2024_AQA-GCSE Religious Studies A – Paper 1:
Judaism
(Merged Question Paper and Marking Scheme)
Please write clearly in block capitals. Thursday 9 May 2024
Centre number
Surname Candidate number
Forename(s)
Candidate signature
I declare that this is my own work.
GCSE
RELIGIOUS STUDIES A
Paper 1 Judaism
Thursday 9 May 2024 Morning Time allowed: 1 hour 45 minutes
Materials
For Examiner’s Use
Before you open this book, you must ensure you also have:
• the Question Paper/Answer Book for the other religion option Question Mark
you are entered for (Buddhism, Catholic Christianity, Christianity, Hinduism,
Islam or Sikhism). 01.1
You will have 1 hour 45 minutes to complete both Question Paper/Answer Books. 01.2
Instructions 01.3
• Use black ink or black ball-point pen. 01.4
• Fill in the boxes at the top of this page and on your other book.
01.5
• Answer all questions.
• If you need extra space for your answer(s), use the lined pages at the end of 02.1
this book. Write the question number against your answer(s). 02.2
• Do all rough work in this book. Cross through any work you do not want to 02.3
be marked.
• You must answer the questions in the spaces provided. Do not write outside the 02.4
box around each page or on blank pages. 02.5
Information TOTAL
• The maximum mark for this paper is 51.
• The marks for the questions are shown in brackets.
• Spelling, Punctuation and Grammar (SPaG) will be assessed in the 12-mark
question in the Beliefs section.
Advice
You are advised to spend 50 minutes on this religion option and 50 minutes on your other religion option.
,GCSE Religious Studies A: Paper 1 - Judaism Summary
The GCSE Religious Studies A: Paper 1 - Judaism, scheduled for May 2025, will assess students'
understanding of key aspects of the Jewish faith, including its beliefs, practices, and teachings. The exam
will cover fundamental Jewish concepts, the role of Jewish scriptures, festivals, ethics, and the
significance of key figures in Judaism. Students will also explore how Judaism influences the lives of its
followers and its place in the contemporary world.
Key Areas Covered:
1. Beliefs in Judaism
God (Yahweh): The belief in one God, Yahweh, who is the creator of the universe and the source
of all life. Students will need to understand the importance of God’s oneness and the concept of
God as eternal, transcendent, and immanent in Jewish thought.
The Shema: The central prayer in Judaism, expressing the belief in the oneness of God. Students
will need to understand its significance and the Jewish commitment to monotheism.
The Covenant: The agreement between God and the Jewish people, beginning with Abraham and
continuing with Moses. The covenant includes the promise of God's protection and the obligation
of Jews to follow God's laws, particularly as outlined in the Torah.
The Messiah: The belief in a future Messiah who will restore peace and justice to the world,
gather the Jewish people back to Israel, and usher in the Messianic Age. Students should
understand different Jewish views on the Messiah.
The Afterlife: Jewish beliefs about life after death, including the concepts of the Olam Ha-Ba (the
World to Come), resurrection, and the idea of reward and punishment for righteous or sinful
actions.
2. Jewish Practices
The Torah: The central religious text of Judaism, consisting of the first five books of the Hebrew
Bible. Students will need to understand its role in Jewish life, law, and ritual, including how it is
read in synagogue and studied in daily life.
The Mitzvot (Commandments): The 613 commandments given to Jews in the Torah, which
govern all aspects of Jewish life. Students should know the distinction between positive
commandments (to do something) and negative commandments (to refrain from doing
something).
Shabbat (Sabbath): The weekly day of rest, observed from Friday evening to Saturday evening.
Students will need to understand the importance of Shabbat in Jewish life, the customs and rituals
associated with it (e.g., lighting candles, attending synagogue, and the special meal).
Kosher Laws (Kashrut): The dietary laws that dictate what can and cannot be eaten. This
includes the prohibition of certain foods (such as pork and shellfish) and the requirement to
separate meat and dairy products.
Bar/Bat Mitzvah: The coming-of-age rituals for Jewish boys (Bar Mitzvah) and girls (Bat
Mitzvah), marking their transition to adulthood and their responsibility to observe the
commandments. Students should understand the significance of these ceremonies.
Circumcision (Brit Milah): The ritual circumcision of Jewish boys, typically performed on the
eighth day after birth, symbolizing the covenant between God and the Jewish people.
Marriage and Family Life: The role of marriage and family in Jewish life, including key rituals
such as the wedding ceremony (Kiddushin), the importance of the home in Jewish worship, and
the raising of children within the faith.
3. Jewish Festivals and Holy Days
Rosh Hashanah: The Jewish New Year, a time for reflection, repentance, and the beginning of
the Ten Days of Repentance leading up to Yom Kippur.
, Yom Kippur: The Day of Atonement, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, dedicated to fasting,
prayer, and seeking forgiveness for sins.
