Judaism Flashcards
Which three fundamental Jewish institutions most characterize an observant religious Jew or a religious home?
- Shabbat
- Kashrut
- Family purity - the laws regulating marital relations
Which mitzvot are obligatory?
All of them (:
In which three sins are most heinous in Judaism?
- Idolatry
- murder
- immoral liaisons
The three essential components of Jewish life are described as like three legs of a stool. What are these three legs?
- Israel - People
- Israel - Land
- God/Torah
Recite the family tree starting at Abraham
Abraham [Sarah]
Sons Ismael [Haggar], Isaac [mother Sarah]
Isaac + Rebecca had 2 sons, Jacob and Esau
Jacob was renamed Israel after wrestling with angel
Jacob had 12 sons (incl. Joseph, Judah, Benjamin) = 12 tribes of Israel + 1 daughter Dinah
Jew is derived from Judah, the most prominent of the 12 tribes. Judeans survived the downfall of the northern kingdom of Israel when 10 tribes were led into captivity
To whom did god promise Eretz Yisrael (the land of Israel)?
Abraham
What are the four meanings of “Israel“?
People, land, God, Torah (country)
What is the Shema?
שְׁמַע יִשְׂרָאֵל יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵינוּ יְהוָה אֶחָד׃
Sh’ma Yisrael Adonai Eloheinu Adonai Eḥad
Hear, O Israel: the LORD is our God, the LORD is One (Deuteronomy 6:4)
Expresses the underlying faith of Israel that there is one indivisible God by whose will the universe and all that is in it was created (as opposed to historic polytheism and idolatry), starting with Abraham
What does “Torah” refer to?
The teaching that directs man how to live.
(1) WRITTEN LAW:
24 books of the TaNaKh (“Old Testament”):
- 5 books of Moses, kept on a scroll in the arc of the synagogue (Written Torah)
- Nevi’im
- Ketuvim
(2) ORAL LAW:
Received by Moses at Sinai
“Talmud” = Mishna and Gemara
(3) SHARED WISDOM
What do the 613 mitzvot represent?
The religious duties which the Torah places upon the Jew, Commandments
What is Halakha?
Jewish law; the final authoritative decision on any specific question.
Rests primarily upon the biblical statutes and commandments in the written and oral Torah, as well as upon the rabbinic legislation and enactments handed down in the form of Responsa and commentaries by great rabbinic scholars 
The means by which the concepts and values of Judaism are applied to every day living
Although it is important to try to understand the reasons for the various laws and commandments in the Torah, what is the main reason to observe them?
They reflect the will of God; it is one’s duty to carry them out
Read: this is what God wants of us
The overall reason given by the Torah for demanding of the Jew that he follow its laws and regulations so that Israel will become holy or sanctified
How could one describe Jewish law in 3 categories?
- The sanctity of the person, contributes to the making of a holy person; social and business ethics, eating habits, patterns of dress, family relationships, personal hygiene and healthcare
- The sanctity of place - contributes to the making of a holy place; temple, shul
- The sanctity of time - contribute to the sanctity of the day and establish their sacredness; Shabbat, festivals
What does Purim commemorate?
What is the name of the book where the story is told?
Purim commemorates the saving of the Jewish communities living under Haman’s Persian rule and plans to kill them.
In the story, described in Megillah Esther, the tables are turned on the oppressor, the Jewish community defends itself, and survives
What does Purim commemorate?
What is the name of the book where the story is told?
Purim commemorates the saving of the Jewish communities living under Haman’s Persian rule and plans to kill them.
In the story, described in Megillah Esther, the tables are turned on the oppressor, the Jewish community defends itself, and survives
What are the four ritual features in the observance of Purim?
- Attend the synagogue to listen to the reading of the scroll of Esther/ Megillah
- Eat, drink, and be merry. Families often hold a festive dinner called a seudah
- Send “portions “to a friend - food or drink, called mishloah manot
- Gives gifts/charity to at least 2 poor people or worthy causes
What is the requirement on Purim regarding alcohol?
A person is required to drink on Purim until he does not know the difference between “cursed be Haman “and “Blessed be Mordechai “
What phrase or principle may summarize the essence of the whole Torah?
