An Overview of Judaism Flashcards
Who is considered the forefather of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam?
Abraham–thus labeled ‘Abrahamic’ religions
When did the belief in one God become an essential aspect of Judaism, and who played a crucial role in this development?
Moses played a crucial role in this development–about 500 years after Abraham
Despite its small size and origins in regions like Iraq and Egypt, how has Judaism survived and spread globally?
Antisemitism and Assimilation
Explain the diversity within Judaism in terms of geography, appearance, and languages.
Jews are found in diverse cultures worldwide, with variations in appearance, languages, and cultural practices–stems from both antisemitism and assimilation
What are the two opposing yet complementary factors that explain the survival of Judaism?
Antisemitism and Assimilation
When did Israel become a recognized state, and what impact has it had on the identity of Judaism?
The state of “Israel” was established in 1948 by ethnically cleansing Palestinians, known as the Nakba
What is assimilation in Judaism, and how does it impact Jewish identity?
It involves Jews adopting characteristics of the regions they settle in without fully losing their Jewish identity.
Does assimilation lead to the disappearance of Jewish identity?
No, it involves blending cultural traits while maintaining distinctiveness.
How has historical dispersion contributed to assimilation among Jews?
scattering of Jews across regions has led to the diverse cultures they inhabit.
Name at least three countries of the Jewish diaspora
Yemen, Canada, Brazil, Australia, Iran, Italy, Spain
Name two Jewish languages, apart from Hebrew, either past or present
Yiddish, Judeo-Spanish, Judeo-Arabic, Aramaic, Judeo-Persian
Define antisemitism and when was the term coined?
Antisemitism, coined in the 19th century, refers to an enduring historic hatred or dislike of Jews.
What distinguishes antisemitism from other forms of hate?
Antisemitism is unique as it transcends racial differences, encompassing Jews of varying skin colors and national origins.
Why hasn’t antisemitism led to the complete assimilation of Jews into their host cultures?
has had the ironic effect of preventing the total assimilation of Jews into whatever culture they have made their home
What historical event marked a severe manifestation of antisemitism in the mid-20th century?
The Holocaust
