Judaism Bioethics, Marriage, and Hasidism Practice Flashcards

These vocabulary flashcards cover key ethical teachings in Jewish bioethics, significant practices in marriage, the contributions of Hasidism, and structural requirements for HSC religious studies responses.

Sanctity of Life

The Jewish ethical teaching that all human life is sacred because it is created by God in his image, meaning life must be protected as stated in Exodus $20:13$: "You shall not kill."

Pikuach Nefesh

A teaching in Judaism stating that the preservation of human life overrules most other commandments, establishing the duty to save a life as a primary moral and religious obligation.

Euthanasia (Jewish Perspective)

The intentional termination of life to relieve suffering from a terminal illness; it is generally opposed in Judaism as it disregards the Sanctity of Life and assumes power over life and death which belongs only to God.

Abortion (Jewish Perspective)

The deliberate termination of a pregnancy; while generally not supported to protect God's creation, it may be considered if the mother's life is at risk and the foetus is deemed a rodef (attacker).

Rodef

A term meaning "attacker," used in the context of Jewish bioethics to describe a foetus that threatens a mother's physical health or life, potentially justifying an abortion.

First Breath

The specific point in time when life is acknowledged to begin within Jewish bioethical discussions concerning abortion.

Ketubah

A written marriage contract signed by the couple before the ceremony that outlines responsibilities and duties, creating a covenant; it is considered legally binding by Orthodox Jews and a symbol by Progressive Jews.

Chuppah

A structure with an open roof and sides under which the couple stands during a marriage ceremony, symbolizing the welcoming of God and the community into the couple's new home.

Moral Law (Marriage)

The belief that Jewish marriage is a means to fulfill the first commandment to "Be fruitful and multiply," as found in Genesis $1:28$.

Mitzvah Campaigns

Educational initiatives, usually promoted by the Chabad-Lubavitch movement, that encourage Jews to follow important mitzvot to strengthen their faith and connection to Jewish traditions.

Experience Based Worship

A Hasidic contribution that revitalized faith by encouraging worship through daily activities beyond fixed synagogue prayer times, based on the belief that God is present everywhere.

Devekut

A concept in Hasidism focused on achieving a deep, meditative attachment or connection to God during worship and daily life.

Variant Difference

An essential component in HSC responses worth $5$ marks or more, requiring the student to identify and explain differences in practices or beliefs between different Jewish groups, such as Orthodox and Progressive.

Inner Peace

A specific focus within the Religion and Peace topic that refers to the personal, internal tranquility an adherent fosters through their religious tradition.

World Peace

A specific focus within the Religion and Peace topic concerning how religious traditions and their teachings contribute to peace on a global or communal scale.