300 Questions Flashcards
What is the Brit Milah? What are its origins and symbolism?
Brit Milah is Circumcision. It’s origins are when G-d commanded Abraham to circumcise himself and his male household members in Genesis. It is a physical representation of G-d’s covenant with the Jewish people.
Who must fulfill the commandment of Brit Milah?
All Jewish males
Who performs the commandment of brit milah?
The father or if he hands off his duty to a mohel
When do we do the Brit Milah? At what time of the day?
On the eighth day any time between sunrise and sunset
What do we do when the Brit Milah falls on Shabbat? And on Yom Kippur?
You do it anyway
What are the reasons to postpone a Brit Milah?
C section on a Friday or they were born Friday evening at twilight when it’s not clear if they were born on Shabbat
What are the blessings that we recite during a Brit Milah? Who says them?
(Mohel) Blessed are You, L‑rd our G‑d, King of the universe, Who has sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us concerning circumcision. (Father) Blessed are You, L‑rd our G‑d, King of the universe, Who has sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us to enter him into the Covenant of Abraham our father.
Do we need to have a minyan for a Brit Milah?
No
Why we leave a chair for the Prophet Elijah during Brit Milah
As a witness that they are following the covenant of circumcision.
What is Hatafat Dam Brit? When do we perform it?
It is where someone is ceremonially circumcised after a physical circumcision has occurred. It is for converts and babies not circumcised under a Rabbi
What is a Simchat Bat?
It is a ceremony celebrating the birth of a baby girl. The girl is named and blessings are recited.
What is Pidion haBen? What are its origins?
It is a ceremony where the firstborn male child is redeemed for five silver coins. It’s origins are in Exodus 13:2 where all the firstborns belong to the L-rd because the L-rd spared them during the Exodus. The ritual honors the Levites who were chosen as a substitute. Performed at one month old.
Which child needs to be redeemed?
The firstborn Male
When is a boy considered to be an adult? And a girl?
A boy is considered an adult at 13 after a Bar Mitzvah. A girl is considered an adult at 12 after her Bat Mitzvah
What is the meaning of the concept Bar/Bat Mitzvah? What are the implications?
The meaning is Son/Daughter of the commandment and it implies that the person is able to make his or her own decisions to obey God and are responsible for his or her actions before God.
How is a Bar/Bat Mitzvah celebrated?
They traditionally wear tefillin, wear a tallit, read a Torah portion, and lead a portion of a service.
What is a Chuppah? What does it symbolize?
A Chuppah is a wedding canopy. It reminds us that G-d’s presence covers the household that was created. It also symbolizes the bride entering into the husband’s household.
What do we mean by Kidushin?
The first stage of marriage—Betrothal. This stage is distinct, but today done under the chuppah as well. At this stage the couple is married by ketubah and can only be separated by a get. No physical union is allowed until nisuin.
What do we mean by Nisuin?
The second stage of marriage. It is where the marriage is finalized under the Chuppah and the seven blessings are recited over the cup of wine.
What are the seven blessings of marriage?
The seven blessings are seven marriage themed blessings recited during the Nisuin portion of a wedding.
Baruch atah “
…who creates the fruit of the vine
…who created everything for his glory
…who created humanity
…who created humanity in His image, in the image of the likeness of his form, and made for them an everlasting establishment. Blessed are you, Lord, who created humanity
May the barren one (Jerusalem) rejoice greatly and delight in the ingathering of her children within her in joy. Blessed are you Lord who causes Zion to rejoice with her children.
The loving partners shall rejoice as You caused your creatures to delight in the Garden of Eden of old. Blessed are you Lord who causes the groom and bride to rejoice
Blessed are you, Lord our God, Ruler of the Universe, who creates happiness and joy, groom and bride. Exultation, delight, amusement, and pleasure, love and brotherhood, peace and friendship. Soon, Lord our God, may the sound of happiness and the sound of joy and the voice of the groom and the voice of the bride be heard in the cities of Judah and the streets of Jerusalem — the rejoicing of groom from their huppahs and youths from their singing banquets. Blessed are you Lord who makes the groom rejoice with the bride.
What is the Ketubah?
A marriage contract.
Why do we break a glass at the end of the wedding ceremony?
It is a reminder of the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple during the celebration.
Is a marriage between a Jew and a non-Jew halakhikly valid? Why?
No, because Torah forbids marrying a non-Jew.
Is a marriage between a mother and a son halakhikly valid? Why?
No, because Torah forbids this kind of union.
What is Kibud haMet?
Honoring the dead. Restrictions and regulations on how to handle a death.
What is Nichum Avelim?
It is comforting the bereved.
Why are the principles of Kibud HaMet and Nichum Avelim important?
These two principles are important because there is not only a responsibility to comfort mourners, but there is still a responsibility to the dead.
What are the tachrichim? Why do we use them? What do we do with the Tallit after someone has died?
