Judaism Flashcards
Who is Abraham?
First patriarch of Judaism, started it, monotheistic belief, lived nomadic life
How is the covenant carried on today?
Everlasting, Circumcision, People of the book, Still practicing religion.
Importance of Isaac
test of sacrifice, patriarch
Importance of Jacob
Continued on covenant by having 12 sons who were ancestors of the 12 tribes
Importance of Moses
Led Hebrews out of slavery to promised land (covenant), in return they could occupy the Promised Land.
Why is the Passover important today?
Celebrates the escape of the Israelites from slavery (eat unleavened bread and lamb)
Name some other covenants
Noah, King David, Adam & Eve
Characteristics of the Orthodox Church
- Men and women worship separately
- Written Torah has survived unchanged
- Support Zionism (return to promised land)
- Hebrew language in church
- Kosher (not allowed to mix dairy and meat)
Characteristics of the Progressive Church
- Service conducted in local language
- More freedom (organ)
- Men and women sit together (women can be rabbi’s)
- Reject Zionism, resurrection of dead and Messiah
Characteristics of the Conservative Church
- Stick to traditional practices whilst adapting to times
- Torah is human creation
- Most services in Hebrew
- More on traditional side
- Accepts authority of moral law.
3 Principal beliefs
- Belief in One God and the attributes
- Concept of a divinely inspired moral law
- Importance of the covenant
Who is Moses Maimonides?
outlines 3 main principles in 13 articles of faith
Jewish Sacred Text
Torah
3 sections of the Torah
Torah, Neviim, Ketuvim
What is the Torah?
- Basis of Jewish Law 613 mitzvot
- Provides an outline of their belief in relationship with God
- Guide for morality today
- Explains beliefs
What is the Neviim?
- Consists of the writings or visions of prophets
- Used today to remind Jews of covenant and application of social justice
- Prophets speak on behalf of God
- Instructions on goals and warnings
What is the Ketuvim?
- Collection of books loosely referred to as Wisdom Literature
- Psalms = hymns of praise
- Proverbs = short statements expressing wisdom
What is the Talmud?
Oral Torah = explains written Torah and how to interpret it and apply the law
Source of ethics
Commandments of Torah and Prophetic Vision
What does Tikkun Olam mean?
Repair the world - commitment to social justice
How is Tikkun Olam shown?
Gemilut Chasidim, Tzedakah and Bal Tashkit
What is Gemilut Chasidim?
Acts of loving kindness such as visiting the sick, feeding the poor and comforting the mourner.
What is Tzedakah?
Charity. Donors benefit from giving as much or more than the recipients. Contribution of time, effort and insight.
What is Bal Tashkit?
Do not destroy the environment
What is the Book of Proverbs?
- Ascribed to King Solomon = gives advice for upright living
- Key areas = wisdom, righteousness, purity + generosity
- Collection of short succinct statements
What is the importance of ethics?
- Halakchah assists Jews to apply the general principles contained in Torah to daily ethical issues
- Mitzvot + 10 Commandments provide ethical direction
What is Shabbat?
The Jewish rest day. Challah (special bread) is eaten, no cooking, driving, handling money
What is the importance of Shabbat?
- Faithfulness to God
- Living covenant initiated by Moses
- Ritual + tradition
- Spiritual nourishment
- Building community
