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Flashcards

Judaism

Miss Rogers Religious Studies English 73 cards

Cards in this deck (73)

  1. 1What is the Abrahamic covenant?God and Abraham entered into a covenant (agreement) that promised many descendants, a blessed nation and a Promised Land. Abraham is believed to be the founder of Judaism, so Jewish people often refer to him as Avraham Avinu (Abraham our Father).
  2. 2What happened when God spoke to Abraham in a vision?Genesis states that God told Abraham to leave his home in Mesopotamia and travel to the land of Canaan (Promised Land). God promised to give Abraham and his wife Sarah a child, and to protect them and their descendants as his chosen people. In return, Abraham agreed that he and his descendants would obey the rules God had set, worship God and lead by example. Abraham sealed the covenant by circumcising himself and all the males in his family, as God had commanded.
  3. 3What does the Tenakh refer to?God’s offer of a Promised Land for Abraham and his descendants. Many Jews believe that Israel should belong to Jews in fulfilment of Tenakh. In 1948, the State of Israel was created but it has caused much opposition from Arab countries in the Middle East and there have been many disputes over the land.
  4. 4What is the significance of the convent?Abraham became the first human to reject false gods in favour of the one true God. It extends to all Jews and was the start of the relationship between God and the Jewish people. It carries with it the promise of the land of Canaan, some Jews believe this promise is still to be fulfilled. It marks the origins of the practice of circumcision (Brit Milah).
  5. 5What is the sanctity of life?Judaism teaches that all life is special and belongs to God. As God is the Creator of all life, only he should say when life begins or ends, so Jews should do all they can to preserve life.
  6. 6How is the importance of human life shown through the concept of Pikuach Nefesh?It's one of the most important obligations of the Jewish mitzvot, and means that saving a human life should take priority over everything, even if this means breaking some of the laws set out in the Torah. Yet, murder, idolatry, incest and adultery are forbidden under any circumstances.
  7. 7What are some examples of Pikuach Nefesh?The Talmud describes instances when the laws of Shabbat (day of rest) can be broken in order to save a life., for example a doctor could answer an emergency telephone call or someone could drive an ill person to hospital. A person who was ill would not have to fast during Yom Kippur. If a mother’s life were in danger during pregnancy, abortion is permitted.
  8. 8What are the Mitzvot?Jewish laws/commandments, there are 613 mitzvot in the Torah. 248 are positive and tell Jews what they should do, 365 are negative and tell Jews what they should not do. God gave the mitzvot to Moses and that they formed part of the covenant at Mount Sinai.
  9. 9What is the Sefer Madda?Maimonides, an influential rabbi, compiled a list of the 613 mitzvot to provide a summary of Jewish law. This list is in the Sefer Madda or Book of Knowledge, which is found within the Mishneh Torah, and it explains that the foundation of everything is God and moral principles should also originate from God.
  10. 10How does the mitzvot relate to free will?Most Jews believe that when God created them, he gave them free will so it is an individual’s responsibility to follow the mitzvot. God will judge Jews on how well they have kept his laws, they will be rewarded if they obey the mitzvot, and punished if they disobey the mitzvot.
  11. 11Why do Jews obey the mitzvot?Jews have been criticised for following too many rules. Many of the 613 rules do not have detailed explanations so some people struggle to see their purpose. However, the laws are a gift from God, following them improves Jews relationship with God and shows gratitude to God for all that he has done.
  12. 12What does mitzvah refer to?Good deeds that can improve relationships between humans, such as visiting sick people, feeding the hungry, helping the poor, comforting people in distress. Thus, the mitzvot includes guidance for Jews on how to treat other humans.
  13. 13What are the differences in the way that Orthodox Jews and Reform Jews interpret and follow the mitzvot?Orthodox Jews follow each mitzvah very closely as they are God’s direct words to Moses, including how to dress, what to eat and how to worship God. For Reform Jews, observing the mitzvot is a matter of personal choice, the mitzvot were divinely inspired rather than the actual words of God so some rules were influenced by the culture at the time, such as referring to ‘a master and his maidservant’, so these laws would be meaningless to most Reform Jews today.
