Jewish Flashcards
describe the exile phase of Judaism
587 Babylon exile
539 Cyrus of Persia defeats babylon
333 Alexander the great conquers Palestine
160 Maccabees rebellion
63 Pompey conquers palestine
What are covenants based on
love loyalty and law
What are the three parts of Abrahams covenant
Part one was the promise of land, nation, and name.
Part two was the sacrifice where abraham sacrificed animals for the lord and was later put into a vision of a flaming torch passing through the animals signifying that anyone who breaks the covenant will be split in two
Part 3 is the circumcision.
What are the ten commandments
No Gods before
False Idols
Name in Vein
Sabbath
Honour mother and father
Murder
Adultery
Steal
False Witness
Covet
What is Hasidic Judaism
Amish: a sect of Judaism that believes in a less formal religion and whom places a lot of their life in the hands of God and miracles.
What is Orthodox Judaism
Uncool: A response to reform Judaism. They are not against the modern world but they do still uphold the 613 mitzvot
What is Conservative Judaism
Middle ground: they are not very literalist in their torah interpretation and thus believe that the law is not static and has to be rethunk every now and again.
What is Reform Judaism
Cool Judaism: they believe that Judaism should be more inegrated into normal society and thus made controversial changes such as the language of services and thus lost a lot of the faith in Judaism
where does the word “jew” come from
Hebrew word “Jehudi” meaning from the tribe of Judah
Jewish population and top 2 countries
14.8mil. 8.3 in USA. 6.3 is Israel
What are the concepts of “Transcendence” and “Immanence”
The idea that God is seen as beyond human understanding. This causes humans to feel fear but also to be in awe and wonder.
Describe the creation of adam
“Let us make humankind (Adam) in our image, according to our likeness; and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the wild animals of the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps upon the earth.” “Be fruitful and multiply, fill the earth and subdue it”
Why dont Jews create images of God
Direct disobedience to one of the 10 commandments on false idols.
Why are Jews considered the chosen people.
In the Torah is states that Jews have a special responsibility to live according to God’s will and set an example to the rest of humanity.
Origins of the Shema
The shema sums up the special relationship that the Jews have with God. “Shema Yisrael” means “hear O israel and is the first 2 words of Deuteronomy 6:4-9
What does the shema mean to Jews today
Centerpiece of morning and evening prayer. Children are taught to recite the shema before going to bed. Traditionally Jews will recite the Shema as their last words.
What is the Noahide code
- Do not worship idols.
- Do not blaspheme.
- Do not murder.
- Do not steal.
- Do not commit adultery.
- Do not eat flesh taken from a live animal (no cruelty to animals).
- Set up a legal system and promote justice.
What happened to the Israelites in the desert.
They did not take the most direct route to the promised land. There God formed them into his people
What was the Sinai covenant.
God reminded moses that he brought the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt. Now, by giving them a law, he would turn them into the treasured people and a holy nation. He provided them the Decalogue (10 commandments). Moses wrote down the words of God, assembled the people, made sacrifices, and dashed half the blood on the altar and the other half on the people. The first tablet is summarized as Love God and the second is summarized as Love Your Neighbour.
What books do the Mitzvot come from
Exodus 21-23, Leviticus 1-27, Deuteronomy 5-31
What is Zionism
Originally, Zion regarded the hill that the first temple was built on. Nowadays, the word means Israel. The zionist movement aims to bring back all Jews from the diaspora back to Israel. Opinions vary on this matter.
What are Shepardic Jews and what are their population % and what is their language
Jews that live in Spain, portrugal, North Africa, and Middle east. 17% worldwide, almost half in Israel. Ladino
What are Ashkenazik Jews and what is their language
Jews that live in France, Germany, and eastern Europe. Yiddish
What is the Messianic age.
The proper conclusion to God’s plan (funny drake song) A time of peace and prosperity where God’s law will reign over all. The pre-exilic prophet, Micah describes this in Micah 4:1-3 where the all will journey to the House of God way up in the mountains.
What is the Davidic Messiah
A messiah that is believed to come from the Line of David
Where does the term Messiah come from
“Anointed one”
What is the evidence for the love of Jewish law.
O’ How I love your law. It is my meditation all day long
Psalms 119:97
The law is based on the love from God to the Jews as it is a direct response to being freed from Egypt thus love should be reciprocated.
Law as freedom?
The law does not burden. Rather it directs, instructs, and frees.
What is Jewish law comprised of
The Decalogue, the 613 Mitzvot, the Torah, Tenakh, and Oral Torah.
