Judaism Study Guide

Covenant

A sacred agreement between God and the Jewish people, promising protection and land in exchange for following His commandments.

Shema

A central declaration of Jewish faith affirming the oneness of God.

Torah

The first five books of the Hebrew Bible, central to Jewish law and traditionally believed to have been given to Moses by God.

Rabbi

A Jewish religious leader and teacher who interprets Jewish law, leads services, and provides spiritual guidance.

Sabbath

A weekly day of rest and worship from Friday evening to Saturday evening, commemorating God's day of rest after creation.

Rosh Hashanah

The Jewish New Year, a time for reflection and resolutions, lasting one or two days, marked by prayer and shofar blowing.

Yom Kippur

The Day of Atonement, the holiest day in Judaism, focused on fasting, repentance, and seeking forgiveness.

Passover

A holiday commemorating the Exodus from Egypt, celebrated with the Seder meal and the prohibition of leavened bread.

Bar Mitzvah

A coming-of-age ceremony for boys at age 13, marking their responsibility to observe Jewish commandments.

Bat Mitzvah

A coming-of-age ceremony for girls at age 12 or 13, signifying their responsibilities within the Jewish community.

Marriage

A sacred covenant in Judaism, typically performed under a chuppah, emphasizing love and partnership.

Death and Mourning

Structured mourning practices including the seven-day Shiva period, focusing on honoring the deceased and community support.

Semitic Religions

Judaism, Christianity, and Islam; these are the Semitic religions originating from the Middle East.

Monotheism

The belief in one God, central to Judaism and distinguishing it from other local religions when founded.

Yahweh

The name of God in Judaism, representing His unique and singular essence.

Creed

Judaism has no formal creed outside of monotheism, but some traditional forms reference Maimonides' condensed beliefs.

Mishnah

A written collection of oral teachings on the Torah compiled around 100 CE.

Talmud

A comprehensive commentary on Jewish law, including oral sermons, stories, and parables on the Torah.

Pentateuch

The first five books of the Hebrew Bible, also known as the Torah.

Tanakh

The entire Hebrew Bible, comprised of Torah, Nevi'im, and Ketuvim.

Nevi'im

Refers to the Books of the Prophets in the Tanakh, including historical narratives and prophecies.

Ketuvim

The writings section of the Tanakh, including various forms of literature like Psalms and Proverbs.

Orthodox Judaism

The most traditional movement, observing dietary and ceremonial laws, seen as authentic practitioners of Judaism.

Conservative Judaism

A movement that believes laws and traditions should adapt to modern circumstances while retaining core values.

Reform Judaism

A progressive movement allowing individuals to choose how to practice their faith, with less emphasis on traditional doctrine.

Synagogue

A Jewish house of worship; also referred to as beit k’nesset or shul.

Hanukkah

The Jewish holiday celebrating the miracle of light and resilience in Jewish history.

Messiah

The anticipated deliverer in Jewish belief, whose coming is awaited by the faithful.

Exodus

The biblical event commemorated by Passover, where the Jews left slavery in Egypt.

Kippah

A skullcap worn by Jewish men as a sign of reverence.

The order of the semitic religions (oldest to newest)

Judaism is the oldest of the three (2000 BCE), then Christianity (~33 CE), then Islam (622 CE)

Symbols of Judaism

include the Star of David, Menorah, and Mezuzah, representing faith and identity.

Explain how the movie Full Court Miracle showed the Jewish faith. Give me three examples of the faith that was show or discussed in the movie. Please Give the example and explain the tradition or example of faith. (5-8 complete sentences)

In Full Court Miracle, the Jewish faith is depicted through themes of community, perseverance, and tradition. One prominent example is the importance of the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah, which serves as a backdrop for the story. The celebration of Hanukkah represents resilience and the miracle of light, reflecting the historical struggle of the Jewish people. Another example is the character of Coach T, who embodies the value of mentorship and guidance in the Jewish tradition, emphasizing the significance of education and leadership within the community. Lastly, the film highlights the practice of prayer and unity among the players, illustrating how faith brings people together, especially during challenging times. Through these examples, the movie not only entertains but also educates viewers about the core values of Jewish culture.

What is the Torah? Explain what it is? What does the Torah contain and how is this writing so important to the faith?