Pesach (Passover): The festival commemorating the Exodus from Egypt, marked by the Seder
meal and the retelling of the story of Jewish liberation from slavery.
Sukkot: The Festival of Booths, celebrating the harvest and the Israelites' wandering in the desert.
Jews build temporary shelters (sukkahs) and spend time in them as a reminder of the journey
through the desert.
Shavuot: The Festival of Weeks, commemorating the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai, often
celebrated by staying up all night studying the Torah.
Hanukkah: The Festival of Lights, celebrating the rededication of the Second Temple in
Jerusalem. It is marked by the lighting of the menorah, playing the dreidel game, and eating foods
like latkes.
Purim: The festival celebrating the salvation of the Jews in Persia, as told in the Book of Esther,
marked by feasting, costumes, and the giving of gifts to the poor.
4. Jewish Ethics and Morality
Tzedakah (Charity): The importance of giving to charity and helping those in need, seen as a
moral duty in Jewish life.
Pikuach Nefesh (Saving a Life): The principle that preserving human life takes precedence over
almost all other commandments, emphasizing the value of life in Judaism.
Justice (Tzedek): The emphasis on fairness, honesty, and the pursuit of justice. This includes
concepts like the importance of the legal system and the ethical responsibility to act justly in all
aspects of life.
The Role of Women: The changing role of women in Judaism, with a focus on religious
observances, education, and leadership. Students will need to understand the role of women in
traditional and modern Jewish communities.
Environmental Stewardship: The Jewish obligation to care for the Earth and all its creatures,
rooted in the commandment to "till and keep" the garden of Eden (Genesis 2:15).
5. Judaism in the Modern World
The State of Israel: The creation of Israel in 1948 and its significance for Jews worldwide, both
religiously and politically. Students should understand the connection between Judaism and the
land of Israel.
Jewish Responses to Contemporary Issues: How Judaism addresses modern-day issues such as
technology, social justice, ethical dilemmas, and interfaith relations.
*JUN2480621601*
IB/M/Jun24/G4005/E5 8062/16
, 2
Do not write
outside the
0 1 Judaism: Beliefs box
0 1. 1 Which one of the following is not a key moral principle in Judaism?
[1 mark]
Put a tick () in the box next to the correct answer.
A Giving charity
B Healing the world
C Kindness to others
D Waiting for the Messiah 1
0 1.2 Give two Jewish beliefs about the divine presence (Shekhinah).
[2 marks]
1
2
2
*02* IB/M/Jun24/8062/16
Judaism
(Merged Question Paper and Marking Scheme)
Please write clearly in block capitals. Thursday 9 May 2024
Centre number
Surname Candidate number
Forename(s)
Candidate signature
I declare that this is my own work.
GCSE
RELIGIOUS STUDIES A
Paper 1 Judaism
Thursday 9 May 2024 Morning Time allowed: 1 hour 45 minutes
Materials
For Examiner’s Use
Before you open this book, you must ensure you also have:
• the Question Paper/Answer Book for the other religion option Question Mark
you are entered for (Buddhism, Catholic Christianity, Christianity, Hinduism,
Islam or Sikhism). 01.1
You will have 1 hour 45 minutes to complete both Question Paper/Answer Books. 01.2
Instructions 01.3
• Use black ink or black ball-point pen. 01.4
• Fill in the boxes at the top of this page and on your other book.
01.5
• Answer all questions.
• If you need extra space for your answer(s), use the lined pages at the end of 02.1
this book. Write the question number against your answer(s). 02.2
• Do all rough work in this book. Cross through any work you do not want to 02.3
be marked.
• You must answer the questions in the spaces provided. Do not write outside the 02.4
box around each page or on blank pages. 02.5
Information TOTAL
• The maximum mark for this paper is 51.
• The marks for the questions are shown in brackets.
• Spelling, Punctuation and Grammar (SPaG) will be assessed in the 12-mark
question in the Beliefs section.
Advice
You are advised to spend 50 minutes on this religion option and 50 minutes on your other religion option.
,GCSE Religious Studies A: Paper 1 - Judaism Summary
The GCSE Religious Studies A: Paper 1 - Judaism, scheduled for May 2025, will assess students'
understanding of key aspects of the Jewish faith, including its beliefs, practices, and teachings. The exam
will cover fundamental Jewish concepts, the role of Jewish scriptures, festivals, ethics, and the
significance of key figures in Judaism. Students will also explore how Judaism influences the lives of its
followers and its place in the contemporary world.
Key Areas Covered:
1. Beliefs in Judaism
God (Yahweh): The belief in one God, Yahweh, who is the creator of the universe and the source
of all life. Students will need to understand the importance of God’s oneness and the concept of
God as eternal, transcendent, and immanent in Jewish thought.
The Shema: The central prayer in Judaism, expressing the belief in the oneness of God. Students
will need to understand its significance and the Jewish commitment to monotheism.