What is the Tenakh comprised of
Torah (law or pentateuch)
Nevi’im (prophets)
Ketuvim (writings)
What is the Sefarim Hizonim
A collection of books written in Greek that were never accepted into the Jewish canon despite having useful information about Jewish Teachings. Such as Maccabees 1 and 2
What is the Pseudepigrapha
Books written by a contemporary but attributed to great people in the past such as the Assumption of Moses and Life of Adam and Eve
What is the Oral Torah
The Oral Torah consists of the Talmud
- The Mishnah (to study) which is a Rabbinic literature used to describe by examples on how a Jew should act
- The Gemara which is the comments on the Mishnah by Rabbi
And the Midrash (to seek) which is the interpretations of the written Torah
What is read at Synagogue services
First a reading from the Torah then a reading from the Nevi’im (Haftarah)
What is the Lectionary
The reading of the Torah over 1 year. It begins with Genesis 1: 1-5 and ends with Deuteronomy 34: 10-12
What is daily prayer like
A male Jew is to pray 3 times a day. The morning, the Afternoon, the Evening.
What is the Siddur.
A book containing prayers from the Talmud and Tenakh
What is the Chumash
A copy of the Torah that shows what is to be read each day.
What are the Names for Synagogue and their meanings
Bet Ha Knesset - house of assembly
Bet ha Tefilla - house of prayer
Bet ha Midrash - house of study
Shul - school
What is the origin of the Synagogue.
After the destruction of the First temple, Jews would congregate and pray together wherever. However, the Synagogues would not become the center of Jewish life until the destruction of the 2nd Temple in 70CE
What are some architectural features of a synagogue
They vary. They may look very plain and rarely contain giveaways that it is in fact a Synagogue rather than a Christian church. Sometimes they have the Magen David or a Menorah to identify. They may have stained glass windows but images of God are forbidden.
What is the Magen David
The star of David. In 7th century BCE it was discovered and by 6th CE, it was named the Seal of Solomon. It appears on the Flag that the Jewish community in Prague used and nowadays the Flag of Israel.
What is the Sefer Torah
It is the Pentateuch in a scroll. The two wooden rollers represent the Trees of life. It is the word of God and is considered Sacred for that reason.
What is the Aron-ha-Kadesh
Its like the ark but it holds the Sefer Torah. It is ornate and faces Jerusalem. It is the focal point of a Synagogue
What is the Ner Tamid
The eternal light that burn above the Aron-ha-Kadesh reminiscent of the flame that burnt outside the ark in the desert and later, the temple. From (Exodus 27:20-21)
What is the Bimah
The reading desk for the Sefer Torah
What is the Yad
The reading pointer for the Sefer Torah (protection and respect)
What does Rabbi translate to
“My Master”
What does a Chazan do
Leads the Singing or the prayers. A Cantor.
What is a congregation
The people who attend the Synagogue services. It is an honour to be called from the congregation to read from the Sefer Torah. In Orthodox there is a Mehitzah (screen) that separates the men and the women
What is the order of Service in the Synagogue
MPSATMAK
My persistent sister attacked the Moor at kamp.
Morning blessing
Psalms
Shema
Amidah (standing prayer)
Torah service (readings)
Musaf (shabbat service)
Aleynu (praises)
Kiddush
What is the Kippah
A skullcap made of any material
“Cover your head in order that the fear of heaven may be upon you.”
What is the Tefillin
The prayer boxes bound to the Head and forearm containing prayers/the Shema
What is the Tallit
The prayer shawl made of wool with 600 fringes that make 8 strands that have 5 additional knots.
How must women dress
Modestly
What is the Mezuzah
Small cylinders that contain the Shema on the right of doors at home.
What are the 3 categories of Jewish Festivals
Shabbat
High Holy Days
Pilgrim Festivals
What is Shabbat
Shabbat (translated from Hebrew as “ceased” from work) is the oldest Jewish Festival with the first account coming from Genesis 2:1-3. No work is to be done during Shabbat (18 minutes before sundown on friday - 42 minutes after sundown on Saturday)
What are the 4 phases of Shabbat
Friday evening - The woman of the house lights 2 candles to remember the reason for and to observe the Shabbat. The man of the house pronounces the Kiddush and festive meal is shared
Saturday morning - the family goes to the Synagogue
Saturday lunch - a Second celebratory meal
Saturday Dinner (Havdalah) - “separation”, A special candle with several wicks is lit and a box of spices is passed around to carry the sweetness of spice into next week. Wine is blessed and they wish each other “Shavuah Tov”, a good week.
