Judaism – Key Vocabulary from Lecture

Vocabulary flashcards covering major people, texts, sects, and key terms from the Judaism lecture notes.

Judaism

Monotheistic religion of the Jewish people, rooted in the covenant between God and Abraham and later mediated by Moses.

Jews

Followers or descendants of Judaism; today the term can denote ancestry, conversion, or cultural identity irrespective of religious practice.

Judah

Fourth son of Jacob; his descendants formed one of Israel’s twelve tribes, from which the words “Jew” and “Judaism” derive.

Jacob (Israel)

Patriarch whose twelve sons became the ancestors of the Twelve Tribes of Israel; also called Israel, meaning “one who struggles with God.”

Twelve Tribes of Israel

Clans descended from Jacob’s twelve sons, each forming a distinct tribe within ancient Israel.

Hebrews

Early designation for Abraham’s descendants; term emphasizes ethnic lineage rather than later religious identity.

Israelites

“Children of Israel,” descendants of Jacob; biblically regarded as God’s chosen people.

Gentiles

Biblical term for all non-Jews.

Abraham

Founding patriarch who entered a covenant with God, making his descendants heirs to the Promised Land and Judaism’s first adherents.

Sarah

Wife of Abraham (originally Sarai); matriarch renamed by God in the covenant narrative.

Covenant

Sacred agreement between God and humans (e.g., with Abraham and later at Sinai) forming the theological basis of Judaism.

Moses

Prophet who led the Exodus from Egypt, received the Torah at Sinai, and organized Israel’s religious and civil traditions.

Ten Commandments

Core ethical laws given to Moses at Sinai, forming part of the 613 mitzvot in the Torah.

Torah

Judaism’s central text comprising the Five Books of Moses and 613 commandments; literally “instruction” or “teaching.”

Sefer Torah

Hand-written Torah scroll wound around two wooden poles, used in synagogue services.

Sofer

Trained scribe who meticulously writes a Sefer Torah, ensuring every letter is perfect.

Piyyut

Jewish liturgical poem intended to be recited, chanted, or sung during religious services, often in Hebrew or Aramaic.

Talmud

Authoritative compendium of Jewish oral law and commentary, consisting of the Mishnah and Gemara.

Mishnah

First written collection of the Oral Torah, detailing legal rulings that supplement the Written Torah.

Gemara

Rabbinic analysis and commentary on the Mishnah, forming the second part of the Talmud.

Babylonian Talmud

More comprehensive and authoritative edition of the Talmud compiled by rabbis in Babylonia.

Palestinian Talmud

Earlier, shorter, and less complete edition of the Talmud compiled in the Land of Israel.

Synagogue

Jewish house of worship where prayers are recited and the Torah is read.

Rabbi

Jewish religious teacher and leader who conducts services and interprets Jewish law.

Cantor

Musical leader who chants liturgy and assists the rabbi during synagogue services.

Mitzvot

Plural of mitzvah; the 613 divine commandments that govern all aspects of Jewish life.

YHVH

Four-letter ineffable name of God; considered too holy to pronounce.

Adonai

Hebrew substitute pronunciation for YHVH, meaning “my Lord.”

HaShem

Literal “the Name”; colloquial Jewish reference to God used in casual speech.

Rabbinic Judaism

Mainstream form of Judaism that interprets Written Torah through the lens of the Oral Torah and rabbinic literature.

Orthodox Judaism

Stream holding that both Written and Oral Torah were divinely revealed and are eternally binding; emphasizes strict observance.

Shloshah Asar Ikkarim

“Thirteen Fundamental Principles” of Jewish faith formulated by Maimonides; central to Orthodox belief.

Maimonides (Rabbi Moshe ben Maimon)

Medieval rabbi, philosopher, and codifier who authored the Thirteen Principles and major works of Jewish law.

Conservative Judaism

Movement committed to traditional Jewish law yet open to historical scholarship and adapting practice to changing conditions.

Reform (Liberal/Progressive) Judaism

Movement viewing Judaism primarily as a religion; retains ethical teachings while modifying or discarding many ritual laws.