  14. 14What are Jewish views on life after death?Jewish sacred texts refer to a ‘world to come’ (olam ha-ba), yet Jews have always placed greater emphasis on life today on Earth (olam ha-ze). The Torah refers to an afterlife in which Jews will reunite with family members who have died. Other parts of the Tenakh refer to a place called Sheol, where the souls of the dead wait for purification.
  15. 15What does the Talmud say about life after death?God’s judgement will determine their fate in the afterlife, in either Gan Eden or Gehenna. Gan Eden is a place of paradise for the righteous where they experience closeness with God. Some Jews see Gehenna as a place of torment and punishment, other Jews see it as a place of purification where people are shown their wrongdoings to learn from them.
  16. 16How do Jews view ressurection?In his Thirteen Principles of Faith, Maimonides talked about a revival of the dead, so most Jews believe in resurrection. Yet, Jews differ on whether it will occur during the Messianic age or after, and whether everyone will experience resurrection, or only the righteous will be resurrected.
  17. 17What are the difference between Orthodox and Reform Jewish beliefs on the ressurection?Orthodox Jews believe there will be a physical resurrection of the body, so procedures that cause damage or destruction of the body after death are forbidden, so bodies are buried not cremated. Reform Jews believe the resurrection will be a spiritual one, so the body, as a vessel of the soul, is not needed.
  18. 18Why do Jews believe God is One?Monotheism is central to the Jewish faith, God is the only being who should be offered worship and praise. The Shema is recited twice daily by many Jews and shows this key belief, it is taken from the books of Deuteronomy and Numbers found in the Torah. Some Jewish people have a mezuzah holding the Shema on their door as a symbol of God's oneness. The non-physical nature of God makes it difficult for humans to understand him, but Jews learn about God in the Tenakh.
  19. 19Why do Jews believe God is the Creator, Law-Giver, and Judge?Genesis 2 states that God created humans from dust, the Torah teaches that the world belongs to God because he created it. God gave Moses 613 mitzvot on Mount Sinai so the Jewish people so that they may live in a way that pleases him. The Tenakh teaches that God will judge Jewish people on how well they have kept his laws, and they will be rewarded or punished. The festivals of Yom Kippur and Rosh Hashanah focus on judgement.
  20. 20What is the Torah?The holiest part of the Tenakh, it was given by God to Moses on Mount Sinai so many Jews see it as the direct word of God. The Torah contains the five books of Moses, Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy. It contains 613 laws (the mitzvot) that guide Jews on how to live a life that pleases God.
  21. 21How is the Sefer Torah made?Every synagogue has a Sefer Torah, which is the Torah scroll, these are handwritten by a specially trained scribe onto vellum (a prepared animal skin). This is treated with the utmost respect, and it is an honour to be asked to read from it at a service in the synagogue. No one is allowed to touch it with their bare hands, so a yad is used to follow the words.
  22. 22Why is the Torah significant for Jews today?As the word of God, all Jews use the Torah to help guide them in their lives. Orthodox Jews follow every single rule in the Torah, but Reform Jews follow some rules and disregard others they see as outdated. It is read aloud weekly at the synagogue., taking a year to recite in full, and the festival of Shavout celebrates God’s revelation of the Torah to Moses.
  23. 23What does the Hebrew word Shekhinah describe?The presence of God in the world today, a divine presence among humans is described in the Torah. Genesis describes the presence of God in the Gan Eden when Adam and Eve eat from the Tree of Life. God’s presence guides Moses through the wilderness to the Promised Land, and he instructed Moses to build a tabernacle, the temple in Jerusalem. The Book of Chronicles teaches Jews that when King Solomon dedicated the Temple, God’s presence (Shekhinah) came to dwell there.
  24. 24What are the three ways in which Jews experience Shekhinah today?Through study of the scriptures Jews can connect with God, this may happen in a yeshiva, a school for Jewish study, or at home. Through worship, a light – the ner tamid – burns in the synagogue to show that God is present. Through prayer, the Talmud states when ten or more Jews prayer together (minyan), God is present.
  25. 25What are different interpretations of Shekinah among Jews?Orthodox Jews refer to Shekhinah as a physical presence, and God’s presence can be felt at the Western Wall, which is the remaining wall of the Temple in Jerusalem so many Jews travel here to pray. For Reform Jews, Shekhinah refers to the feminine attributes of God, such as being caring or loving because Shekhinah is a feminine word in Hebrew.
  26. 26What is the Messiah?A righteous king who will be sent by God to intervene in the leadership of Israel and unite people all over the world regardless of race, culture or religion. The term originates from the anointed kings of Israel. The Messiah will build the Temple in Jerusalem, bring a Messianic age so all people will live in peace, and bring an awareness of God to all people.
  27. 27What are the characteristics of the Messiah?The book of Jeremiah states that the Messiah will be a great leader and will descend from King David. The book of Isaiah states that the Messiah will be a political leader and judge, and he will create a fair and just government in Israel, which will become a centre for politics worldwide.
  28. 28What is the Messianic Age?Often referred to as olam ha-ba, meaning ‘the world to come’. A time of peace with a total absence of war and hatred. During the Messianic age, God will be accepted by everyone and Judaism will be known as the one true religion.
  29. 29What are different Jewish interpretations of the Messiah and Messianic Age?Orthodox Jews believe the Messianic age will only begin once the Messiah has come to Earth. Reform Jews believe the Messianic age can be brought about by all humans joining together to create a better world, and will not necessarily be started by one man.
  30. 30What are the Ten Commanndments?The Torah teaches Jews about the covenant God made with all Jewish people at Mount Sinai. God gave Moses a set of ten laws that they should follow in order to please him. God told Moses that if these rules were not followed, God would punish people who disobeyed them.
  31. 31What are the Ten Commandments found in the Book of Exodus?Do not have any other gods. Do not make or worship idols. Do not disrespect or misuse God’s name. Remember the Sabbath and keep it holy. Honour your mother and father. Do not commit murder. Do not commit adultery. Do not steal. Do not tell lies. Do not be envious of others.
  32. 32Who was Moses?A very important prophet as he was chosen by God to pass on these laws to all of the Jewish people. God gave the laws to Moses verbally before they were inscribed on stone.
  33. 33What are the Ten Commandments important for Jews today?Following the Ten Commandments is part of the covenant made at Mount Sinai, which applies to all Jews. Following the commandments helps Jews to become better people and God will judge Jews on how well they have followed them. The commandments help Jews to treat other people with respect, and guide Jews to love and worship God effectively.
  34. 34What is the Tenakh?A sacred text in Judaism (Hebrew Bible). It is the written law, and is made up of the three sections; Torah (the holiest part, 5 Books of Moses and the mitzvot), Nevi’im (8 Books of the Prophets, 15 prophets including Isaiah, Joshua and Samuel.), and Ketuvim (11 Books of Writings, based on history and poetry). It contains the same books as the Christian Old Testament in a different order.
  35. 35What is the Talmud?The Talmud is the oral law to help Jews interpret the written laws of the Tenakh. It is a written collection of teachings, originally spoken among Jewish scholars and rabbis. The Mishnah part explains how to apply the commandments set out in the Torah. The Gemara part goes into more detail and clarifies teachings in the Torah that may need further explanation. Pirkei Avot is a section of the Mishnah that stresses the value of Torah study.
  36. 36What is kashrut?Food laws, mainly from the book of Deuteronomy, that give guidance on food that can be eaten known as kosher, and food that is forbidden known as trefah. To be kosher, animals must be slaughtered in a humane way, known as shechitah (cutting their throat), by a trained person, known as a shochet.
