Sources of Wisdom in Judaism

Sources of Wisdom and Authority

• The main source of wisdom and authority is the Torah, the Jewish Scripture or law book.
• The Torah teaches that God is One and God created the universe.
• God is the lawgiver who gave laws to help people manage the world according to God's plan.
• God judges those who keep the laws, rewarding them, and punishing those who do not.
• Deuteronomy 6:4 declares "The Lord our God, the Lord is One."
• Isaiah 33 states that "the Lord is a Lawgiver".

The Shekinah

• The Shekinah is God's presence in the world.
• The Torah describes God's presence with Moses, guiding him through the wilderness to the promised land.
• Jews believe they can encounter God's presence at any time, fostering a connection with God.
• Exodus 33 says "My presence will go with you and I will give you rest."

The Messiah

• The Messiah will usher in a Messianic age of peace, rebuilding the Temple in Jerusalem.
• Jews believe the Messiah will be a human, close to God.
• Belief in the Messiah's coming is a core principle, part of the 13 Principles of Faith.
• The 13 Principles of Faith summarize Jewish beliefs.
• Many Orthodox rabbis believe the Messiah will not come until all Jews observe the mitzvot.
• The 13th Principle of Faith affirms belief in the Messiah's coming.

The Covenant at Sinai

• The Covenant at Sinai is an agreement between God and the Jewish people.
• God promised that if the people kept the 613 mitzvot given to Moses at Sinai, they would be God's chosen people.
• Observing the mitzvot is a sacred duty for Jews.
• The mitzvot include the Decalogue (Ten Commandments) and other Torah laws.
• The mitzvot aim to guide the entire world towards worshipping God.

The Decalogue

• The Decalogue (Ten Commandments) are fundamental for all Jews, guiding their actions.
• They are found in Exodus 20.
• An example is "Do not murder".

The Covenant with Abraham

• The Covenant with Abraham is an agreement between God and Abraham, a pivotal figure in Jewish history.
• God promised Abraham a great nation from his descendants and the land of Canaan (Israel).
• Abraham's commitment was to worship God alone and for male descendants to be circumcised.
• Brit Milah is the circumcision of Jewish baby boys, fulfilling Abraham's covenant.
• Brit Tryam, is the welcoming event for Jewish girls into the faith.
• This covenant establishes a historical connection to Israel.
• Genesis records God's promise to Abraham: "This land will be an everlasting possession to you and your descendants and I will be their God.”

Sanctity of Life

• The concept of sanctity of life is fundamental: all life is holy, sacred, and belongs to God.
• The pikuach nefesh principle allows the overriding of other mitzvot to save a life.
• For instance, abortion may be permitted if the mother's life is in danger during childbirth.
• This is reflected in the halakhic (Jewish law) principle of pikuach nefesh.
• Pikuach Nefesh is a crucial principle for ethical decision-making in Judaism.
• Some Orthodox Jews object to organ transplants due to concerns about violating the principle of not interfering with the dead.

Moral Principles and the Mitzvot

• Moses received the 613 mitzvot (Commandments) on Mount Sinai, as recorded in the Torah.
• Observant Jews choose to follow the mitzvot freely.
• Free will enables the choice between good and evil.
• Understanding the mitzvot deepens the relationship with God, acknowledging God's efforts to reach humanity.
• Deuteronomy emphasizes the life-altering significance of choosing to obey the mitzvot.
• Liberal Jews interpret the 613 mitzvot as personal choices, not necessarily divinely mandated commands.

Jewish Beliefs About Life After Death

• Righteous souls go to heaven (often described as Eden).
• Souls of others go to a place of purification, often called hell.
• Belief in life after death is crucial, guided by Torah and Talmud, providing direction for life.
• This belief is also part of the 13 Principles of Faith.
• Some believe only the righteous will be resurrected; others believe everyone.
• The Book of Daniel foretells the resurrection of the dead for those who sleep in the dust of the earth.