Key Concepts

Question 1

Define ‘Covenant’

Answer 1

A promise or agreement made between two parties. Covenants were made between God with Noah, Abraham and Moses.

Question 2

Define ‘Kosher’

Answer 2

Means ‘fit’ or ‘proper’. These are foods permitted to be eaten according to Leviticus 11. Is is also used to refer to the purity of ritual objects such as Torah scrolls.

Question 3

Define ‘Messiah’

Answer 3

Means ‘the anointed one’. It refers to a person who will bring about a new age for humanity. This new age will include bringing about peace on Earth.

Question 4

Define ‘Mitzvot’

Answer 4

Means ‘commandments’ or ‘duties’. There are 613 mitzvot in the Torah which tell Jews what they can and cannot do.

Question 5

Define ‘Shabbat’

Answer 5

It is the day of rest in Judaism. It begins at sunset on Friday and ends at sunset on Saturday. It is forbidden for Jews to work on Shabbat.

Question 6

Define ‘Shekinah’

Answer 6

The Shekinah is God’s presence on Earth. An example of the Shekinah in the Torah is the burning bush or pillar of fire.

Question 7

Define ‘Synagogue’

Answer 7

It is the Jewish place of worship. It is also used as a school for Jews and place of community gatherings.

Question 8

Define ‘Torah’

Answer 8

It is the holy book in Judaism. it contains the five books of Moses (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy).