GCSE RS: Judaism Beliefs and Teachings Guide

The nature of God

Judaism teaches belief in one God (monotheism), who is eternal, all-powerful and involved in the world, as expressed in the Shema, a central Jewish declaration of faith.

The covenant

Judaism's central idea of covenant describes a special agreement between God and the Jewish people, in which God offers protection and guidance in return for following his laws, as given to Abraham and later Moses.

The Messiah

Many Jews believe in a future Messiah, a leader who will bring an age of peace and justice, though beliefs about the nature and timing of the Messiah's coming vary between different Jewish movements.

Jewish movements

Judaism includes different movements, such as Orthodox and Reform Judaism, which can differ in how strictly traditional laws and practices are followed in modern life.

Common mistakes

• Assuming all Jewish people interpret texts and laws identically.
• Confusing the covenant with Abraham and the later covenant given through Moses.
• Describing a belief without explaining its significance for how Jewish people live.