The Covenant: The agreement between God and the Jewish people, beginning with Abraham and
continuing with Moses. The covenant includes the promise of God's protection and the obligation
of Jews to follow God's laws, particularly as outlined in the Torah.
The Messiah: The belief in a future Messiah who will restore peace and justice to the world,
gather the Jewish people back to Israel, and usher in the Messianic Age. Students should
understand different Jewish views on the Messiah.
The Afterlife: Jewish beliefs about life after death, including the concepts of the Olam Ha-Ba (the
World to Come), resurrection, and the idea of reward and punishment for righteous or sinful
actions.
2. Jewish Practices
The Torah: The central religious text of Judaism, consisting of the first five books of the Hebrew
Bible. Students will need to understand its role in Jewish life, law, and ritual, including how it is
read in synagogue and studied in daily life.
The Mitzvot (Commandments): The 613 commandments given to Jews in the Torah, which
govern all aspects of Jewish life. Students should know the distinction between positive
commandments (to do something) and negative commandments (to refrain from doing
something).
Shabbat (Sabbath): The weekly day of rest, observed from Friday evening to Saturday evening.
Students will need to understand the importance of Shabbat in Jewish life, the customs and rituals
associated with it (e.g., lighting candles, attending synagogue, and the special meal).
Kosher Laws (Kashrut): The dietary laws that dictate what can and cannot be eaten. This
includes the prohibition of certain foods (such as pork and shellfish) and the requirement to
separate meat and dairy products.
Bar/Bat Mitzvah: The coming-of-age rituals for Jewish boys (Bar Mitzvah) and girls (Bat
Mitzvah), marking their transition to adulthood and their responsibility to observe the
commandments. Students should understand the significance of these ceremonies.
Circumcision (Brit Milah): The ritual circumcision of Jewish boys, typically performed on the
eighth day after birth, symbolizing the covenant between God and the Jewish people.
Marriage and Family Life: The role of marriage and family in Jewish life, including key rituals
such as the wedding ceremony (Kiddushin), the importance of the home in Jewish worship, and
the raising of children within the faith.
3. Jewish Festivals and Holy Days
Rosh Hashanah: The Jewish New Year, a time for reflection, repentance, and the beginning of
the Ten Days of Repentance leading up to Yom Kippur.
, Yom Kippur: The Day of Atonement, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, dedicated to fasting,
prayer, and seeking forgiveness for sins.
Pesach (Passover): The festival commemorating the Exodus from Egypt, marked by the Seder
meal and the retelling of the story of Jewish liberation from slavery.
Sukkot: The Festival of Booths, celebrating the harvest and the Israelites' wandering in the desert.
Jews build temporary shelters (sukkahs) and spend time in them as a reminder of the journey
through the desert.
Shavuot: The Festival of Weeks, commemorating the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai, often
celebrated by staying up all night studying the Torah.
Hanukkah: The Festival of Lights, celebrating the rededication of the Second Temple in
Jerusalem. It is marked by the lighting of the menorah, playing the dreidel game, and eating foods
like latkes.
Purim: The festival celebrating the salvation of the Jews in Persia, as told in the Book of Esther,
marked by feasting, costumes, and the giving of gifts to the poor.
4. Jewish Ethics and Morality
Tzedakah (Charity): The importance of giving to charity and helping those in need, seen as a
moral duty in Jewish life.
Pikuach Nefesh (Saving a Life): The principle that preserving human life takes precedence over
almost all other commandments, emphasizing the value of life in Judaism.
Justice (Tzedek): The emphasis on fairness, honesty, and the pursuit of justice. This includes
concepts like the importance of the legal system and the ethical responsibility to act justly in all
aspects of life.
The Role of Women: The changing role of women in Judaism, with a focus on religious
observances, education, and leadership. Students will need to understand the role of women in
traditional and modern Jewish communities.
Environmental Stewardship: The Jewish obligation to care for the Earth and all its creatures,
rooted in the commandment to "till and keep" the garden of Eden (Genesis 2:15).
5. Judaism in the Modern World
The State of Israel: The creation of Israel in 1948 and its significance for Jews worldwide, both
religiously and politically. Students should understand the connection between Judaism and the
land of Israel.
Jewish Responses to Contemporary Issues: How Judaism addresses modern-day issues such as
technology, social justice, ethical dilemmas, and interfaith relations.
*JUN2480621601*
IB/M/Jun24/G4005/E5 8062/16
, 2
Do not write
outside the
0 1 Judaism: Beliefs box
0 1. 1 Which one of the following is not a key moral principle in Judaism?
[1 mark]
Put a tick () in the box next to the correct answer.
A Giving charity
B Healing the world
C Kindness to others
D Waiting for the Messiah 1
0 1.2 Give two Jewish beliefs about the divine presence (Shekhinah).
[2 marks]
1
2
2
*02* IB/M/Jun24/8062/16
