Judaism- chapter 1 key terms

monotheism

a religion that believes there is only one God

Shema

a Jewish prayer affirming belief in the one God, found in the Torah

Torah

five boos of moses, which form the first section of the Tenakh or the jewish written law

creator

the one who makes things and brings them into being

orthodox jews

jews who emphasise the importance of following Jewish law and the guidance of the Torah; they believe that the Torah was given to Moses directly by god so it must be followed very closely

ultra orthodox jews

Jews who are even more strict about how closely they follow the words of the Torah

Shabbat

the jewish holy day of the week; a day of spiritual renewal starting shortly before sunset on a Friday and lasts until Saturday night time

omnipotent

almighty, having unlimited power

omniscient

knowing everything

omnipresent

being present at all times, everywhere

ten commandments

ten laws given to Moses by God

mitzvot

jewish rules or commandments

merciful

the quality of God which shows compassion or forgiveness to humans, even though he has the power to punish them

Shekhinah

the divine presence of God

temple

the centre of jewish worship at the time of Jesus, where the priests and good would meet

judgement

the belief that god judges a person based on their actions, and either rewards or punishes them as a result

resurrection

the belief that after death the body remains in the grave until the end of the world, before rising again when God will come to judge

rabbi

a jewish religious leader or teacher

messiah

literally meaning the anointed one, a leader for the Jews who is expected to live on earth at some time in the future

messianic age

a future time of global peace when everyone will want to become closer to God, possibly through the intervention of the Messiah

promised land

the land of Canaan that God promised to Jews

covenant

an agreement; in Judaism, it refers to an agreement between individuals, often on behalf of the Jews, and God

circumcision

the removal of the foreskin of the penis

justice

bringing about what is right and fair, according to the law, or making up for a wrong that has been committed

tikkun olam

being involved in God’s work to sustain the world; it can involve work to increase social justice or to preserve the environment

charity

proving help and love to those in need, or and organisation that does not make a profit, whose main purpose is to help those in need

kindness to others

positive, caring actions that should be shown to all living things

sanctity of life

all life is holy as it is create and loved by God; human life should not be misused and abused

talmud

a commentary by rabbis on the Torah- it consists of the Mishnah and Gemara together in one collection

pikuach nefesh

the obligation to save a life, even if doing so breaks Jewish law

free will

belief that God gives people the opportunity to make decisions for themselves