key terms Flashcards
Adovat Hashem
worship of God
the Siddur
the book of daily prayers that Jews follow
the Tenakh
three sections, shows how Jews used to live and how they tried to keep on the right path
the Torah
first section of the Tenakh, the most sacred object in Judaism, contains the laws of Moses
the Talmud
the oral tradition of Jews written down through the generations, shows how the laws should be interpreted
kashrut
the food laws
kosher
food fit to eat for Jews
treifah
food not fit to eat for Jews
kedusha
holiness, what following the kosher rules brings to Jews everyday life
kiddush
the prayer of sanctification, celebrates freedom of slaves, said before shabbat meal
modeh ani
prayer said when waking up to thank God for the gift of life
Shema
most important prayer in Judaism, recited in morning and evening, declares belief in one God
Amidah
the standing prayer, core part of every service, praise, request and thanks to God
Tallit
prayer shawl with tassels as reminder of 613 mitzvot
Tefillin
black boxes with leather straps, connects heart and mind to God
Mezuzah
container attached to doorposts in Jewish homes containing the Shema, reminder of God’s presence
Kaddish
prayer of praise
Barkuh
the call to prayer at the beginning of synagogue services
mikvah
ritual bath of purification for mother after birth
Brit Milah
circumcision for baby boy at 8 days old, performed by mohel (religiously trained), outward sign of everlasting covenant with Abraham
Bar Mitzvah
at 13, a boy becomes adult in eyes of Jews, can lead synagogue services
Bat Mitzvah
at 12 (13 in Reform), girl becomes adult in eyes of Jews, learnt how to cook challah and other preparations in the home
challah
plaited bread for Shabbat, girls taught how to cook it at 12/13
Kiddushin
ritual engagement that must happen before marriage
Nisuin
name for full marriage
avelut
the full period of mourning
Aninut
from death to burial, usually 24 hours
Shiva
first 7 days after burial, stay at home praying, no work done
Sheloshim
first 30 days to complete mourning, normal life but no parties
Yud-bet Chodesh
additional year of mourning for the loss of a parent
Yahrzeit
anniversary of death, candle is lit
Rosh Hashanah
first day of the Jewish year, first of the ‘Days of Awe’
Yom Kippur
day of atonement, second of the ‘Days of Awe’, holiest day of the year, ask for forgiveness
Pesach
the first pilgrim festival, Passover, reminder of God’s love for Jews
Shavuot
the second pilgrim festival, celebrates giving of Law on Mount Sinai and the wheat harvest
Sukkot
the third pilgrim festival, end of summer and start of autumn fruit harvest, reminder of the dwelling places where Jews lived during the wilderness years
Ark
area to store Torah scrolls
ner tamid
eternal light above the Ark
Menorah
seven branched candlestick
Bimah
reading platform where rabbi leads service
Yad
reading stick as pointer when reading Torah
Shabbat prayer
said before the Shabbat meal, connects family
Haggadah
the book of Pesach rituals
chametz
food containing wheat
Olam Ha-Ba
the world to come
Gan Eden
heaven
Gehinnom
stage of purification
Halakhah
list of Mitzvot
Mitzvot
commandments that guide a Jew’s actions
Pikuach Nefesh
sanctity of life
Tikkun Olam
to bring about a better world
