Judaism Flashcards
Torah
• The Torah is the fundamental religious text in Judaism
• The word “Torah” means “instructions” or “law” in Hebrew
• It’s a guidebook for Jewish beliefs, ethics, and rituals
Tanakh
• The Tanakh is the Hebrew Bible, also known as the Jewish Bible or the Hebrew Scriptures.
• The Tanakh is considered a foundational religious test in Judaism and includes a wide range of genres, including historical accounts, laws, poetry, prophecy, and wisdom literature
Talmud
• The Talmud is a central text of Robbinic Judaism
• It consists of the two parts: The Mishnah and the Gemara
• The Mishnah: Is a compilation of Jewish oral law and teachings from the early centuries of the Common Era.
• The Gemara: Is a commentary and discussion on the Mishnah
Covenant
• A Covenant is a formal, binding agreement or contract between two or more parties
• It establishes rights, obligations, and responsibilities that each party must uphold
Chosen People
• The term chosen People typically refers to a belief or concept found in various religious and cultural traditions
• It generally simplifies a group or individuals who are considered to have been selected or favored by a higher power
• Often for a special purpose, mission, or relationship
Messiah
• The Messiah refers to a person believed to be an anointed savior or deliverer who will bring absolut redemption, salvation, or a significant positive change to the world
• The Messiah is seen as a divine or chosen figure
• With the purpose of fulfilling prophecies, restoring harmony, and leading humanity towards a better future
Olam Ha-Ba
• The term Olam Ha-Ba is a Hebrew term that translates to “the world to come” or “the next world”
• In Jewish belief, it refers to the future eternal world that is believed to follow the earthly existence
Yetzer ha-ra
• The term Yetzer Ha-es is a concept in Judaism that refers to the “bad decisions “ or the impulse within individuals to engage in selfish or morally negative actions
• It is seen as the inclination towards temptation, desire, and sinful behavior
Yetzer ha-tov
• The term Yetzer ha-tov is a concept in Judaism that refers to the “good inclinations” or inner drive within a person to choose and do what is morally good, righteous, and in accordance with the will of god
Shema
• The Shema is a central prayer and declaration of faith
• The Shema emphasizes the oneness and unity of God
• Affirming the belief in one God and the duty to love and serve him with all one’s heart, soul and strength
Mitzvah
• The term Mitzvah refers to a commandment or a religious obligation prescribed by Jewish law
• It includes a wide range of ethical, ritual, and legal obligations
• These obligations guide the behavior and conduct of Jewish individuals
Mitzvot
• The term Mitzvot refers to a set of commandments or religious obligations that are from the Torah and other sacred texts
• It includes a wide range of religious, ethical, and ritual practices that guide the life’s of Jewish individuals
• They also guide the functioning of the Jewish community
House of Israel
• The term house of Israel typically refers to the collective descendants of the ancient Israelites
• They are considered to be the chosen people by god
• The house of Israel includes the 12 tribes descended from the patriarch Jacob also known as Israel