CREATION

As Orthodox Jews we believe that G-d created the world in 6 days and rested on the 7th. If you follow this belief than you will be able ot accept that everything that happens in the world there is a reason for it. We may not know or understand the reason but there is one. We must be kind to animals and not work them, if they are ours, on Shabbos. One MUST feed ones animals before oneself. You cannot plough using 2 different animals, e.g. an ox & a donkey because they work at different speeds. Animals are NOT equal to humans because we are permitted to eat animals. Shechita is the most humane way of killing an animal. Using animals for experiments is permitted IF there is a genuine possibility that it could lead to human benefit. We must avoid polluting the environment. A Jewish army is not allowed to cut down fruit trees when they go to war. We MUST preserve the world that G-d created not just for now but for future generations as well. The universe has a creator. Everyone & everything was created by G-d. There is a purpose to creation. Everything G-d does He does for a reason. There is an order to creation. There is a progression from simpler to more complex life forms. The theory of evolution is very similar to the creation story BUT the scientific theory is that life forms evolved Judaism teaches that G-d created these things. Time is a creation. There is no such thing for G-d as time. There is no such thing as past, present or future. There is only one G-d. G-d has no physical form. Anthropomorphisms this means when the Torah says G-ds outstretched arm it is not to be taken literally but is written in a way that we humans are able to understand. G-d is neither male nor female. The name of G-d Elokim is masculine. G-d is omniscient He knows the past, present & future. G-d is eternal G-d is omnipotent there is nothing within creation that G-d cannot do.

The Book of Jonah

Jonah was given a message by G-d to go to Ninveh and tell them to repent. Jonah was the only Jewish prophet who was told to give prophecy to Non-Jewish people. Jonah did not like this idea so he ran away. He was not running away from G-d he was running away from the prophecy. He knew that if he was outside Israel G-d could not communicate with him, therefore he ran away. He paid for a boat to leave straight away. G-d brought a storm that affected just that boat. The sailors started to pray, but it did not help. The sailors started to throw thing overboard, these were their idols since praying to them was not helping. They drew lots, numerous times to see who was to blame for this catastrophe. Every time it fell on Jonah He was downstairs asleep awaiting his end. (Similar to Noach who after seeing mass destruction tried to obliterate it from his mind by becoming drunk.) Jonah told them that he was to blame and that they should throw him overboard. They were reluctant to do this as they did not want to be accused of murder. At last they agreed and threw him overboard they were saved. G-d caused Jonah to be swallowed by a big fish. Some say he was originally swallowed by a male fish but he was very comfortable so he was then swallowed by a second fish a female where it was smelly and uncomfortable. Whilst he was in there he repented. 4 stages to repentance; Confession, remorse, resolution & overcoming being in the same situation again. Jonah was then given the opportunity to go again to Nineveh & tell them to repent. He went to Nineveh and the people responded positively. The reason for this according to some is because the sailors where from Nineveh and told the people of their experiences. Once Jonah came they took him seriously. The King arranged for fast days and sackcloth & ashes. Some say the King was Pharaoh. Pharaoh was title given to the Egyptian King this one could have been a relative of his. G-d saw that the people had changed their deeds and forgave them. Jonah was very upset that G-d had saved the people of Nineveh. The Kikayon - gourd tree was sent to teach Jonah a lesson. Jonah was in the desert and suffering from the heat of the sun. G-d created a plant that gave him shade. Jonah was relieved to have the tree. G-d caused a worm to come and destroy the tree. Jonah was very upset. Jonah had not done anything to either create or destroy the tree; nevertheless he enjoyed the benefits and was upset when they were taken away. Here, G-d created the people in Nineveh, even though they were non-Jews, they were His creation and he had every right to decide if they should be destroyed or not.

