The Almighty
Many Jews believe that the non-physical nature of God makes it difficult for humans to understand him. However, Jews feel they can learn more about God and his characteristics from the TanakhThe collected 24 books of the Jewish Bible. There are three sections: Torah, Nevi'im and Ketuvim (TaNaKh). May also be spelled Tenakh. .
God is One
Belief in one God (monotheismBelief in one God.) is central to the Jewish faith. Judaism teaches that God is the only being who should be offered worship and praise.
The ShemaMajor Jewish prayer affirming belief in one God. The Shema is found in Exodus 20:2-14, Deuteronomy and Numbers. is recited twice daily by many Jews and shows this key belief:
Hear O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one.
(Deuteronomy 6:4)
The Shema is taken from the books of Deuteronomy and Numbers, which can be found in the TorahLaw; teaching. The word Torah can be used in a narrow sense to mean the first five books of the Hebrew Bible (The Five Books of Moses) and also in a wider sense to include the whole of the Hebrew Bible and the Talmud.. Today, some Jewish people have a mezuzahA small capsule containing a scroll with quotes from the Torah, attached to the doorposts of Jewish homes. holding the Shema on their doorpost or gate as a reminder of the oneness of God.
God is the Creator
Jews believe that God created the world and everything in it. In GenesisThe first book of the Old Testament (Hebrew Bible) describing the origins of humanity and humans鈥 relationship with God. 2, Jews learn that God created humans from dust:
The Torah teaches that the world belongs to God because he created it.
God is a Law-Giver
Jews believe that God gave laws to the Jewish people so that they may live in a way that pleases him. These laws are known today as the 613 mitzvotCommandments or laws in Judaism.. MosesThe man chosen by God to save the Jews from slavery and take them to the promised land. In the Qur'an he is a messenger chosen by God to give the revelation of the Torah to the Israelites. received these laws from God on Mount SinaiA mountain in the Sinai desert, believed to be where Moses received the Ten Commandments..
God is a Judge
The Tenakh teaches that God will judge Jewish people on how well they have kept his laws. Those who have lived righteously will be rewarded but those who have not will be punished. Today, Jews focus on judgement during the festivals of Yom KippurThe Day of Atonement in the Jewish calendar. This is the most sacred and solemn day of the year for Jews. and Rosh HashanahThe Jewish New Year festival..
Question
Why are the characteristics of God important for Jews today?
The characteristics of God remind Jews of the principle of monotheism, which means that they should worship only one God. They have mezuzahs on their doorframes and gates to remind them of this.
Additionally, Jews make sure they follow the laws given to them by God. During Yom Kippur and Rosh Hashanah, they consider how well they have kept these laws and think about God鈥檚 judgement.