Key Words Flashcards
Monotheistic
A religion that believes there is only one God
Shema
A Jewish prayer affirming belief in one god, found in the Torah
Pentateuch / Torah
The five Books of Moses, which form the first section of the Tenakh: Genesis, Exodus, Deuteronomy, Leviticus and Numbers. The Jewish written law that contains 613 laws.
Orthodox Jews
Jews who emphasise the importance of following the laws and guidance in the Torah; they believe the Torah was given directly by God to Moses, so should be followed as closely as possible.
Ultra-Orthodox Jews
Jews who are even more committed than Orthodox Jews to follow guidance in the Torah.
Shabbat
The Jewish holy day of the the week; a day of spiritual renewal starting shortly before sunset on Friday and continuing to sunset on Saturday.
Tenakh / Tanakh
The Jewish scriptures or holy book
Omnipotent
Having unlimited power, a quality of God
Omniscient
Knowing everything
Omnipresent
Being everywhere at all times
Mitzvot (singular is Mitzvah)
Jewish rules or commandments
Merciful
The quality of God that shows compassion or forgiveness to humans, even though he has the power to punish them
Shekhinah
The divine presence of God
Judgement
The belief that God judges a person based on their actions, and either rewards or punishes them as a result.
Rabbi
A Jewish religious leader and teacher
Messiah
‘The anointed one’ a leader of the Jews who is expected to live on earth at some time in the future
Messianic age
A future time of global peace when everyone will want to become closer God, possibly through the intervention of the Messiah
Promised Land
The land of Canaan that God promised to the Jews
Covenant
An agreement; in Judaism it refers to an agreement between individuals often in behalf of the Jews and God
Justice
Bringing about what is right and fair, according to the Law, or making up for a wrong that has been committed
Healing the world
Being involved in Gods work to sustain the world; it can involve work to increase social justice or to preserve the environment
Sanctity of Life
All life is holy as it is created and loved by God, human life should not be misused or abused.
Talmud
A commentary by the Rabbis on the Torah. It consists of the Mishnah and Gemara together in one collection
Pikuach nefesh
The obligation to save a life, even if doing so breaks Jewish law
Free will
Belief that God gives people the opportunity to make decisions themselves
