Module 2 - KEY TERMINOLOGY

Question 1

Almohades

Answer 1

Fanatical Muslim sect that conquered Northern Africa to Egypt and Spain in the 12th century.

Question 2

Ani Maamin

Answer 2

A rendition on Maimonides 13 principles of faith, that forms part of prayer for Orthodox Jews.

Question 3

Ashkenazim

Answer 3

Jews settled in European countries (Germany, Poland, Russia) that speak Yiddish.

Question 4

Halakah

Answer 4

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.

Question 4

Commentary on the Mishnah 1158-68 CE

Answer 4

Book written by Maimonides that provides commentary on fundamental principles of Judaism (Gods prophecy of the Torah), connecting everyday principles for practicality.

Question 5

Hasidism

Answer 5

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.

Question 6

Kabbalah

Answer 6

Body of Jewish mystic teachings, based on esoteric knowledge of God.

Question 6

Kashrut

Answer 6

Jewish dietary laws.

Question 7

Guide for the Perplexed 1190 CE

Answer 7

Made to harmonise conflict between philosophy and tradition (Aristotles vs Jews). Also explain the Hebrew Bible and Halakhanh law.

Question 8

Messiah

Answer 8

Term for ‘anointed one’ to refer to anticipated saviour and liberator of the Jewish.

Question 9

Mishnah

Answer 9

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.

Question 10

Mishnah Torah 1180 CE

Answer 10

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.

Question 11

Negative Mitvoth

Answer 11

Commands to refrain from doing something.

Question 12

Neoplatonism

Answer 12

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.

Question 13

Oral Torah

Answer 13

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.

Question 14

Positive Mitzvoth

Answer 14

Commandments requiring performance of a positive, affirmative act,

Question 15

Prime Mover

Answer 15

In Aristotelian philosophy, prime mover means ‘being that is self moved and consequently source of cause of all motion’.

Question 16

Shulchan Aruch

Answer 16

Code of law made by Rabbi Yosef Kari in 16th century, often considered authoritative code of Jewish law.

Question 17

Sephardim

Answer 17

Descendant/group of Jews lived in Medieval Spain and Portugal. Sephardim Jews often contrast to Ashkenazi of central and Northern Europe.

Question 18

Talmud

Answer 18

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).

Question 19

Torah

Answer 19

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.

Question 20

Yigdal

Answer 20

Poetic rendition based on Maimonides 13 principles of faith, forms part of prayer for Orthodox Jews.

Question 21

Zionism

Answer 21

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.

Question 22

The 6 Categories of the 613 Mitzvot.

Answer 22

Agriculture / Zeraim
Sacred Times / Mo’ed
Women and Personal Status / Nashim
Damages / Nezikin
Holy Things / Kodashim
Purity Laws / Taharot

Question 23

The Gemara

Answer 23

Part of the Talmud that comprises rabbinical analysis and commentary’s on the Mishnah into 63 books.

Question 24

Sulchan Arab

Answer 24

‘The code’ of Rabbinical Judaism for all ritual and legal questions that arose after the destruction of the Temple of Jerusalem.

Question 25

Tanakh

Answer 25

The Hebrew Bible, holds book of law, the prophets, and collected writings.