They are burial shrouds. They are used so that the person is prepared to stand before God in judgement. They are also used so that the poor aren’t embarrassed that they can’t afford fancy clothes. A person is buried with their Tallit.
Does Judaism allow for embalming? And for cremation? Why?
No, because this is a desecration of G-d’s image.
When does Judaism allow autopsies?
Generally, no, unless it helps save someone else’s life (ie, catching a murderer).
Can we bury someone on Shabbat?
No.
What is the Chevra Kadisha?
A group that prepares the body for burial.
What is the Keria? Why do we do it? Who has to do it?
It is the rending of garments. It is a symbol of the broken heart behind the tear and a release of anger and sorrow. Seven relatives: Son, Daughter, Father, Mother, Sister, Brother, and Spouse.
What is the blessing we say over the Keria?
Blessed are You…universe, the true Judge. (Dayan HaEmet)
What is the Shiva? When does it start?
Shiva is the mourning period. It starts once the loved one has been buried.
Name some of the customs related to the Shiva.
Keriah, Sitting on a low stool, abstaining from cutting hair, lighting a candle.
What happens on the Shabbat that falls during the Shiva?
Shiva is not observed.
What happens to the Shiva if a biblical festival begins in the middle of it?
It is shortened.
What happens if a biblical festival begins right before the Shiva?
Mourning begins the night following the holiday.
What are the Shloshim? What are the basic rules during Shloshim?
Shloshim are the 30 days following the burial. Don’t wear new clothes, Don’t engage in pleasurable activities, Don’t cut your hair, Don’t take luxurious baths or showers, Don’t listen to music.
What happens to the Shloshim if a biblical festival begins in the middle of it?
It annuls the rest of the days.
How many months do we mourn for a father/mother?
12, Until the first yahrtzeit (anniversary on the Hebrew calendar). During which time, you stand for mourners kaddish. On Yahrtzeit, it is tradition to light a yahrtzeit candle, remember the loved one, and abstain from luxurious meals.
What is the meaning of the word “Israel”? What are the origins of that word?
Israel means “To struggle with God.” The origins are when Jacob wrestled with an angel in Genesis 32:28.
What is Zionism? What was known in the ancient world as Zion?
Zionism is the support of the State of Israel as a Jewish state. Zion was Jerusalem.
Who founded political Zionism? What do you know about him?
Theodor Herzl. He was Austro-Hungarian Jew born in 1860 who pushed for the establishment of a Jewish state.
When and where political Zionisim was formally founded?
It was founded during the first Zionist congress in 1897 in Basel, Switzerland.
Which types of Zionism can you name?
Religious, Political
What was the “Dreyfus Affair” and what’s its relation with the origins of Zionism?
It was the false accusation of a Jewish military officer in France. After realizing he was innocent, they pardoned the real perpetrator and pressed more charges. This helped convince Herzl that the Jews were not truly safe anywhere and that they needed a homeland.
What was the “Uganda plan” and how was received by the Zionist movement?
It was a proposal to found a Jewish state in British East Africa. It was met with support and much dissent. The latter unwilling to settle for any area except historic Israel.
What was the “Balfour Declaration”? Why is it important?
It was a letter of support by the British government for the establishment of a home nation for the Jews in historic Israel. It set the foundation for the later establishment of the state of Israel.
What was the British “White Paper” of 1939?
The white papers interpreted the Balfour declaration and limited Jewish immigration to Israel. The 1939 one stated that Israel was not a Jewish or Arab country and limited Jewish immigration.
What did the UN Partition Plan propose?
It proposed a small, broken up, indefensible, and mostly desert area in Israel be given to the Jews as their state.
When was the UN Partition plan approved?
November 29, 1947
What was the Jewish reaction to the UN Partition Plan? And the Arab reaction? Why?
The Jews reluctantly accepted it. The Arabs rejected it because they would not tolerate a Jewish state under any circumstances.
When and where was the State of Israel declared an independent State?
May 14, 1948 in Tel Aviv.
What happened to Jerusalem after Israel’s Independence? What about Judea and Samaria?
Jerusalem was half controlled by Israel and half by Jordan. Judea and Samaria was controlled by Jordan.
Who was Israel’s first Prime Minister? And first President?
PM David Ben Gurion and P Chaim Weizmann.
What’s the name of Israel’s National Anthem?
HaTikvah
What’s the name of the Parliament? How many members does it contain? Why?
The Kinesset, 120, because there were 120 members of the ancient Kinesset.
What does Israel’s flag look like? Why?
A Tallit. Because the Tallit is a symbol of God’s sovereignty.
What is Israel’s national emblem/symbol? Why?
A menorah. This was historically a symbol associated with the ancient Jewish Kingdom.
What do we mean by “Independence War”?
The morning following the Declaration of Independence an overwhelming force of Arab nations attacked Israel.
What do we mean by the “Sinai War”?
It was a war where Israel, Britain, and France tried to take the Suez canal.
What were the consequences of the Six Day War?
