Untitled Flashcards Set

God

The singular, all-powerful, and eternal creator of the universe, central to Jewish faith.

Israel

The land promised to the Jewish people in the Covenant and also refers to the Jewish people as a whole.

Rabbis

Jewish religious leaders and teachers who interpret the Torah and guide the community.

Torah

The central sacred text of Judaism, containing the first five books of the Hebrew Bible.

Diaspora

The dispersion of Jewish people outside of Israel, especially after the destruction of the Temples.

Covenant

The sacred agreement between God and the Jewish people, beginning with Abraham.

bimah

The raised platform in a synagogue where the Torah is read.

synagogue

A Jewish house of worship and study.

shofar

A ram’s horn blown during Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.

Tashlich

A Rosh Hashanah ritual where sins are symbolically cast into a body of water.

sukkah

A temporary hut built for Sukkot to commemorate the Israelites’ time in the wilderness.

seder

A ritual meal held during Passover to retell the story of the Exodus.

menorah

A seven-branched (or nine-branched for Hanukkah) candelabrum used in Jewish rituals.

Ark

The cabinet where the Torah scrolls are kept.

ner tamid

The "eternal light" that hangs above the Ark, symbolizing God's constant presence.

Messiah

A future leader who will bring peace and restore Israel, according to Jewish belief.

Trifecta elements

The three key elements of Judaism: God, Israel, and Torah.

Temples

Central places of worship, sacrifice, and connection to God in ancient Judaism.

First Temple destruction

The Babylonians destroyed the First Temple in 586 BCE.

Second Temple destruction

The Romans destroyed the Second Temple in 70 CE.

Post-Temple adaptation

After the Temples were destroyed, Israelites shifted focus to synagogue worship, prayer, and studying the Torah.

Torah and Covenant

The Torah outlines the agreement between God and the Jewish people, with laws and commandments to follow.

Torah on Creation

It describes God creating the world in six days and resting on the seventh (Genesis).

Torah on afterlife

Judaism focuses more on actions in this life, though beliefs about the afterlife vary.

synagogue function

Serves as a place of worship, study, and community gathering.

Temple Israeliticio uniqueness

One of the few medieval synagogues in Spain still standing.

Dohany Street Synagogue uniqueness

The largest synagogue in Europe, located in Hungary.

Temple Emanu-El uniqueness

One of the largest synagogues in the world, located in New York City.

Rosh Hashanah

The Jewish New Year, a time of reflection and repentance.

Yom Kippur

The Day of Atonement, the holiest day in Judaism, marked by fasting and prayer.

Sukkot

A festival remembering the Israelites’ journey in the desert, celebrated by living in temporary shelters.

Pesach (Passover)

A holiday celebrating the Israelites’ liberation from Egypt, marked by the seder meal.

Purim

A joyous festival celebrating the story of Queen Esther and the survival of the Jewish people.

Hanukkah

The Festival of Lights, celebrating the rededication of the Temple and the miracle of the oil.

Shabbat

The Jewish Sabbath, a weekly day of rest from Friday evening to Saturday evening.

Jewish festivals

They reinforce faith, history, and community through rituals, storytelling, and religious observances.

Studying Judaism and Catholicism

It helps understand Christianity’s Jewish roots, including shared scriptures, rituals, and the concept of monotheism.