Judaism Quiz Study Guide

Monotheism

The belief in one God, which is fundamental to Judaism. This concept asserts that there is only one, indivisible God who is the creator and ruler of the universe.

Covenant

The special relationship between God and the Jewish people. It is believed to have been established through agreements with biblical patriarchs such as Abraham and includes mutual obligations and promises.

Torah

The central and most important text of Judaism. It refers to the Five Books of Moses (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy) and contains Jewish laws, teachings, and practices.

Tanakh

The entire Hebrew Bible, which includes the Torah, Nevi'im (Prophets), and Ketuvim (Writings). It is the primary source of Jewish law and tradition.

Ten Commandments

A set of biblical principles relating to ethics and worship, which play a fundamental role in Judaism. They are believed to have been revealed by God to the Moses and the Israelites at Mount Sinai.

Messiah

In Jewish belief, a future redemptive figure who will bring about an era of global peace and prosperity. The concept of the ______ varies among different Jewish traditions.

Synagogues

Jewish houses of worship and community centers. They serve as places for prayer, study, and communal gatherings.

Rabbis

Jewish spiritual leaders and teachers. They interpret Jewish law, lead congregations, and provide guidance on religious and personal matters.

Shabbat/Sabbath

The Jewish day of rest, observed from Friday evening to Saturday evening. It is marked by the cessation of work and special prayers and meals.

Tikkun Olam

A Jewish concept meaning "repair/fix of the world." It emphasizes the shared responsibility of Jews to heal, repair, and transform the world through social action and justice.

Zionism

A movement supporting the establishment and development of a Jewish state for Jewish people in the historic Land of Israel through the colonization of Palestine. It emerged in the late 19th century and led to the creation of the State of Israel in 1948. Theodor Herzl was the founder of the modern _____ movement.

Yom Kippur

The Day of Atonement, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar. It is observed with fasting, prayer, and repentance. It is one of the two components of the High Holy Days of Judaism. It is also the last of the Ten Days of Repentance.

Rosh Hashanah

The Jewish New Year, marking the beginning of the High Holy Days. It is a time of reflection, repentance, and renewal in the Jewish tradition. Begins ten days of penitence culminating in Yom Kippur.

Ashkenazi

refers to Jews primarily descended from Central and Eastern Europe

Sephardic

refers to Jews from Spain and Portugal

Mizrahi

refers to Jews from the Middle East, North Africa, and Asia

Abraham

In Judaism, the first patriarch of the Jewish people and the founder of the Jewish nation.

Abraham's Significance

Known for being the first person to teach that there is only one God. He is the first point of contact between God and the Jewish people. The basis for the Jewish claim to Israel. God promised _______'s children the land of Israel.

Moses

In Judaism, a prophet and leader who freed the Israelites from slavery in Egypt.

Role of Moses

Led the Israelites out of Egypt and across the Red Sea. Received the Ten Commandments from Yahweh, which established the basis for Jewish law. Transcribed the Torah, also known as the Five Books of Moses, the foundational text of Judaism.

Three Main Branches

Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform Judaism

Orthodox Judaism Beliefs

Traditional and conservative, and adheres to a traditional interpretation of Jewish law. Believe that the written and oral Torah have divine origins.

Reform Judaism Beliefs

Liberal and progressive, and believes that the Torah is a background to modern ideals. Believe that Judaism can continue to develop beyond the biblical period.