Religion Study Guide - Judaism

Torah

The central reference of the religious Judaic tradition, consisting of the first five books of the Hebrew Bible.

Talmud

A compilation of teachings and interpretations of the Torah, serving as a guide for Jewish law and ethics.

Synagogue

A place of worship and community gathering for Jewish people, where prayer and study occur.

Rabbi

A Jewish teacher or scholar, particularly one who is trained in Jewish law and theology, often serving as a spiritual leader within the community.

Nevi’im

The Book of Prophets in the Hebrew Bible.

Covenant

An agreement between God and the people, central to Jewish theology.

Shema

The basic theological statement starting with: 'Hear, Oh Israel; the Lord is our God, the Lord alone'.

Oral Torah

The Mishnas and the Talmud, teachings given by the great Rabbis of antiquity.

Exodus from Egypt

The significant event in Israelite history when the Jews escaped slavery in Egypt.

Revelation on Mt. Sinai

The event where Moses received the Torah from God.

Diaspora

The dispersion of Jews beyond Israel, particularly after the Babylonian exile.

Zionism

A term referring to the great desire to return to the homeland of Israel.

Anti-Semitism

Persistent prejudice against Jews, leading to widespread discrimination and violence throughout history.

Kaddish

A prayer offered to the dead.

Yom Kippur

The Day of Atonement, a significant holy day dedicated to fasting and repentance.

Seder

The dinner during Passover that includes symbolic foods and the retelling of the Exodus story.

Barmitzva/Batmitzva

A coming-of-age ceremony for Jewish boys and girls.

Jewish Sabbath

Observed on Saturday, considered a day of rest commemorating God's day of rest after creation.

Maimonides

Rabbi Moses ben Maimons philosophical writings, particularly the Guide for the Perplexed.

Orthodox

Strict adherence to Torah; maintain traditional practices and beliefs like modest dress and morships in hebrew

Hasidism

Believe the importance of a leader (zadic) in community

Conservative:

Falls in the middle of Orthodox and Reformist; most americans are conservative

Reformed

Emphasizes the evolving nature of Judaism and encourages modern interpretations of the Torah; most converts are reformist

Sashima:

a prayer from Deuteronomy that starts with “here o lord”

Who destroyed the 2nd temple

The Roman’s

When do Muslims invade/conquer Palestine?

7th Cen. AD

Where do jews worship

Synagogue and home

What do jews prioritize more, worship or belief?

Worship

Who do Jewish couples look to as the ideal?

Adam and Eve