religion exam

Golden Rule

the prominent ethical priciniple found in many religious which promotes compassion 

Atheist:

the belief that there is no gods 

Direct discrimination:

when a person is unfairly treated by another person because of characteristics 

Systematic discrimination:

practices the the structure of an organization which create disadavnagtes to specific people that attain a set of characteristics 

bias

information that comes from a certain standpoint, may be trying to persuade you a certain way

fundamentalism

a person who believes strict literal interpretations of scripture in religion.

Animism

  everything has a soul        

Totemism

relationship with spiritual being (animal or plant) 

Polytheistic   

belief in multiple gods

Monotheistic

one god

Primal religion     

indigenous religions    

Torah

The core of the Hebrew Bible, consisting of 5 books delivered by God to the Jewish people at Mount Sinai through Moses

Nevi’im

The books of the Prophets in the Hebrew Bible

Mitzvah

A commandment in the Jewish law

Patriarchs

The founding fathers of the Jewish people, traditionally considered to be Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob

Yarmulke

Hat kind of thing that is worn by orthodox Jewish men, it shows that God is above them all/ above all mankind. Also worn during prayer. 

Rabbi

Jewish teacher, equivalent to pries

Reform

type of denomination, emphasis on ethics/how Jews should behave.

Hasidic

Hasidism is a mystical Jewish movement developed in Poland in the 18th century in response to the rigid academicism of rabbinical Judaism.

Rosh Hashanah

the Jewish New Year's celebration, occurring on the first (or sometimes second) day of Tishri (in September). The shofar is blown to signal the start of the ten-day period of penitence that culminates in Yom Kippur. (Celebrates the creation of the universe, known as the Day of Atonement).  

Bar/Bat Mitzvah:

A Bar (boys) or Bat (girls) Mitzvah is a coming-of-age ritual for Jewish boys and girls who are 12 or 13 years old. This event celebrates the transition of a boy or girl into a Jewish adult.  (now responsible for their own acts and can choose how they want to practice Judaism). 

614^th Commandment

Commandment made after the holocaust which ordered Jews to survive and remember the holocaust

Promised Land

Jews believe that God's bond with Abraham applies to all Jews. It marked the beginning of God's relationship with the Jewish people. The covenant includes the promise of the land of Canaan. Some Jews believe that the promise is still unfulfilled. 

Anti-Semitism

Discrimination, persecution, or irrational hate of Jews based on cultural, linguistic, and religious differences; blaming Jews for anything from economic situations to epidemics and natural disasters.  

Kosher

Means “fitness”. Food that has been prepared according to the laws of kashrut is kosher-fit-for consumption by an observant jew.  

YHWH

Yahweh, the Hebrew name for God revealed to Moses in the book of Exodus, represents the biblical pronunciation of "YHWH." The tetragrammaton is the name YHWH, which is made up of the consonants Yod, Heh, Waw, and Heh. 

David

He founded the Judaean dynasty and united all the tribes of Israel under a single monarch. His son Solomon expanded the empire that David built.

Tefillin

Tefillin is the name given to two black leather boxes (plural: 'tefillah') with straps worn on the forehead and upper arm by adult Jews for weekday morning prayers. 

Nevi’im

the second section of the Jewish Scriptures including the writings of the prophets — also known as Prophets. 

Circumcision

8 days after the birth of a son, the circumcision must be performed. 

Diaspora

Greek word for “Sewing seed” or “dispersed” in the context of Jewish history. Word used to refer to Jewish people living outside of Isreal.  

She’ ma

Shema Yisrael is a Jewish prayer that serves as a centerpiece of the morning and evening Jewish prayer services.

Menorah:

Symbol. a candelabrum used in Jewish worship, especially one with eight branches and a central socket used at Hanukkah. 

Yom Kippur

the most solemn religious fast of the Jewish year, the last of the ten days of penitence that begin with Rosh Hashanah (the Jewish New Year). 

Ketivim

The Ketuvim (the Writings or the Hagiographa), the third division of the Hebrew Bible, comprises a miscellaneous collection of sacred writings that were not classified in either the Torah or the Prophets.