What is Rosh Hashanah
The first high holy day, New year. A 2 day celebration that takes place on the 1st day of Tishri. On which the Day of Judgement falls
What are the Days of awe.
the 30 days before Rosh Hashanah. Because the Day of judgement is arriving, this time period is a period of repentance and self examination.
What books are opened on Rosh Hashanah
The names of the righteous are written in the Book of life and those of the Wicked are omitted forever.
Those who are intermediate are given 10 days to repent until Yom kippur
What is the Shofar
The trumpet that is blown. It is blown every morning in the Days of Awe. Another name for Rosh Hashanah is feast of trumpets
What is Tashlich
On the morning of Rosh Hashanah Jews will go and symbolically cast papers with their sins on them into the river or lake
What are the symbolic foods of Rosh Hashanah
Challah is dipped into honey and apple slices saying “may god give you a sweet year”. They may serve but not eat a head of a fish saying “let us be the head not the tail”
What is Yom Kippur
Another High holy day. “the day of atonement” “the Shabbat of Shabbats”. This takes place on the 10th of Tishri It is rumored to be the day Moses descended from Sinai with the commandments
What was the tradition for Yom Kippur in the temple
The high priest would enter the holy of holies with a Bull and a goat. He would sacrifice the bull and sprinkle the blood on the Kapporet, the mercy seat above the ark. The priest places his hands on the Goat, confesses the sins of Israel to the goat and sets it free into the wild. Symbolically transferring over the sins.
What is the tradition of Yom Kippur in the synagogue
Everything about the Synagogue is white. Secular Jews turn up. There are 5 services on this day.
What is the seal
The confirming of your position in the Book of life. Yom Kippur is the seal of your fate.
What is the Ne’ilah
The concluding of the synagogue services. The congregation recites the Shema and pleads one last time for forgiveness. The shofar is blown for the last time and people return home for a meal to break the fast.
What is Pesach
Pesach (passover) commemorates the freeing of the Israelites from Egypt. It is oldest and most important Pilgrim Festival. It takes place on the 15th of Nisan and lasts for 7 days
Pesach at the temple???
Typically there would be a lamb sacrifice from each family at the temple to be eaten that night
How is chametz made
when any of the 5 grains are left in water for 18 minutes
What is Erev Pesach
The search for Leaven with a wooden spoon and feather. Children search for 10 pieces with candlelight symbolizing the 10 commandments
What is the Seder Meal
The meal eaten with the family. Seder = order and refers to the very specific order of the meal. Children are to ask question to help with the telling of Exodus
What are the Symbolic foods of Pesach
Three Matzot - unleavened bread made without yeast to symbolize how the Jews did not have time to waste
Maror, lettuce, and Horseradish- bitterness of slavery
Salt water - tears
Charoset - nuts, wine, and apple to symbolize the cement used to build egypt
parsley - new life
Shank bone and roasted egg - Symbol of Pesach sacrifice
4 cups of wine to represent the 4 exiles God will bring the Jews out of. A fifth cup for elijah
What is Shavuot
The Feast of weeks. Another Pilgrim festival. It is associated with the grain harvest and the giving of the Torah to Moses.
What is counting the Omer
It is a tradition that was held at the temple. At the beginning of the 50 days of Shavuot, 1 omer of barley was sacrificed. At the end, 2 loaves of the wheat harvest were offered
How is Shavuot celebrated today
In addition to abstaining from work, Jews will stay up all night reading the Torah and consuming coffee and cheesecake like how Ezekiel was told by God. Collection baskets are set up, Synagogues will be decorated and sometimes a challah will be offered
What is Sukkot
Sukkot (feast of booths) is the final Pilgrim Festival beginning on the 15th of Tishri. It commemorates the 40 years spent in the desert and the huts they had to live in, as well as the pilgrimage to the temple to offer the first fruits of the harvest
What is the Torah instruction for Sukkot
Leviticus 23:39-43 says “On the 15th day of the 7th month you shall keep the festival of the lord, lasting 7 days”
What are the four species of Sukkot
Etrog - citrus tree branch
Lulav - date palm branch
Hadass - myrtle tree branch
and Aravah - willow tree branch
What is Yad Vashem
“a memorial and a name”
a national depository of the names of Jewish victims of the holocaust who did not have anyone to pass on their name established in 1953
What is a Mohel
A circumcisioner
Describe the Brit Milah ceremony
8 days after birth: The child is given to the Sandek (a person of importance to the baby) and is lifted up. The mohel announces his name and performs the operation. The father offers prayers of thanks to the lord. Wine is blessed and passed around and a drop is placed on the lips of the baby.
