Religion and Life Issues - Judaism Key Terms and Definitions

Question 1

Bar Mitzvah

Answer 1

Celebration of a boy coming of age at 13. Literally “Son of the Commandment”.

Question 2

Bat Mitzvah

Answer 2

Celebration of a girl coming of age at 12, in reform synagogues. Literally “Daughter of
Commandment”.

Question 3

the Covenant

Answer 3

God’s agreement to look after the Jews as his chosen people, subject to Israel’s
obedience.

Question 4

creator

Answer 4

God is the creator of the earth and of life.

Question 5

kashrut

Answer 5

Laws relating to having a Kosher lifestyle, eg keeping the food laws.

Question 6

kosher

Answer 6

Foods which meet the Jewish laws.

Question 7

monotheism

Answer 7

Belief in one God.

Question 8

redeemer

Answer 8

One who redeems and saves from the consequences of sin. Often used to describe
God.

Question 9

repentance

Answer 9

Saying sorry and trying to change ones behaviour so as to not do the same again.

Question 10

sustainer

Answer 10

God sustains the Universe and ensures that it continues.

Question 11

synagogue

Answer 11

Jewish place of worship.

Question 12

Tenakh (Tanakh)

Answer 12

The 24 books of the Jewish Bible. Jewish scriptures – Torah (Law), Neviim (Writings)
and Ketuvim (Prophets).

Question 13

Torah

Answer 13

1. The five books of Moses and first section of the Tenakh – the law.
2. The whole of Jewish teaching.

Question 14

trefah

Answer 14

Forbidden food – means ‘torn’.