“Love your neighbour as yourself “
Leviticus 19:17
Jewish religious faith and ritual observance aim to achieve a perfection of the human relationship and to create a better society; kindness, hesed
All of the mitzvot can be divided into two categories. What are they?
- Commandments pertaining to man’s relationship to God
- Commandments pertaining to man’s relationship with his fellow man
Name some mitzvot that you find particularly interesting or memorable
It is a great mitzvah to give money to help orphan or poor girls to marry
Not gossiping or speaking slander – the story of the feather pillows
One whose duty it is to feed animals cannot eat until the animals are fed, but he may drink before the animals (camels, Genesis)
What are the two types of rest, and which applies to Shabbat?
- Rest from weariness, as a result of tiredness. Enables one to continue working. Brings relief and rest to the body, but does not bring joy to the soul
- Rest after completing a project or reaching a goal; at the completion of one’s work, not as arrested during it. Contemplates ones achievements, and is a delight to the soul. Brings a sense of release and provides deep satisfaction accompanied by a sense of peace and tranquillity
What are the two types of rest, and which applies to Shabbat?
- Rest from weariness, as a result of tiredness. Enables one to continue working. Brings relief and rest to the body, but does not bring joy to the soul
- Rest after completing a project or reaching a goal; at the completion of one’s work, not as arrested during it. Contemplates ones achievements, and is a delight to the soul. Brings a sense of release and provides deep satisfaction accompanied by a sense of peace and tranquillity
Shabbat candles:
A) how many are lit and why
B) who lights them
C) when are they lit
D) for how long should the candles burn
A) 2, so as to both remember and observe the sabbath
B) women, though if none are present a man must fulfil the mitzvah
C) 20 mins before sunset. If sunset has passed, the candles may no longer be lit. Candles can be lit earlier if needed (ie in summer)
D) candles should burn at least through the meal and into the evening
What should the table set for the Sabbath contain? 
- Two Shabbat candles in candlesticks
- Two unsliced challot covered by a napkin or a cloth
- A kiddush cup
What is the process of lighting the Shabbat candles and why? 
The candles are lit first, then the eyes are covered and the blessing recited. This is because lighting the candle constitutes work/creation, which should not be done on the Sabbath. Covering the eyes allows for the Sabbath to be revealed to you after the blessing welcomes it
What is the program for a full Shabbat evening?
- Prepare for Shabbat - clean the home, prepare the meal (dignified guest visiting)
- Light the candles (woman), blessing
- Kabbalat Shabbat, mastic
- Blessing the children
- Kiddush over wine (borai pri hagafen) recited by a man. Drink the wine (all)
- Wash hands (al netilat yadayim)
- Sit and bless the challah (hamotzi lehem min ha-aretz). Cut and distribute
- Eat
- Grace (birkat hamazon)
What are activities permitted on Shabbat?
Activities which delight the soul and provide a measure of pleasure and joy that do not constitute a violation of the sabbath (creation or slavery]
Torah study
Attend synagogue
Three Shabbat meals
Reading or studying
Leisure stroll
Socializing with neighbours or nearby friends or family
Attend lectures or study groups organized by synagogue or other organization
Sleep/nap
Home games
Group singing, folk dancing
What is forbidden on the Sabbath according to biblical law? What term refers to what is not permitted?
The term is malacha, described in 39 categories of activities in the Mishna
Cooking and baking
Grinding, chopping, straining
Washing clothes
Knitting, crocheting, embroidering, sewing, pasting
Constructing or repairing, building
Writing, drawing, painting, typing
Hair cutting, shaving, nail cutting
Kindling or extinguishing a fire, making a fire larger or smaller
Cutting or tearing (except food)
Fishing, trapping
Garden care, lawn maintenance
Carrying: pushing or moving an object more than 6 feet within the public domain or from a private domain into a public domain/public to private
What activities are forbidden on Shabbat by rabbinic law?
Buying and selling
Riding an animal
Boating
Playing a musical instrument
Switching electric lights on or off
Handling any item for bidden on Shabbat (tools, money, pen/pencil, electrical gadgets, candles, matches, etc.)
Wedding ceremonies
Journeying beyond City limits
Weekday tasks: heavy jobs, exercise
Is a mitzvah acceptable if it is performed by transgressing another?
