Theme 1: Religious Figures and Sacred Texts Abraham & the covenant Moses & the covenant Torah as a source of wisdom and authority Use and treatment of the Torah The structure and development of the Talmud and its importance within Judaism Midrash in Judaism: the distinction between Halakhah and Aggadah Rashi and Maimonides

Abraham & the covenant I can describe what a covenant is I can explain the concept of Abraham as Father of the Jewish people (Gen 12:1-3) I can explain why Abraham’s belief in one God as creator of heaven and earth was revolutionary

Who was Abraham? Why is he significant? Write down: Five things you already know about Abraham What connotations does the term ‘father’ have? Why might Abraham be called the ‘Father’ of the Jewish people? Genesis 12:1-3 - The Call of Abram The Lord had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you. 2 “I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing [or seen as blessed]. 3 I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you. [will use your name in blessings]

The Abrahamic Covenant A covenant is a contract / agreement (Brit or berith in Hebrew) The Abrahamic covenant was: Made between God and the Jewish people Formally sealed e.g. blood / animal sacrifice / signs Makes specific promises or demands What is a covenant? Give two modern examples of covenants. What do we learn about the Abrahamic covenant in Gen 12:1-3? Baptism/sacraments. Marriage. Ordination. Oath of loyalty to state/ oath of allegiance. Trade agreements/ treaties. Peace treaties. Land buying contracts. Employment contracts. Genesis 12:1-3 - The Call of Abram The Lord had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you. 2 “I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing [or seen as blessed]. 3 I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you. [will use your name in blessings] Baptism/sacraments. Marriage. Ordination. Oath of loyalty to state/ oath of allegiance. Trade agreements/ treaties. Peace treaties. Land buying contracts. Employment contracts.

Exalted: thought very highly of p.6-7 What do the names ‘Abram’ and ‘Abraham’ mean and what do these meanings show us? Why was Abraham’s view about God revolutionary at the time? To what extent is the claim that monotheism began with Abraham problematic? Use the views of at least two scholars to support your answer. What can we learn from Anderson’s key quotes? (p6) Do Walls’ and Smith’s concerns invalidate the claim that Abraham is the Father of the Jewish people? Dictionary corner Exalted: thought very highly of

Abraham & the covenant I can describe what a covenant is I can explain the concept of Abraham as Father of the Jewish people (Gen 12:1-3) I can explain why Abraham’s belief in one God as creator of heaven and earth was revolutionary