intro to jewish studies final exam

Dhimmis

Dhimmis

this was non-Muslims living in Islamic states under the protection of Islamic law (sharia). This protected status granted certain rights and protections to non-Muslims in exchange for a special tax (jizya) and adherence to certain restrictions. they were typically Christians, Jews, and sometimes other religious minorities who were allowed to practice their faith but were subject to certain social and legal limitations within the Islamic state.

Supersessionism

also known as replacement theology, is a theological concept that asserts that one religious group or covenant has superseded or replaced another in the divine plan. In a Christian context, it often refers to the belief that the Christian Church has replaced or superseded the Israelites or Judaism as the new and definitive covenant with God. This theological perspective has been historically associated with certain interpretations of biblical texts, suggesting that the promises made to Israel in the Hebrew Bible have been fulfilled or surpassed by the advent of Christianity and the New Testament. It's important to note that views on supersessionism vary widely within Christian theology, and many contemporary scholars and denominations reject or modify this perspective in favor of a more inclusive understanding of God's covenant with both Jews and Christians.

"J" Source

also known as the Yahwist source, is one of the four documentary sources that scholars believe were used in the composition of the Torah (the first five books of the Hebrew Bible or the Christian Old Testament). This source is characterized by its use of the divine name "Yahweh" for God and is often identified with the southern Kingdom of Judah.

Scholars who adhere to the Documentary Hypothesis, a theory about the origins of the Pentateuch, posit that this source contributed specific narrative portions to the overall text. These portions, typically characterized by a vivid and anthropomorphic portrayal of God, are found in the books of Genesis, Exodus, and Numbers. This source is often considered one of the oldest among the four documentary sources, dating to around the 10th century BCE.

"E Source"

also known as the Elohist source, is one of the four documentary sources postulated by scholars who adhere to the Documentary Hypothesis, a theory about the composition of the Torah (the first five books of the Hebrew Bible or the Christian Old Testament). The source is characterized by its use of the divine name "Elohim" for God.

Essenes

were a Jewish sect that existed during the Second Temple period, which spanned from the 5th century BCE to the 1st century CE. They are best known from historical accounts provided by writers such as Flavius Josephus, Philo of Alexandria, and the Dead Sea Scrolls discovered in the mid-20th century near the Dead Sea.

Tanakh

also known as the Hebrew Bible, is the canonical collection of sacred texts in Judaism. It comprises three main sections: the Torah (the Pentateuch), the Nevi'im (Prophets), and the Ketuvim (Writings). The Tanakh contains foundational religious and ethical teachings, historical narratives, poetry, prophecy, and wisdom literature, forming the core scriptures of the Jewish faith.

Pharisees

were a prominent religious group in ancient Judaism during the Second Temple period, roughly from the 5th century BCE to the 1st century CE. They were known for their strict adherence to religious laws, oral traditions, and meticulous observance of rituals. They played a significant role in the interpretation and application of Jewish law, emphasizing personal piety and the importance of ethical conduct. Despite being criticized in certain biblical narratives, they were influential in shaping post-biblical Judaism and contributed to the development of rabbinic Judaism after the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 CE.

Talmud

is a foundational text in Rabbinic Judaism, consisting of the Mishnah, a codification of Jewish oral law, and the Gemara, a commentary and discussions on the Mishnah by various rabbis. It covers Jewish law, ethics, customs, and commentary on the Torah, serving as a central guide for religious practice and interpretation within the Jewish tradition.

Haskalah

refers to the Jewish Enlightenment movement that emerged in the late 18th century and aimed at modernizing Jewish culture and society. They sought to reconcile traditional Jewish values with the intellectual and cultural developments of the broader European Enlightenment. Adherents of it, known as maskilim, encouraged education, secular knowledge, and integration into the broader societies in which Jews lived. The movement emphasized rational thinking, secular education, and social and cultural reforms as a means of fostering Jewish enlightenment and progress.

Reform Judaism

is a major denomination within Judaism that originated in the 19th century, primarily in Germany. It seeks to adapt Jewish practices and beliefs to contemporary contexts by emphasizing ethical teachings, social justice, and individual autonomy. It places a strong emphasis on intellectual engagement, allowing for the reinterpretation of traditional Jewish laws and customs in light of modern values. It often embraces innovations in worship, inclusivity, and gender equality. these kinds of jews typically advocate for a more flexible approach to religious observance, encouraging personal choice and a commitment to social responsibility.

Pentateuch

also known as the Torah, is the foundational collection of the first five books of the Hebrew Bible and the Christian Old Testament. These books are Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. it is considered the central and most sacred part of the biblical scriptures in both Judaism and Christianity, providing foundational narratives, laws, and teachings that are fundamental to the respective religious traditions

Eliezer Ben Yehuda

was a Jewish linguist and language revivalist, best known for his pivotal role in the revival of the Hebrew language. Born in what is now Belarus, he moved to Palestine (then part of the Ottoman Empire) and dedicated himself to the revival of Hebrew as a spoken, modern language.

Before his efforts, Hebrew was primarily a liturgical and scholarly language. he worked tirelessly to promote the everyday use of Hebrew in all aspects of life. He coined new words and adapted the ancient language to express modern concepts and technological terms. His work laid the foundation for the establishment of Hebrew as the official language of the State of Israel upon its founding in 1948.

his contributions to the revival of Hebrew are widely recognized and celebrated, and he is considered a central figure in the linguistic and cultural history of modern Israel.

