Ib world religions paper 2

Judiasm

B’rit or Covenant

The agreement made between God and Abraham/Moses and the Jewish people, expressing the Jewish belief in monotheism.

Torah

Jewish law and teachings; the five books of Moses.

Mitzvah (pl: mitzvot)

Obligations or commandments in the Torah.

Halakhah (pl: halakhot)

Jewish law.

Mashiach

Messiah.

Israel

Refers to the children of Israel, worldwide Jewish community, land of Israel, and modern state of Israel.

Kedushah

Holiness.

Love

Of God and of neighbor.

Teshuvah

Repentance.

Shekhinah

The presence of God.

Tikkun olam

Reparation of the universe.

B’rit milah

Covenant of circumcision, a sign of being Jewish, is regarded as the seal of the covenant.

Bar mitzvah

For boys, participating in synagogue service and taking on Torah obligations.

Bat mitzvah

For girls (Reform and Liberal Judaism), marking the coming of age.

Ketubah

Marriage contract according to the Law of Moses.

Get

Divorce contract.

Hevra kadisha

Group that prepares the body for burial.

Shiva

Seven-day mourning period observed in Judaism.

Ma'ariv

Evening prayer service in Judaism.

Minhah

Afternoon prayer service in Judaism.

Shaharit

Morning prayer service in Judaism.

Beracha (pl. berachot)

Blessings recited in prayers.

Siddur

Prayer book containing prayers for home and synagogue.

Reading of the Torah

Involves readings from the bimah, includes Nevi’im and Ketuvim.

Kashrut

Food laws reflecting holiness in Judaism.

Shabbat

A day of rest and significance in both home and synagogue.

Pesach

Passover; one of the pilgrim festivals.

Shavuot

Feast of Weeks; one of the pilgrim festivals.

Sukkot

Feast of Tabernacles; one of the pilgrim festivals.

Rosh Hashanah

Jewish New Year; one of the High Holy Days.

Yom Kippur

Day of Atonement; one of the High Holy Days.

Oral Torah

Includes the Mishnah and Talmud.

Talmud

A central text of Judaism containing debates and interpretations.

Bible Language

Hebrew language is used for the Bible.

Talmud Language

Aramaic and Hebrew languages are used in the Talmud.

Statements of Belief/ Shmea

Emphasis on obedience over formal statements; key beliefs include the oneness and justice of God.

Challenges to Faith

Includes significant events like the Holocaust.

Group Experience

Religious responsibilities and cultural variations experienced in a group setting.

Individual Experience

Religious responsibilities that may vary by gender.

Conversion

Generally discouraged; potential converts must study and appear before the Beth Din.

Ethics

Central ethical principles derived from the Torah; all ethical mitzvot are binding.

Ethical Practice

Includes importance of marriage, respect for life, and seriousness in handling transgressions.

Zionism

Support for the Jewish homeland in Israel, emphasizing peace and justice.