JUDAISM TERMS

Biblical Judaism

The early form of Judaism centered on the Temple in Jerusalem, animal sacrifice, priests, and the covenantal law.

Second Temple

The Temple in Jerusalem that was destroyed in 70 CE, marking the end of Biblical Judaism.

Rabbinical Judaism

Judaism that developed after 70 CE, centered on study of the Torah, the synagogue, and teachings of rabbis instead of Temple sacrifice.

Zealots

A militant Jewish movement in the 1st century CE that resisted Roman rule and led revolts, including the rebellion that caused the Temple’s destruction.

Essenes

A separatist Jewish group around the time of Jesus; lived in monastic-like communities, highly disciplined, and likely contributors to the Dead Sea Scrolls.

Pharisees

A Jewish group that emphasized law, purity, and oral tradition; believed in resurrection and became the foundation of Rabbinic Judaism.

Abraham

The patriarch called by God into covenant; regarded as the father of Israel and of monotheism in Judaism.

Torah

"Law" or "Instruction." The first 5 books of the Hebrew Bible; core of Jewish teaching.

Midrash

Rabbinic commentary on Scripture; interpretations used to explain or expand biblical texts.

Kosher

Jewish dietary laws governing what foods may be eaten and how they must be prepared.

Shoah

Hebrew term for the Holocaust, the genocide of 6 million Jews during WWII.

Passover

Spring festival recalling the Exodus from Egypt; marked by a ritual meal (Seder) remembering liberation.

Orthodox Judaism

Traditionalist branch; strict observance of kosher, Sabbath, gender separation in prayer, and adherence to halakhic law.

Reform Judaism

Modern branch emphasizing adaptability to contemporary life; gender equality, vernacular worship, and less rigid ritual observance.

Conservative Judaism

Middle position between Orthodox and Reform; preserves tradition but allows for limited modern adaptations.

Reconstructionist Judaism

Modern movement teaching Judaism as an evolving religious civilization; emphasizes community and symbolic interpretation of beliefs.

Talmud

Central text/ book of Rabbinical Judaism; commentary on the Mishnah + Gemara explaining law, ethics, and tradition.

Apocalypticism

Belief in an imminent end of the present world and divine intervention; seen in some Jewish groups before and during the Roman occupation.