Judaism Lecture

These flashcards cover the vocabulary, key figures, symbols, and scriptures of Judaism as presented in the lecture notes.

Judaism

The totality of beliefs and practices of the Jewish people, which traces its origin to the Bronze Age in West Asia.

Jew

A person who is of Jewish heritage or who has converted to the Jewish religion.

Abrahamic religions

A group of religions that includes Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

$1948-49$ Arab-Israeli War

A war won by the Israelis, after which Israel took $50\%$ of the land formerly given to Palestine.

Menorah

The oldest symbol of the Jewish faith; its $7$ branches symbolize the $7$ days of Hanukah and the mission to be "a light unto the nations."

Star of David

The universal symbol of Judaism made of two triangles, also known in Hebrew as Magen David.

Synagogues

Originally a place where $10$ men could worship and study, and where most Jewish rituals take place.

Rabbi

The person who is in charge of the synagogue and its teaching.

Torah

The most important text of the Jewish people containing the "5 books of Moses" and sacred laws; Christians call it the "Old Testament."

Pentateuch

The first five books of the Hebrew Bible, recording the origin of the Jewish people and the beginning of Judaism.

Saul

The first king of Israel who was chosen by the prophet Samuel but later lost God's favor for disobeying commands.

David

The greatest king of Israel who defeated Goliath, made Jerusalem the capital, and wrote many Psalms.

Solomon

The son of David known for his wisdom who built the First Temple in Jerusalem.

Abraham

The father of the Jewish people born in UR KASDIM around $1800\,BC$ and the first person to enter a covenant with God.

Covenant

A contract or promise with God; God's first covenant with Abraham stated his descendants would be God's chosen people.

Patriarch

A term meaning "male power figure."

Moses

The founder of Judaism, also called Moshe Rabbenu, who led the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt to the Promised Land.

Ten Commandments

The laws given to Moses by God on two stone tablets at Mount Sinai.

Passover

A celebration originating from the Israelites marking their doors with lamb's blood to be spared from the tenth plague (Death of the Firstborn).

B.C.E.

Before Common Era; a term used because Jews do not believe Jesus was Christ or the son of God.

Isaiah

A prophet who warned people to turn from sin, teaching that God desires righteousness over rituals, and spoke of a future Messiah.

Jeremiah

The "Weeping Prophet" who warned of the destruction of Jerusalem and taught of a "new covenant" written on the heart.

Ezekiel

A prophet in Babylon who had visions like the valley of dry bones and taught that God remained with His people during exile.

Genesis

The first book of the Torah detailing the beginning of the world and Abraham's family.

Exodus

The second book of the Torah detailing the Israelites' slavery in Egypt and their escape under Moses.

Leviticus

The third book of the Torah containing laws and religious practices for the priests and the people.

Numbers

The fourth book of the Torah detailing the Israelites' journey through the desert.

Deuteronomy

The fifth book of the Torah containing Moses' final speeches and a review of laws before entering the Promised Land.

Nevi’im

The section of the Hebrew Bible meaning "Prophets," containing the stories and messages of prophets like Isaiah and Ezekiel.

Ketuvim

The section of the Hebrew Bible meaning "Writings," including poetry, wisdom, and history such as Psalms and Proverbs.

Jewish Messiah

A predicted powerful, righteous king from David’s family who will bring peace and rebuild the Temple, but is not considered divine.