Massive territorial gains for Israel including Sinai peninsula, Judea/Samaria, and the Golan.
What happened during the “Yom Kippur War”?
An Arab coalition attacked Israel and was beaten.
What big change occurred in Israel’s political life in 1977?
Arab states started recognizing Israel as a nation during peace talks which lead to Israel giving up the Sinai Peninsula.
Who signed the peace treaty with Egypt? When?
Menachem Begin, Anwar Sadat, and Jimmy Carter. 1979.
What prize did they receive after signing the peace treaty? What happened to the Egyptian president?
They received a Nobel Peace Prize. Sadat was assassinated.
What do we mean by “first Intifada”? What were its consequences?
It was an Arab riot. Israel lost political image and the Palestinians gained attention and sympathy leading to the Oslo Accords.
What do we mean by “Oslo accords”? What were their consequences?
It is a series of peace talks between Israel and the PLO. It recognized the PLO as a sovereign entity and allowed them to govern Judea and Samaria.
Who signed the Oslo Accords? What prize did they receive?
Shimon Perez, Mahmoud Abbas, Warren Christopher, Andrei Kozyrev. They got Nobel Peace Prizes.
How many inhabitants live in Israel today? What percentage is Jewish?
9,490,000 total. 74% Jews.
Draw a map of Israel and mark in it: Israel’s capital city, biggest city in the country, the northern most important city, the southern most important city, neighboring countries, rivers and seas.
Capitol: Jerusalem
Biggest City: Tel Aviv
Northern Most City: Haifa
Southern Most City: Eilat
Neighboring Countries: Egypt, Syria, Jordan, Lebanon
Rivers: Jordan
Seas: Mediterranean, Red, Galilee, Dead.
What are the different names of Rosh haShana? What’s their meaning?
Yom Teruah (day of sounding), Yom HaDin (day of judging), Yom HaZikron (Day of Remembrance), HaYom Harat Olam (Day the world was conceived)
When do we celebrate Rosh haShana in the Jewish calendar?
Tishrei 1 and 2
What is the Shofar? What are its different sounds?
A ram’s horn trumpet. T’kia, Teruah, Shevarim
Why do we blow the Shofar on Rosh haShana?
To declare God as king, a call to repentance
How do we greet each other on Rosh haShana?
Shana Tovah
What are some of the customs of Rosh haShana?
Honey and apples, Hear the Shofar, Tashlich (casting your sins into a body of water by shaking out your clothes near a river or lake), Round Challah, Pomegranate
Name some of the special prayers of Rosh Hashana.
Avinu Malchenu
What is the Machzor?
Holiday prayer book
What are the Aseret Yemei Teshuva?
10 day period between Rosh HaShanna and Yom Kippur
What is the Shabbat Shuva and why do we call it that way?
The Shabbat between Rosh HaShanna and Yom Kippur. Because it is focused on repentance.
What do we commemorate on Yom Kippur? On what day of the calendar is it?
It is the day Moses brought the second set of tablets down from Sinai (thus signifying God had forgiven His people for the golden calf) and the day of God’s forgiveness. Tishrei 10
What are the five basic prohibitions of Yom Kippur?
No eating or drinking; Wearing leather shoes; Applying lotions; Washing or bathing; Marital relations.
How do we greet each other on Yom Kippur?
Gmar Chativa Tovah (good final sealing)
What is Kol Nidre?
Annulment of vows. Before the evening service.
What is Neila?
The final Yom Kippur prayer service marking the closing of the gates.
What is Yizkor? When do we say Yizkor?
It is a remembrance prayer for our loved ones. It is said Passover, Shavuot, Yom Kippur, and Shemini Atzeret.
What are the different names of Sukkot? What’s their meaning?
Sukkot: Booths; Chag HaAsif: holiday of gathering; Zman Simchateinu: time of our celebration; Hallel: praise.
What is a Sukkah? What are the basic requirements of a Sukkah?
A temporary Dwelling/Booth. It must be outside, have a roof of natural materials, and have more shade than sun inside.
What are the Arba’at haMinim? What do they represent?
The four species. The name of G-d.
What do we do with the Lulav and Etrog?
Wave them.
Who are the Ushpizim?
The “guests” that visit the sukkah every day of the festival.
Which Megillah do we read during Sukkot? Why?
Ecclesiastes. Because it reminds us to strive after things that have meaning.
How many days do we celebrate Sukkot in Nashville? And in Israel?
9; 8.
What is Hallel? When do we say Hallel?
Psalm 113-118. We say Hallel during Sukkot, Pesach, Shavuot, and Hannukah.
What’s the name of Sukkot’s seventh day? Why?
Hoshana Rabbah. Because it is the day that the judgement of Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur is finalized for the year.
What’s the name of Sukkot’s eighth day? Why?
Shemini Atzeret. It means eighth day of assembly because it is a separate holiday that is connected to sukkot.
What do we celebrate during Simchat Torah? How do we celebrate it?