GRACE AFTER MEALS: (G.A.M)

In Judaism, we learn we have to keep our body healthy and in good shape. The laws of Kashrut determine what a Jew can eat. At the end of every meal, a Jew should express his appreciation to G-d for what he has eaten. As it says in the Torah, And you shall eat and be satisfied and you shall bless the lord your G-d From here we learn after a meal, one should recite Grace After Meals. A meal is considered, something including bread. For other foods, the Rabbis created an abbreviated form of the G.A.M to be said instead. The Talmud says, that only the first 3 blessings of the G.A.M is required and in fact the rest were made by Rabbis. Rabbis also made blessings for before eating. Before eating bread, a Jew must wash his hands ceremonially. This is for cleanliness and to recall the priests washing in the temple. There is a blessing after washing then another following for the eating of the bread, it is forbidden to speak in between. As they are 2 halves of one ceremony Some have a custom to dip the bread into salt as a reminder of in the temple where they sprinkled with salts. There is also a custom to wash after the meal, to remove any food that may have stuck to them during the meal. This washing is called mayim achronim, (lit. after water, i.e. water used after the meal) When three or more men have eaten a meal together, they say G.A.M as a group, with one inviting the others to bless G-d. This group is called a Zimun or a Mezuman. On Sabbath and on festivals, Psalm 126 is sung before G.A.M This is usually known as Shir Hamaa lot (the psalms firs 2 words) lit. a song of elevation The First Blessing: - this is about how important all G-ds creations are, and how there is enough sustenance in the world for everyone in the world, and if people are starving its not because theres not enough food, rather people are too greedy. Its also about gratitude to G-d, according to the Talmudic tradition it was formatted by Moses. The Second Blessing - The main theme is about Israel and Judaism combined and how the physical existence of the Jewish people can only be achieved in Israel

Israel was promised the Abraham, that it would be eternal possessions of his descendants. This was part of the Chosen people concept. This means the Jews should be a light toward other nations. G-d removed the Jews from Israel because of sinning, but we will still return. According to the Talmudic tradition, this blessing was composed by Joshua when the people crossed the river of Jordan, and they entered after 40 years wondering in the wilderness. The third blessing emphasises the centrality of Jerusalem in all Jewish spiritual activity. According to the Talmud, at the very centre of the Holy of Hollies in the Temple, there was a rock upon where the ark was placed form that rock the whole world was created around it. Jerusalem was chosen to be the holiest place in the world. BCE. King David composed the third blessing after securing Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. Additions to the grace On channuka and purim, mention is made of those festivals in the second blessing. the reason why these festivals are mentioned is because these festivals commemorate a national liberation from a enemy. On Sabbath, pilgrim festivals and Rosh Hashana and Rosh Chodesh, a paragraph is added to the third blessing. This is a reminder of the sacrifices brought to the Temple. How does G.A.M effect the life of a Jew one may do it because they have been commanded to do it by G-d. Others may feel one should do it for the ancient tradition. Saying G.A.M makes one look back on how fortunate they are too have such good food This would make someone think about the poor inevitably give charity. Saying G.A.M will also remind one that everything comes from G-d, but one should still work hard. Nowadays, many people dont eat structured meals as they are too busy, so they eat fast food and dont have time to say G.A.M so they quickly say it, not thinking what they have eaten, or what they are saying. When G.A.M is said in public, at a wedding or any simcha, some parts are sang out loud this causes a warm atmosphere. Finally, saying G.A.M brings an element of spirituality into a very physical, material activity. By saying G.A.M Jews turn what could be a very mundane even animalistic activity into something holy.

The 10 commandments
They were given 7 weeks after the leaving of Egypt The atmosphere: Thunder lightning Call of shofar Written on 2 tablets of stone God appeared to them God made them his chosen people (covenant!) Jews committed themselves to obeying gods laws They built a golden calf to worship This was because they panicked that mosses did not come back from mount Sinai Moses returned and dropped the tablets of the torah God gave him a second set of tablets when muses had repented and punished them People read the 10 commandments after shacarit instead of the temple They are red after reading of torah and on Shavuot Some Jews stand when they read why they are so important Also written frequently on ark in synagogue They are subject heading for all the commandments First five relate to mans duties to god the second 5 to fellow man

The covenant!!!!!-The unity and nature of god The first commandment believe in god is not just a commandment to believe in god and to learn about him Achieved by studying torah-and secular studies about the world around us Jews believer that god did not just create and leave But he is a personal god who stays with us So god defines himself to the Jewish people in terms of the exodus rather that the creation The creation of the world was a grater more universal achievement The exodus was when god made his relationship with the Jewish people Another reason why god defines himself in terms of the exodus because that demonstrates that god is appalled the brutality of persecution of the Egyptians God wants a world of kindness and compaction Law also reminds that we come from humble regions and so should never be arrogant 2 others Helps define god expectations of us. We are independent of god He took uss to freedom to be is people So we are expected to keep to his laws No other gods because e there is none

