Jewish Practices Flashcards
(27 cards)
What is the Tanakh and its components?
Tanakh
What it is: The Hebrew Bible (equivalent to the Old Testament in Christianity, but arranged differently).
Name: “Tanakh” is an acronym for:
T – Torah (Law or Teaching) – the first 5 books (Genesis, Exodus, etc.)
N – Nevi’im (Prophets) – historical and prophetic books (e.g. Joshua, Isaiah)
K – Ketuvim (Writings) – poetry, wisdom, and other books (e.g. Psalms, Proverbs)
Talmud and its components
Talmud
What it is: A vast collection of writings explaining and interpreting Jewish law (Halakhah) and ethics.
Made up of:
Mishnah (written c. 200 CE) – the first written version of the oral laws.
Gemara (completed c. 500 CE for the Babylonian Talmud) – rabbinical analysis and commentary on the Mishnah.
What do Orthodox Jews believe about the Torah?
It is the literal word of God and must not be changed.
How do Orthodox Jews worship in the synagogue?
-Services are in Hebrew
-Men and women sit separately.
-Attending synagogue is important, but communal prayer requires a minyan (a group of 10 adult Jewish males).
-Services are held daily, especially on Shabbat and festivals.
What do Reform Jews believe about the Torah?
It was inspired by God but written by humans, so it can be adapted.
How do Reform Jews worship in the synagogue?
-Services are often in English
-Men and women sit together.
Do Reform Jews strictly follow all Jewish laws?
No, they follow those they believe are relevant to modern life.
What does “monotheism” mean in Judaism?
The belief in one, all-powerful God.
What does “God is One” mean in Judaism?
God is a single, indivisible being – expressed in the Shema prayer: “The Lord is One.”
What does “God is omnipotent” mean?
God is all-powerful; He created and controls the universe.
What does “God is omniscient” mean?
God is all-knowing – He knows everything past, present, and future.
What does “God is omnibenevolent” mean?
God is all-good and cares deeply for His creation.
What does “God is a lawgiver” mean?
God gave the Torah and mitzvot (commandments) to guide how Jews live.
What does “God is a judge” mean in Judaism?
God fairly judges how people live, especially on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.
What does “God is transcendent” mean?
God exists beyond and outside the physical world.
What does “God is immanent” mean?
God is present and active in the world and in people’s lives.
What is the Shekhinah in Judaism?
The divine presence of God – the way God is experienced in the world.
Where do Jews believe the Shekhinah was present in the past?
In the Tabernacle during the Exodus and in the Temple in Jerusalem.
How is the Shekhinah linked to worship?
Jews believe the Shekhinah is present during prayer, study, and worship, especially when a minyan is present.
Religious teaching on the Shekinah.
One religious teaching about the Shekhinah is that it represents the divine presence of God, especially when Jews are gathered for prayer or study. This comes from the idea that God’s presence dwelled in the Tabernacle during the time of Moses
(Exodus 25:8 – “Then have them make a sanctuary for me, and I will dwell among them”).
What is a covenant in Judaism?
A sacred agreement or contract between God and the Jewish people.
What are the two main covenants in Judaism?
The Covenant with Abraham and the Covenant with Moses.
What did God promise Abraham?
That he would become the father of a great nation, be given the Promised Land (Canaan), and that his descendants would be blessed.
What did Abraham promise God?
To worship only God and teach his descendants to do the same – showing faith and obedience.
