Judaism Vocabulary Review

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms and definitions related to Judaism based on the lecture notes.

Wailing Wall

The last remaining part of the Second Temple destroyed by the Romans in 70 CE, located in the Old City of Jerusalem.

Mishnah

Oral teaching of the Rabbis used for the interpretation of the Torah.

Torah

The first five books of the Old Testament: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy.

Tanakh

A common way of referring to the Hebrew Bible: Torah, Prophets, Writings.

Synagogue

A Jewish house of worship.

Talmud

The commentary on the Mishnah, part of Judaism's sacred texts.

Diaspora

Jews living outside of Israel.

Shema

Most important prayer in Judaism that is a statement of belief: 'Hear O Israel, the Lord is our God, the Lord alone'.

Holocaust

A methodical plan orchestrated by Hitler and the Nazi Party to ensure German supremacy, resulting in the murder of over 6 million Jews.

Seder

A ritual meal celebrated during Passover.

Passover

Jewish holiday during which Jews remember the Exodus from Egypt.

Rosh Hashanah

Celebration of the Jewish New Year during which Jews reflect on their spiritual needs.

Yom Kippur

The Jewish Day of Atonement, a day of fasting, reflecting, and repenting for one's sins.

Shabbat

The Jewish Sabbath, observed from Friday sundown to Saturday sundown.

Orthodox Judaism

The strictest form of Judaism that believes the Torah never changes.

Conservative Judaism

Jews who keep the requirements of the Torah but believe in adapting to some extent to modern society.

Reform Judaism

Believes Judaism should align with modern ideas and focus on the ethical dimensions of the faith.

Kosher

Jewish dietary laws governing what is permissible to eat.

Anti-semitism

Any attitude or action of hostility toward Jews or Judaism.

Mezuzah

Little wooden or metal boxes with prayer scrolls, placed on doorposts.

Phylacteries

Two small boxes containing biblical passages worn on the head and left arm during prayer.

Zionism

The belief that Jews should return to and live in Israel and that the temple there should be rebuilt.

Covenant

How Jews see their relationship with God; a mutual agreement.

Tanakh

Name for the sacred texts of Judaism consisting of Torah, Writings, & Prophets.

Tallit

Prayer shawl worn to create a sacred space between the person praying and God.

Abraham

'Father' of Monotheism according to Jews, Muslims, and Christians.

Hanukkah

Celebrates the miracle of one day of lantern oil lasting eight days.

Zionist

Sect of Jewish persons who believe all Jews should return to Jerusalem and that the temple should be rebuilt.

613

Number of Jewish laws in the Torah besides the 10 Commandments.

Huppah

Bridal canopy symbolic of the Garden of Eden.

Jerusalem

Holiest city on Earth according to Jews.

Mishnah

Literally means 'instruction' or 'law'.

Spiritual perfection

The idea according to traditional Judaism is the connection with God.