No. Ie driving to shul on Shabbat to pray
When can the Sabbath rules be suspended?
When a person‘s life is in danger
“Desecrate one sabbath, so that he may live to fulfil many sabbaths“
What is the purpose of Havdalah? When is it recited?
To mark the end of Shabbat
Recited after the evening maariv service
What are the daily jewish prayers?
Typically 3 prayers per day when Observant Jews recite the Amidah:
- morning (Shacharit)
- afternoon (Mincha)
- evening (Ma’ariv)
On Shabbat, a 4th Amidah is recited:
- after Torah reading (Mussaf)
On Yom Kippur, a 5th Amidah is recited:
- around sunset (Ne’ilah)
Describe the components of Havdalah
- Prayer over a cup of wine (filled to the brim) - borai pri hagafen
- Prayer over the spices - borai minai b’samim
- Prayer over the Havdalah candle (2+ wicks) - borai m’orai ha-esh
- Look at the hands to make use of the light
- Pick up the wine a recite the Havdalah prayer (long)
What are the requirements of animals and fish to be kosher?
Animals:
1. chews the cud (rumination)
2. cloven hooves (split, cleaved)
Ex: cow, sheep, goat, deer
Not: pig, camel, hare
Fish:
1. fins
2. scales
Ex: cod, flounder, haddock, halibut, herring, mackerel, pickerel, pike, salmon, trout, whitefish
Not: lobster, crab, shrimp, oyster, clam, shark, swordfish, octopus, eel
What are the laws of kashrut regarding birds, amphibians, and animal products?
Birds: birds of prey are forbidden (vultures, hawk, owl, pelican, heron)
Permitted: chicken, turkey, goose, duck
Amphibians, rodent and insects are forbidden
Animal products (milk, eggs, oil) from forbidden animals are forbidden.
Exception: honey, made from nectar by bees
How do animals need to be killed and prepared to be kosher?
Animals and foul must have their throat cut with a sharp blade in a brisk to and fro motion. Blood is drained as the Torah forbid the eating of blood - soaking and salting/koshering OR broiling on a grill
Fish are gathered.
An animal that has died a natural death is no longer kosher
How long after eating meat is one allowed to eat milk, and vice versa? Why?
Meat – three hours – milk (meat gets caught in the teeth). 1h if ill or young if mouth is cleaned
Milk – rinse the mouth, eat neutral food (bread) – meat
May glass or Pyrex be used for meat and milk interchangeably?
Glass can as it is non-absorbing, although that should be occasional and two sets of dishes should still be used most of the time.
Pyrex may not be used interchangeably for meat and dairy as it can be susceptible to absorption
What kind of kosher food can be eaten on a non-kosher vessel, if necessary?
In what setting is a Jewish person permitted to make these exceptions? In which setting should a person not do this?
Cold kosher food can be eaten on a non-kosher vessel (fruit, veg, cereal, milk, canned fruit, canned tuna or salmon). Coffee, tea, and hot chocolate are OK.
A Jewish person can make these concessions among non-Jews. An observant Jew should not be expected to make these concessions among other Jews, as he should be able to take part equally
What makes a dish non kosher (3)?
- Hot food in the wrong type of dish
- Cold food in the wrong type of dish for 24h
- Trefah food in the dish
How do you kasher a dish
Dish for liquid - clean it, sit for 24h, then boil or fill with water till overflowing then boil
Dish for a flame - same then heat till red hot
Metal, wood and plastic you can do this
Earthenware, enamel and ceramic you cannot as they are porous
Describe shalom bayit
The development of a peaceful and harmonious relationship among all members of a household
In the Jewish tradition, what are 2 major purposes of marriage?
