain" requires showing how/why with reasoning; "Discuss" or "Evaluate" requires weighing different viewpoints (AO2). For 15-mark questions, always include Orthodox and Reform perspectives.
Structure evaluation answers carefully: Introduction stating your line of argument, two substantial paragraphs arguing different positions (use "Many Orthodox Jews would argue..." and "However, Reform Jews might say..."), conclusion with your justified viewpoint. Aim for 300-400 words for 15 marks.
Use the mark scheme to your advantage: For 5-mark AO1 questions, make 5-6 developed points with accurate religious language. For 2-mark questions, two brief, accurate statements suffice. Don't write lengthy essays for low-mark questions.
Integrate specialist vocabulary naturally: Use terms like covenant, mitzvot, Shema, Shekinah, Messiah, Olam Ha-Ba, and Talmud to demonstrate knowledge, but always in context, not as lists. This raises the quality of your written communication and accesses higher mark bands.
Quick revision summary
Judaism is strictly monotheistic, expressed through the Shema. The covenant relationship between God and the Jewish people, established through Abraham and Moses, makes Jews the chosen people with responsibility to follow the 613 mitzvot found in the Torah. Orthodox Jews await a personal Messiah who will restore the Temple and bring peace, whilst Reform Jews work toward a Messianic Age. The sanctity of human life derives from humans being created in God's image, with pikuach nefesh allowing almost any law to be broken to preserve life. Jewish beliefs about the afterlife vary, with Orthodox maintaining traditional views of resurrection and the World to Come, whilst Reform Jews often interpret these symbolically.