World Religions Judaism Vocabulary Flashcards
Ashkenazi
Descendants of Jews who, until around 1900, lived anywhere from northwest Europe to Eastern Europe
Sephardi
Descendants of Jews who lived in Spain up until the 15th century when they were expelled, following which they traveled to North Africa, Italy, the Ottoman Empire and around the middle East
Yiddish
Mixture of Hebrew, German, and Slavic languages. Commonly used in Judaism
Ha-Shem
Hebrew/Jewish term for God. Means “the name”.
YHVH
The Hebrew name of God transliterated in four letters. Pronounced Yahweh or Jehovah. Pronunciation of this word is forbidden
Torah
the first five books of the Old Testament. Most important portion of the Tanakah (jewish bible)
The Akedah Story
Abraham, under God’s command, was about to sacrifice his son Isaac, but an angels tops him at the last second changing the sacrifice to a ram
-Abraham: exemplifies obedience
-Issac: embodies the Martyr in judaism
The Exodus
the liberation of the Hebrews from slavery and their journey from Egypt to Canaan after which was all led by Moses
Passover
the last of the 10 plagues in which the firstborn son of every house not marked with the blood of a lamb died. Causes pharaoh to free the Hebrews. Later becomes a very important holiday to celebrate the journey from slavery to freedom
S’micha
“the laying on of hands”. Used to ordain rabbits and give a special blessing
Canaan
the promised land of judaism (Israel)
seder
a ritual meal
Haggadah
“the telling”; book of instruction, prayers, blessings and stories that lays out the proper order for the Passover Seder.
Kosher
“What you may eat” eating in compliance with Jewish dietary law
Maccabees
Jews who reclaimed the Temple in 167 BCE by pushing out the Greeks
Channukah
Commemorates the cleansing of the temple if 167 BC and the miraculous lasting of a single cruse of olive oil for 8 days in lighting the Temple’s Menorah
Messiah
Savior sent by God who would herald an age of peace, compassion, and love. Not believed to be Jesus by Judaism
Talmud
The Mishnah; explanations to the Mishnah due to early concerns that the Mishnah wouldn’t meet the demands of changing times
Mishnah
Oral laws and traditions of Judaism written down around 200 CE
Mitzvot
Commandments or religious acts. Following it brings it one closer to God and to the Jewish Community. 613 commandments in total
how many positive commandments are there is the Mitzvot
248
how many negative commandments are there in the Mitzvot
365
the 10 commandments
10 laws given by God to Moses on Mt. Sinai. part of the Mitzvot
Shabbat
the Jewish Sabbath; begins at sundown Friday and ends at sundown Saturday. A day off to study, reflect, sing, be with family and community. day to focus on the deeper meaning and values in life. must avoid melakah
Melakah
work, more specifically, work that reflects control or dominion over the world
Challah
braided egg bread eaten to welcome the Shabbat. Represents love that awakens in the body
Orthodox Judaism
The most traditional branch of Judaism.
Beliefs: Torah=dictated to Moses by God, Religious law = immutable, Jewish by mother, Conversion by ritual immersion, Following Mitzvot, Circumcision.
Modern Orthodox Judaism
A version of Orthodox Judaism that favors some accommodations to modern life through slightly more flexible interpretation.
Conservative Judaism
Branch of Jewish that allow for adaptation of certain requirements to fit modern circumstances.
Beliefs: Torah=inspired by God, but interpreted by Humans, Religious law = binding but constantly interpreted by rabbis, Jewish by mother/conversion, more flexible interpretation of Mitzvot commitment
Reform Jews
Branch of Judaism that adapts all aspects of Judaism to modern circumstances.
Beliefs: Torah=inspired by God, but interpreted by Humans, Jewish Law=not binding except for its ethical aspects, Rituals and practices radically changed, Jewish by mother/conversion, Mitzvot acceptance not always required.
Jewish Mysticism
Referred to as Kabbalah/Kabbalistic Jews.
Beliefs: No separation between a person and God, One’s actions affect God, Fulfilling the mitzvot ensures the perpetuation of the Universe, Spirituality comes from within
Kabbalist
Jewish mystical tradition. Belief in creation through emanation and a cipher method of interpreting Scripture.
Sh’ma
Prayer recited daily and at all Shabbat services. Living according to it=Living a life in accordance with God’s will
The Chosen People
The Jews; the people chosen by God to be his people, worship him only, and spread his truth
Trayf
“What is forbidden”. Food outside the Jewish dietary law
Bar/Bat Mitzvah
“Son/Daughter of the Commandment”
Jewish celebration of a boy/girl becoming an adult at the age of 13 and becoming eligible to join in public worship and observe religious precepts.
Shivah
Week-long mourning period in Judaism for first-degree relatives following the funeral
Yetzer ha-ra
Bad inclinations, sins. Part of the constant choice cycle and free will.
Yetzer ha-tov
Good inclinations. Part of the constant choice cycle and free will.
Olam Ha-ba
The “World to Come” - the Jewish afterlife.
Olam Ha-ba
The “World to Come” - the Jewish afterlife.
Abram/Abraham
“Father of a multitude”.
The originating ancestor of the Jewish Tribe that began ~4000 years ago. Exemplifies obedience to God
Isaac
Son of Abraham, Embodies the Martyr in Judaism. Father of Esau and Jacob (who will later be renamed Israel)
Jacob
Grandson of Abraham, Son of Isaac and Rebekah, brother of Esau, and the traditional ancestor of Israelites. His 12 sons became the patriarchs of the 12 Tribes of Israel.
Joseph
Jacob’s favorite among his twelve sons. His envious brothers sold him as a slave, but Joseph rose to power in Egypt and eventually saves Egypt from a famine. His family moves to Egypt- eventually leads to the Israelite becoming slaves to the Egyptians
Moses
Hebrew prophet who led the Hebrews out of slavery and across the Red Sea, under God’s calling. Received the 10 Commandments from God on Mt. Sinai.
David
Man from Saul’s Army who defeats Goliath and Marries Saul’s daughter. When Saul and his sons die in battle, becomes king of Israel. Declares Jerusalem as center of Israel/Judaism.
Solomon
Son of David and king of Israel noted for his wisdom. Built the First Temple in Jerusalem. Established Jerusalem as the central location for the worship of God.
Diaspora
The dispersion of the Jews outside Israel due to invasions and the splitting of Israel.
