Jewish Traditions, Holidays, and Branches of Judaism

Vocabulary flashcards covering Jewish holidays, ritual practices, and the major branches and secular movements of Judaism.

Shofar

A musical horn blown in the synagogue, specifically played during Rosh Hashana.

Rosh Hashana

The Jewish New Year celebration where the shofar is blown, apples dipped in honey are eaten, and people wish each other a happy new year.

Jom Kippur

Also called försoningsdagen (Day of Atonement), a holiday observed ten days after the new year where Jews reflect on their lives over the past year, seek God's forgiveness by admitting their faults, and strive to become better people.

Pesach

The Jewish Passover, celebrated in the spring for eight days to commemorate how Mose long ago helped the Israelites escape Egypt to return to their own land of Kanaan.

Seder

The highlight meal of Pesach during which several symbolic dishes are served to recall the difficult times of the Jews in Egypt, followed by a festive meal.

Sukkot

Also called Lövhyddohögtiden, a seven-day autumn festival where people eat meals outside in simple huts to commemorate the Jewish people wandering in the desert for 40 years from Egypt to Kanaan.

Chanukka

A major, joyful family festival occurring in December that commemorates the Jewish victory over their enemies in 164 f.Kr. and the reclaiming of the Temple in Jerusalem from Greek occupation.

Ortodoxa judar

Jews who strictly observe all rules in the Tora and kosherregler, avoid driving or working during the sabbat, seat women in the gallery and men in the lower part of the synagoga, and often dress in an old-fashioned style.

Kosherregler

Dietary laws strictly observed by Orthodox Jews, which prohibit eating foods such as shellfish or pork.

Ultraortodoxa

A term used to describe the most strictly observant Orthodox Jews.

Konservativa judar

Jews who follow some dietary rules, believe Jewish life must adapt to surrounding culture and society while preserving certain traditions, and often allow married couples to sit together in the synagoga.

Reformjudar

Also called liberala judar; Jews who adapt Tora rules to modern life, rarely observe old dietary laws, permit men and women to sit together in the synagoga, and allow non-job tasks on the sabbat.

Sekulär

A term meaning 'not religious' (ej religiös), referring to secularized Jews who maintain their cultural identity and live Jewishly in their own way without placing importance on religious rules or worship services.