Judaism definitions

Question 1

Mitzvot

Answer 1

Commandments.

Question 2

Halacha

Answer 2

‘Jewish law,’ ‘the way to behave,’ ‘the way of walking’.

Question 3

Gemilut khasadim

Answer 3

‘The giving of loving-kindness’; a fundamental social value in the everyday lives of Jews.

Question 4

Tzedekah

Answer 4

Means ‘righteous behaviour’ and is often paired with charity.

Question 5

Tikkun olam

Answer 5

‘Repairing the world.’ Jews consider this phrase a cornerstone of their Jewish identity, a key reason they’re committed to making the world a better place.

Question 6

Pikuach nefesh

Answer 6

‘Saving a life.’ When life is involved, all Sabbath laws may be suspended to safeguard the health of the individual.

Question 7

Mishpatim

Answer 7

Means ‘justice,’ which seems to imply that these aren’t just laws about what we should or should not do. Mishpatim are laws for which we know the reason - they make sense. Examples are the prohibition of stealing and taking bribes.

Question 8

Sanctity of human life

Answer 8

The doctrine of the sanctity of human life has traditionally been characterised as a Judeo-Christian doctrine that asserts that bodily human life is an intrinsic good and that it is always impermissible to kill an innocent human.

Question 9

Covenant

Answer 9

Formal, solemn and binding agreement.