Judaism

Question 1

Anti-Semitism

Answer 1

Hostility and prejudice toward Jews.

Question 2

Ark of the Covenant

Answer 2

The wooden chest that held the tablets inscribed with the Ten Commandments. The temple in Jerusalem became the home of the Ark.

Question 3

Chosen people

Answer 3

The idea that God chose the Jewish people to be the keepers of his covenant on earth. The concept of “chosen” is reciprocal, with God choosing humanity and humanity choosing God.

Question 4

Covenant

Answer 4

As used in the Bible, a solemn and binding agreement between God and humanity.

Question 5

crimes against humanity

Answer 5

Murder, extermination, enslavement, deportation, persecution, or any other inhumane act committed against a civilian population or any other identifiable group.

Question 6

Diaspora

Answer 6

A Greek word meaning “sowing of seed” or “dispersal.” In the context of Jewish history, Diaspora is the word used when referring to the Jewish population living outside of Israel.

Question 7

Exodus

Answer 7

he significant event in which Moses led the Israelites out of bondage in Egypt to freedom in the Promised Land. The word exodus means “going out” or “departure.”

Question 8

Genocide

Answer 8

The mass extermination of a group of people, especially a race, religious group, or nation.

Question 9

Haggadah

Answer 9

The book used to explain the events of the Exodus.

Question 10

Hanukkah

Answer 10

The eight-day festival of lights, usually in December, commemorating the rededication of the temple.

Question 11

Holocaust

Answer 11

The mass murder of 6 million Jews by the Nazis during the Second World War.

Question 12

Holy Ark

Answer 12

A cabinet-like structure in a synagogue that houses the Torah scrolls.

Question 13

Kippah

Answer 13

A small circular cap worn by Jewish men; also known as a yarmulke.

Question 14

Kosher

Answer 14

Fulfilling the requirements of the Jewish dietary laws of Kashrut.

Question 15

Menorah

Answer 15

A candelabrum with seven branches, used at home and in the synagogue on the
Sabbath and holidays.

Question 16

Messiah

Answer 16

Means “anointed one.” The Jews hope that a great king will come to lead them.

Question 17

Mitzvah

Answer 17

A commandment from God; the act of performing a good deed. The most well known mitzvot are the Ten Commandments.

Question 18

Promised Land

Answer 18

The area of Canaan that the Hebrews believed was promised to them by God.

Question 19

Prophet

Answer 19

A person who receives a message from God and delivers that message to God’s people. The message belongs to God, with the prophet acting as God’s messenger.

Question 20

Rabbi

Answer 20

A Jewish scholar or teacher, especially of the law; a person appointed as a Jewish religious leader.

Question 21

Shoah

Answer 21

Hebrew term for the Holocaust meaning “destruction.”

Question 22

Star of David

Answer 22

A figure consisting of two interlaced equilateral triangles. It is used as a Jewish and Israeli symbol.

Question 23

Tanakh

Answer 23

The Jewish Bible, consisting of the Torah (the Law of Moses), the Prophets, and the Writings.

Question 24

Torah

Answer 24

Refers to the Law of Moses as well as the rest of the Hebrew Scriptures and the entire belief system of the Jewish faith. The word Torah is often translated as meaning “law,” but a
a more accurate translation is “teaching” or “instruction.”

Question 25

Western Wall

Answer 25

The remaining part of the wall of Herod’s temple in Jerusalem where Jews traditionally pray and lament on Fridays.

Question 26

Yom Kippur

Answer 26

The most solemn religious day of the Jewish year, marked by fasting and prayers of repentance.