We celebrate the beginning of the parasha cycle. We celebrate it by abstaining from work, lighting candles, and a meal.
What do we mean by Chatan Torah? And by Chatan Bereshit?
They are the honored people who read the last and first aliyot on Simchat Torah. Chatan is bridegroom.
What do we celebrate on Chanukkah?
We celebrate the rededication of the temple.
In which books is the story of Chanukkah told?
Maccabees
Who were the Maccabees?
They were a Jewish army that overthrew the Greeks.
What was the Bet haMikdash? Why was it so important for the Jews?
It was the temple. The temple is the center of Jewish worship and the Jewish connection to God.
What is a Chanukkiah?
It is an eight branched candlestick used to count the days of Hanukkah.
Why do we light candles during Chanukkah?
To celebrate the miracle of one day’s of oil lasting eight.
How many and how do we light the Chanukkia?
There are eight candles and a shamash. You place the candles right to left and light them left to right.
What is a Shamash and why do we use it?
The shamash is the middle candle used to light the other eight.
What is a Sevivon? How do you play with it? What’s its relationship with Chanukkah?
A dreidle. You spin it and give out gelt depending on how it falls. It was a way to teach about the Torah during the tyranny of the greeks.
What do we celebrate on Tu BiShvat?
The first trees budding in Israel.
What is a Tu BiShvat Seder?
It is a festive meal eaten that night featuring fruits.
What do we celebrate on Purim?
The survival of the Jews under Cyrus and Haman.
What are the main customs of Purim?
Reading the Megillah; cheering for Esther and booing Haman; having a festive meal.
What is the Book of Esther all about?
A plot to kill the Jews that is thwarted by a Jewish heroine named Esther.
What do we celebrate on Pesach?
The Exodus from Egypt.
What are the different names of Pesach? What’s their meaning?
Chag HaHerut (festival of freedom); Chag HaMotzah (festival of Motzah); Chag HaAviv (Festival of Spring); Zman Cherutenu (Time of our Liberation)
What is “Bedikat Chametz”? And “Biur Chametz”?
The searching/destroying of leaven.
What is Matza?
Unleavened Bread
What is Chametz? Give examples.
Yeast. Sandwich bread; rolls; Challah; etc.
What is the Pesach Seder? Why do we do it?
It is a ritual meal celebrating the freedom of the Jews from Egypt.
What is the Ke’ara? What do we put there and what’s their symbolism?
It is the Seder plate. We put Matzah (Fleeing Slavery), Z’roa (the sacrifice), Beitzah (pre-holiday offering at the temple), Maror (bitterness of slavery), Charoset (Bricks and mortar used while enslaved), Karpas (Backbreaking work during slavery).
What is the Ma Nishtana?
The four questions a child asks during the seder.
How many cups of wine do we drink during the Seder? Why?
Four, because there were four proclamations of freedom.
What is Sefirat haOmer?
Counting the omer.
What do we commemorate on Yom haShoah?
The holocaust.
What is the difference between the words Shoa and Holocaust?
Holocaust means burnt offering. Shoah means catastrophe.
What do we commemorate on Yom haZikkaron leChalalei Tzahal?
The lives lost to achieve Israeli independence.
What’s the name of Israel’s Independence Day?
Yom HaAtzmaut.
What do we celebrate on Lag BaOmer? How do we celebrate it?
It is the 33rd day of the omer. We celebrate Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai’s (the author of the Zohar) life. It’s the breaking of the first 32 days of mourning. Bonfires to celebrate the light of Kabbalah and celebrations.
What do we celebrate on Yom Yerushalaim?
The anniversary of the liberation of Jerusalem.
What do we celebrate on Shavuot?
The giving of the Torah on Mt Sinai.
What are the different names of Shavuot?
Shavuot (weeks), Chag HaKatzir (Festival of the harvest), Yom HaBikkurim (day of first fruits), Atzeret (stopping [ref to work]), Zman Matan Torateinu (time of the giving of our Torah).
What are the main customs of Shavuot?
Light candles, stay up late reading torah, festive meal, abstain from work.
Which biblical book do we read during Shavuot? Why?
We read ruth because just as Ruth’s conversion changed her relationship with G-d, so does giving the Torah to the Jews heighten us spiritually.
Why do we eat dairy products on Shavuot?
Because the Torah is like nourishing milk.
What is the Tikkun Leil Shavuot?
Staying up all night to read the Torah.
What do we commemorate on the 17th of Tammuz? How?
We fast to commemorate five tragedies that happened that day.
The tablets of the Torah were smashed, the daily offerings were interrupted, an idol was placed in the sanctuary, the torah was burned by apostomos, the walls of Jerusalem were breached.
Fast food/drink, and special prayers.
What’s the name of the three weeks between the 17th of Tammuz and the 9th of Av?
Bein Hametzarim.
What do we remember on Tisha beAv?
The destruction of both temples; the spies returned with bad reports; the expulsion of Jews from England and spain.
What are the prohibitions that apply to Tisha B’Av?