Covenant

an agreement/ promise 

Hebrew

a member of an ancient people who lived in what is now Israel and Palestine and were descended from the patriarch Jacob, grandson of Abraham, according to biblical narrative. They formed the kingdoms of Israel and Judah after the Exodus (about 1300 BC), and their scriptures and traditions constitute the foundation of Jewish religion. (C&P- in simple words, people of Israel) 

Final Solution

the Nazi policy of annihilation of European Jews The strategy, instituted by Heinrich Himmler and overseen by Adolf Eichmann, resulted in the death of 6 million Jews in concentration camps between 1941 and 1945. 

Shalom

used as salutation by Jewish people at meeting or parting, meaning “peace.” 

Seder

a Jewish ritual service and ceremonial dinner for the first night or first two nights of Passover. "a Seder meal" 

Abraham

Jews consider Abraham (as he was afterwards known) to be the Jewish people's first patriarch. Abraham was the first to preach that there was only one God; prior to that, people believed in many gods. 

Tallit

a shawl with fringed corners worn over the head or shoulders by Jewish men especially during morning prayers. 

Mitzvah:

in its primary meaning, the Hebrew word mitzvah refers to a commandment commanded by God to be performed as a religious duty.

Exile

is the dispersion of Israelites or Jews out of their ancient ancestral homeland (the Land of Israel) and their subsequent settlement in other parts of the globe.

Shoah

Shoah is the Hebrew word for “catastrophe”. This term specifically means the killing of nearly six million Jews in Europe by Nazi Germany and its collaborators during the Second World War. 

Pharisees

Some Christians believe that Jews are responsible for killing Jesus, since it was the Pharisees (Jewish priests) who lead the people to demand the Roman rulers that Jesus be crucified. 

Halakah

the totality of laws and ordinances that have evolved since biblical times to regulate religious observances and the daily life and conduct of the Jewish people. 

Hanukkah

a lesser Jewish festival, lasting eight days from the 25th day of Kislev (in December) and commemorating the rededication of the Temple in 165 BC by the Maccabees after its desecration by the Syrians. It is marked by the successive kindling of eight lights. 

Talmud

Meaning 'teaching' is an ancient text containing Jewish sayings, ideas and stories. 

Chosen People

chosen people, the Jewish people, as expressed in the idea that they have been chosen by God as his special people. The term implies that the Jewish people have been chosen by God to worship only him and to fulfill the mission of proclaiming his truth among all the nations of the world. 

Israel

Word/name. Hebrew. Meaning. 'God Contended', 'Wrestles with God', 'Triumphant with God' 

Menorah

a candelabra with seven or nine lights that is used in Jewish worship. 

Exodus

the liberation of Israel from slavery in Egypt in the 13th century bce, led by Moses; also, the Old Testament book of the same name

Conservative

Judaism as practiced, particularly among some Jews in the United States, with loyalty to the Torah and Talmud but with allowing for some deviations in conformity with changing times and circumstances – see orthodox Judaism and reform Judaism. 

Issac

in subsequent Jewish traditions, the sacrifice of Isaac is invoked in pleas to God for mercy. Post-biblical Jewish interpretations frequently expand on Isaac's involvement beyond the biblical depiction, focusing primarily on Abraham's intended sacrifice of Isaac, known as the aqedah ("binding"). 

Star of David

a six-pointed design made up of two interwoven equilateral triangles that is used as a Jewish and Israeli symbol; god rules over all directions  

Patriarchs

one of the scriptural fathers of the human race or of the Hebrew people Abraham was a patriarch of the Israelites. 

Rabbinic Age

However, at the end of the formative period, rabbinic Judaism synthesized the interpretive, messianic, and priestly traditions. Rabbinic Judaism produced many different texts, ranging from the Mishnah and Tosefta to Midrashic texts and the two Talmuds. 

Orthodox

follow strict interpretations of torah

Synagogue

Jewish church  

Purim

Purim, which literally means “lots” and is sometimes known as the Feast of Lots, is the Jewish holiday in which Jews commemorate being saved from persecution in the ancient Persian Empire. 

Pesach

Passover, Hebrew Pesaḥ or Pesach, in Judaism, holiday commemorating the Hebrews' liberation from slavery in Egypt and the “passing over” of the forces of destruction, or the sparing of the firstborn of the Israelites, when the Lord “smote the land of Egypt” on the eve of the Exodus. 

Shabbat

shabbat is the Jewish Day of Rest. Shabbat happens each week from sunset on Friday to sunset on Saturday. During Shabbat, Jewish people remember the story of creation from the Torah where God created the world in 6 days and rested on the 7th day. Different Jewish people celebrate Shabbat in different ways. 

