Judaism Key Terms

Hebrew Bible

comprised of the Torah (the Law), Nevi’im (the Prophets), and Ketuvim (the Writings)

Torah

the five books of Moses. The narrative of the Jews beginning with Abraham & Sarah, the time in slavery in ancient Egypt, the revelation of the Ten Commandments to Moses, and their deliverance from slavery

Nevi’im

the books of the prophets. Including Joshua, Judges, Samuel, Kings (books that explain Israel’s history) and books such as Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel, among others.

Ketuvim

the writings include psalms, proverbs, and histories

Talmud

translated as “study.” Seen as an intergenerational rabbinic conversation (see myjewishlearning for more info). It is the set of teachings/commentaries Jewish law is based on. It contains opinions from thousands of Rabbis. It is said to be studied, not read

Covenant

the Jewish people describe themselves as having a special covenant with God as God’s chosen people. This is not understood to mean that the Jewish people are the only ones that will be saved by God. Rather, it is much more nuanced. We will explore what this means in our class discussions

Canaan

believed to be the “promised land” where God delivered the Isrealites from slavery. Located on the West Bank of the Jordan river

Exodus

the Biblical story that tells of the Jews being delivered from slavery by God.

Moses

credited with leading the Jewish people out of slavery from ancient Egypt to the Holy Land

Passover

a major Jewish holiday celebrated annually in Spring. Commemorates the Jewish people being liberated from slavery in ancient Egypt.

Sabbath/Shabbat

the Jewish weekly Holy Day. It is a 25-hour observance commonly understood as a day off from labor, although the Sabbath has much more nuanced meaning which we will explore further in our class discussions. The Sabbath includes traditional prayers, family meals, and rituals

Kosher

foods that are prepared in compliance with Jewish Biblical laws. The laws relate to which foods may be eaten and the ways they should be prepared

Synagogue

a building/meeting space where Jewish communities meet in order to worship, gather, study

Rabbi

translates from Hebrew into “my teacher.” A professional office in Judaism. Rabbis are members of the clergy. Rabbis lead Jewish communities, including worship services, significant events (Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, weddings, etc), teach the community, etc

Cantor

a professional office in Reform and Conservative Judaism. Cantors are members of the clergy. They lead Jewish communities, including worship services, significant events (Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, weddings, etc), teach the community, run music programs, etc. A very oversimplified explanation of a Cantor, to someone who does not have Jewish roots, would be to describe a Cantor as a “Rabbi who sings,” although, again, this is a huge oversimplification

Rosh Hashanah & Yom Kippur

The Jewish High Holy Days. Occur annually in Fall. Rosh Hashanah is the
Jewish New Year and marks the start of a 10-day introspection and repentance period for the Jewish people. The culmination of the High Holy Days is Yom Kippur – the Jewish Day of Atonement. Typically observed with fasting and prayer in some form

Hanukkah

a Jewish festival celebrating the rededication of the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem after it was defiled in 164 BCE. Celebrated primarily at home with Hanukkah foods, lighting a menorah, and gift giving. Hanukkah is not one of the primary Jewish festivals, but has become popular in American culture due to its concurrence with the Christmas holidays. It is not related to Christian festivals in any way, other than that it is celebrated in December

Kippah/Yarmulke

a brimless cap worn by Jewish men. Some wear only during prayer, others at all times. This depends on the movement of Judaism the person associates with, as well as their own personal choice.

Primary Movements in Judaism

differentiated primarily by the extent to which members adhere to traditional
Jewish beliefs and practices. Includes Orthodox, conservative, and reform

Orthodox

most strict observers of traditional beliefs, practices, and dietary laws.

Conservative

second largest form of Judaism in the U.S. A middle-road between Orthodox and Reform Judaism

Reform

largest form of Judaism in the U.S. Guided by the belief that religion must reform and reinvigorate to stay current with the times. Reform Judaism is the least strict in terms of requiring observance of traditional beliefs, practices, and dietary laws. You will find a range of observance even within Reform communities.