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Covenant

The agreement established between God and the Ancient Israelites, first through Abraham and later through Moses, that designates the Jews as God’s Chosen People, with special rights and responsibilities.

Tanakh

Common way of referring to the Hebrew Bible; it includes the contents of the Torah, Prophets and Writings.

Torah

“Instruction”, Specifically - the divine law especially the first five books of the Bible. Revealed on Mount Sinai to Moses, who is considered its author.

Prophets

“One who speaks for”; Books that contain both historical accounts of ancient Israel and proclamations of the Will of God. Ex. Joshua, Isaiah, Micah.

Writings

Highly diverse books in both content and literary form. Ex. Psalms, Proverbs, Ruth.

Rabbi

“my teacher”, A teacher of Torah and leader of Jewish worship.

Mishnah

The next ring of interpretation after the Bible, written about AD 200 but containing oral teachings by rabbis from 400 years prior.

Talmud

“study” / “knowledge”, The vast depository of oral Torah. Based on small portions of the Mishnah followed by intricate commentary, a massive work spanning thousands of pages.

Diaspora

The situation of Jews living away from their ancestral homeland.

Kabbalah

Jewish mysticism, which teaches that God can best be known through the heart.

Hasidism

(from “hasid” meaning “pious”.) A form of Judaism that emphasizes mysticism, a personal relationship with God, a close-knit community led by a charismatic holy man.

Zionism

A movement arising in the late 19th century that originally sought to re-establish a Jewish homeland; today = general support of the country of Israel.

Anti-Semitism

Hostility toward Jews and Judaism

Holocaust

The persecution of Jews by German Nazis from 1933 to 1945, resulting in the murder of some six million.

Sabbath

The day from sunset on Friday until sunset on Saturday that is set aside for rest and religious celebration.

Rosh Hashanah

“The beginning of the year”, a festival in early fall commemorating the new year.

Yom Kippur

“day of atonement”, Judaism’s most important holy day, occurs on the 10th day after the new year; spent fasting and in prayer for forgiveness of sins.

Passover

The eight-day festival celebrated in early spring that commemorates the Exodus of Jews from Egypt.

Bar Mitzvah

“son of the commandment”, the ritual celebration marking the coming of age at which point the boy takes on the religious responsibilities of an adult.

Bat Mitzvah

“daughter of the commandment”, the ritual celebration marking the coming of age at which point the girl takes on the religious responsibilities of an adult.