600 Words, Explain The Significance Of The Convenant For The Jewish People

In 600 words, explain the significance of the covenant for the Jewish people. In your response refer to at least three specific examples.

The covenant of Jewish people with God can be seen as the foundation for the Jewish faith. It is a source of purpose, identity, and direction in the lives of the Jewish people. For the Hebrew people the covenant covered all human relationships. It is a bond which unites people through mutual obligations. It is natural, therefore, a relationship to God was expressed in covenant terms. It occurred between God and Abraham and was the beginning of the relationship between God and Jewish people. Simply put, it provides Jews with God's protection if they uphold and follow his commandments and laws. A visible way of showing compliance to God's commands in the Jewish faith is the ritual practice of circumcision. Originating from God’s covenant with Abraham circumcision has been diligently practised in Judaism since then. It is seen as a “token of the covenant” for all generations, which forms an “everlasting covenant” (Genesis 17:13). Furthermore, the Abrahamic covenant formed three promises; the promised land, the promise of numerous offspring and the promise of blessing and redemption, all of which have their own level of significance to Jewish people depending on their denomination and level of faith; orthodox, conservative and progressive.

This promised land, and life in God’s presence, came with an instruction, humans were to trust God and follow his commands, linking back to the covenant as a whole. For some Jews a connection to land is seen as part of their culture and identity as someone a part of