No graven images Not to make or own graven images Because god is a sprite not constrained by nature So making an idol undermines him God is holey preserve that is holey and dont lower it REMEMBER SHABAT TO KEEP IT HOLEY Six day work One day rest and dedicate to god spirituality and family Testament that god made the world and took us out of eygept Recalled in kidush at the beginning and havdalah at the end of shabat Honour parents Judisum teaches is that there are three partners in creation of a baby The mother, dfather and god Important to show perents respectetcfor life and for tyhere hard work in the upbringing Jew stand for pearents Jews not sit in fathers chair Not speak about there first names Must feed and cloth them in old age Respecting parents is something that jews are expected tyo to do throught there lives even when they are adalts after death of their pearents they must cair fort thir burial and gard there memiory

No Murder Judaism believes in sanctity of human life. One who saves one person it is as if he has saved a whole world. Self defence is permitted by Jewish law. No Adultery Marriage is holy. The couple should have complete trust in one another. Relationship between G-d and Jews is like marriage. Stealing Refers to property and or kidnapping. Jews respect right to live safe with own possessions and secure lives. False witness Jewish society is held together by laws. False testimony could lead to the desecration of G-ds name and the eventual break down of society. Do not covet Everything is a gift from G-d. Judaism believes people should work for their possessions. Judaism also believes that people should not be consumed with the idea of ownership. A happy person is satisfied with what they have. (Ethics of Fathers)

The Amidah Bullet Points

The word Amidah means literally standing, as the amidah is the central prayer of every service, where we must stand up facing Mizrach (the direction of Israel). The first three blessings are Praises for the greatness of G-d. The last three blessings are thanks for all that G-d does for us (these blessings are the same in any Amidah). The middle section changes on Shabbat and festivals, where it consists of one long blessing concerning the importance of the day. The Amidah was originally called the Shemoneh Esrei because originally it contained eighteen blessings. Nowadays we call it the Amidah as an extra blessing was added during Roman times. The first blessing of the Amidah starts off by establishing a connection between the person praying and his roots (Abraham who was the only man to believe in G-d in his generation, and this is where Judaism begins). Abraham shows his commitment to G-d by always leaving his tent open, which shows his kindness and generosity. Isaac also shows his commitment to G-d by showing courage and bravery when he was told he was going to be offered up as a sacrifice. The reason why the Amidah is started with the commitments of our forefathers is that it shows a good example to future generations. The blessing carries on emphasising the greatness of G-d, who alone has the ability to answer all of our prayers. Finally the blessing states the promise that G-d gave to Abraham that his descendants will always be G-ds chosen people. In the sixth blessing a Jew acknowledges his failure to live up to the standards required by him. He also acknowledges his dependency of G-ds mercy and forgiveness of him, and recognises the need to purify his soul and the need for him to ask for repentance. The blessing is the last in a series of three, the first of which asks for knowledge (the ability to recognise ones own failings and weaknesses. The second blessing of the series, asks G-d to accept sincere repentance for any sins he has committed. Only after these two blessings does the series complete with the Jew actually asking G-d for his forgiveness. The idea expressed from this is that forgiveness is only given if some sincere efforts, understanding and a change in behaviour have happened first. Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are set aside for repentance, but we still repent every day as we never know when we are going to die, and the Talmud explains how one should repent before they die. The main theme of the last blessing is peace. The Hebrew word shalom, that means peace comes from the root of the words shaleim which means completion.

Therefore peace means mo0re than just an agreement not to make war, but it also means the complete absence of any hostility or enmity. In the temple every day the High priest would bless the people, and therefore many communities bless their congregants at the end of the Amidah, due to the idea of peace. The overall emphasis of the Amidah is the idea that G-d should answer everyones prayers.