  37. 37What are some examples of kosher and trefah foods?Kosher foods include; animals that have cloven feet and chew cud, and fish with fins and scales. Trefah foods include; mammals with no hooves, shellfish, and birds of prey. Neutral foods, that can be eaten with either meat or dairy as long as they are washed, are called parev and these include vegetables, pasta and rice.
  38. 38What are different Jewish approaches to kashrut?Orthodox Jews keep all the rules, and some even have separate utensils and fridges for the preparation and storage of meat and dairy products. For Reform Jews, observing all of the rules is down to personal choice, and they may observe kashrut at home but not elsewhere.
  39. 39What are some facts about Judaism?There are around 13 million Jews living all over the world today, mostly in America but there are around 270,000 Jews in the UK. Judaism began over 3,500 years ago.
  40. 40What are Orthodox Jews?The biggest group of Jews in the UK. They believe that the Torah is the literal word of God and should be followed strictly. The Talmud is of divine origin so they follow every commandment and teaching strictly and should not be adapted for modern life. They adhere to the laws of Shabbat and kashrut very strictly.
  41. 41What are Reform Jews and Liberal Jews?They developed in the 19th century, they are known for adapting their lifestyle to fit in with modern society. They do not conform to the traditional Jewish dress code or observe all of the kashrut. The Torah was inspired by God, but it should be understood as a document of its time and not taken literally. Liberal Jews share the views of Reform Jews on scripture but are more radical and believe that observing the mitzvot is a personal choice.
  42. 42What is public worship in Judaism?The synagogue is an important place of worship, it remind Jews that they are part of the worldwide Jewish community. Three main public acts of worship that take place in the synagogue are daily services, Shabbat services and festival services. The Tenakh suggests that there is much value in worshipping with others as a community.
  43. 43What are daily services in Judaism?Orthodox Jewish synagogues usually hold three daily prayer services, Shacharit (morning), Minchah (afternoon) and Arvit (evening). Each service includes the use of a prayer book (Siddur), and the services are often led by a rabbi. There may also be prayers which can be sung, and Jews usually stand to say them as a reminder that they are in the presence of God.
  44. 44Why is public worship important for Jews?It gives them an opportunity to listen to and reflect on readings from the Torah and the Tenakh. It unites the Jewish community, and allows Jews to show love to God, a requirement of the Torah. It fulfils the requirement to worship publicly, which is laid out in the mitzvot.
  45. 45What is the difference between formal and informal prayers?Both enable Jews to make contact with God, and they both may take place at home or in the synagogue. Formal prayers are set prayers found in the Siddur. Informal prayers may be made up by an individual to reflect their thoughts at the time.
  46. 46What forms does private prayer take?Jews use water to purify themselves upon waking and aim for recitation of a morning prayer (Modeh Ani) to be the first thing they do, it thanks God for the gift of another day as waking up means that God has chosen to return the soul to the body. Jews often fix a mezuzah to their door and touch it as a reminder of God's presence. Before each meal, Jews bless and thank God for the food. Before going to sleep, Jews may say the Shema.
  47. 47Why does the Tenakh remind Jews to pray three times a day?To ensure that God is always in the minds of Jewish people throughout the day, these set prayers are known as; Shacharit, Minchah, and Arvit. They are formal prayers found in the Siddur, they include the Shema, the Amidah and readings from the Torah.
  48. 48Why are both private and formal set prayers important?Private prayers allows Jews to make a deeper, personal connection with God, to ask God for help with personal situations, and means that they can contact God at any time. Formal set prayers ensures that prayers are not selfish and that they focus on the individual rather than God, they provide a sense of community, and connect Jews to their history.
  49. 49What is the Shema prayer?The most important prayer in Judaism because it reminds them of the key principle of the faith that there is only one God. The Shema also places emphasis on the covenant that God made with the Jewish people, the need to follow the mitzvot and the importance of loving God. Many Jews say the Shema three times a day, morning, evening and before sleeping.
  50. 50What is a mezuzah?In many Jewish homes, the first two paragraphs of the Shema are written on a scroll and placed inside a mezuzah, which is nailed to a doorpost or gate. By touching the mezuzah every time they enter their home, Jews show their faith and love to God.
