IGCSE RELIGIOUS STUDIES 0490

Synagogue

A place for Jewish worship, prayer, and Torah study.

Torah scrolls

Contain the first five books of the Hebrew Bible, treated with great respect.

Shabbat candles

Lit to welcome the Sabbath, representing holiness and peace.

Challah

Plaited bread eaten during Shabbat meals, with blessings said over it.

Kiddush cup

Used for blessings over wine, especially when welcoming Shabbat.

Mezuzah

A small case on a doorpost containing a passage from the Torah, reminding Jews of God’s commandments.

Mikvah

A pool of water used for ritual immersion and purification.

Kippah

A skullcap worn by Jewish men, symbolizing respect for God.

Tallit

A prayer shawl with fringes that reminds Jews of God’s commandments.

Tefillin

Small boxes containing scriptural passages, worn during weekday morning prayers.

Public worship

Takes place in the synagogue and fosters community through communal prayer.

Private worship

Takes place at home or individually, allowing personal connection with God.

Shabbat

The Jewish Sabbath, a time for worship, family, and rest.

Havdalah

Ceremony marking the end of Shabbat, separating the holy from the ordinary week.

Rabbi

A Jewish teacher and scholar providing guidance on religious law and scripture.

Chazan

Leads the congregation in singing and prayer during worship.

One God

Judaism teaches the belief in a single, all-powerful God.

Covenant with Abraham

An agreement between God and Abraham promising land and descendants.

Covenant with Moses

Includes the Ten Commandments connecting obedience to God's law with protection.

The Torah

Central source of Jewish teaching, consisting of the first five books of the Hebrew Bible.

Mitzvot

The commandments in Jewish religious law, guiding moral behavior.

Noahide laws

Basic moral laws traditionally understood to apply to all humanity.

The chosen people

Belief that Jews have a special relationship with God through covenant.

Western Wall

A sacred site in Jerusalem, the last remnant of the Second Temple, significant for prayer.

Yad Vashem

Holocaust memorial in Jerusalem, educating visitors about antisemitism and history.

Rosh Hashanah

Jewish New Year that marks the beginning of a period of reflection and repentance.

Yom Kippur

Day of Atonement, the holiest day focused on repentance and forgiveness.

Pesach

Passover, celebrating the deliverance of Israelites from Egyptian slavery.

Sukkot

Festival of Booths celebrating harvest and God's protection during wilderness wanderings.

Brit Milah

Circumcision ceremony representing the covenant between God and Abraham.

Bar Mitzvah

Ceremony marking a boy's coming of age at 13, signifying responsibility for commandments.

Bat Mitzvah

Ceremony for a girl at 12, marking her coming of age and religious responsibility.

Kashrut

Jewish dietary laws determining what foods are permitted or forbidden.

Tzedakah

Righteous or charitable giving, regarded as a responsibility in Judaism.

Tikkun olam

Concept of 'repairing the world,' linked to social action and responsibility.

Agape

Unconditional love, central to Christian teaching on loving others.

Lent

A period of preparation for Easter, focusing on reflection, fasting, and prayer.

Easter

Celebration of Jesus’ resurrection, highlighting hope and community.

Christmas

Holds significance as the celebration of Jesus’ birth and God's love for humanity.

Confirmation

Ceremony confirming an individual's commitment to Christianity.

First Communion

The first experience of receiving Holy Communion, marking deeper participation in faith.

Marriage

Vows expressing commitment, often seen as a sacrament in some Christian denominations.

Funeral

Ceremony recognizing the death of a loved one, focusing on support and hope in resurrection.

Tradition and change

Discussion on maintaining traditional practices versus adapting to modern society.

Stewardship

The responsibility to care for the environment as part of God's creation.

Christian Aid

A charity aimed at reducing poverty and supporting crisis-affected communities.

Tearfund

Charity focused on alleviating poverty and supporting communities in hardship.

Caritas

Catholic charitable network providing assistance to those in need.

Seder meal

Passover meal containing prayers and readings commemorating the Exodus.

Exodus

The flight of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, a key narrative in Jewish history.

Ten Commandments

Fundamental laws given to Moses, guiding moral and religious behavior.

Chuppah

The canopy under which a Jewish marriage ceremony takes place.

Ketubah

Marriage contract outlining the responsibilities of partners in a Jewish marriage.

Breaking the glass

A Jewish wedding custom symbolizing the destruction of the Temple.

Shiva

The seven-day mourning period following a Jewish funeral.

Kaddish

Prayer recited by mourners in honor of the deceased.

Mohel

The person who performs the circumcision in the Brit Milah ceremony.

Sandek

The person who holds the baby during the Brit Milah ceremony.

Jews' relationship with God

A fundamental aspect encouraging adherence to commandments and moral living.

Observance of kashrut

Religious practice involving dietary laws, signifying obedience and identity.

Shofar

The ram's horn blown during Rosh Hashanah services, symbolizing spiritual awakening.

Tashlikh

Symbolic casting away of sins performed during Rosh Hashanah.

Hall of Names

Memorial space at Yad Vashem commemorating Holocaust victims.

Avenue of the Righteous Among the Nations

Recognizes non-Jews who aided Jews during the Holocaust.

Hall of Remembrance

A space at Yad Vashem dedicated to Holocaust memory.

Ner tamid

The eternal light in a synagogue, symbolizing God's presence.

Gemilut hasadim

Acts of loving-kindness, such as helping someone in need.

Pushke

A charity box used for collecting donations in Jewish communities.

Importance of Shabbat

Remembers God's rest after creation, fostering family and worship.

Significance of Pesach

Remembers freedom from slavery, passing history to younger generations.

Community in public worship

Brings together Jews for communal prayer and strengthens bonds.