Judaism Flashcards
How many followers, and where are they situated?
14 million total
6 million in Israel
6 million in USA
Over a million live in Europe
What are the denominational sects?
Orthodox jews; stick closely to teachings and bible and festivals
reform jews; believe that these can be altered to fit modern society
What are the origins and key beliefs?
strong connection between Jews and judaism, can only be passed down through mother
monotheistic religion, king of all universe, led to covenant between people and him
Who were the key prophets?
Abraham: 4000 years ago, key because covenant was made with him
King David: 2000 year later, he captured all of Israel and made Jerusalem his capital
Moses: helped renew the covenant, was given Torah, law book
What is symbolism in Judaism?
The Magen David - shield of david associated with King
The Menorah; seven lamp, six branch candle holder, god gave moses design
What is the covenant?
pact between god and people, symbolised by the male circumcision. boys: bar mitzvah age 13
girls: bat mitzvah age 12
What is the origin and meaning?
emunah, meaning support, hebrew meaning supports god, as opposed to faith in god
What is meant by ethical monotheism?
how you practice what you are taught in the world instead of analysing god
strong linkage to ‘right acts’
What is the Mitzvot?
‘commandments’ 613 of them determing how humans behave in life and what they should and shouldnt do
kashrut: split hoof completely divided, chews the cud
shabbat: keeping sabbath holy, not working
What is anti semitism?
hatred for jews, they were used as scapegoats, shoah - meaning holocaust
What is emunah?
The term emunah, which is rendered in English as “faith” or “belief,” occurs for the first
time in the Torah in connection with Abraham.
What is the tenakh?
Tanakh The sacred book of Judaism, consisting of the Torah, the Prophets, and the
Writings; the Hebrew Scriptures
What is the Bar Mitzvah?
the initiation ceremony of a Jewish boy who has reached the age of 13 and is regarded
as ready to observe religious precepts and eligible to take part in public worship
Who was abraham?
Abraham was the first of the Hebrew patriarchs and a figure revered by the three great
monotheistic religions— Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
