1. “Hear, O Israel, the Lord is our God, the Lord alone” Shema

2. The Nature of G-d Only one God, God of the Jews, who are His chosen people Omnipotent, omniscient, transcendent, but also good and caring The names of God: יהוה = YHWH/JHWH Questions of free will, suffering

3. The Purpose of Existence Chosen to be God’s witnesses Privileged insight: the Torah A mixed blessing

4. Past and Future Historical relationship with God Awaiting the Messiah: descendent of David, will gather Jews to Holy Land, establish truth and justice, reign for ever Transformed idea of messianic age

5. Life after Death? Sheol Bodily resurrection idea, from 6th c. BC, but later rejected in favour of immortal soul only Last Judgment, reward and punishment. Rejection: Kaufmann Kohler and others

6. Divisions within Judaism Orthodox Judaism: Emphasis on Torah and Halakhah (Jewish Law) Gender roles Includes Hasidism

7. Divisions within Judaism Conservative Judaism: Maintaining Jewish law and identity but adapted to modern times

8. Divisions within Judaism Reform Judaism: Emphasising moral rather than ceremonial aspects, spirit rather than letter of law Gender equality

9. Divisions within Judaism Secular/Non-Religious Jews: Judaism as purely ethnic affiliation

10. Aspects of Jewish Practice Circumcision: Male babies, 8th day after birth Covenant of Abraham Celebrations What about females?

11. Aspects of Jewish Practice Bar Mitzvah/Bat Mitzvah: Ceremony marking reaching age of religious majority Boys at 13, girls at 12 Cause for great celebration

12. Aspects of Jewish Practice Prayer and worship: Daily prayers at synagogue three times/day Sabbath observances

13. Aspects of Jewish Practice Kashrut (Dietary Laws): Restrictions on what you can eat: kosher (“fit”) Restrictions on preparation The kosher kitchen

14. Aspects of Jewish Practice Death: Last words, death as atonement Rituals and funeral Sitting shiva and mourning periods