The Shema Shema is a declaration of Jewish belief. It is considered as one of the most important parts of the prayer service. It is when a Jew renews his commitment to G-d and his Jewish responsibilities. It includes the commandments of Tzitzus and Tefillin. The Words of Shema are written are inscribed on Tefillin which are worn by adult males every weekday. In addition they are also written on the mezuzah, which is nailed to the doors in Jewish homes. If a person enters a synagogue where the Shema is being recited he must join in even if he has already said it. Usually The Shema is the first prayer a child learns and ideally the last thing a Jew says before he dies. Contents Of The Shema The Shema includes many fundamental principals of Judaism. Such as the unity of Gd, the recognition of G-ds greatness, the importance of loving G-d wholeheartedly. In particular it focuses on martyrdom, teaching Torah to children, Tefillin and Tzitzus. The second paragraph focuses on reward and punishment. The final paragraph of the Shema includes the commandment of Tzitzus. Sacrifice For Religious Commitment Shema teaches us to love G-d in the fullest way possible. All your heart means with all your personality. With all your soul means one should be willing to die for G-d. However Judaism does not encourage martyrdom, except for the three cardinal sins. (Murder idolatry and Adultery) With all your possessions means you shouldnt steal and is a reminder that everything is from G-d. Traditional Jews believe that you should live life to the full. But recognise it is a gift from G-d and should be enjoyed in accordance with G-ds commandments. How Might Reciting The Shema Effect The Life Of A Jew Jewish people are commanded to say the Shema twice each day, once in the morning and once in the afternoon. They are usually included in the daily prayers.

Bullet Points- Ethics of the Fathers

Ethics of the fathers are one of the tracates of the Mishnah. It doesnt deal with law, just advice of the rabbis of being a moral person. Even though its only ethical advice, its origins go back to Mount Sinai. Mishnah 1- It explains how the torah was passed through generations- we learn torah is from G-d and we should have respect for it. Why wasnt this Mishnah at the beginning of all mishnayot? We learn it is appropriate to be here because this book only contains ethical and moral teachings so we might think that these are there own opinions and advice, by placing it here it emphasises that even the advice of the rabbis is rooted in what Moses received at mount Sinai. It wasnt just torah passed down; it was moral and ethical conduct as well. A rabbi must take great care when people come to him for advice, to only advice according to what the torah says and not from his own personal opinion. Just as a previous generations accepted responsibility to ass the torah, we must be prepared for the next generation. We also have to make it interesting for the next generation. When people come to us for advice about how the torah should be observed properly in times of trouble, sometimes it will be necessary to introduce new laws to protect the observance of torah. Later on in the Mishnah it elaborates on those points. Be deliberate in judgement Before making a decision make sure you have all the relevant facts, therefore one needs to be aware of every Talmudic reference to that subject before giving advice. Raise up many students- if a person has acquired torah knowledge, that person has a responsibility to pass it down. Everyone aspires to be a teacher, if not professionally, then at least in some area. It uses the verb raise up so they will be able t stand on there own two feet. Make a fence around the torah It is a general principle that G-d did not provide man with the finished article. The man has to complete creations I.e. with bris milah. Similarly the torah was given was given as a structure and the rabbis had to legislate where appropriate. A good example is muktzeh. Mishnah 14 was written by Hillel. If im not for myself who is for me Why is this advice first? The starting point for all relationships is a relationship with your self. E.g. if youre taking an exam you can be supplied with the best notes, but if you dont make use of them it wont help you. This also applies to torah each person has a responsibility to learn torah to a high level that they are able to live a religious life properly.

If im not for myself what am I? - The second point of the Mishnah emphasises the difference between self responsibility and selfishness. You have to give a certain percentage of your money and time. If not now when? Its warning against procrastination if you have an idea dont waste your time get on with it and do it straight away. ( look at postcard example in notes) Mishnah 18 the world exists on justice, truth and of peace. This is the last Mishnah it is necessary first to understand the earlier Mishnah. The second Mishnah is talking about basic foundations of religious life. First a Jew must study torah, and then a commitment to g-d through serving him, then finally comes an appreciation of the need to be able to live with others. The study of torah presents a Jew with truth -involvement in torah is ment to train a Jew to accept only truth in every situation- this will lead to the elimination of all forms of trickery and deception in lice. Involvement in the service leads a Jew to realise there is only one judge and he judges with justice and mercy so is a Jew inspired to judge others with justice and mercy when the need for judgement arises. Finally the involvement in acts of kinds will create an atmosphere of harmony and cooperation which will lead to peace between people.