- Companionship, and the love and goodwill necessary for that relationship
“God waits impatiently for man to marry “
“One who does not marry dwells without blessing, without goodness… without peace”
“He who has no wife cannot be considered whole”
“No man without a wife, neither a woman without a husband, nor both of them without God”
Note that this is the Jewish ideal, and applies to all without distinction – rabbi and layman, priest and prophet. - Procreation; fulfils a mitzvah, the commandment, “be fruitful and increase.” the minimum number of children to fulfil the mitzvah may be 2 or at least 1 from each sex
Describe the Jewish views regarding sex
The sexual relationship between man and wife is treated positively; a Jewish man is forbidden from denying his wife the satisfaction of her sexual needs, outside of procreation. Sex is a basic duty and a responsibility of a married man (“Her food, her clothing and her conjugal rights, shall he not withhold “ (Exodus 21:10)
Jewish law warns against forcing one’s wife to submit against her will, or having sex under the influence of alcohol or while a couple is arguing and “hatred divides them “
A woman should also not have sex until seven days after her period finishes
What is the practice for immersion in the Mikvah, and when? (Relating to Menses, wedding, childbirth)
- Dunk 1
- Baruch ata Adonai elohainu melech haolam Asher kidshanu bmitzvotav vtzivanu al hatvilah
- Dunk 2
…and commanded us concerning the immersion
Women go to the mikvah:
- before her wedding
- after 7 clean days after her period
- 14d + 7d after birth of a girl, or 7d + 7d after birth of a boy
Which (biblical) festivals (5) are mentioned in the Torah, and are therefore celebrated over two days?
In order of the Jewish year:
1. Rosh Hashana (celebrated over 2 days everywhere as it’s the first of the month)
- Succot (chag day 1-2)
- Shmini Atzeret (the 8th day of Succot, 2 days chag, second is Simchat Torah)
- Pesach (chag day 1 and day 7-8)
- Shavuot (chag day 1-2)
What are the brachot for festivals?
Same as for Shabbat, but “yom tov” is said instead of “Shabbat,” and the sheheheyanu blessing is said except on day 7-8 of pesach
2 challah loaves are eaten
Havdalah does not include the blessing for the light or the blessing for the spices, just wine
What does the succah commemorate? What does it signify for modern day Jews? What is the significance of the time of the holiday in the Jewish year?
The temporary huts used by the children of Israel in the desert during the 40 year period of their wandering following the exodus from Egypt
For modern day Jews, it signifies the notion of trust in God’s protection, given the exposed and insecure roof of the succah. It is celebrated at a time of gratefulness to God for providing for our needs after the final harvest of the year
What are the rules around using a succah? Exceptions? Blessings?
Lives as much as possible during the seven days inside it; in colder climates, at least all meals are eaten inside it. Priority on the first 2 nights.
Excused if very cold, raining, sick, or travelling. Technically women are excused from the obligation to eat in the succah
The blessing over bread, for dwelling in the succah and sheheyanu
How is a kosher succah constructed and decorated? By whom?
At least three walls, made of any material, and firmly fixed so as not to be easily blown away. If against a permanent home, one or more walls of the house can count as a wall of the succah. Any size is OK. The walls are always made first.
The temporary roof is key and should complete the succah. It is made of sekhakh, anything that grows from the ground and has been cut off. Must be loose, and not tied in bundles. Must create more shade than sunlight. The stars ideally are visible and rain can drip in. There shouldn’t be any openings wider than 10 inches
It is proper and praiseworthy to decorate the succah To make it cheerful and pretty. Fruits , pictures and decorations can be hung. Ideally the whole family will be involved in building in decorating the succah each year
What are the four species distinctive to Succot, and how are they celebrated? When?
Lulav (palm), Myrtle, willow, etrog (citron). The first three are bound together
To Complete the blessing:
Lulav held in the right hand, Citron in the left with the stem on top. The blessing is Said (al netilat Lulav - concerning the taking of the lulav)
Then you turn the Citron with the stem pointing down, hold lulav and etrog together and waive them in all four directions (east, south, west, north), upwards and then downwards. This indicates that God is everywhere
This blessing and action is Said on every day of Sukkot
In what years were the first and second Jewish temples and by whom?
First Temple in Jerusalem was destroyed by the Babylonians in 586 BCE
The Jews of the Kingdom of Judea went into exile for ~40y
The Jews returned to Jerusalem and built the Second Temple on the site of the original one. Herod the Great rebuilt it 500y later in ~20 BCE.
The Jews led a revolt and occupied Jerusalem in 66 CE initiating the first Roman-Jewish war. In 70 CE the Romans reclaimed Jerusalem and destroyed the Second Temple. Only a portion of the western wall remains
What are the two main New Year’s in the Jewish calendar? What would be a secular analogy to these?
