Untitled Flashcards Set

God

The central deity in Jewish belief, emphasizing monotheism; viewed as omnipotent, omniscient, and benevolent, forming a personal relationship with the Jewish people.

Israel

Both a land and a people, representing the Jewish nation; essential as the biblical homeland promised to the Jewish people in the Torah.

Rabbis

Jewish religious leaders and scholars who interpret and teach Jewish law (Halakha) and guide communities in religious practice and ethical behavior.

Torah

The sacred text of Judaism containing laws, teachings, and history; consists of the Five Books of Moses and is read publicly in synagogues.

Diaspora

The dispersion of Jews beyond Israel; refers to Jewish communities around the world that maintain religious and cultural traditions despite geographic separation.

Covenant

The sacred agreement between God and the Jewish people, defining their obligations to follow God's laws in exchange for divine protection and blessings.

Bimah

The raised platform in a synagogue where the Torah is read during services; serves as a focal point for worship.

Synagogue

A place of Jewish worship, study, and community gathering, serving as a spiritual center for Jewish life.

Shofar

A ram’s horn blown during Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur as a call to repentance and spiritual awakening.

Tashlich

A ritual performed on Rosh Hashanah where Jews symbolically cast away their sins by throwing bread crumbs into a body of water.

Sukkah

A temporary hut built for Sukkot, representing the dwellings of the Israelites during their journey in the wilderness.

Seder

A ritual meal eaten during Passover that includes symbolic foods and the retelling of the Exodus story.

Menorah

A candelabrum with seven or nine branches; the nine-branched Hanukkiah is lit during Hanukkah.

Ark

The sacred space in a synagogue where the Torah scrolls are kept; also known as the Aron Kodesh.

Ner Tamid

The eternal flame that burns in synagogues above the Ark, symbolizing God's constant presence.

Messiah

A future savior expected to bring peace and justice to the world; Judaism does not recognize Jesus as the Messiah.

Rosh Hashanah

Jewish New Year, a time for self-reflection and renewal. Traditions include blowing the shofar, eating sweet foods like apples and honey, and performing Tashlich.

Yom Kippur

The Day of Atonement, the holiest day in Judaism. Jews fast for 25 hours, pray for forgiveness, and participate in synagogue services focused on repentance.

Sukkot

A week-long festival commemorating the Israelites' journey in the wilderness. Observers build a sukkah and shake the lulav and etrog.

Pesach (Passover)

Celebrates the Exodus from Egypt and freedom from slavery. Families hold a seder, eat matzah, and drink four cups of wine.

Purim

A joyous holiday celebrating Jewish survival in ancient Persia. Traditions include reading the Book of Esther, wearing costumes, and eating hamantaschen.

Hanukkah

Commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple after the Maccabean Revolt. Jews light the menorah, play dreidel, and eat fried foods.

Shabbat

The weekly day of rest from Friday evening to Saturday evening. Jews light candles, recite blessings over challah and wine, and refrain from work.

First Temple

The temple built by King Solomon in Jerusalem, destroyed by the Babylonians in 586 BCE, marking a significant shift in Jewish worship to focus on Torah study.

Second Temple

Constructed after the Babylonian exile and destroyed by the Romans in 70 CE; its destruction led to the rise of rabbinic Judaism and the synagogue as central places of worship.

Rabbinic Judaism

The form of Judaism that emerged after the destruction of the Second Temple, emphasizing the study of the Torah and the role of rabbis as leaders and interpreters of Jewish law.

Synagogue-based worship

The adaptation of Jewish religious life from temple-centered practices to community-driven worship, focusing on prayer, study, and communal gathering.

Transition in worship

The shift from sacrificial and temple-based rituals to prayer and study in synagogues, driven by the destruction of the First and Second Temples.