Judaism Flashcards
Shabbat
The Jewish Sabbath, from Friday at sundown until Saturday at sundown
Kiddush
Ceremonial family blessing and meal Friday night to welcome the Sabbath
Challah
The special braided bread baked specially for the Sabbath meal
Havdalah
A family ceremony on Saturday night marking the end of the Sabbath
Kashrut
The term which describes the Jewish “kosher” dietary laws
Kosher
The term describing food as “fit” or “proper” in Judaism
Treif
The word means “torn” and describes un-kosher food
Pareve
This word describes foods which are considered “neutral”
Brit Mila (or Bris)
Covenant biblical circumcision for Jewish males
Bar Mitzvah
A ceremony where 13 year old Jewish boys become “sons of the commandment”
Bat Mitzvah
A similar ceremony (in Reform Judaism) for girls who have turned 12 years old
Halakah
The term means “walk” or “way” – describes the body of Jewish law and practice
Shema
The most sacred prayer in Judaism; repetition in Hebrew of Deuteronomy 6:4-9
Talit (or Talis)
The Jewish “prayer shawl” with colored bands and fringes
Talit Katan
“Small Talis” – A linen undershirt with fringes worn by some Orthodox men
Tzitzit
The biblical Hebrew term for “fringe” – the fringes on the Talit prayer shawl
Tefilin
Phylacteries – Small leather prayer boxes bound to the head and arm during prayer
Mezuza
The word means “doorpost” – a small container with a scripture passage inside
Kippa
Yarmulke – Jewish “skull cap” worn by males for prayer and sacred occasions
Shofar
Hebrew term for the ram’s horn blown on Rosh Hashannah and holy occasions
Menorah
The “lamp” with multiple arms (like the 7-armed temple menorah)
Rosh Hashannah
The Jewish New Year, beginning day of the month of Fall holidays
Yom Kippur
The biblical Day of Atonement, a solemn day of fasting in Judaism