Module 2 - KEY TERMINOLOGY Flashcards
Almohades
Fanatical Muslim sect that conquered Northern Africa to Egypt and Spain in the 12th century.
Ani Maamin
A rendition on Maimonides 13 principles of faith, that forms part of prayer for Orthodox Jews.
Ashkenazim
Jews settled in European countries (Germany, Poland, Russia) that speak Yiddish.
Halakah
Hebrew term for ‘walking’ - refers to collective body of Jewish rabbinic law, custom and tradition. Is the legal part of the Talmud, comprised for rules and laws for living.
Commentary on the Mishnah 1158-68 CE
Book written by Maimonides that provides commentary on fundamental principles of Judaism (Gods prophecy of the Torah), connecting everyday principles for practicality.
Hasidism
Movement within Ultra-Orthodox Judaism developed in Eastern Europe during the 18th century. Principal teaching stresses notions of joy, love, awe and devotion to God.
Kabbalah
Body of Jewish mystic teachings, based on esoteric knowledge of God.
Kashrut
Jewish dietary laws.
Guide for the Perplexed 1190 CE
Made to harmonise conflict between philosophy and tradition (Aristotles vs Jews). Also explain the Hebrew Bible and Halakhanh law.
Messiah
Term for ‘anointed one’ to refer to anticipated saviour and liberator of the Jewish.
Mishnah
First important recording of Oral Torah, finalised in written form in 200CE. Contains expositions and interpretations of legal sections of books of Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy.
Mishnah Torah 1180 CE
Translates to “Review of the Torah”. Focuses on codifying laws of the Halakhah in 14 books. Standard guide to Jewish law today, compiling oral tradition - Oral Torah.
Negative Mitvoth
Commands to refrain from doing something.
Neoplatonism
School of philosophical through made by Plotinus in 3rd century CE. Based on teachings of Plato, mysticism and Judaeo-Christian concepts, teaches existence of transcendent one where all creation spurs from.
Oral Torah
Interpretation and application of Torah to changing circumstances over successive generations passed orally. Ensured principles are applied every generation. When oral Torah was written down, it formed the Talmud.
Positive Mitzvoth
Commandments requiring performance of a positive, affirmative act,
Prime Mover
In Aristotelian philosophy, prime mover means ‘being that is self moved and consequently source of cause of all motion’.
Shulchan Aruch
Code of law made by Rabbi Yosef Kari in 16th century, often considered authoritative code of Jewish law.
Sephardim
Descendant/group of Jews lived in Medieval Spain and Portugal. Sephardim Jews often contrast to Ashkenazi of central and Northern Europe.
Talmud
Aramaic term meaning ‘learning’. Compilation of ancient teachings sacred to Jews. It is the compilation of the Gemara (analysis and commentary) and Mishnah (core texts).
Torah
Hebrew for ‘law’/’teaching’ - first, most significant section of Hebrew bible. Has 5 books (of the law) of Moses and Pentateuch. Also custom to use Torah when referring to whole bible.
Yigdal
Poetic rendition based on Maimonides 13 principles of faith, forms part of prayer for Orthodox Jews.
Zionism
Political movement and philosophy aimed at achieving establishment of Jewish home state in Israel. Land of Israel is important as Jewish kingdom and nation grew out of Israel, originally known as Canaan.
The 6 Categories of the 613 Mitzvot.
Agriculture / Zeraim
Sacred Times / Mo’ed
Women and Personal Status / Nashim
Damages / Nezikin
Holy Things / Kodashim
Purity Laws / Taharot
The Gemara
Part of the Talmud that comprises rabbinical analysis and commentary’s on the Mishnah into 63 books.
Sulchan Arab
‘The code’ of Rabbinical Judaism for all ritual and legal questions that arose after the destruction of the Temple of Jerusalem.
Tanakh
The Hebrew Bible, holds book of law, the prophets, and collected writings.
