Judaism key words

Question 1

Anointed one

Answer 1

Definition: Literally ‘the anointed one’. Orthodox Jews believe that the Messiah will be a human person sent by God to establish justice and peace on the earth. For Reform Jews, the Messiah is a symbolic figure.

Question 2

Mitzvot

Answer 2

Definition: Mitzvot (singular is ‘mitzvah’) are the 613 Jewish commandments/rules found in the Tenakh.

Question 3

Moses

Answer 3

The person through whom God set the Israelites free from slavery in Egypt, gave the Ten Commandments and made a covenant with Israel.

Question 4

Mourning rituals

Answer 4

Refers to set practices that are carried out by Jews as a way of grieving for loved ones who have died.

Question 5

: Ner tamid

Answer 5

A feature of the synagogue; a light that is above and in front of the aron hakodesh, which burns constantly as a symbol of God’s presence.

Question 6

Orthodox

Answer 6

Jews who believe God gave the complete Torah to Moses and therefore live according to Jewish laws and traditions.

Question 7

Pesach

Answer 7

Festival that celebrates the Jewish Exodus from Egypt, often called Passover.

Question 8

Reform

Answer 8

Jews who believe the Torah was inspired by God and was developed through their history – therefore laws may be changed or adapted as modern life changes.

Question 9

Resurrection

Answer 9

Being raised from the dead; part of beliefs about life after death that in a future age the dead will rise and live again.

Question 10

Rosh Hashanah

Answer 10

Jewish New Year. It is the start of the ten day period of High Holy Days that culminates in Yom Kippur.

Question 11

Sanctity of life

Answer 11

Belief that human life is a sacred/special because it is a precious gift from God.

Question 12

Pikuach nefesh

Answer 12

This principle overrides all other religious laws because saving a human life should be of utmost importance in any situation.

Question 13

: Shabbat

Answer 13

The Sabbath/holy day of the week; beginning at sunset on Friday until sunset on Saturday.

Question 14

Synagogue

Answer 14

The place of public worship, also used for study and gathering. Literally means ‘coming together’.

Question 15

Talmud

Answer 15

Source of authority; the law believed by Orthodox Jews to have been given to Moses but was not written down for many centuries, it was then expanded with rabbinic explanation/commentaries.

Question 16

Tenakh

Answer 16

Holy book/source of authority; the Jewish scriptures. Includes three parts: Torah (Law), Nevi’im (prophets) and Ketuvim (writings).

Question 17

Torah

Answer 17

: Source of authority; religious and moral rules that were given by God to Moses on Mount Sinai.

Question 18

Treifah

Answer 18

Forbidden food – literally means ‘torn’. It does not fulfil the Jewish dietary laws/is not kosher.

Question 19

Yom Kippur

Answer 19

The Day of Atonement – a day of repentance and fasting on the tenth day after Rosh Hashanah. The holiest day of the Jewish year.

Question 20

Abraham

Answer 20

Known as the father of the Jewish people. God made a covenant with him, promising him land and descendants.

Question 21

Amidah

Answer 21

The ‘standing prayer’. Recited as part of public acts of worship in the synagogue.

Question 22

Ark

Answer 22

The holiest part of the synagogue containing the Torah scrolls.

Question 23

Bar Mitzvah

Answer 23

Coming of age ceremony of boys aged 13. Literally “Son of the Commandment”.

Question 24

Bat Mitzvah

Answer 24

Coming of age ceremony for girls aged 12. Literally “Daughter of the Commandment”.

Question 25

Bimah

Answer 25

The reading platform in a synagogue from which the Torah is read.

Question 26

Brit Milah

Answer 26

The religious rite of circumcision, usually performed eight days after a boy’s birth.

Question 27

Tzedakah

Answer 27

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).

Question 28

Covenant

Answer 28

: A binding promise/agreement; God’s agreement to look after his chosen people.

Question 29

Creation

Answer 29

Part of the understanding of the nature of God; the belief that God created the world from nothing.

Question 30

Kashrut (Dietary Laws)

Answer 30

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

Question 31

Divine

Answer 31

Belief that God is beyond human understanding but his presence may be experienced/known.

Question 32

Free Will

Answer 32

: Humans are free to choose to do right or to do wrong, this freedom is a gift from God but comes with responsibility.

Question 33

: God is one

Answer 33

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) Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one." ( Deuteronomy 6:4)

Question 34

Healing the world

Answer 34

Key moral principle related to making the world a better place (Hebrew ‘tikkun olam’).

Question 35

God is Judge

Answer 35

Part of the understanding of the nature of God; the belief that God is fair. God’s justice incorporates both forgiveness and mercy.

Question 36

Judgement

Answer 36

Part of beliefs about life after death; a Day of Judgement when God will judge the living and the dead.

Question 37

Justice

Answer 37

Key moral principle; fairness in the way people are treated.

Question 38

Kosher

Answer 38

Food that is ‘clean’ and that meets the requirements of the dietary laws.

Question 39

Law

Answer 39

Part of the understanding of the nature of God; refers to God’s giving of the Law to Moses on Mount Sinai.

Question 40

Liberal Judaism

Answer 40

A form of progressive Judaism which seems to combine traditional beliefs and practices with modern interpretations.

Question 41

Merciful

Answer 41

: Part of the understanding of the nature of God; as forgiving and compassionate.