- The new year for kings, Passover. First of Nisan.
~Fiscal year - The new year for years, Rosh Hashanah. First of Tishrai.
~Calendar year
What mitzvah is required on Rosh Hashanah? What does it signify? When can this not occur?
Hearing the shofar. It is a call to repent
Supposed to “awaken” us from our sleep and ponder over our deeds consider your act and make amends for wrongdoings so that God will have mercy upon you
It is not blown on Shabbat
What do you wish for someone on Rosh Hashana?
What food is traditionally eaten and why?
Shana tova, a good year
Challah or apple dipped in honey for a sweet year
Circumcision
- what is it called
- when is it done
- why is it done, what does it signify
- who does it
Brit milah
On the 8th day of the child’s life
Brings the child into the covenant with Abraham, also the boy is named
Mohel is a religious man trained in the covenant of circumcision
Pidyon HaBen
– who is it for? who is exempt?
– what is it? What does it entail?
– When does it occur?
– Whose responsibility is it?
– Who does it?
The redemption of the first born male who “opens the womb” who would otherwise be owed to God.
A son of a father who is a kohen or Levi is exempt, as is a son of a mother who is a daughter of a kohen or Levi. A boy born by c/s is also exempt.
It occurs on the 31st day of life. It is the father’s responsibility to arrange it. It is performed by a pious kohen. It is customary to use five silver coins symbolizing the five silver shekels that were prescribed in the Torah as the redemption amount
What are the requirements for a non-Jewish baby boy or girl to undergo conversion to the Jewish faith?
A male child must be circumcised with the intent of conversion by the Mohel, with the proper blessings recited. The child must also be immersed in a Mikva, with the appropriate blessings recited by the Beth din regarding the immersion of proselytes
A female child must only be immersed in the Mikvah with the blessings recited by the Beth din
Both male and female children should be given a Hebrew name
Note that a Pideon HaBen is required if the child was the first born to the biological mother. If born to a Jewish father, the child retains the status of the biological father as Kohen or Levite, not the adoptive father
What does the holiday of Hanukah commemorate? What does the word mean?
Commemorate the victory of the Maccabees against the ruling Greek regime which had conspired to impose restrictions against Jewish religious practices. Culminated with the recapture of the temple of Jerusalem, restoration of its traditional Jewish service, and restoration of Jewish political sovereignty over the land
The word means “dedication “, referring to the red dedication of the temple to the service of God
What does the holiday of Hanukah commemorate? What does the word mean?
Commemorate the victory of the Maccabees against the ruling Greek regime which had conspired to impose restrictions against Jewish religious practices. Culminated with the recapture of the temple of Jerusalem, restoration of its traditional Jewish service, and restoration of Jewish political sovereignty over the land
The word means “dedication “, referring to the red dedication of the temple to the service of God
How many Hanukah candles are there? How are they lit? What about on Shabbat?
There are eight candles plus the “service “light, the Shamash
The candles are added from right to left, lit from left to right using the Shamash
On Shabbat, the candles are lit prior to the Shabbat candles, before nightfall. Ideally everyone would light their own Hanukkia, but at least one is OK
When is Purim celebrated, and what is the meaning/story behind the holiday?
The 14th of Adar, one month before pesach. The holiday commemorates the victory of the Jewish people over Haman, who in Persia had plotted to exterminate the Jewish people. Esther and her father Mordechai were integral to this victory. The book of Esther or megilah is read on this
What are three main requirements for the celebration of Purim?
- Eat drink and be merry. Generally this includes drinking alcohol, and wearing costumes
- Exchanging portions of food and drink with friends
- Giving money to at least two poor people
Mezuzah - why is it used, on what doorways is it required, and where does it go on the doorway?
It is a reminder as you walk into your home of God’s commandment to fix a mezuzah on your door posts and to live by his commitments. It is required on all external and internal doors that have two posts and a lintel, apart from bathrooms. It is fixed on the right side, 2/3 of the way up the door post
Tefillin
what is it
who does it
when?
Two boxes each containing 4 prayers with leather straps
Men once they are a bar mitzvah. Women are exempt
Done each day in the shacharit service. Only on weekdays, not Shabbat or holidays
