Jewish Beliefs Flashcards

Flashcards about Jewish beliefs based on lecture notes.

What is the main division in Judaism five hundred years ago?

The major division in Judaism was between the Sephardic Jews and the Ashkenazi Jews.

Who are the Sephardi Jews?

The Jews from Spain, Portugal and the Middle East

Who are the Ashkenazi Jews?

Jews from Germany and Eastern Europe whose separate language is Yiddish (a mix of German and Hebrew).

What is the main division in modern Judaism?

The main division is between Orthodox and Reform.

What is Orthodox Judaism?

The Judaism most non-Jews think of as Judaism and regard the Torah as the infallible Word of God.

What is Reform Judaism?

Resulted from nineteenth-century attempts to 'modernise' Judaism by bringing the findings of science and biblical criticism into Judaism.

What is the Tenakh?

Jewish scriptures

What divisions is the Tenakh comprised of?

Torah, Nevi'im, and Ketuvim

Why is the Torah the holiest part of the Tenakh for Jewish people?

Because they believe that it came directly from God to Moses.

What is the shema?

The most basic teaching of Judaism from the Torah, emphasizing God's oneness. 'Hear, O Israel! The Lord our God, the Lord is one.'

What is a mezuzah?

A container holding the shema on the gates and doorframes of each room in the house.

What are tefillin?

Leather boxes containing the shema, bound to the foreheads and arms when praying.

What is the first words of the Torah?

In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth (Genesis 1:1).

Who is Maimonides?

Medieval rabbi and philosopher (1135-1204) who wrote the Thirteen Principles which is a summary of Jewish beliefs

What is the covenant?

A binding agreement between two parties; usually refers to God and Israel.

What are mitzvot?

Commandments/laws

Who was Noah?

God gave laws to Noah as part of God's covenant with Noah.

What is the halakhah?

The mitzvot form the halakhah, which is the basis of how Jews live their lives today.

What does Halakhah translate to?

'The path that one walks'.

What is Shekhinah?

A way of describing the Almighty's presence in the world.

What is the Tabernacle?

The holy place containing the Ark of the Covenant.

What is the Temple?

The centre of worship built by Solomon in Jerusalem and destroyed in 70CE.

What is mount Zion?

The holy hill in Jerusalem where the Temple was.

What is the Talmud?

Writings explaining the Torah.

What is the Kabbalah?

Jewish mysticism.

What does Messiah mean?

'Anointed one' and was used to refer to the kings of Israel who were anointed.

What is the Messianic Age?

A time when all nations will live at peace and there will be justice in the world.

What is the Exodus?

Jewish people were in captivity in Egypt, working as slaves for the Egyptian pharaoh when Moses was called by God to lead his people out of Egypt to the Promised Land of Canaan.

What is the Ark of the Covenant?

The holy container for the tablets of the commandments.

What are Gentiles?

Non-Jews

What is Shabbat?

The Jewish holy day on Saturday, the seventh day of the week

What does brit milah translate to?

Covenant of circumcision

What is a Mohel?

Expert circumciser

What does brit shalom translate to?

Covenant of peace

What does brit chayim translate to?

Covenant of life

What does pikuach nefesh translate to?

Saving a life

What is Yom Kippur?

The Day of Atonement when religious Jews fast for the whole day.

What is Kashrut?

Keeping Jewish food laws

What is the definition of the Oral Torah?

The unwritten Torah given to Moses by God.

What does Chukim translate to?

Mitzvot with no reason given for them.

What is Gan Eden?

Heaven.

What is Gehinnom?

Hell