Recap Judaism Flashcards
What are the FIRST 5 MINUTES in the context of MITVOT?
They are rules given by God
How many MITVOT are there in total?
613 in total
Where are the MITVOT written?
Written in the Torah
What topics do the MITVOT cover?
They cover topics like what Jewish people can eat, clothing they wear, and how/when to pray
Who recorded the MITVOT?
Recorded by Prophet Moses
What do the MITVOT tell Jews?
They tell Jews what they can and cannot do
Fill in the blank: The rules given by God that guide Jewish life are known as _______.
[MITVOT]
True or False: The MITVOT only cover dietary laws.
False
Who is associated with the recording of the MITVOT?
Prophet Moses
What role do the mitzvot rules play in Judaism?
They guide Jews to live a good life
The mitzvot are considered divine commandments.
How will God judge Jews according to the text?
On how well they have followed the mitzvot rules
This judgment is based on adherence to the commandments.
When will judgment take place?
In the afterlife
This emphasizes the belief in an existence beyond this life.
What happens if one disobeys the mitzvot?
It will result in punishment from God
Disobedience is viewed as a serious transgression.
What is the outcome of following the mitzvot rules?
It pleases God
Following the commandments is seen as a positive action in the eyes of God.
What do the Ten Commandments represent?
Part of the 613 mitzvot rules
What is the first commandment?
You shall have no other gods but me
What is the commandment related to killing?
Do not kill
What does the commandment about the Sabbath state?
Keep the Sabbath day holy
Where can the Ten Commandments be found?
At the front of every place of worship (synagogue)
Who received the Ten Commandments and where?
Given to Moses on Mount Sinai by God
How were the Ten Commandments originally recorded?
Originally carved onto stone tablets
Where were the stone tablets kept?
In the Temple in Jerusalem
What is a covenant in the context of religious agreements?
A promise or agreement made by God with individuals or groups
Who were the individuals with whom God made covenants?
Noah, Abraham, and Moses
What phrase is often associated with God’s covenants?
‘Keep my covenant’
What do covenants mark in a religious context?
A special relationship
What is an example of a sign that marks a covenant?
A rainbow
How do Jews often refer to themselves in relation to God’s covenants?
God’s ‘chosen people’
What does God ask from the Jews in relation to His covenant?
To follow the mitzvot
What does God promise in return for following the mitzvot?
He will take special care of them
Who made a covenant with God?
Abraham
Abraham is considered the founding father of Judaism.
What is the significance of the phrase ‘You will be the father of many nations’?
It refers to God’s promise to Abraham
This phrase signifies Abraham’s role as a patriarch in Judaism.
What is the sign of the covenant made with Abraham?
Circumcision of baby boys
This practice is a key aspect of Jewish identity and covenant with God.
What did God promise Abraham?
His name would be famous, he would have many descendants, and they would have a land to live in
These promises are foundational to the Jewish faith.
What did God ask Abraham in return for His promises?
To follow His rules and be an example to others
This emphasizes the reciprocal nature of the covenant.
What concept begins with Abraham in the context of Judaism?
The idea of the ‘Promised Land’
The Promised Land is a central theme in Jewish history and theology.
Who fulfilled the covenant God had made with Abraham?
Moses
Moses is a central figure in Judaism, fulfilling God’s promises to Abraham.
What did Moses do for the Jewish people in Egypt?
Freed them from slavery
This event is a key part of the Exodus narrative.
What significant commandments were given to Moses by God?
The Ten Commandments
The Ten Commandments serve as fundamental laws in Judaism.
What did God give to Moses besides the Ten Commandments?
The Torah and the 613 mitzvot rules
The mitzvot are a set of commandments that guide Jewish life.
What promise is associated with following God’s rules according to Moses?
God would protect them from harm
This is reflected in Exodus 19:8, where the Israelites agree to follow God’s commands.
Why is Moses considered important in Judaism?
He led the chosen people to the Promised Land and received the laws binding Jews to God
Moses’ leadership and the laws he received are fundamental to Jewish identity.
What is the Shema prayer?
A prayer said twice a day by Jews to show their belief in one God
The Shema begins with ‘Listen, there is one God’ and emphasizes the oneness of God.
What part of the Covenant with Moses pertains to worship?
Jews must worship only God
This is a fundamental aspect of Jewish belief and practice.
What does the Shema express about God?
The belief in one God
It highlights the monotheistic nature of Judaism.
What is stated in the 10 Commandments regarding God?
You shall have no Gods but me
This commandment reinforces the exclusivity of worship in Judaism.
Can God be split according to Jewish belief?
