Judaism Chapter

What does it mean to say God is providential?

God is directly involved in guiding and caring for creation

What believed about zaddik, the leadership figure Hadsidism?

He is believed to have an especially close relationship with God.

Describe Hasidism.

It draws from the teaching of the Kabbalist tradition, God known foremost with the heart. Emphasized personal relationship with God.

What is the oral Toral? How is it thought to complement the written Torah?

It is the material taught and transmitted by Judaism's great rabbis of antiquity. It expands on and interprets the written Torah. ( oral Torah written down in the Mishnah and Talmud)

What is the Shema?

Judaism's most basic theological statement, "Hear, O Israel! The LORD is our God, the LORD alone."

What does the Kabbalah teach?

Kabbalah (Jewish mysticism) teaches that God can best be known with the heart, through love.

Briefly describe the situation of medieval Jews in Poland.

Largest population of Jews of an country in the Diaspora. Poland welcomed them and they enjoyed governmental autonomy and safely and prosperity.

Who is traditionally regarded as the author of the Torah? How many specific laws is the Torah thought to contain?

Moses; 613 laws (included the 10 commandments)

In What areas of the world did medieval Jews live under Muslim rule? Christian rule?

Muslims-Africa, Spain, Near East Chrisitans-most of Europe

What is Zionism?

Originally it was a movement in the late 19th that was committed to reestablishing a Jewish homeland. Now its support of Israel.

What is the predominant form of daily worship in Judaism

Prayer (mandatory for males 13 and older, said three times a day)

When did the Holocaust occur? What does the Hebrew term Shoah mean?

Shoah is Hebrew for "mass destruction" the Holocaust is sometimes called this. It occurred from 1933-1945.

What does the festival Passover commemmorate?

The Exodus of the Jews from bondage in Egypt.

What is celebrated on Rosh Hashanah?

The New Year ( early fall)

When does the Sabbath occur? What are 2 main aspects of the celebration?

The Sabbath is sunset on Friday to sunset on Saturday; resting and worshiping God

What symbols and events highlight the Jewish marriage ceremony?

The bride and groom stand beneath the huppah(bridal canopy) which creates a sacred space. Seven blessings are read, and the groom breaks wine glass beneath his foot at the end.

What is the Diaspora?

The dispersion of Jews living away form their homeland and maintaining their religious identity.

What is the Tetragrommaton

The four big letters "YHWH" pronounced Yahweh, but not any more by observant Jews.

What are the 2 centers of Jewish daily worship?

The home and the synagogue

What do the rabbis comment on the Talmud, and how do they support their aruguments?

They comment on the Mishnah and support their arguments by citing biblical passages.

How is Orthodox Judaism distinguishable from Reform Judaism?

While Reform Judaism adapts to chaining society, Orthodox Jews believe that life must always conform to the teachings of the Torah.

what is the kaddish?

a mourning prayer

What does every synagogue contain?

a scroll of the five books of the Torah, which is encased in a box called an ark

Define rabbi

a teacher of the Torah or a leader of Jewish worship

How many of the world's Jews live in Israel?

fewer than 1/2

What is the Zohar?

most famous test of Jewish mysticism, written in 13th century in Spain by Moses de Leon

what does the word shema mean?

to hear

When did the destruction of the Temple occur?

70CE

Briefly describe Reform Judaism.

A form of Judaism that changes to adapt to socity. More relaxed in observing details of traditional practices. Liturgy said in English and rabbis function much like Christian preachers.

What are the distinguishing characteristics of Conservative Judaism?

A middle ground between Reform and Orthodox it's more open to change but strictly adheres to traditional practices. Liturgy said in Hebrew and laws regulation diet and behavior observed.

When was the Mishnah written and what does it contain?

AD 200; it contains teachings that were formulated and transmitted orally by the rabbis of the preceding 4 centuries

Define the term covenant in relation to the Jews.

An agreement established long ago between God and the Ancient Israleites, first through Abraham and later through Moses

Rather than describing them as a single "race" what is the most accurate way to think of the Jews?

As an ethnic group that shares a common history and religion

What are the bar mitzvah and bat mitzvah?

Bar mitzvah-coming of age ceremony for boys at age 13 bat mitzvah- coming of age ceremony for girls at age 13

Why is the Hebrew bible also known as the Tankh?

Because it consists of the Torah Nev'im Ketuvim or TNK-Tankakh

Why do observant Jews avoid saying the divine name? how is the name written?

Because they consider it too holy to be spoken by human beings; its written YHWH

Why did the Pharisee emerge after the destruction of the 2nd Jerusalem Temple in AD 70 with their religious ways intact?

Because they focused on the study of the Torah, not the rituals observed at the Temple.

What is signified by the rite of passage that marks the birth of a child?

Circumcision signifies the covenant God established with Abraham( God had him circumcise himself)

According to the Mishah, what sustains the world?

the law, the temple-service, and deeds of love and kindness

What is the literal meaning of the term prophet?

"one who speaks for"

What is emphasized on Yom Kippur?

( day of attonment) repentance through confession of sin is emphasized.

Identify the 3 related meanings of the term Torah.

1. "instruction" 2. "law" 3. the first of the five books of the Bible which are the primary statement of Judaism's religious laws.

What is the Pentateuch?

the first five books of the Bible