Judaism and Politics in Israel

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms related to Judaism and its political implications in Israel, including definitions and explanations essential for understanding the subject.

Monotheism

The belief in one God.

Covenant

A binding agreement with God, signifying a special relationship.

Chosen People

The Jewish belief that they have a responsibility to live by the Torah.

Tanakh

The Hebrew Bible, consisting of the Torah, Prophets, and Writings.

Talmud

The collection of rabbinic discussions and decisions, consisting of the Mishnah and Gemara.

Diaspora

The dispersion of Jews outside their ancestral homeland.

Zionism

The nationalist movement for the establishment of a Jewish homeland in Palestine.

Balfour Declaration

A statement by the British government supporting a national home for the Jewish people in Palestine.

U.N. Partition Plan

The United Nations proposal in 1947 to create separate Jewish and Arab states.

Jewish Identity

An individual's identification with Judaism, encompassing religion, culture, and ethnicity.

Orthodox Judaism

A branch that seeks to strictly observe traditional Jewish law.

Reform Judaism

A branch that emphasizes the adaptation of Jewish practice to modern life.

Ultra-Orthodox (Haredi) Judaism

A sect known for its strict religious observance and resistance to modern secular culture.

Secular Judaism

A cultural identification with Judaism without necessarily practicing religious beliefs.

Knesset

The Israeli parliament responsible for making laws.

Halachic Law

Jewish law derived from the Torah and later rabbinic texts.

Sabbath

The day of rest and worship in Judaism, observed from Friday evening to Saturday evening.

Kosher

Dietary laws governing what foods are permissible to eat in Judaism.

Settler Movement

A religious-nationalist movement advocating for Jewish settlement in the West Bank.

Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

The ongoing dispute between Jews and Palestinians over land and sovereignty in Israel/Palestine.

Judicial Review

The power of the judiciary to examine the actions of the legislative and executive branches.

Religious Parties

Political parties in Israel that are based on Jewish religious principles and values.