Don’t eat, drink, bathe, wear nice clothes, sit on normal seats, etc.
Which biblical book do we read on Tisha beAv? Why?
Eicha because it prophesies the destruction of the temple.
How is the Hebrew Calendar built?
It has 12 months. It started during the Rambam’s estimation of the first year of creation.
What is a leap year?
It is a year that adds a month to the year.
How many days does a Jewish month have? Why?
29 or 30 days because it is based on the lunar cycle.
What is Rosh Chodesh? What are some of its customs?
It is the first day of the month. Extra prayers, a special meal.
When does the day begin according to the Jewish calendar?
Sundown.
What is Shabbat?
Shabbat is the seventh day of the week. The rest day.
What’s the goal of Shabbat?
To rest
What’s the meaning of the word “Shabbat”? When was it used for the first time?
Rest. It was used first in the Genesis creation story.
When does Shabbat begin?
Shabbat begins on sundown of Friday.
What are the prohibitions of Shabbat?
Working, Buying and Selling, Lighting fires.
What is a “melacha”? Examples.
A melacha is a creative work. Sowing, winnowing, baking, spinning etc. There are 39 Melachot.
Why do we light candles on Shabbat?
Because it’s forbidden to kindle a flame before shabbat, so we have candles already lit.
Who lights Shabbat candles? How many candles do we use? Why?
Usually the woman of the household. We use two. It corresponds to the two commandments regarding that we remember and guard the shabbat.
Which blessing do we say when lightning Shabbat candles?
Shel Shabbat
What is Kabalat Shabbat?
It is the receiving of Shabbat. The Shabbat service.
What is the Lecha Dodi? Who wrote it? When?
Lecha Dodi is a hymn written to welcome the Shabbat. Solomon Alkabetz. 16th century.
How do we greet each other on Shabbat? What’s the meaning of that greeting?
Shabbat Shalom. Shabbat Peace.
What is Shalom Aleichem?
It is a song welcoming the coming and going of the Shabbat angels.
What is Eshet Chail?
It is the recitation of proverbs celebrating an honorable woman.
What is the Kiddush?
The blessing/drinking of wine.
What is Netilat Yadaim?
Ceremonial washing of hands.
What is the haMotzi? Why do we use two chalot?
The blessing over bread. To signify the double portion of mannah.
What is Birkat haMazon?
Blessing after meals.
How is the Kiddush that we recite on Shabbat morning?
It’s the same but in the morning.
What is Havdala? When do we do it?
Separation. An hour after the sunset concluding Shabbat.
What are the symbols associated with Havdalah? What do they represent?
Candle (Illuminating the darkness of creation), Fragrant Spices (Soothing the soul for losing Shabbat), Wine (overflowing blessing).
Why do we remember Prophet Elijah at the end of the Havdalah?
So he can usher in the redemption of Messiah.
How do we greet each other at the end of Havdalah?
Shavua Tov
What is the Bet haKneset? What functions does it serve?
Synagogue. The center of Jewish community. A place of prayer and assembly.
What is the Aron haKodesh?
The ark where the Torah scroll is held.
What is the Ner Tamid?
The continuous flame.
What is the Bimah?
The stand where the Torah scroll is read.
What is a Yad?
The pointer that is used when reading the Torah.
What is a Siddur?
The prayer book.
What is a Kippah? When do we use it?
Head covering. When praying, Studying Torah, Going to a Synagogue.
What is the Tallit? When do we use it?
A covering with fringes. During morning and afternoon prayer.
How many times a day does a Jew pray? Names and times.
- Shacharit (Morning), Minchah (afternoon), M’erev (evening).
What is Musaf? When do we pray Musaf?
The additional prayer service. Shabbat, Festivals, and Rosh Chodesh.
What’s the meaning of the word “Tefillah”?
Prayer.
What is a minyian? What is the origin of the need for one?
10 adult Jews. From Concepts in the Torah.
Who is a Sheliach Tzibur? What is his/her role?
Someone from the community who leads the service. They lead a prayer service.
What does a Gabbai do?
They ensure that the Torah is being read correctly.
When do we ritually read the Torah?
Monday, Thursday, Shabbat.
How many persons are called to the Torah in each of the different days?
On Monday and Thursday, three are called. On Shabbat morning, there are seven.
How do we call the person that goes up to the Torah? Which blessings does he say?
Oleh. He says, “Barchu et Adonai Hamvorach…”
How do we call the person that reads from the Torah?
Ba’al Keriah
What is a Parasha? How many of them are?
A Torah Portion. 54.
What is an Aliyah?
Being called up to bless a Torah portion.
What is the Maftir?
The last Torah portion read and the person called up for the Maftir Torah portion. He also reads the Haftara
What is a Mi sheBerakh?
It is a blessing for a person who got an Aliyah.
What is the Haftara? When do we read? Who reads it?
It is a passage from the Prophets that corresponds with the Parashah. After the Aliyot. The Maftir.
