Judaism: Quiz 1 (Terms 1-12)

Shema

Definition:

• “hear”

• Jewish confession of faith made up of 3 scriptural texts

Significance:

• 1 of the 2 prayers are specifically commanded in the Torah

• 3 biblical passages: 2 from Deuteronomy, 1 from Numbers

• First verse = most essential declaration of faith → Lord is the one and only God

Covenant

Definition:

• mutual agreement between 2 parties

Significance:

• major covenants = God’s with Abraham, God’s with Moses on Mount Sinai

• Basis and foundation of religious thought

• Represents Jews’ relationship with God

Israel

Definition:

• “One who struggles with God”

• Jewish people’s covenant relationship with God AND land promised to them in the Torah

Significance:

• name comes from Jacob who was renamed by God (angel) who wrestled him

• land of Israel = holy → mentioned frequently in prayers and laws

Olam Ha Ba

Definition:

• “The World to Come”

• Spiritual afterlife

• Life on earth after the Messiah has come

Significance:

• 3 phases = Gan Eden, resurrection of the dead, renewed creation

• Higher state of being → place is determined by actions

Moshiach (Messiah)

Definition:

• “The Anointed One”

• Great leader descending from the line of David → will be anointed as king in the End of Days

Significance:

• part of Rambam’s 13 Principles of Faith → fundamental belief and basic aspect of Jewish tradition

• They will accomplish tasks like:

  • Reinstate David’s dynasty

  • Be good of a prophet as Moses

  • Not required to perform miracles

Torah

Definition:

• “instruction” or “law”

• First 5 books of the Tanakh (Hebrew Bible)

  • Contains God’s law → teaches Jews how to live

Significance:

• 2 types: Written Torah and Oral Torah

• Not unchanging b/c of commentaries and differing interpretations from rabbis → changes to the Torah

• Given orally to Moses on Mount Sinai

Tanakh

Definition:

• acronym defining the 3 parts of the Hebrew Bible

Significance:

• Torah = “instruction” or “law” → first 5 books of the Tanakh

• Nevi’im = “Prophets” → former and latter

• Ketuvim = “Writings” → poetry and wisdom literature

Circumcision

Definition:

• “cutting around”

• Initiation rite for newborn Jewish male babies

Significance:

• sign of God’s covenant with Abraham and the Jews

• Happens when a baby is 8 days old

• Ceremony = bris

Shabbat (Sabbath)

Definition:

• “rest”

• Weekly day of rest and spiritual observance → every Friday evening to the following Saturday evening

Significance:

• Genesis 2: God rests on the 7th day after creating the world

• 2 candles are lit → prayer and eating

• Restrictions: no working, no cooking or baking, no chores

Seder

Definition:

• “order”

• Ritual service and ceremonial dinner celebrated on the 1st night (or first 2 nights) of Passover

Significance:

• 15-step meal → specific order, guided by the book called the Haggadah

• Seder plate with specific foods like an egg and lamb bone

• Traditions: drink 4 cups of wine, eat symbolic foods like matzah (unleavened bread)

Sitting Shivah

Definition:

• Shivah = “seven”

• 7 day mourning period observed after the burial of a close family member

Significance:

• happens in the deceased’s house or the mourner’s house

• Mirrors are covered; work and social activities stop

• Mourners sit in low stools or benches → symbolize grief

Bar/ Bat Mitzvah

Definition:

• “Son/ Daughter of the commandment”

• Coming of age ceremony → celebrates a child becoming an adult

  • Usually at 13 years old

Significance:

• public Torah reading during a synagogue service on Shabbat

• Girls → Bat Mitzvah

• Jewish Reform synagogues→ 15-16 years old