The Nature of God in Judaism

This section explains The Nature of God in Judaism. In Jewish belief, God possesses numerous attributes that define His nature and relationship with humanity.

• One – Judaism is a monotheistic religion, meaning that Jews believe in a single, indivisible God. Unlike some other faiths that may describe God as having different aspects, Jewish teachings emphasise that God is wholly unified.
• Omnipotent – God is all-powerful and has control over everything in existence.
• Omnibenevolent – God is infinitely loving and merciful towards His creation.
• Omniscient – God possesses ultimate knowledge and is aware of all things, past, present, and future.
• Omnipresent – God exists everywhere at all times and is not confined to a specific place.
• Transcendent – God exists beyond human limitations, including time and space.
• Immanent – Despite being transcendent, God is also present in the world and actively sustains it.
• Eternal – God has no beginning or end; He exists beyond the constraints of time.
• The Creator – According to Jewish teachings, God created the entire universe and everything within it.
• The Lawgiver – God has provided humanity, particularly the Jewish people, with spiritual and ethical commandments. There are 613 mitzvot (commandments) found in the Torah that outline how Jews should live.
• The Judge – God will judge every individual, rewarding those who follow His laws and punishing those who disobey them.
• Merciful – Although God is a just judge, He is also compassionate and willing to forgive those who sincerely repent.

Shekhinah – The Presence of God

The concept of Shekhinah refers to God’s divine presence on Earth. This idea highlights God’s closeness to His people and His active involvement in the world.

"The earth shone with His glory." – Ezekiel 43:2

Jewish teachings often describe instances where God's presence is made known, such as when guiding the Israelites through the desert:

"The Lord went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead the way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light." – Exodus 13:21-22

Many Jews believe they can experience God’s presence through prayer, studying the Torah, and worshipping together.

The Shema – A Declaration of Faith

The Shema is one of the most important prayers in Judaism, affirming the belief in one God. It is recited during morning and evening services and often said at home as a daily expression of faith.

"Hear, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord alone." – Deuteronomy 6:4

The full Shema consists of three passages from the Torah (Deuteronomy 6:4-9, Deuteronomy 11:13-21, and Numbers 15:37-41). It emphasises the importance of loving and obeying God, passing down His teachings, and maintaining a strong relationship with Him through worship and daily actions.

God’s Influence Over Jewish People

Jewish teachings stress the importance of following God’s commandments as an expression of faith and devotion.

• Obedience to God's Laws – Jews believe that their purpose is to serve God by following the mitzvot (commandments) given in the Torah.
• Free Will and Responsibility – While Judaism acknowledges free will, it also teaches that people should use their freedom to act in accordance with God’s will.
• Divine Reward and Punishment – In Jewish belief, God judges individuals based on their actions, rewarding those who follow His commandments and holding those who disobey accountable.
• God’s Presence in Everyday Life – Many Jews believe that God is actively involved in their daily lives, guiding their decisions and actions.

Through adherence to divine laws and a commitment to ethical living, Jews seek to maintain a close relationship with God and uphold their faith as part of a covenantal relationship with Him.