What is the origin for the reading of the Haftara?
Possibly as a substitution for reading the Torah when it was forbidden.
What is the Kaddish? What does it say? In which language was it written?
It is a blessing embodying Jewish values most notably said when mourning. It is asking for God’s kingdom to be established. Aramaic.
How many different types of Kaddish do we have?
Four main ones.
What are the differences between the kaddish prayers in language and liturgical use?
Some are shorter. Some add phrases. They are said during service and after certain events.
- Half Kaddish—said before completing the prayer service.
- Complete Kaddish—Said after the Amidah.
- Mourners Kaddish—Said until Yartzhiet of a parent.
- Kaddish D’Rabbanan—Said after a rabbinic teaching. Adds a verse to the half Kaddish.
What is the Amidah? What other names does the Amidah have?
It is the central prayer during every prayer service. The prayer, the standing prayer, shmonei aserei.
What is the Amidah composed of?
It is composed of 19 sections covering different topics.
—3 sections on praise.
—13 sections of petition. (Only one on Shabbat)
—3 sections of gratitude.
What are the differences between the daily Amidah and the festival Amidah? Why?
The daily Amidah is all 19 sections, the Festival/Shabbat Amidah replaces the 13 middle prayers with one (7 total) to sanctify the day so we aren’t distracted with our needs on God’s holy days.
What is the Kedusha?
It is the portion of the Amidah sanctifying the L-rd; lengthened for Shabbat.
Describe the liturgical structure surrounding the Shema.
Each prayer service is structured:
1. Warm up Prayers (P’Seukei D’Zimra—Shacharit; Ashrei—Mincha; Ma’Ariv Arivim—Ma’Ariv)
2. The call to prayer and the Shema
3. The Amidah.
4. Concluding prayers (Aleinu, Yigdal, Adon Olam, Hashkiveinu, Ahavat Olam)
What is the subject of each of the paragraphs of the Shema?
The first paragraph accepts G-d’s sovereignty. The second paragraph accepts G-d’s commands. The third section commands us to wear Tzitzit to remind us of God’s commands.
Why are the paragraphs of the shema in the current order?
Because the last paragraph was disputed for the evening prayer.
How do you say “blessing” in Hebrew? What’s the origin of the word?
Baruch. Knee.
What is a blessing?
It is the will of good towards someone.
How many different kind of blessings do exist? (structurally speaking) Examples.
???
How many different kind of blessings do exist? (content speaking) Examples.
3, before enjoying something (food), before performing a mitzvah (washing hands), at special times (shehechianu)
What is a Mitzvah?
A commandment.
How do you classify the mitzvot? Examples of each kind.
Positive (wear tzitziot) and Negative (don’t eat pork).
What is a Mezuza?
A case for the shema attached to the doorway.
Why do we use Mezuzot in our homes?
It reminds us that G-d is with us and to keep his commandments.
What’s the origin of the Mezuza?
There was some form of a Mezuzah when Israel was settled in Canaan.
Where do you fix a Mezuza? How?
On the outside of every doorway except bathrooms and small closets. It should be hung on the top third of the doorway angled toward the door.
What is the Torah?
Genesis-Deuteronomy.
What’s the meaning of the word Torah?
Teaching.
How many books does the Torah have? Names in English and Hebrew (with their meaning).
5, Bereshit (Genesis), Shemot (Exodus), Vayikra (Leviticus), Bamidbar (Numbers), and Devarim (Deuteronomy).
Basic subjects of each book of the Torah.
Creation/Origin; Exodus from Egypt; Laws of Purity/Sacrifice; Censuses and more commandments; Final words of Moses.
What is the TaNa”Kh?
The scriptures.
What are the three components of the TaNaKh?
Torah, Nevi’im, Ketuvim
How many books are in Neviim?
8
Basic subjects of each book of the Nevi’im.
Joshua-Israel enters the land; Judges-Israel under the judges; Samuel-Saul and David; Kings-The kingdom of Israel; Isaiah-Prophesy agains nations hostile to Judah; Jeremiah-Israel’s future destruction due to disobedience; Ezekiel-Prophesy of judgement then restitution; The twelve-various prophesies of judgement and redemption against Israel and the nations.
What are some of the core messages of the classical prophets?
Obey G-d and you will be blessed. Disobey and you will be judged.
How many books are in Ketuvim?
11
Basic subjects of each book in the Ketuvim.
Psalm-Praise; Proverbs-Wisdom; Job-Righteousness in suffering; Song of Songs-G-d’s love for Israel; Ruth-Ruth’s story; Lamentations-Destruction of the Temple; Ecclesiastes-Meaningfulness; Esther-Esther’s story; Ezra-Nehemiah-Ezra/Nehemiah’s story and their reforms; Chronicles-History of the kings of Israel.
What is known as aprocrypha?
Non canonical text related to the Bible.
What are the differences between the TaNa”Kh and the Christian Bible?
Translation and the New Testament.
