Juddiams Unit

Passover

A spring festival celebrating the Israelites' freedom from slavery in Egypt.

Isaac

Son of Abraham and Sarah, considered a patriarch of Judaism.

Exodus

The story of the Israelites' escape from slavery in Egypt, a foundational event in Judaism.

Synagogue

A Jewish house of worship and community center.

Shofar

A ram's horn trumpet used for religious ceremonies.

Diaspora

The scattering of Jews from their homeland to other parts of the world.

Rosh Hashanah

Jewish New Year, a time for reflection and renewal.

Yahweh (YHWH or Jehovah)

One of the names for God in Judaism.

Kippa (Yarmulke)

A head covering worn by many Jewish men and boys as a sign of respect.

Hanukkah

A festival celebrating the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem.

Messiah

A future Jewish king and redeemer prophesied in Judaism.

Tefillin

Small leather boxes containing scripture worn by observant Jews during prayer.

Menorah

A seven-branched candelabrum used in religious ceremonies.

Torah

The first five books of the Hebrew Bible, considered the foundation of Jewish law and teachings.

Rabbi

A Jewish religious leader and teacher.

Mezuzah

A small case containing scripture affixed to the doorpost of a Jewish home.

Promised Land

The land God promised to the Israelites, often identified with modern-day Israel.

Holocaust

The genocide of European Jews during World War II.

Tzedakah Box

A box for collecting charity donations.

Yom Kippur

The Day of Atonement, the holiest day in Judaism, a day of fasting and repentance.

Tanakh

The Hebrew Bible, including the Torah, Prophets, and Writings. 

Kabbalah

A mystical tradition within Judaism that seeks hidden meanings in the Torah.

Chosen People

A concept in Judaism that suggests Jews have a special covenant with God. 

Shabbat/Sabbath

The Jewish day of rest, from sunset Friday to sunset Saturday. 

Hasidism

branch of Judaism known for its emphasis on joy, mysticism, and devotion. 

Covenant:

A special agreement or bond between God and the Jewish people. 

Kosher

Dietary laws that dictate what foods are permissible for Jews to eat. 

State of Israel:

A modern nation established as a homeland for the Jewish people

Talmud:

A collection of Jewish law and commentary, alongside related discussions and debates. 

Days of Awe:

A period of ten days leading up to Yom Kippur, a time for reflection and repentance.

Abraham:

The first patriarch of Judaism considered the father of the Jewish people.

Zionism

A movement that promotes the return of Jews to their homeland and the establishment of a Jewish state.

Moses:

The prophet who led the Israelites out of Egypt and received the Torah. 

Shema:

The most important prayer in Judaism, saying God is one and to love God. 

Sitting Shiva

A Jewish mourning custom where family gathers for 7 days after a death to grieve and be comforted.

Patriarch:

One of the "fathers" who started Judaism, like Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.