Theo

• Rosh Hashanah – Jewish New Year, marking creation of the world and beginning of the High Holy Days.
  
  

• Teshuva – Repentance/returning to God, especially emphasized during the High Holy Days.
  
  

• Mitzvah – Commandment; also refers to a good deed done in accordance with God’s will.
  
  

• Torah – The law of God; can mean the first five books of the Hebrew Bible, all Jewish teaching, or divine instruction.
  
  

• Rabbi – Teacher or religious leader in Judaism.
  
  

• Nation of Israel (current) – The modern Jewish state established in 1948 in the Middle East.
  
  

• Yom Kippur – Day of Atonement; holiest day of the year, focused on fasting, prayer, and repentance.
  
  

• Mishnah – First written collection of Jewish Oral Law (c. 200 CE).
  
  

• Talmud – Commentary and discussion on the Mishnah; central text of Rabbinic Judaism.
  
  

• Shema prayer – Declaration of Jewish faith: “Hear O Israel, the Lord is our God, the Lord is One.”
  
  

• Sukkot – Harvest festival recalling Israelites’ journey in the wilderness, celebrated by dwelling in a sukkah (hut).
  
  

• Hanukkah – Festival of Lights, celebrating the rededication of the Temple and the miracle of the oil lasting eight days.
  
  

• Nostra Aetate – 1965 Vatican II document on relations between the Catholic Church and non-Christian religions, including Judaism.
  
  

1. Significance of Mount Sinai – Where God gave Moses the Ten Commandments and established the covenant with Israel.
   
   

2. 70 AD – Romans destroyed the Second Temple; seen as one of the darkest times in Jewish history because it ended Temple worship.
   
   

3. Synagogue importance – Became the center for prayer, study, and community life after the Temple’s destruction.
   
   

4. Moses Maimonides – Medieval Jewish philosopher and legal scholar; wrote Guide for the Perplexed and the Mishneh Torah, systematizing Jewish law and philosophy.
   
   

5. Temple ritual on Yom Kippur – High Priest sacrificed and entered Holy of Holies; today, Jews fast and pray in synagogues without sacrifices.
   
   

6. Three meanings of Torah – (1) First five books of the Bible, (2) all Jewish teachings, (3) God’s divine instruction.
   
   

7. Written Law vs. Oral Law – Written Law = Hebrew Bible; Oral Law = traditions, interpretations, and laws later written in the Mishnah/Talmud.
   
   

8. Tanakh vs. Old Testament – Jews call it Tanakh (Torah, Prophets, Writings); they avoid “Old Testament” because it implies it is outdated.
   
   

9. Five books of the Torah – Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy.
   
   

10. Development of Talmud – Rabbis debated and interpreted the Mishnah, producing extensive commentary over centuries.
    
    

11. Shema prayer centrality – Proclaims monotheism and covenant loyalty, the core of Jewish faith.
    
    

12. Sukkah description – Temporary hut with branches as roof; recalls Israelites’ dependence on God in the wilderness.
    
    

13. Heschel on ritual – Ritual brings sacred meaning to time and action; connects humans to God beyond routine.
    
    

14. Purpose of Sabbath – Rest and holiness; detaches one from work and material concerns, focusing on spiritual renewal.
    
    

15. Dialogue between Jews & Christians – A duty because both share the same covenantal roots and must work toward mutual understanding.
    
    

16. Relationship between religions – Christianity is rooted in Judaism; Jews remain God’s chosen people.
    
    

17. Two paths to salvation – Yes; Jews follow God’s covenant directly, Christians through Christ.
    
    

18. Evangelization to Jews – Viewed differently; Jews already live in covenant with God, so missionary work to them is not emphasized.
    
    

19. Jesus as sacrificial lamb – His crucifixion is seen as fulfilling Passover sacrifice, bringing redemption.
    
    

Star of David meaning – Six-pointed star symbolizing Judaism and Jewish identity; associated with divine protection and the nation of Israel.