Judaism Review

A set of flashcards covering essential concepts in Judaism based on lecture notes.

What is a covenant in relation to the Jews?

agreement between God and the Israelites.

Why do observant Jews avoid pronouncing the divine name?

too holy to be spoken; written as YHWH

What is the Shema?

most basic theological statement, declaring the uniqueness of the Israelites’ relationship to God, recited two times a day.

What are the three related meanings of the term Torah?

Instruction, law, and the first five books of the Bible.

What does the term Tanakh refer to?

The Hebrew Bible, derived from the first letters of Torah, Nevi’im, and Ketuvim.

What is the Pentateuch?

A Greek term meaning five books

Who is traditionally regarded as the author of the Torah?

Moses.

How many specific laws does the Torah contain?

613

What is the literal meaning of the term prophet?

One who speaks for God.

What is the oral Torah?

Material transmitted by a great rabbi that complements the written Torah.

When was the Mishnah written and what does it contain?

AD 200; contains teachings that were transmitted orally by rabbis.

What do the rabbis comment on in the Talmud?

Small portions of the Mishnah; support their arguments by citing biblical passages.

How is the Jewish people best described?

ethnic group that shares a common history and religion.

What does it mean to say God is providential?

God is directly involved in guiding and caring for creation.

Why did the Pharisees emerge after the destruction of the Second Jerusalem Temple?

focused on the study of Torah rather not rituals observed at the temple.

What is the Diaspora?

Jews living away from their ancestral homeland.

Where did medieval Jews live under Muslim rule?

Africa, Spain, and the Near East.

Where did medieval Jews live under Christian rule?

Europe.

Describe the situation of medieval Jews in Poland.

enjoyed a large degree of governmental autonomy and lived in relative safety and prosperity.

What does the Kabbalah teach?

God can best be known with the heart through love.

What is a zaddik?

holy man believed to have a close relationship with God.

What is Zionism?

Originally committed to the reestablishment of a Jewish homeland, now refers to the blind support of Israel.

When did the Holocaust occur, and what does Shoah mean?

1933 to 1945; means 'mass destruction' in Hebrew.

Briefly describe Reform Judaism.

being Jewish and involved in modern society are compatible and necessary.

How is Orthodox Judaism distinguishable from Reform Judaism?

Life must always conform to the Torah.

What are the distinguishing characteristics of Conservative Judaism?

It occupies a middle position between Reform and Orthodox Judaism

According to the Mishnah, what sustains the world?

law, Temple service, deeds of kindness.

What is the predominant form of daily worship in Judaism?

Prayer.

What are the two centers of Jewish worship?

The Home and the synagogue.

What does every synagogue contain?

scroll of the five books of the Torah encased in the ark.

When does the Sabbath occur and what are its main aspects?

sunset on Friday until sunset on Saturday; avoiding labor and using the days to rest and worship.

What is celebrated on Rosh Hashanah?

God’s work of creating the world and individual reflection on the past year.

What is emphasized on Yom Kippur?

Repentance through confession of sin, including refraining from food and drink.

What does Passover commemorate?

Exodus the Jews from bondage in Egypt.

What does the rite of passage marking the birth of a child signify?

Entrance into the Jewish community, involving circumcision for boys and naming for both genders.

What is a bar mitzvah?

male child takes on the religious responsibilities of an adult.

What is a bat mitzvah?

female child becomes responsible for observing the detailed practices of daily Jewish life.

What symbols and events highlight the Jewish marriage ceremony?

Standing beneath the huppah, seven blessings, and breaking of a wine glass.

What is the kaddish?

A prayer of mourning.

What are the first five books of the Bible?

Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy