RS Judaism key concepts (copy)

Synagogue

House of assembly; building for Jewish public prayer, study and assembly.

Shekhinah

The place where God’s presence rests and can be felt.

Shabbat

Day of spiritual renewal and rest. Beginning at sunset on Friday and closing at nightfall on Saturday.

Kosher

Means ‘fit’ or ‘proper’. Foods that are permitted to be eaten. It is also used to refer to the purity of ritual objects such as Torah scrolls.

Torah

The five books of Moses. Regarded as the holiest books of the Tenakh.

Mitzvot

It’s often used to refer to duties (such as the 613 in the Torah) and good deeds.

Messiah

The anointed one who Jews believe will bring in a new era or age for humankind. This will include rebuilding the Temple and bringing in an age of universal peace.

Covenant

A promise or agreement between two parties. Covenants were made between God with Noah, Abraham and Moses.