Theology 12: Judaism Unit Test Review

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering terms, holidays, scriptures, movements, and key theological concepts for the Judaism unit test review.

Covenant

An agreement established between God and ancient Israelites: first through Abraham, then through Moses, that designates the Jews as God’s Chosen People - with special rights and responsibilities.

Shema

Judaism’s most basic theological statement: “Hear, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord alone.”

Torah

“Instruction”; Generally, the revelation of God’s will to the people; more specifically, the divine law, especially as contained in the first five books of Tanakh.

Tanakh

The Hebrew Bible, consisting of three sections: Torah (Instruction/Law), Nevi'im (Prophets), and Ketuvim (Writings).

rabbi

“Teacher”; a teacher of Torah and leader of Jewish worship.

Mishnah

Written down about 200 CE; the collected teachings of the rabbis (Oral Torah) of the preceding four centuries.

Talmud

The vast depository of the Oral Torah, based on the Mishnah with extensive rabbinic commentary.

Diaspora

The situation of Jews living away from their ancestral homeland.

Kabbalah

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

Hasidism

A form of Judaism that arose in eastern Europe in the 18th century. It emphasizes mysticism, a personal relationship with God, a close-knit community, and the leadership of the zaddik - a charismatic holy man.

zaddik

A charismatic holy man whose leadership is emphasized in Hasidism.

Zionism

Originally: the movement arising in the late 19th century that sought to reestablish a Jewish homeland. Since 1948: the general support of the State of Israel.

anti-Semitism

Hostility towards Jews and Judaism; it ranges from attitudes of disfavor to active persecution.

Holocaust/Shoah

The persecution of the Jews by German Nazis from 1933 - 1945 that resulted in the murder of 6 million.

Shabbat

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

Rosh Hashanah

Festival occurring in early fall in commemoration of the new year according to the Jewish calendar.

Yom Kippur

“Day of Atonement”; Judaism’s most important holy day, spent in prayer and fasting for forgiveness of sins.

Passover (Pesach)

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

bar mitzvah/bat mitzvah

“Son of the Covenant”/”Daughter of the Covenant”; the ritual celebration marking the coming of age of a Jewish child, at which time the person takes on the religious responsibilities of an adult.

anamnesis

The theological concept that the events of God’s care for his people in the past are MADE PRESENT through liturgy and ritual.

Halakhah

Jewish law that, alongside biblical stories and customs, forms the basis for Jewish life cycle markers.

tikkun olam

“Repairing the world” and serving as a moral compass for all humanity through active engagement in social justice and ethical living.

Oral Torah

The tradition that provides detailed explanations, practical applications, and legal interpretations necessary to apply the written laws to changing historical situations.

Reform Judaism

The denomination of Judaism that is least strict in the observance of Jewish Law, emphasizing modern adaptability and personal choice over traditional law.

Orthodox Judaism

The denomination of Judaism that is most strict in the observance of Jewish Law, adhering closely to traditional Jewish law (Halakhah) as a binding divine mandate.

Seder

A key ritual meal celebrated during Passover that involves eating unleavened bread (matzo) and retelling the story of liberation from slavery in Egypt.