judaism Flashcards
(174 cards)
1
Q
abraham
A
The first Jew, the founder of Judaism, the physical and spiritual ancestor of the Jewish people. One of the three Patriarchs of Judaism
2
Q
afikomen
A
From Greek meaning “dessert.” A half piece of matzah set aside during the Passover Seder, which is later hidden by children and then ransomed by parents, or hidden by parents and found by children. It is eaten as the last part of the meal
3
Q
antisemitism
A
used specifically to refer to hatred of Jews and Judaism
4
Q
ark
A
The cabinet where the Torah scrolls are kept
5
Q
aron kodesh
A
holy chest. The cabinet where the Torah scrolls are kept
6
Q
ashkenazic jews
A
Jews from eastern France, Germany and Eastern Europe, and their descendants, who are culturally different from Jews with origins in other parts of the world. Most Jews in America today are Ashkenazic
7
Q
av
A
The fifth month of the Jewish year, occurring in July/August
8
Q
bagel
A
Donut-shaped bread that is boiled before it is baked
9
Q
ba’al shem tov
A
Lit. Master of the Good Name. Rabbi Israel ben Eliezer. The founder of Chasidic Judaism.
10
Q
bar mitzvah
A
son of the commandment. A boy who has achieved the age of 13 and is consequently obligated to observe the commandments. Also, a ceremony marking the fact that a boy has achieved this age.
11
Q
bashert
A
Yiddish: fate, destiny. 1) A soul mate, an ideal, predestined spouse. 2) Any good or fortuitous match, such as the perfect job or the perfect house
12
Q
bat mitzvah
A
Lit. daughter of the commandment. A girl who has achieved the age of 12 and is consequently obligated to observe the commandments. Also, a ceremony marking the fact that a girl has achieved this age
13
Q
beit knesset
A
Lit. house of assembly. A Hebrew term for a synagogue
14
Q
beliefs
A
Judaism has no dogma, no formal set of beliefs that one must hold to be a Jew. In Judaism, actions are far more important than beliefs, although there is certainly a place for belief within Judaism
15
Q
bible
A
Also referred to as the Tanakh. The Jewish Bible more or less corresponds to what non-Jews call the “Old Testament.”
16
Q
bimah
A
The pedestal on which the Torah scrolls are placed when they are being read in the synagogue; i.e., the pulpit
17
Q
blintz
A
Yiddish. A thin, crepe-like pancake rolled around a filling of potato and onion, cheese, or fruit
18
Q
C.E./B.C.E.
A
Common (or Christian) Era. Used instead of A.D., because A.D. means “the Year of our L-rd,” and we do not believe that Jesus is our L-rd.
Before the Common (or Christian) Era. Another way of saying B.C
19
Q
chanukkah
A
lit. dedication. An eight day holiday celebrating the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem after it was defiled by the Seleucid Greeks. Also known as the Festival of Lights.
20
Q
diaspora
A
Any place outside of the land of Israel where Jews live. Refers to the fact that Jews were dispersed from the land of Israel by the Romans after the last Jewish War. The Hebrew/Yiddish term for this is “galut”
21
Q
dreidel
A
A top-like toy used to play a traditional Chanukkah game
22
Q
essenes
A
A movement of Judaism that began approximately 2200 years ago. It died out shortly after the destruction of the Temple
23
Q
euthanasia
A
Euthanasia, suicide and assisted suicide are strictly forbidden by Jewish law, because life is so precious
24
Q
fast days
A
Several Jewish holidays are fasts, upon which we may neither eat nor drink.
25
festivals
jewish holidays
26
four questions
A set of questions about Passover, designed to encourage participation in the seder. Also known as Mah Nishtanah (Why is it different?), which are the first words of the Four Questions.
27
free will
Humanity was created with a dual nature: an impulse to do what is right and a selfish (evil) impulse. Free will is the ability to choose which impulse to follow.