  51. 51What is the Amidah?The central prayer used in worship services, both weekday and Shabbat, it is always recited while standing and facing Jerusalem. It consists of 19 blessings split into three sections; praising God, asking for help, and thanksgiving.
  52. 52What is a synagogue?A place of Jewish worship, gathering and education about the Jewish faith. It means ‘assembly’ and refers to many Jews gather together in the synagogue with the common purpose of worshipping God. The Tenakh encourages Jews to gather for worship.
  53. 53What are some features that are found in every synagogue?Synagogues face the city of Jerusalem, and Jews face Jerusalem when they are praying to remind them of the Temple. The Ark contains the Torah scrolls and is located on the wall that faces Jerusalem. It symbolises the ark that held the tablets that God gave to Moses. The Torah scrolls are wrapped and decorated ornately with velvet or silk coverings. A yad is used to follow the text so that the holy words are not damaged.
  54. 54What are some features that are found in every synagogue?The bimah is a raised platform found in the centre of the prayer hall, it represents the altar in the Temple, and the Torah is read from the reading desk. The ner tamid, known as the everlasting light, is placed above the Ark and is never put out as it represents the menorah in the Temple. The menorah represents the seven-branched candlestick that was always kept burning in the Temple.
  55. 55What are the differences between Orthodox and Reform Jewish synagogues?In Orthodox synagogues, there is separate seating for men and women, only men can read from the Torah, and prayers are said in Hebrew. In Reform synagogues, men and women can sit together, both men and women can read from the Torah, and prayers may be said in English.
  56. 56What are birth rituals?After the birth of a child, the mother must undertake a ritual cleaning and attend the mikveh. A scripture from the book of Leviticus requires the mother to be purified. Rituals begin from birth, with Brit Milah and Simchat Bat.
  57. 57What is the Brit Milah?The ritual of circumcision and dates back to the covenant made between God and Abraham. It is a sign that the baby belongs to the Jewish faith, it usually takes place at home, seven days after the baby is born, and is performed by a trained mohel.
  58. 58What is the Simchat Bat?A ceremony that celebrates the birth of a baby girl. It began in the 20th century so is more likely to be performed among Reform Jews. It focuses on blessing the baby and explaining the choice of name made by the parents. It may take place in a synagogue or a meeting hall.
  59. 59What are Bar and Bat Mitzvah ceremonies?They mark the transition into adulthood for young Jews. At age 13 a boy becomes Bar Mitzvah and a girl becomes a Bat Mitzvah. This means that they become responsible for following the mitzvot themselves rather than their parents having this responsibility. A boy reads from the Torah, and a girl may read a prayer from the Siddur. Orthodox Jews do not celebrate Bat Mitzvahs as girls do not have the same responsibilities as boys.
  60. 60What are marriage rituals?The wedding ceremony takes place under a chuppah or canopy to represent the home that the couple will build together. The ketubah is a marriage contract in which the groom makes promises to his new wife. Finally, a glass is broken by being stepped on, some believe it symbolises the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem whereas others believe it shows that love needs to be protected.
  61. 61What are mourning rituals?As soon as a Jew hears of the death of a loved one, they make a tear in their clothing to show their grief. The funeral is arranged quickly, and before the funeral, the body is usually not left alone. For seven days after the death of a close relative, Orthodox Jews do not leave the house but Reform and Liberal Jews do not always observe this ritual.
  62. 62What are the three stages of mourning?The Shiva is the first seven days after the burial, close family mourn during this time and some Jews will not leave the house. The Avelut is if someone has lost a parent, they will mourn for a whole year by not attending parties and saying a blessing called the Kaddish every day. The Yahrzeit is the anniversary of a death, the night before Jews light a candle to remember the dead, the candle burns for 24 hours, and the Kaddish is recited.
