Judaism

Question 1

Define Torah

Answer 1

• The first part of Jewish sacred texts, which contains the 5 books of Moses
• written in Hebrew on parchment scrolls
• holds the 613 mitzvot

Question 2

Significance of the Torah

Answer 2

• most important document in Judaism
• Demonstrates how God wants Jews to live
• Dictated to Moses on Mt. Sinai

Question 3

Semites

Answer 3

An early nomadic group that worshiped rock structures.

Question 4

Abraham

Answer 4

The first to break off from the Semites. He began worshipping El Shaddai and struck a Covenant with God. A great nation was to rise in Canaan from Abraham’s son.

Question 5

Isaac

Answer 5

Second son of Abraham. First son with his wife.

Question 6

Jacob

Answer 6

Son of Isaac, goes on to have 12 sons (12 tribes of Israel)

Question 7

Joseph

Answer 7

The favored son of Jacob. His brothers sell him into slavery in Egypt. During his time there he works his was up to being the advisor of the Pharaoh. When famine strikes Canaan, his brothers come to beg mercy in Egypt. Their brother grants them mercy and gives them grain. Later the Israelites are enslaved.

Question 8

Ramses II

Answer 8

Pharaoh under which the Hebrews are enslaved. Hears a prophecy that he will be undermined by a Hebrew boy, so he kills all babies.

Question 9

Moses

Answer 9

Escapes the massacre of children and is raised in the palace. When he learns the truth of his birth, he runs to the desert. There he learns to live with modesty and encounters the burning bush. He then returns to Pharaoh and demands that the Hebrews are let go. When this doesn’t work, he brings the 10 plagues onto Egypt.

Question 10

Exodus

Answer 10

This is the journey where Moses and the Hebrews flee.

Question 11

Covenant

Answer 11

At Mt. Sinai, Moses receives the Ark of the Covenant for 40 days and 40 nights. during this time, some of the Hebrews lose faith that Moses will return. As punishment, the Hebrews are a nomadic people for 40 years, and when they do reach Canaan it is inhabited.

Question 12

Joshua

Answer 12

Wins the battle at Jericho by having him and his army play their trumpets until the city’s walls fall.

Question 13

David

Answer 13

As in David and Goliath. Becomes King when he wins the battle through his bravery and blessing from God. Star of David. Writes the Psalms

Question 14

Solomon

Answer 14

Known for being one of the wisest kings. He receives the message from God to build the sacred Temple to houses the Ark of the Covenant.

Question 15

Babylonian Captivity

Answer 15

Babylon attacks Israel and destroys the Temple. The Hebrews are enslaved once again.

Question 16

Synagogues and Rabbis

Answer 16

During the time of their enslavement the Hebrews continue to practice their religion discreetly by establishing Synagogues and Rabbis. These also help to bring the community together.

Question 17

70CE- The Great Dispersal

Answer 17

The Romans outlaw Judaism and persecute the Hebrews. The 2nd Temple is destroyed and the Hebrews are strewn throughout Europe

Question 18

1948

Answer 18

The establishment of the State of Israel by the UN

Question 19

Torah

Answer 19

The first Five Books of Moses. Broken into 3 sections: the Tanakh, the Nevi’im, and the Ketuvim. Includes the 613 Mitzvoth

Question 20

Talmud

Answer 20

Rabbinical writings that explain the teachings of the Torah.

Question 21

Kabbalah

Answer 21

Jewish Mysticism

Question 22

Shema

Answer 22

The declaration of one’s faith in the One God.

Question 23

Kaddish

Answer 23

Mourning Prayer

Question 24

Star of David

Answer 24

A 6 pointed star made from overlapping equilateral triangles that is meant to represent the shield of David in the battle of David and Goliath. This symbol serves to unite the Hebrews, as well as demonstrating the universality of God by pointing in all directions.

Question 25

Menorah

Answer 25

A 7 armed branched candelabra. The centre “servant candle” is raised above the rest. The candles are always lit from right to left. The menorah was part of the sacred design of the Temple.

Question 26

Hanukkiah Menorah

Answer 26

A 9 armed menorah, which is used at Hanukkah. This is meant to represent the oil that miraculously burned for 8 days after the destruction of the Temple.

Question 27

Mezuzah

Answer 27

A small container of scripture that is placed on the doorframe of Jewish homes. This serves as a reminder that you are in the presence of God and that this is a house of God.

Question 28

Kipa/ Yarmulke

Answer 28

A small head coving that is worn at all times or during prayer. This serves as a sign that God is always above and as a sign of respect to God.

Question 29

T’Fillin

Answer 29

Small leather pouches of scripture that are tied around the forearms and forehead. A sign that God is always on the mind and in the actions

Question 30

Tallit

Answer 30

Fringes worn at the edges of clothing as a reminder of the Mitzvot

Question 31

Rosh Hashanah

Answer 31

A celebration of the Jewish New Year (in September)

Question 32

Yom Kippur

Answer 32

The Holiest of Holidays. The day of Atonement

Question 33

Sukkot

Answer 33

Commemorates the time when the Hebrews were a nomadic people following the exodus. A temporary structure is built outside to eat under.

Question 34

Seder

Answer 34

A meal that is eaten at Passover. Includes bitter herbs tossed with salt water, lamb and matzah bread.

Question 35

Passover

Answer 35

Commemorates the time of slavery and the beginning of the Exodus

Question 36

Shavuot

Answer 36

A special reading of the Torah

Question 37

Hanukkah

Answer 37

The festival of light. After the Temple was destroyed a vial of oil was used to light a menorah. This should have lasted for only one day, but by the miracle of God it lasted eight.

Question 38

Escalation towards the final solution

Answer 38

1. Emigration
2. Ghettoization
3. Concentration
4. SS Einsatzgruppen
5. Extermination

Question 39

Tikun Olam

Answer 39

The repairing of the world