The Torah is the central reference of the religious Judaic tradition, comprising the first five books of the Hebrew Bible: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. It is often referred to as the "Law" or "Teaching" and serves as a foundational text for Jewish law, ethics, and theology. The Torah contains 613 mitzvot, or commandments, which govern various aspects of life, including moral conduct, ritual observance, and social justice. Its importance to the Jewish faith cannot be overstated, as it is considered the direct revelation of God's will to the people of Israel, providing guidance and structure to Jewish life. The Torah is not only a legal document but also a narrative that tells the story of the Jewish people, their covenant with God, and their journey throughout history, making it a vital component of Jewish identity and spirituality.

What is the difference between Orthodox Judaism and Conservative Judaism?

Orthodox Judaism and Conservative Judaism represent two distinct approaches to Jewish life and practice. Orthodox Judaism is characterized by a strict adherence to traditional Jewish law and rituals as outlined in the Torah and Talmud, believing that these laws are divinely mandated and unchangeable. Orthodox Jews often maintain a lifestyle that closely follows the customs and commandments established by their ancestors. In contrast, Conservative Judaism seeks to balance tradition with modernity, allowing for adaptations and interpretations of Jewish law to fit contemporary life while still valuing the historical practices. Conservative Jews uphold many traditional observances but believe that the law can evolve as society changes. This key difference reflects broader philosophies regarding the relationship between Jewish law and modernity, influencing the way each community engages with their faith in daily life.

Be able to recall the creed: I belive statements

1. I believe with perfect faith that the Creator, blessed be His Name, is the Creator and Guide of everything that has been created; He alone has made, does make, and will make all things.

His wisdom and understanding are beyond human comprehension, and His creations reflect His greatness.

2. I believe with perfect faith that the Creator, blessed be His Name, is One, and that there is no unity in any manner like unto His, and that He alone is our God, who was, and is, and will be.

His oneness signifies His uniqueness and the singularity of His essence, unparalleled by anything else.

3. I believe with perfect faith that the Creator, blessed be His Name, is not a body, and that He is free from all the properties of matter, and that He has not any form whatever.

This means that He transcends physical limitations and cannot be confined to any material representation.

4. I believe with perfect faith that the Creator, blessed be His Name, is the first and the last. 

He exists beyond the confines of time, having no beginning or end, and is the ultimate source of all existence.

5. I believe with perfect faith that to the Creator, blessed be His Name, and to Him alone, it is right to pray, and that it is not right to pray to any being besides Him. 

Prayer is an expression of our dependence on Him, and He alone is worthy of our supplications.

6. I believe with perfect faith that all the works of the prophets are true.

Their messages have guided humanity and revealed divine truths that shape our understanding of the Creator.

7. I believe with perfect faith that the prophecy of Moses, our teacher, peace be unto him, was true, and that he was the chief of the prophets, both of those who preceded and of those who followed him.

Moses served as a conduit for divine revelation and his teachings remain foundational to our faith.

8. I believe with perfect faith that the whole Torah, now in our possession, is the same that was given to Moses, our teacher, peace be unto him.

The Torah is a timeless guide, preserving the divine instructions for our lives as they were originally revealed

9. I believe with perfect faith that this Torah will not be changed, and that there will never be any other Law from the Creator, blessed be His name.

Its eternal relevance and unchanging nature affirm the Creator’s will for humanity throughout the ages.

10. I believe with perfect faith that the Creator, blessed be His name, knows very deed of the children of men, and all their thoughts, as it is said. It is He that fashioned the hearts of them all, that gives heed to all their works.

His omniscience encompasses all of creation, and nothing is hidden from His awareness.

11. I believe with perfect faith that the Creator, blessed be His Name, rewards those that keep His commandments and punishes those who transgress them.

This reflects His justice and mercy, ensuring that our choices have meaningful consequences.

12. I believe with perfect faith in the coming of the Messiah; and, though he tarry, I will wait daily for his coming.

This hope instills a sense of purpose and anticipation for a future filled with peace and redemption.

13. I believe with perfect faith that there will be a revival of the dead at the time when it shall please the Creator, blessed be His name, and exalted be His Fame for ever and ever.

This belief underscores the promise of eternal life and divine justice, reaffirming the Creator's ultimate plan for humanity.