Describe the naming ceremony of a Jewish girl
The Torah does not specify when or where this should take place. More often than not, it will take place in the Synagogue. Timing varies, it could take place on the Sabbath after birth or 30 days after.
Explain Bar/Bat Mitzvah
Mitvah means commandment
Bar and Bat mean son and daughter respectively. Which ultimately translates to Son or Daughter of Commandment. This takes place at the ages of 12 (girls) (13 in reform) and 13 (boys). It is a coming of age and from this point parents are no longer to be held responsible for their children’s physical or spiritual actions.
Describe the Bar Mitzvah ceremony
Usually it will take place on the Shabbat after the boy’s 13th birthday. The Father opens the ceremony, giving thanks to God that he is no longer punishable for the sins of his Son. The boy now puts on the tallit and Tefillin. The Sefer Torah is brought out and the boy reads the daily scripture and gives a small speech on its importance.
What is Bat Chayil
Meaning Daughter of Valour.
This celebration usually takes place at home on a sunday, after Shabbat. It does not include a reading from the Torah. The young women will read from a book other than the Tenakh. Gifts follow.
What is Kiddushin
This is the engagement. Previously this would happen up to a year prior. Kiddushin means Holy. Nowadays a simple ring is placed on the finger of the Bride on the same day as the ceremony and the groom proclaims “Behold. You are now consecrated to me with this ring according to the law of Moses and Israel.”
What is the Ketubah
A contract that promises protection for the wife in case of divorce. This needs to be witnessed by 2 people, unrelated to the couple.
Describe the Nissu’in
Nissu’in = marriage ceremony
First, the parents escort the couple to stand under the Huppah, to symbolize the home they will set up together. Secondly, the Rabbi or the Chazan will recite 7 blessings, mostly to do with creation. Finally the Glass will be broken
What is Sheol
Sheol is a dark place where everyone goes when they die. There is no Joy there for Adam and Eve disobeyed God and this is a punishment. This is why Hebrew scriptures celebrate life today. Those in Sheol will remain until the messiah comes to judge the living and the dead
What is Gehenna and Gran Eden
After the last judgement, the wicked will be sent to Gehanna and the righteous will go to Gran Eden.
How is a body prepared
The Chevrah Kaddisha is responsible for this. First the corpse is laid down on the ground (earth to earth). They wash it and dress it in the same linen worn at Yom Kippur. There is no embalming or cremating. All Jews must die naturally. The body is carried to the burial plot in 7 stages, reciting Ps91 at each stage to recall the 7 vanities. Dirt is cast to bring closure.
What is the first mourning ritual
Tearing the clothes: This goes back to when David tore his clothes when he heard of the death of Saul and Jonathan. Mourners are Relieved of their religious duties during this time.
What is the second mourning Ritual
Shiva: This means 7 and for a period of 7 days the mourners congregate in a home to pray and share stories of the deceased. Visitors are to shop and cook for them.
What is the third Mourning ritual
Sheloshim: this means 30 and marks the end of the mourning ritual. Mourners are to go back to normal life during these 30 days.
What is the fourth mourning ritual
Yahrzeit: 12 months later candles are lit, Kaddish is recited, and stones are placed on the grave.
What does Kashrut and Treyfah mean
proper and torn
How must an animal be killed to be Kashrut
the throat, arteries, veins, and windpipe is to be sliced all at once. Death must be instantaneous and the blood must be drained
How will Kashrut food be prepared
Milk and Meat must be separate. Two sets of utensils are often used and in some cases two sinks.
Why is Kashrut clothing not to be mixed
Leviticus 19:19 prohibits it. It is a reminder that God is one, and that he created things distinct from each other. Mixed clothing is called Shatnez and is prohibited under Jewish law.
How is family done through different sects of Judaism
i mean i guess its just the severity of the religiousness.
Hasidic - humanistic
What is Tzedaka
righteous giving: this can be done through collection boxes, kind actions, gleaning, or tithing (10% of their income)
What are pushkes
collection boxes at home
What is Gemilut Hasadim
This is a branch of Tzedaka that is kind actions and love rather than giving of money.
What are some Tzedaka organizations
Magen David Adom, Jewish care, and Tzedek.
