Judaism Key Words Flashcards
Abraham
Known as the father of the Jewish people. God made a covenant with him, promising him land and descendants.
The Amidah
The ‘standing prayer’. Recited as part of public acts of worship in the synagogue
Aron hakodesh (ark)
The holiest part of the synagogue containing the Torah scrolls.
Bar Mitzvah
Coming of age ceremony of boys aged 13. Literally “Son of the Commandment”.
Bat Mitzvah
Bat Mitzvah
Coming of age ceremony for girls aged 12. Literally “Daughter of Commandment”.
Bimah (reading platform)
The reading platform in a synagogue from which the Torah is read.
Brit Milah
The religious rite of circumcision, usually performed eight days after a boy’s birth.
Charity
Key moral principle; giving to those in need. Hebrew term ‘tzedakah’ literally means ‘justice’ but used to refer to charity (because giving to those in need is part of promoting justice).
The Covenant
A binding promise/agreement; God’s agreement to look after his chosen people.
Creator
Part of the understanding of the nature of God; the belief that God created the world from nothing.
Dietary laws
The food laws that were given by God, found in the Torah. These rules relate to what may/may not be eaten, combinations of foods, and the preparation of food.
Divine presence (Shekhinah)
Belief that God is beyond human understanding but his presence may be experienced/known.
Free will
Humans are free to choose to do right or to do wrong, this freedom is a gift from God but comes with responsibility.
God as one
Part of the understanding of the nature of God; belief that there is only one God, monotheism. Reflected in the 1st Commandment “You shall have no other Gods before me.” (Exodus 20:3)
Healing the world
Key moral principle related to making the world a better place (Hebrew ‘tikkun olam’).
Judge
Part of the understanding of the nature of God; the belief that God is fair. God’s justice incorporates both forgiveness and mercy.
Judgement
Part of beliefs about life after death; a Day of Judgement when God will judge the living and the dead.