Q21

Criteria	Marks
Provides a comprehensive analysis of how the ethical teachings of Judaism guide adherents to navigate the world today<br>Integrates the stimulus effectively throughout the response<br>Supports a cohesive and well-structured response with detailed, relevant and accurate information<br>Integrates relevant and accurate terminology	17–20
Provides a thorough analysis of how the ethical teachings of Judaism guide adherents to navigate the world today<br>Integrates the stimulus within the response<br>Supports a structured response with relevant and accurate information<br>Uses relevant and accurate terminology	13–16
Provides an analysis of how the ethical teachings of Judaism guide adherents to navigate the world today<br>Refers to the stimulus within the response<br>Supports the response with relevant information<br>Uses accurate terminology	9–12
Provides a description of the ethical teachings of Judaism<br>May refer to the stimulus within the response<br>Uses some information and/or terminology	5–8
Makes general statements about Judaism<br>May use some terminology	1–4

Answers could include:

Judaism provides a comprehensive ethical framework that guides adherents in their daily lives and in navigating the complexities of the world today.

• Jewish ethics encompass three expectations:
  • The practice of goodness is based upon the holiness of God
  • The ethic is for the whole community not just the individual
  • The ethical traditions direct the practical activities of daily life.
• Sources of ethical teaching:
  • The Ten Commandments which are the Code of Behaviour given to Moses by God
  • The Prophetic Vision/teachings
  • The Book of Proverbs.
• There is a continual interaction between Halacha (Jewish law) and ethical issues confronting society.
• Judaism sees sexuality and sexual expression as a positive action. It regards sex when it occurs within a sanctified marriage as a legitimate good, a mitzvah which is an act compatible with holiness.
• In Judaism, teachings about procreation play an important role in Jewish sexual ethics.
• Jewish law traditionally opposes birth control or abortion, but it allows exceptions, especially when the mother’s physical or psychological health is at risk.
• In Judaism, particularly among the more traditional variants, sexual intimacy is reserved for marriage. Jewish teachings on modesty and ‘neggiah’ are designed to support couples to avoid this type of intimacy before a sanctified marriage. The Ten Commandments also prohibit adultery which is a category distinct from sexual relations before marriage.
• Jewish ethical teachings provide a moral compass for adherents offering guidance in navigating the modern world’s complex sexual ethics issues. The diversity of Jewish thought ensures that there is always room for personal interpretation.