Judiasm

Covenant

The special agreement between God and the Jewish people, where God promised to protect the Israelites in exchange for their obedience to His laws.

Shema

A central Jewish prayer proclaiming the oneness of God, considered radical for its belief in one God in a polytheistic society.

Torah

The first five books of the Hebrew Bible, believed to be revealed to Moses, containing laws and teachings.

Prophets (Nevi'im)

The section of the Hebrew Bible that includes writings of the prophets and the history of Israel.

Writings (Ketuvim)

The third section of the Hebrew Bible that includes poetry, wisdom literature, and songs like Psalms and Proverbs.

Concentric Circles of God’s Will

A framework in Judaism that reveals God's will through Torah, community practices, humanity's ethical responsibilities, and creation.

Babylonian Exile

A significant event when many Jews were taken to Babylon, leading to a stronger focus on scripture and preservation of traditions.

Bar mitzvah

A coming-of-age ceremony for Jewish boys marking their responsibilities in following Jewish law.

Anti-Semitism

Prejudice or hatred against Jews, historically evident in events like the Crusades and the Holocaust.

Kabbalah

Jewish mysticism aiming for a closer relationship with God through spiritual understanding.

Hasidism

A movement in Judaism emphasizing joy, prayer, community, and personal relationship with God.

Orthodox Judaism

A form of Judaism that strictly adheres to traditional Jewish laws and practices.

Conservative Judaism

A branch of Judaism that maintains many traditional practices while allowing some modernization.

Reform Judaism

A progressive form of Judaism focusing on individual choice and adapting traditions to modern life.

Passover

A Jewish holy day celebrating the Exodus from Egypt.

Rosh Hashanah

The Jewish New Year, a time for reflection and self-examination.

Yom Kippur

The Day of Atonement, focused on repentance and seeking forgiveness.