0490.1.19.19 — J2.3 Jewish beliefs about the Torah; different ways in which Jews understand and interpret the Torah.: past paper questions
Real questions on 0490.1.19.19 — j2.3 jewish beliefs about the torah; different ways in which jews understand and interpret the torah.
The newest 13 of 13 written questions. Open one to see it on the real paper.
- 0490/13 · October/November 2025 · Q9b[6]
Explain why Jews might use the Torah as a source of moral principles.
See it on the paper → - 0490/12 · October/November 2024 · Q5c[6]
‘The Ten Commandments are the most important part of Jewish law.’ Discuss this statement. Give your own opinion and show that you have thought about other points of view. You must refer to Judaism in your answer. [6]
See it on the paper → - 0490/13 · October/November 2024 · Q5a(ii)[4]
Briefly describe the contents of the Torah.
See it on the paper → - 0490/13 · October/November 2024 · Q5c[6]
‘Torah law is relevant even though the world has changed.’ Discuss this statement. Give your own opinion and show that you have thought about other points of view. You must refer to Judaism in your answer.
See it on the paper → - 0490/13 · October/November 2024 · Q6a(ii)[4]
Briefly describe how the Mishnah (oral law) developed.
See it on the paper → - 0490/12 · October/November 2023 · Q6a[3]
Name three books which are included in the Nevi’im (Prophets).
See it on the paper → - 0490/12 · October/November 2023 · Q6b[4]
Briefly describe the other two parts of the Tenakh.
See it on the paper → - 0490/12 · October/November 2023 · Q6c[7]
Explain the role of the Talmud (commentary) in Jewish sacred writings.
See it on the paper → - 0490/12 · October/November 2022 · Q4(b)(ii)[7]
How the contents of the Tenakh might influence the behaviour of Jews today.
See it on the paper → - 0490/12 · October/November 2020 · Q5b[7]
why the mitzvot are important to Jews.
See it on the paper → - 0490/12 · October/November 2020 · Q5c[6]
‘It is more difficult to obey the mitzvot today.’ Discuss this statement. Give your own opinion and show that you have thought about other points of view. You must refer to Judaism in your answer.
See it on the paper → - 0490/11 · October/November 2019 · Q5b[7]
Explain why the Torah is important to Jews.
See it on the paper → - 0490/11 · October/November 2019 · Q5c[6]
‘No part of the Tenakh is more important than any other part.’ Discuss this statement. Give your own opinion and show that you have thought about other points of view. You must refer to Judaism in your answer.
See it on the paper →
What examiners said
Most responses demonstrated knowledge of what the Talmud is, distinguishing it from the Torah and usually recognising that it expands on the laws and how to follow them. Some were able to go into more depth regarding the origins and development of the text and the need to understand how to apply the mitzvot in a changing world. However, most responses demonstrated limited understanding of how the...
— Examiner report, October/November 2023, 0490/12 Q6(b) (Cambridge)
This was a well answered question with most candidates showing clear understanding of what Shabbat involves and its significance in Jewish life. Not all responses were discursive, with some appearing to regard the stimulus statement as a truism, but most were able to move beyond this by identifying other foundational Jewish practices, such as circumcision.
— Examiner report, October/November 2023, 0490/12 Q6(c) (Cambridge)
Responses to this question were commonly extremely generic, giving a generalised religious view of private devotion as strengthening faith and being an opportunity for personal petition, but without any specific references to Islam. Some also wrote generally about different forms of private worship rather than identifying du’a as a kind of prayer. More Islam focused responses were often descriptiv...
— Examiner report, October/November 2022, 0490/12 Q4(b) (Cambridge)
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