No, there is only one God
This emphasizes the indivisible nature of God in Judaism.
What type of relationship can every Jew have with God?
A special and personal relationship
This reflects the intimate nature of the connection between Jews and God.
What does 5 MINUTES refer to in this context?
SHEKHINAH
Known as the divine presence of God
What is the significance of the phrase ‘Let them make a sanctuary, where I may dwell among them’?
It expresses the desire for God’s presence among the people
Where do Orthodox Jews believe the Shekhinah can be felt?
At the last standing wall of the Temple in Jerusalem - the Western/Wailing Wall
What is a minyan?
A quorum of ten Jewish men required for communal prayer
True or False: The Shekhinah can be felt when ten Jewish men are praying together.
True
What does Genesis hold?
The Jewish creation accounts
Genesis is the first book of the Bible and contains the story of creation.
How many days did God take to create the world according to Jewish belief?
6 days
God rested on the 7th day, which is significant in Jewish tradition.
What is the term for the day of rest in Jewish tradition?
Shabbat
Shabbat is observed from Friday evening to Saturday evening.
What do Orthodox Jews believe about creation?
Creation literally happened in 6 days
Orthodox Judaism adheres to a traditional interpretation of the creation story.
How do Reform Jews view the creation account in Genesis?
As a symbolic account with meaning
Reform Judaism often interprets biblical texts in a more metaphorical manner.
Fill in the blank: ‘In the beginning, ______ created…’
God
This phrase is the opening line of the book of Genesis.
What is the holiest site for Jews?
The Temple
The Temple is located in modern-day Israel.
What is the only part of the Temple still standing?
The Western Wall
Jews visit the Western Wall as a place of prayer.
How many times was the Temple destroyed?
Twice
The Temple was not rebuilt the second time.
What land is promised to the offspring of the Jews?
The land of Israel
This promise is found in religious texts.
In which direction do Jews pray?
Towards Jerusalem
This reflects the significance of Jerusalem in Jewish faith.
What is believed to have been kept in the ark of the covenant?
The stone tablets of the Ten Commandments
The ark is a significant religious artifact in Judaism.
Fill in the blank: The site of the Temple is found in the modern state of _______.
Israel
What is the central belief regarding life in Judaism?
Jews should do all they can to protect life
This belief is encapsulated in the phrase “Live by the Torah, not die by the Torah”.
What does the term ‘Pikuach Nefesh’ refer to?
Saving a life
It emphasizes the importance of preserving life in Judaism.
What is the significance of Genesis in the context of life?
It shows that life is sacred and special, belonging to God.
Which mitzvot can be broken to save a life?
Any mitzvot rule can be broken except for four:
* Murder
* Idolatry
* Incest
* Adultery
What is the Jewish view on the afterlife?
There is no set view on the afterlife; life on earth is considered more important.
What do most Jews believe regarding resurrection?
Most Jews believe in some form of resurrection, necessitating burial.
What is Olam Ha Ba?
The world to come.
How is this world described in relation to Olam Ha Ba?
This world is like a waiting room for the Olam Ha Ba.
What is Shabbat?
A Jewish day of rest celebrated weekly from Friday night to Saturday
Shabbat is a time for family and reflection on faith.
What does Shabbat commemorate?
It remembers when God rested during the creation of the world
This reflects the biblical account of creation in Genesis.
During Shabbat, what is prohibited?
No work is done
This includes all forms of labor and activities considered work.
How can Shabbat be celebrated?
It can be celebrated at home or at the synagogue
Both settings allow for communal and family observance.
What is one of the commandments regarding Shabbat?
‘Keep the Sabbath holy’
This is one of the Ten Commandments that emphasizes the sanctity of Shabbat.
Fill in the blank: Shabbat is celebrated from _______ to _______.
Friday night to Saturday
What is the Orthodox view on the authorship of the Torah?
The Torah was written by God and its rules must be followed.
In Orthodox Judaism, who can wear special clothing and items like the Kippah?
Only men.
Who can be rabbis in Orthodox Judaism?
Only men.
Where do men and women sit in an Orthodox synagogue?
Men sit downstairs, women sit upstairs.
In Orthodox Judaism, what language is the synagogue service conducted in?
Traditional Hebrew.
What is the Reform view on the Torah and its rules?
The Torah and its rules are guidelines, not obligations.
In Reform Judaism, who can wear all ritual items like the tallit prayer shawl?
Women.
Can women be ordained as rabbis in Reform Judaism?
Yes.
How do men and women sit in a Reform synagogue?
Men and women sit together.
In Reform Judaism, what language is the synagogue service conducted in?
The language of that country.