This half term we will begin a new topic learning about the religion on Judaism. We will consider some of their central beliefs and practices.
As you already know, Judaism, Christianity and Islam have shared beginnings. Some of what we learn about over the course of this topic may seem familiar. Please remember that although may aspects of the history of these three religions may be similar, for each of the three faiths, known as the Abrahamic Faiths, each event has different emphasis and symbolism.
Year 8 RE : Lesson 1 – What do Jews believe about the Almighty?
One of the first things to point out is that Jews feel that it is disrespectful to write the name of God out fully, therefore for the remainder of the booklet and learning you will often see that the work God is written G_d.
If you were to design an almighty being, what characteristics would they have? E.g. An almighty being might be able to see into the future and the past.
Make a list or mind map and around the image below.
Different Names for the Almighty
Within the Jewish holy book, The Torah, there are different names used for the Almighty G-d.
See if you can unscramble the words to work out what they are. (Answers are at the back of the booklet)
ayehwh
danoia
leaoh
hsadida
hehey
ztavtoe
These words for G-d may be used interchangeably, although certain Jewish people may have a preference for a specific name.
Jewish Views on the Almighty
Below there are teachings from Judaism about different views of the Almighty G-d.
Use the information to fill in the gaps in the table below.
Summary Task
Read though each of your summaries of the view of the Almighty. For each one, draw a picture to represent this view and summarise in no more than a
sentence.
thatdoes. everyone
dcan be as viewed a judge
-
everything
e.g. G e.g.
because he is because omniscient andknows he
Assessment Skills
In assessments, you will have a variety of questions including five -mark questions. Try and answer this five-mark question:
Outline characteristics of the Almighty according to Judaism (5)
Student response
Lesson 2 – Why is Shekinah important?
Naming Importance What titles do we have for important people? How do we refer to them? Look at these images to help you.
The Pope is often referred to as ‘Your Holiness’ The Queen is often referred to as ‘Her/your Majesty’ The Dalai Lama is often referred to as ‘His Holiness’
These are all used to show the importance of these people. Within Judaism, the Almighty’s presence is often referred to as Shekhinah. This is used in no other way than to express the presence of the Almighty.
What does Shekhinah mean?
Copy and complete this sentence and unscramble the scrambled up letters. (Check you have the correct answer in the section at the back)
Shekhinah is the EJIWHS and HCIRTSNAI idea of the LGYRO of the DNEIVI presence. This is usually represented as ILHTG or interpreted MYOBLLYACILS.
What Does the Torah Say?
The Torah(The Jewish holy text) says very little about the concept of Shekhinah. The word is actually never found in the Torah. However, some interpret parts of the Torah as showing the concept of Shekhinah without using the word.
Read the passage below and answer the question that follows. Check for possible ideas about what you could have included at the end of the pack.
The History of Shekhinah
The history of Shekhinah is complicated and extensive. Read the information about ‘The History of Shekhinah’ and write no more than five bullet points to summarise what you have learnt.
Show what you know! Explain two reasons why Jewish people believe in the Shekhinah (8)
To answer this question, you need to give three developed reasons.
Need help? Use these words to help you: Possible reason: 1 Chronicles, Temple Possible reason: Exodus, Moses Possible reason: Ezekiel, Temple
A mark scheme and possible content are included in the back of the pack.
Student response
Lesson 3 – Why is Moses important to the Jewish faith?
The History of the Covenant at Sinai
Read the information below on the history of the covenant at Sinai and answer the questions underneath.
The Decalogue (Ten Commandments)
Read Exodus 20. Underline or highlight the following using two colours.
• The Ten Commandments (find all ten) • God’s relationship with the Jews or with Moses.
The Decalogue
Check you identified them correctly, by checking in the section at the back of this pack.
The Importance of Moses
Using the information we have looked at so far, think about the answer to the following question. Use the writing frame to record your answer.
How important is Moses in the Covenant at Sinai?
Check your work
Names of the Almighty
Yahweh
Adonai
Eloah
Shaddai
Ehyeh
Tzevaot
Outline characteristics of the Almighty according to Judaism (5) • The Almighty is the Judge (1) • The Almighty is merciful who will forgive (1) • The Almighty is the Law-giver (1) • The Almighty is the Creator (1) • The Almighty is our Father (1)
Lesson 2 - Shekinah- unscramble task Shekhinah is the Jewish and Christian idea of the glory of the divine presence. This is usually represented as light or interpreted symbolically.
Shekinah - What do the passages tell us about God?
• In 1 Chronicles: After the offerings have been made and Solomon stops praying, the Temple is filled with G-d’s glory. • G-d’s glory is so great and fills the Temple, priests cannot enter. • G-d’s glory comes to earth as fire and is visible above the Temple, causing the Israelites (Jews) to bow down onto the pavement. • This reassures the Jews that G-d is good and that his love will last forever. • In Exodus, G-d’s presence follows Moses in order to help him, so G-d can be present with people.
• In Ezekiel, G-d’s presence filled the Temple.
Show what you know – Explain two reasons why Jewish people believe in the Shekhinah (8)
Award one mark for providing a reason. Award a second mark for development of the reason.
Up to a maximum of eight marks. • It is the teaching of the Book of Exodus (1) which says that the presence of the Almighty among the people of Israel. (1) • It provides a personal relationship with the Almighty (1) which says that they can be in his presence (1) such as Moses in the book of Exodus. (1) • It is the teaching of the Book of Ezekiel (1) or 1 Chronicles (1) which says that the presence of the Almighty dwells in the Temple. (1)
Lesson 3