  63. 63What is Shabbat?A day of rest for Jews, it begins on Friday evening at sunset and ends at sunset the following evening. It originates from the Creation story in Genesis as God rested on the seventh day, and it's also found in the book of Exodus. The day connects Jews to their ancestors who were in slavery, so refraining from work on Shabbat is a sign of freedom for Jews.
  64. 64How is Shabbat celebrated in the home?The house is cleaned thoroughly and all food is cooked in advance before sunset. It is welcomed with the lighting of candles, usually done by the mother, and she says a blessing while she covers her eyes. A blessing, known as Kiddush, is done by the father. Special plaited bread, known as challah, is eaten. Another meal celebrates the end of Shabbat, and the Havdalah blessing is said.
  65. 65How is Shabbat celebrated in the synagogue?There are three main services that take place that most Jews attend. On Friday evening, Shabbat is welcomed with special prayers, hymns and psalms. On Saturday morning, there are readings from the Torah and the Nevi’im in the main service of the week. On Saturday evening, there are more readings from the Torah and prayers, and the Havdalah ceremony marks the end of Shabbat.
  66. 66What is the Rosh Hashanah festival?A two-day celebration that marks the beginning of the Jewish New Year (early Autumn in UK). It is a time for Jews to focus on their relationship with God and consider any wrongdoings of the past year. It is often associated with the shofar as this is blown every day during the last month of the year and on Rosh Hashanah itself, the sound is a call to repent.
  67. 67What happens during Rosh Hashanah?The Torah advises that Rosh Hashanah should be a day of rest. Jews spend a lot of time in the synagogue and reading from the Torah. Jews often eat apples dipped in honey to symbolise the hope for a sweet or pleasant new year. Jews also take part in the Tashlich ceremony, a prayer is said near water to cleanse the sins of the people taking part.
  68. 68What is the Yom Kippur festival?It falls ten days after Rosh Hashanah and is considered to be the holiest day of the year. In Hebrew it is known as ‘the day of atonement’ so no work is done. Many Jews fast for 25 hours to help them focus on God, this is one of the mitzvot in the Torah. During this time, Jews ask God for forgiveness for all that they have done wrong. Attendance at the synagogue is central to the celebration.
  69. 69What are the differences among Jews in celebrating Yom Kippur?Some Orthodox Jews prepare by taking a ritual bath at the mikveh (cleansing pool) the evening before. They may also wear white robes as a sign of purity and cleanliness. Reform Jews are less likely to abide by a dress code as they do not follow the commandments in the Torah as strictly.
  70. 70What is the Sukkot pilgrim festival?It occurs five days after Yom Kippur and is celebrated for eight or nine days. It is a reminder of the Jews who lived in the wilderness after they were freed from slavery in Egypt around the 7th century BC. Their time in the desert is commemorated with the building of tent-like structures called sukkah. Jews eat and sometimes even sleep in their own sukkah as a reminder of their ancestors. Many Jews will hold and wave a etrog and lulav in each hand.
  71. 71What is the Pesach pilgrim festival?It remembers the events leading up the slaves being freed in Egypt. It usually occurs in the spring, and in the days leading up to Pesach, all leavened foods (chamatz) are removed from the home. During Pesach, families worship at the synagogue and enjoy a special Seder meal together. Each food represents an element of the Exodus story, a lamb shank represents the lambs sacrificed at Passover, and parsley and lettuce represent new life and freedom of slaves.
  72. 72Why is Pesach important to Jews?It reminds Jews that God is powerful and good, it celebrates the birth of the Jewish nation, and it celebrates the freedom of the Jewish people.
  73. 73What is the Shavuot pilgrim festival?It happens seven weeks after Pesach, and celebrates the giving of the Torah to Moses on Mount Sinai. Many Jews stay up all night to read the Torah, Jews attend the synagogue to listen to the reading of the Ten Commandments, candles are lit to welcome the festival and a lot of dairy food is eaten. Jews study from the book of Ruth because King David died on Shavuot and the story of Ruth takes place at harvest time.

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Religious Studies Flashcards on Judaism, created by Miss Rogers on 22/05/2020.
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