Monotheism

Belief in only one God

Zionism

is a nationalist movement that advocates for the establishment of, and support for, a Jewish homeland centered in the area roughly corresponding to the Land of Israel, the region of Palestine, Canaan, or the Holy Land, based on a lengthy Jewish history. 

Tanajha

the Jewish Scriptures comprising the books of law, the prophets, and collected writings. 

Kabbalah

a medieval and modern system of Jewish theosophy, mysticism, and thaumaturgy marked by belief in creation through emanation and a cipher method of interpreting Scripture. 

Dreidel

a four-sided spinning top, played during the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah. 

Egyptians

people who enslaved irealites

Satan

the term Satan is usually translated as “opponent” or “adversary,” and he is often understood to represent the sinful impulse (in Hebrew, yetzer hara) or, more generally, the forces that prevents human beings from submitting to divine will. 

Four Branches of Judaism: 

Judaism, one of the world's oldest monotheistic religions, has four major branches that have evolved over time. These branches reflect varying approaches to Jewish practice, tradition, and interpretation of Jewish law. The four branches are: 

 
 

1. Orthodox Judaism: Orthodox Judaism is characterized by a strict adherence to traditional Jewish law (Halakah) and customs. It places great importance on observance of the Sabbath, kosher dietary laws, and gender segregation in religious settings. Orthodox Jews often wear traditional attire, including kippahs (yarmulkes) and tzitzit (fringes). There is a spectrum within Orthodox Judaism, ranging from Modern Orthodox, who engage with secular society to a degree, to Haredi (ultra-Orthodox), who maintain strict separation from the secular world. 

 
 

2. Conservative Judaism: Conservative Judaism seeks a balance between tradition and modernity. It adheres to Jewish law but allows for some flexibility and change. For example, it permits the ordination of female rabbis and adaptations in prayer services. The movement promotes active engagement with secular society while maintaining Jewish practices. 

 
 

3. Reform Judaism: Reform Judaism emphasizes adaptation to contemporary values and practices. It encourages individual interpretation of Jewish law and is more lenient in adhering to traditional rituals. Reform Judaism was at the forefront of embracing gender equality, inclusivity, and social justice. Reform Jews may not strictly observe dietary laws or traditional Sabbath rituals. 

 
 

4. Reconstructionist Judaism: Reconstructionist Judaism is a modern branch that views Judaism as an evolving culture rather than a religion based on divine revelation. It emphasizes the role of Jewish community and allows for a wide range of beliefs and practices. Reconstructionist Jews are encouraged to actively shape their Jewish identity. 

Judaism, one of the world's oldest monotheistic religions, has four major branches that have evolved over time. These branches reflect varying approaches to Jewish practice, tradition, and interpretation of Jewish law. The four branches are: 

 
 

1. Orthodox Judaism: Orthodox Judaism is characterized by a strict adherence to traditional Jewish law (Halakah) and customs. It places great importance on observance of the Sabbath, kosher dietary laws, and gender segregation in religious settings. Orthodox Jews often wear traditional attire, including kippahs (yarmulkes) and tzitzit (fringes). There is a spectrum within Orthodox Judaism, ranging from Modern Orthodox, who engage with secular society to a degree, to Haredi (ultra-Orthodox), who maintain strict separation from the secular world. 

 
 

2. Conservative Judaism: Conservative Judaism seeks a balance between tradition and modernity. It adheres to Jewish law but allows for some flexibility and change. For example, it permits the ordination of female rabbis and adaptations in prayer services. The movement promotes active engagement with secular society while maintaining Jewish practices. 

 
 

3. Reform Judaism: Reform Judaism emphasizes adaptation to contemporary values and practices. It encourages individual interpretation of Jewish law and is more lenient in adhering to traditional rituals. Reform Judaism was at the forefront of embracing gender equality, inclusivity, and social justice. Reform Jews may not strictly observe dietary laws or traditional Sabbath rituals. 

 
 

4. Reconstructionist Judaism: Reconstructionist Judaism is a modern branch that views Judaism as an evolving culture rather than a religion based on divine revelation. It emphasizes the role of Jewish community and allows for a wide range of beliefs and practices. Reconstructionist Jews are encouraged to actively shape their Jewish identity. 