What do we mean by Rabbinic Literature?
The oral Torah.
What is Midrash? What’s the etymological meaning of the word?
An explanation of a biblical topic. דרש—Inquiry.
How many different types of Midrash are?
2–Halakhah and Aggadah
What is Halakha?
Interpretation of Law
What is Aggadah?
Interpretation of Narrative
What is the Mishnah? How is it structured?
The main text of the Talmud. It is structured into six sections: Seeds, Holidays, Women, Damages, Holy Things, Purity.
What’s the meaning of the word Mishnah?
Study by repetition
Who were the Tannaim?
The Rabbis who’s views were recorded in the Mishnah
Who was in charge of editing the Mishna? When? Where?
Rabbi Judah the Prince. Third Century. Israel.
What is the Talmud?
The Mishnah and the commentary or Gemara.
How many Talmudim do we have? Where and when were they written?
2-Babylonian (written 500CE in mesopotamia) and Jerusalem Talmud (350CE in Israel)
Who were the Ammoraim?
Those who commented on the Mishnah.
Who were the Geonim?
Jewish religious leaders during the early medieval era who rose up after the Saboraim (editors of the Talmud). They interpreted the Talmud.
What is known as Jewish Responsa?
An exchange of letters on a halakhic matter
Who was Saadia Gaon?
An important philosopher who was essential in arguing the authority of the Jews of Babylon’s religious authority at the time and the superiority of the Babylonian Talmud.
Who was Rashi?
A french medieval scholar who wrote commentary on the Talmud and the Bible.
Who was the author of the Kuzari? When and where did he live?
Judah Halevi. Spain, 1075-1141.
What do you know about the Kuzari?
It is an apologetic work comparing Judaism to the other Abrahamic religions: Christianity and Islam.
Who was the author of the Mishne Torah? When are where did he live?
Rambam. Spain, 1138-1204.
What do you know about the Mishne Torah?
It is a summary of the Oral Torah.
Who was the author of the More Nebukhim?
Rambam
What do you know about the More Nebukhim (Guide to the perplexed)?
It is a look at scripture through a practical, Aristotelian lens.
Who was the author of the Arba Turim? When are where did he live?
Yaakov Ben Ashur. He lived in Germany and Spain in the 13th and 14th centuries.
What do you know about the Arba Turim?
It is a book on Jewish law that is applicable to the Diaspora.
Who was the author of the Shulkhan Arukh? When are where did he live?
Joseph Karo. Safed, Israel 1488-1575
What do you know about the Shulkhan Arukh?
It is the preeminent compilation of Jewish law. Written by Joseph Karo in the 16th century.
Why did the Shulkhan Arukh become such a popular book?
Because it was written around the time of the invention of the printing press.
Who was the author of the Zohar? When are where did he live?
Shimon Bar Yochai. 2nd century Judea.
What do you know about the Zohar?
It is the work on which Kabbalah is based.
Who were the patriarchs? And the matriarchs?
Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Sarah, Rebekah, Rachel, and Leah.
Who were the first three kings of Israel?
Saul, David, and Solomon.
When was the First temple built? When was it destroyed?
957 BCE. 587 BCE
Who destroyed the Kingdom of Israel? And the Kingdom of Judah? When?
Assyria 722 BCE. Babylon 586 BCE.
Causes of the Maccabean revolt.
The Greeks took control of Israel, Outlawed Judaism, and set up pagan worship on the Temple.
What and when was the Great Rebellion against Rome? Why did it happen?
It was the first of three wars against Rome for independence in 66-73 CE. It happened because of oppressive policy. An event triggered a Roman governor to attack Jerusalem and plunder the Temple causing a major Jewish backlash.
When was the Second Temple destroyed?
70 CE
What is Masada? What happened there?
Masada is a Jewish Fort in the south of Israel. A Roman siege resulting in a mass suicide.
Bar Kokhva revolt: Causes and consequences.
The destruction of Jerusalem in the First Jewish War and the erection of a Temple to Jupiter on the Temple mount were big reasons. Bar Kokhbah who claimed to be the Messiah, led a Jewish army against the Romans.
What was the Kingdom of the Khazars?
It was a multi-ethnic steppe kingdom in Eastern Europe which at one point had Jews in prominent leadership positions.
What were the Crusades and how are they related to the Jewish history?
The crusades were a Christian attempted conquest of Jerusalem. Along the way the crusaders killed many Jews.
What was the golden age in Spain?
It was a time when the muslim rule of Spain (750-1050) accepted Jews in their society allowing them to flourish economically and literarily.
Who were the crypto-Jews?
They were Jews who secretly practiced Judaism but outwardly practiced a different religion, particularly under Christianity in Spain.
What was the impact of the expulsion of the Jews from Spain?
Hundreds of thousands converted to Christianity. The rest were spread out in a diaspora.
What do you know about Jewish mysticism in general and about Yitzhak Luria in particular?