Convivencia

is a Spanish term that translates to "coexistence" in English. It historically refers to a period of relative harmony and peaceful coexistence among different religious and cultural groups, particularly in medieval Spain. The term is often associated with the cohabitation of Muslims, Christians, and Jews during certain periods of the Middle Ages in the Iberian Peninsula.

Theodore Herzl

was an Austrian journalist, political activist, and the founder of modern political Zionism. Born in Budapest, Hungary, He became a prominent figure in the late 19th century as he responded to the rise of anti-Semitism in Europe by advocating for the establishment of a Jewish homeland.

Moses Maimonides

also known as Rambam, was a medieval Jewish philosopher, theologian, and physician who lived from 1138 to 1204. Born in Cordoba, Spain, he is considered one of the most influential figures in Jewish intellectual history. Maimonides is known for his contributions to various fields, including philosophy, Jewish law, and medicine.

Yad Vashem

is the official memorial and museum in Israel dedicated to commemorating the victims of the Holocaust, preserving the memory of those who perished, and documenting the history of this tragic period. The name "Yad Vashem" is derived from a biblical verse (Isaiah 56:5) and means "a memorial and a name."

Established in 1953 in Jerusalem, Yad Vashem serves as a comprehensive institution that includes:

Redactor

is an editor or compiler who is responsible for selecting, arranging, and sometimes modifying or adapting written material. In the context of biblical studies and textual criticism, the term is often used to refer to an editor or compiler who is thought to have played a role in combining and shaping different source materials to create a final version of a text.

Byzantine Mosaic

refers to a form of mosaic art that flourished during the Byzantine Empire, which spanned from the 4th to the 15th century, with its capital in Byzantium (later Constantinople, now Istanbul). Byzantine mosaics were intricate and highly decorative art forms that adorned the walls, ceilings, and floors of religious buildings, particularly churches and basilicas. combines Eastern Roman styles with Jewish motifs.

Mizrahi

is a term used to refer to Jews with roots in the Middle East and North Africa. The word is Hebrew for "Eastern" and is used to distinguish Jews from these regions from those with Ashkenazi heritage, who traditionally come from Central and Eastern Europe.

Babylonian Exiles

refers to the period in ancient Jewish history when a significant portion of the population of the Kingdom of Judah, including the elite and skilled craftsmen, were forcibly deported to Babylon by the Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar II. This event occurred in two main waves, in 597 BCE and 586 BCE.

Alhambra Decree

also known as the Edict of Expulsion, was a royal edict issued by Catholic Monarchs Ferdinand II of Aragon and Isabella I of Castile on March 31, 1492. The decree ordered the expulsion of Jews from the Kingdom of Spain and its territories, including the recently reconquered Granada. This marked a significant event during the Spanish Inquisition and the end of Muslim rule in Spain.

Ashkenazi

are a Jewish ethnic group that traces its origins to the Ashkenazi Jewish community in Eastern and Central Europe. They are one of the major divisions within the Jewish people, alongside Sephardic Jews, Mizrahi Jews, and other smaller groups.

Hellenization

refers to the process by which individuals, communities, or societies adopt Greek culture, language, and customs. The term is commonly associated with the spread of Greek influence during the Hellenistic period, which began with the conquests of Alexander the Great in the 4th century BCE and continued for several centuries.

Sabbateanism

refers to a movement that emerged in the 17th century around the messianic claims of Sabbatai Zevi, a Jewish mystic and preacher. Sabbatai Zevi proclaimed himself to be the long-awaited Jewish Messiah in 1665. His charismatic leadership and messianic declarations gained a following among Jews in various parts of the Ottoman Empire and Europe.

Sephardi

refers to a cultural and ethnic designation within the Jewish community. The term specifically denotes Jews with historical roots in the Iberian Peninsula (modern-day Spain and Portugal) and, more broadly, in the Mediterranean region and the Middle East. The word is derived from the Hebrew word for Spain.

Ba'al Shem Tov

also known as the Besht, was a Jewish mystical and spiritual leader who founded the Hasidic movement in the 18th century. His name means "Master of the Good Name" in Hebrew.

Dati

is a Hebrew term that translates to "religious" or "observant" in English. In the context of Judaism, the term is often used to describe individuals or communities that adhere to religious observance, including the observance of Jewish laws, rituals, and traditions.

Sadducees

were a Jewish religious and political faction that emerged in the Second Temple period, during the late Second Temple era (circa 200 BCE to 70 CE). They were one of the prominent Jewish sects alongside the other two of it’s kind. They were particularly associated with the priestly class and the Temple establishment in Jerusalem

Yiddishkeit

is a Yiddish term that translates to "Jewishness" or "Judaism" in English. It encompasses the cultural, religious, and social aspects of Jewish identity, particularly within the context of Ashkenazi Jewish traditions.

Hiloni

is a Hebrew term that translates to "secular" in English. In the context of Israeli society, "hiloni" refers to individuals who identify as secular or non-religious. Hiloni Jews generally do not adhere strictly to religious observance and often embrace a more secular lifestyle.