Conflict in the Middle East

The Middle East has been a region marked by conflicts for many years, including the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. This conflict stems from historical, territorial, and political disputes. The main groups involved are the Israelis (including Jewish and Arab citizens) and Palestinians (both in the West Bank and Gaza, and refugees). 

life cycle of jews

- Brit Milah: The circumcision of Jewish baby boys on the eighth day. 

- Simchat Bat: A naming ceremony for Jewish baby girls. 

- Bar/Bat Mitzvah: Coming-of-age ceremonies for Jewish boys (Bar Mitzvah) and girls (Bat Mitzvah). 

- Marriage (Ketubah and Chuppah): The Jewish wedding ceremony, often with a marriage contract (Ketubah) and marriage canopy (Chuppah). 

- Aging and Wisdom (Bar/Bat Mitzvah): Celebrations of wisdom and aging. 

- Death and Mourning (Shiva): Rituals surrounding death, including the week-long mourning period (Shiva). 

 
 

covenant

Abrahamic Covenant:** The covenant with Abraham is foundational. God promised to make him the father of a great nation and to give his descendants the land of Canaan. This is the covenant with the patriarch Abraham. 

 
 

2. Sinai Covenant: Also known as the Mosaic Covenant, this was established when Moses received the Ten Commandments and the Torah on Mount Sinai. It outlined the moral, ethical, and religious laws that would guide the Jewish people. 

 
 

3. Davidic Covenant: The covenant with King David promised an eternal dynasty. God pledged that a descendant of David would always sit on the throne in Jerusalem. 

 
 

4. New Covenant: In Jeremiah 31:31-34, the concept of a new covenant was introduced. It represents an internalization of God's law, written on the hearts of the people, rather than on stone tablets. 

 
 

3 Principles of Faith - Their Importance to Judaism

1. Unifying Beliefs: They serve to unify Jewish theology, providing a common foundation of faith for the Jewish community. 

 
 

2. Orthodox Identity: The 13 Principles are particularly important for Orthodox Jews as a marker of their theological stance and adherence to traditional beliefs. 

 
 

3. Theological Clarity: These principles clarify what Jews are expected to believe in, offering a structured framework for religious understanding. 

 
 

4. Historical Significance: Maimonides' formulation played a significant role in the development of Jewish thought and continues to be a subject of study and discussion. 

sacred texts

 
 

1. The Torah: The most sacred text, it consists of the first five books of the Hebrew Bible and includes the foundation of Jewish law, history, and theology. 

 
 

2. Nevi'im: The Prophets, which contain the teachings and prophecies of the biblical prophets. 

 
 

3. Ketuvim: The Writings, which include Psalms, Proverbs, and other texts not found in the Torah. 

 
 

4. Talmud: A central text in Rabbinic Judaism, the Talmud is a compilation of discussions and commentaries on the Mishnah, which is itself a compilation of Jewish laws and traditions. 

 
 

 
 

Purgatory

a realm after death between heaven and hell 

Indulgences

full or partial remission of punishment for sins after the sinner confesses and receives absolution. (every sin must be purified on earth or in purgatory) (selling of forgiveness) 

Gospels

written by matthew (the teacher), mark  (hurried human), luke (compassionate and forgibing), and john (noble, majestic, and divine) 

Apostle

followers of jesus sent forth to nring the gospe; pf others; the 12 chosen from among jesus’ desciples. 

Messiah

long awaited; believed to usher in gods kingdom on earth 

Filioque

and the son

Sacraments (seven):

baptism, communion, confirmation, reconciliation, ordination, matirony, anointing of the sick, funerals 

Schism

separation between the west and east (roman catholic and orthodox churches) 

Chi Rho

Christian symbol of the letters chi (x) and Rho (p) which are the first two letters of christ in Greek. Represents christ or Christianity  

Ichthys:

the jesus fish, predate the symbol of the cross. Reported to have Christians a simple means by which to identify themselves as believers in a time of persecution.

Cross

a symbol of life as a reminder of the sacrifice made by jesus

Martyr:

dying for your religions 

Trinity

the father, the son, and the holy spirit 

Apostle’s Creed

states and identifies the most essential points of the teachings of christianity 

Nicene Creed:

identifies conformity of belief among christians

Doctrine

a teaching accepted as authoritative 

Pontius Pilate

roman leader who sentenced jesus to death 

Pentecost

holy spirit comes to abostles; 50 after easter (Greek for 50^th day) 

Icon

a cause for the great schism; west didn’t use icons as worship but eastern churches did 

Iconoclasm:

destroying of icons