judaism unit 2 test review Flashcards
Who is considered the patriarch of Judaism, and what covenant did he make with God?
Abraham is the patriarch of Judaism. He made a covenant with God, promising faithfulness in exchange for numerous descendants and the Promised Land (Canaan).
What is the lineage of Abraham?
Abraham → Isaac → Jacob → 12 Sons.
who was Joseph, and what was his significance in Jewish history?
joseph, Jacob’s second-youngest son, was favored by his father and had the ability to interpret dreams. His brothers sold him into slavery in Egypt, but he later became second-in-command. He saved Egypt from famine and brought his family there, where they eventually became enslaved.
moses
-led Israelites out of egypt in exodus
-moses received 10 commandments, establishing Jewish law
ark of the covenant and tabernackle
ark of the covenant: golden chest that held 10 commandments
tabernacle: portable shrine used for worship during the Israelites journey in the dessert
What was the role of Judges in early Jewish history?
Judges were leaders who governed and defended Israel before the establishment of kings
Who were the first three kings of Israel, and what were they known for?
Saul: First king, established the monarchy.
David: United Israel, made Jerusalem the capital, defeated Goliath, and wrote Psalms.
Solomon: Built the First Temple and strengthened Israel’s economy.
What happened to Israel after Solomon’s reign?
The kingdom split:
Northern Kingdom (Israel) was destroyed by the Assyrians in 721-722 BCE.
Southern Kingdom (Judah) was conquered by the Babylonians in 586 BCE; the First Temple was destroyed, and Jews were exiled to Babylon.
What changes occurred during the Jewish exile?
-Synagogues replaced the destroyed Temple.
-Rabbis became religious leaders.
-The belief in a future Messiah gained prominence.
How did Persian rule (538 BCE) impact the Jews?
The Persians allowed Jews to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the Second Temple.
What influence did Greek rule (323 BCE) have on Jewish culture?
hellenization blended Greek and Jewish traditions.
The Torah was translated into Greek (Septuagint).
What was the Maccabean Revolt (167 BCE)?
A Jewish rebellion against Greek rule, leading to the rededication of the Temple. Hanukkah celebrates this event.
What happened under Roman rule (64 BCE - 70 CE)?
Jewish autonomy was restricted, and heavy taxes were imposed.
The Jewish Revolt (66-70 CE) was crushed.
The Second Temple was destroyed in 70 CE, leading to the Jewish Diaspora.
torah
he Torah consists of the first five books of the Hebrew Bible: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy.
What are the main Rabbinic commentaries on Jewish law?
Mishnah (200 CE): The first written collection of Jewish oral law.
Talmud (Medieval period): An expanded interpretation of the Mishnah.
Midrash: Explanations and interpretations of biblical stories and laws.
What does the Star of David represent?
It symbolizes Jewish identity and survival.
It is associated with King David’s shield.
It is featured on the flag of Israel.
What are the two types of menorahs, and what do they symbolize?
Seven-branched Menorah: Represents Judaism and the ancient Temple.
Nine-branched Menorah: Used during Hanukkah to commemorate the Maccabean victory.
What is the significance of the Western Wall?
It is the last remnant of the Second Temple and a sacred place for Jewish prayer.
What are the key Kosher laws?
kosher - fit for consumption
Certain foods (e.g., pork and shellfish) are forbidden.
Meat and dairy cannot be mixed.
Animals must be slaughtered in a humane way.
shabbat
weekly day of rest from friday evening to saturday night
why do we celebrate passover
-god passing over houses of the jews when he was slaying the firstborn of egypt
-refrain from eating chometz
-signifies that hebrews had no time to let their bread rise when they made their escape from egypt
rosh hashanah
jewish new year, marked by prayers and the sounding of the shofar
yom kippur
day of atonement observed with fasting and intensive prayer
what does the hanukkah celebrate
the rededication of the second temple and the miracle of the oil
birth ceremonies for jewish children
Boys: Brit Milah (circumcision) on the eighth day performed by a mohel
Girls: Naming ceremony - given a conventional name and a hebrew name
bar/bat mitzvah
coming-of-age ceremony (boys at 13, girls at 12/13). - once received are full fledged members of jewish community with the responsibilities for own actions and for following laws
What are the key elements of a Jewish marriage?
The couple is married under a chuppah (canopy).
The groom breaks a glass, symbolizing the destruction of the Temple.
What are Jewish death and mourning customs?
Shiva: A seven-day mourning period.
Burial is preferred (no cremation).
Mirrors are covered to discourage vanity.
What are the key beliefs of Orthodox Judaism?
Torah is divine and binding.
Services are in Hebrew.
Strict observance of Sabbath and dietary laws.
What distinguishes Hasidic Judaism?
A subgroup of Orthodox Judaism emphasizing spirituality.
Distinctive dress (black clothing, payos, streimel hat).
What are the beliefs of Reform Judaism?
Torah is evolving and adaptable.
Ethics take precedence over rituals.
Flexible on dietary and Sabbath laws.
What defines Conservative Judaism?
Balances tradition with modernity.
Services are in Hebrew and the local language.
Men and women have equal roles in worship.
What does Reconstructionist Judaism believe?
Judaism is an evolving civilization.
Tradition is respected but not mandatory.
How did Hitler fuel anti-Semitism?
he exploited Germany’s post-WWI struggles and used propaganda to blame Jews for economic hardships.
who was targeted in the holocaust
6 million Jews, along with Romani people, disabled individuals, and political dissenters.
what were jewish ghettos and concentration camps
Ghettos were confined areas where Jews lived before being deported.
Extermination camps like Auschwitz were used for mass murder.
What was the impact of the Holocaust on Jewish identity?
Many Jews emigrated, but Jewish traditions endured, leading to the establishment of Israel in 1948.