It teaches that G-d as the endless one or Ein Sof manifests into the various Sefirot when interacting with Creation. Luria lived in the Galilee region during the 16th century and is considered the father of kabbalah.
Who was Shabbetai Zvi?
He was someone who claimed to be the Messiah but then converted to Islam.
Who was the Baal Shem Tov? What’s the name of the movement he created?
He was a Jewish mystic who claimed he could do supernatural miracles such as heal, protect, ascend to heaven and converse with other souls. He founded Hasidic Judaism.
Who were the Mitnagdim? What do you know about the Vilna Gaon?
They were a group that rose in opposition to the teachings of Hasidic Judaism. He was the foremost leader of the Mitnagdim.
Who was Moses Mendelsohn?
He was a philosopher in 18th century Germany who translated the Torah and commentaries to German and otherwise contributed to the Jewish Enlightenment in Europe.
What was the Jewish Enlightenment?
It was a cultural and intellectual movement that culminated in Jewish nationalism.
What were the consequences of the French Revolution for the Jews?
It resulted in the French at this particular time recognizing the rights of the Jewish community.
What were Napoleon’s questions to the Jews? What did they answer?
He asked 12 questions regarding how Jewish law related to French Law. The Jews essentially answered how Napoleon wanted them to answer.
Who was Leopold Zunz? What’s the meaning of Wissenschaft des Judentums?
He was a 19th century German Jew who founded Wissenschaft des Judentums or academic Judaic studies.
How was the process that took Hitler to power in Germany?
He was the leader of the Nazi party in Germany. When the Nazis had the majority in the German parliament, Hitler was appointed chancellor. When the parliament was set on fire, the chancellor was given emergency power making Hitler essentially a dictator. He never gave up his power.
What measures did the Nazis take against the Jews before the “Final Solution”?
Shut down their businesses, took away their ability to leave the country, made them wear a badge, rounded them up into ghettos.
What was the “Final Solution”? What were its consequences?
The final solution was a mass genocide of the Jewish people where six million Jews were systematically killed in the Shoah.
When was West End Synagogue founded? Who founded it?
It was founded in the 1850s
How many Jews are in the US? And in Nashville?
7 mil. 11,000.
How many Jews are in the whole world?
20 mil.
Describe the ideas of these men and their relationship to the different movements they created.
Abraham Geiger
Founder of Reform Judaism. Saw Judaism as able to develop along modern trends. Wanted to modernize Judaism.
Describe the ideas of these men and their relationship to the different movements they created.
Samuel Holdheim
A notable leader in the Reform movement. He believed that Judaism had no dogmas. It was about Judaism’s relation to the here and now.
Describe the ideas of these men and their relationship to the different movements they created.
Zecharias Frankel
His ideas were the bedrock for Conservatism. He believed that while traditions can be changed, those changes must be founded in scholarship not the desire of the congregants. Frankel held that reason based on scholarship, and not mere desire on the part of the laity, must be the justification for any reforms within Judaism.
Describe the ideas of these men and their relationship to the different movements they created.
Samsom Rafael Hirsch
He was the founder of a school of contemporary orthodox Judaism that became neo-orthodox Judaism. He espoused the authority of tradition and was an opponent of reform, conservative, and zionist Judaism.
Describe the ideas of these men and their relationship to the different movements they created.
Chatam Sofer
A prominent ultra orthodox figure, he was a leading orthodox Rabbi and a chief opposer to the Reform movement. He believed that the way Judaism has always been practiced is how it always should be practiced.
Describe the ideas of these men and their relationship to the different movements they created.
Mordechai Kaplan
The founder of Reconstructionist Judaism. He believed that Judaism could evolve in tandem with the advances of science and philosophy as a creative and restorative force.
Main differences between the Jewish Movements in relation to these subjects:
Women and Ritual
Orthodox-No; Conservative-Some; Reform-Yes
Main differences between the Jewish Movements in relation to these subjects:
Use of Kippah and Tallit at synagogue
Orthodox-Only men; Conservative-Men/women; Reform-Men/Women or not at all
Main differences between the Jewish Movements in relation to these subjects:
Same sex marriages
Orthodox-No; Conservative-Yes; Reform-Yes
Main differences between the Jewish Movements in relation to these subjects:
Mixed marriages
Orthodox-No; Conservative-No; Reform-Yes
What’s the meaning of the word “kasher”? Where is it mentioned for the first time?
Fit. Leviticus 11.
What are we allowed to eat and what should we avoid?
On land anything with split hooves that chews the cud. Of birds, the ones specified by the rabbis, of sea creatures those with fins and scales, and of crawling things anything with two jumping legs.
What are the laws of kashrut?
Eat only kosher animal products that were prepared in the prescribed way, don’t mix meat and milk, don’t eat blood.
What is Shechita? Who does it?
It is the prescribed way to slaughter an animal in Judaism. The Shochet.
What is the meaning of all these laws of Kashrut?
The Torah teaches us that it signifies that we are separate from the other nations.
