Theology Study Guide

God

Central divine figure in Judaism, considered the one and only deity, omnipotent, omniscient, and the creator of the universe.

Israel

Refers to both the ancient kingdom and the modern state of the Jewish people, as well as the Jewish people themselves (Children of Israel).

Rabbis

Jewish religious leaders and scholars who interpret the Torah and lead Jewish communities in worship and study.

Torah

The first five books of the Hebrew Bible (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy), central to Jewish law and teachings.

Diaspora

The dispersion of Jews outside of Israel, particularly after the Babylonian Exile (586 BCE) and the Roman destruction of the Second Temple (70 CE).

Covenant

The sacred agreement between God and the Jewish people, including promises made to Abraham, Moses, and Israel in exchange for their faith and obedience.

Bimah

The raised platform in a synagogue from which the Torah is read during services.

Synagogue

A Jewish house of worship, prayer, and study, serving as a community center for Jewish life.

Shofar

A ram’s horn blown during Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur as a call to repentance.

Tashlich

A symbolic ritual performed on Rosh Hashanah, where Jews throw bread or stones into a body of water to represent casting away sins.

Sukkah

A temporary hut built for Sukkot, symbolizing the huts in which the Israelites lived during their journey in the wilderness.

Seder

A ritual meal eaten during Passover, featuring symbolic foods and readings from the Haggadah to commemorate the Exodus from Egypt.

Menorah

A seven-branched candelabrum used in the ancient Temple; the nine-branched Hanukkah menorah (hanukkiah) is used during Hanukkah.

Ark

A sacred cabinet in a synagogue where Torah scrolls are stored.

Ner Tamid

The 'Eternal Light' that hangs above the Ark in a synagogue, symbolizing God's divine presence.

Messiah

The prophesied savior and future leader in Jewish belief, expected to bring peace and redemption to the world.

Trifecta: God, Israel, and Torah

• God

  • The singular, omnipotent Creator of the universe.

  • Source of moral law, justice, and divine will.

  • Established a covenant with the Jewish people.

• Israel

  • Refers to the Jewish people and, historically, the Land of Israel.

  • Chosen nation bound by a covenant with God.

  • Preserves Jewish identity, traditions, and connection to the Torah.

• Torah

  • Divine instruction given by God to Israel.

  • Includes the Written Torah (Five Books of Moses) and the Oral Torah (Talmud, rabbinic teachings).

  • Serves as the moral, legal, and spiritual guide for Jewish life.

Interrelation

• Covenantal Bond – God chose Israel and gave them the Torah as a guide for living.

• Torah as the Link – Connects Israel to God through laws, ethics, and traditions.

• Sustaining Jewish Identity – The three together define Jewish faith, culture, and national existence.

What is the function of the Torah in Judaism?

It reinforces God's covenant with the Jewish people and serves as a guide for Jewish life, laws, and traditions.

First Temple

Built by King Solomon, it was destroyed by the Babylonians in 586 BCE, leading to the Babylonian Exile.

Made Torah

Second Temple

Rebuilt after the exile, completed in 516 BCE, it was destroyed by the Romans in 70 CE, prompting the shift towards rabbinic Judaism.

Rise of synagogue

What does the ritual of Tashlich represent?

The casting away of sins during Rosh Hashanah.

What key Jewish holiday celebrates the Exodus from Egypt?

Pesach (Passover), marked by the Seder meal.

What is Shabbat?

A weekly day of rest and spiritual reflection, from Friday evening to Saturday evening.

How does Judaism's understanding of the Messiah differ from that of Catholicism?

Judaism awaits a future messianic figure, while Catholicism believes Jesus was the Messiah.

What does the Torah reveal about the Covenant, Creation and After-life? 

The Torah outlines the covenant between God and the Israelites, describes the creation of the world, and provides insights into the afterlife, emphasizing moral and ethical living.

they believe in a messiah and resurrection that heaven is on earth 

the messiah is not jesus

Torah outlines a belief in a world to come (Olam Ha-Ba), where individuals are judged based on their actions. It emphasizes resurrection and the notion that the righteous will have a place in this afterlife, while the focus is on moral living in this life.

What's the difference between a synagogue and a temple?

• "Temple" historically refers to the Holy Temple in Jerusalem.  

• "Synagogue" is the general term for a Jewish house of worship.

Rosh Hashanah:

Jewish New Year, a time of reflection and prayer.

Yom Kippur:

Day of Atonement, a solemn day of fasting and repentance.

Sukkot

• Harvest festival commemorating the Israelites' desert wandering, celebrated by dwelling in temporary booths

Pesach (Passover):

Celebration of the Israelites' liberation from slavery in Egypt, marked by the Seder meal.

Purim

Joyous holiday celebrating deliverance from a plot to destroy the Jews, with costumes and gift-giving.

Hanukkah

Festival of Lights commemorating the rededication of the Temple, celebrated by lighting the menorah.

Shabbat (Sabbath):

Weekly day of rest, observed from Friday evening to Saturday evening.