Judaism Lecture Notes – Vocabulary Review

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering foundational terms, symbols, texts, observances, and beliefs introduced in the lecture on Judaism.

Judaism

The oldest Abrahamic religion, rooted in the covenant between God and Abraham.

Abrahamic Religion

A faith tradition that traces its origins to the patriarch Abraham (Judaism, Christianity, Islam).

Covenant

A sacred agreement; in Judaism, the foundational pact between God and Abraham.

Torah

The first five books of Moses; primary source of Jewish law (Halakha).

Pentateuch

Another name for the Five Books of Moses: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy.

Hebrew Bible

Also called the Tanakh; the complete Jewish scriptures.

TaNaKh

Acronym for Torah (Law), Nevi’im (Prophets), and Ketuvim (Writings).

Nevi’im

The Prophets section of the Tanakh, including Joshua through the Twelve Minor Prophets.

Ketuvim

The Writings section of the Tanakh, e.g., Psalms, Proverbs, Job.

Talmud

Compilation of the Oral Torah—rabbinic discussions explaining how to apply scripture.

Halakha

The collective body of Jewish religious law and practice derived from Torah and Talmud.

Star of David

Six-pointed star symbol representing Judaism and the Jewish people.

Menorah

Seven-branched candelabrum symbolizing the burning bush; one of Judaism’s oldest symbols.

Synagogue

Jewish house of worship, study, and community gathering.

Adonai (YHWH)

Title (‘My Lord’) used in place of pronouncing the divine name, respecting the Second Commandment.

Sabbath (Shabbat)

Weekly day of rest from Friday sundown to Saturday sundown, marking God’s rest after creation.

B’rit Milah

Covenant of circumcision performed on Jewish male infants.

Bar Mitzvah

Coming-of-age ceremony for Jewish boys at age 13, signifying religious adulthood.

Kiddushin

The sanctification ceremony that establishes a Jewish marriage.

K’vurah

Jewish burial and funeral service.

Rosh Hashanah

Jewish New Year; start of the Ten Days of Awe; marked by the shofar blast.

Days of Awe

Ten-day period of reflection between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.

Yom Kippur

Day of Atonement devoted to fasting, prayer, and repentance.

Pesach (Passover)

Spring festival commemorating the Exodus from Egypt; celebrated with a ritual meal (Seder).

Shavuot

Festival marking the revelation of the Torah to Moses at Mount Sinai.

Sukkot

Autumn festival recalling Israelite sheltering in the wilderness; associated with temporary booths.

Shemini Atzeret

Eighth-day assembly following Sukkot; concludes the festival period.

Simchat Torah

Celebration marking the completion and restart of the annual Torah reading cycle.

Hanukkah

Eight-day Festival of Lights beginning 25 Kislev, commemorating the rededication of the Temple.

Purim

Celebration of Jewish deliverance told in the Book of Esther; observed with feasting and costumes.

Thirteen Principles of Faith

Maimonides’ summary of core Jewish beliefs, including God’s unity, prophecy, Torah, Messiah, and resurrection.

Messiah

The anticipated anointed leader who will bring ultimate redemption according to Jewish belief.