28
G-d
A way of avoiding writing a name of G-d, to avoid the risk of the sin of erasing or defacing the Name
29
gemara
Commentaries on the Mishnah. The Mishnah and Gemara together are the Talmud.
30
get
A writ of divorce. Also called a sefer k'ritut
31
haggadah
The book read during the Passover Seder, telling the story of the holiday
32
halakhah
Lit. the path that one walks. Jewish law. The complete body of rules and practices that Jews are bound to follow, including biblical commandments, commandments instituted by the rabbis, and binding customs
33
hallel
Lit. praise G-d. Psalms 113-118, in praise of G-d, which are recited on certain holidays
34
haredi
Ultra-Orthodox Jews in Israel
35
hebrew
The language of the Torah, in which all prayer should be recited.
36
hell
The place of spiritual punishment and/or purification for the wicked dead in Judaism is not referred to as Hell, but as Gehinnom or She'ol. According to most sources, the period of punishment or purification is limited to 12 months, after which the soul ascends to Olam Ha-Ba or is destroyed (if it is utterly wicked).
37
high holidays
The holidays of Rosh Hashanah, the Days of Awe and Yom Kippur are commonly referred to as the High Holidays or the High Holy Days
38
herzl, theodor
The founder of the Zionist political movement in the late 1800s
39
hillel
One of the greatest rabbis recorded in the Talmud. His more liberal views of Jewish law are often contrasted with the stricter views of Shammai. Also: a Jewish college student organization under the auspices of B'nai Brith.
40
israel
1) The land that G-d promised to Abraham and his descendants.
2) The northern kingdom that was home to the "ten lost tribes."
3) Alternate name for Jacob.
4) A country in the Middle East located in the ancient homeland that has a predominantly Jewish population and government.
41
jerusalem
The holiest city in Judaism, King David's capital and the site of King Solomon's Temple and the Second Temple. Since ancient times, Jews have faced Jerusalem during prayer, and have prayed daily for a return to Israel and Jerusalem
42
karaites
Lit. People of the Scripture. A sect of Judaism that, like the ancient Sadducees, does not accept the oral Torah, but relies solely on the written scriptures. By contrast, Rabbinical Judaism believes that G-d taught Moses an oral Torah at the same time that He gave the written one. The Karaites are now a very small sect, though they claim that at one time they attracted 40 percent of the Jewish population
43
kashrut
From a root meaning "fit," "proper" or "correct." Jewish dietary laws
44
kiddush
Lit. sanctification. A prayer recited over wine sanctifying Shabbat or a holiday
45
kippah
The skullcap head covering worn by Jews during services, and by some Jews at all times, more commonly known as a yarmulke
46
kosher
Lit. fit, proper or correct. Describes food that is permissible to eat under Jewish dietary laws. Can also describe any other ritual object that is fit for use according to Jewish law.
47
latkes
Potato pancakes traditionally eaten during Chanukkah
48
l'chayim
Lit. to life. A common Jewish toast
49
lilith
A character from rabbinical folklore, a female demon who seduces men and threatens babies and women in childbirth. Some feminists have tried to reinterpret her as a hero of female empowerment, relying on a rather questionable source
50
lox
Smoked salmon. Commonly served on a bagel
51
lubavitch
A sect of Chasidic Judaism that is active in outreach to other Jews and has a high media presence
52
maccabees
1) A name for the family of heroes of the story of Chanukkah, derived from the nickname of one of the sons, Judah the Maccabee.
2) Books telling the story of Chanukkah that are found in some bibles but are not accepted as scripture by Jews.
53
maimonides
Rabbi Moshe ben Maimon, one of the greatest medieval Jewish scholars. Commonly referred to by the acronym 'Rambam'
54
masorti
Jews in Israel who are traditionally observant but not Orthodox
55
matzah ball soup
Thin chicken soup with dumplings made from matzah meal
56
mazel tov
Lit. good luck. A way of expressing congratulations. Note that this term is not be used in the way that the expression "good luck" is used in English
57
menorah
A candelabrum. Usually refers to the nine-branched candelabrum used to hold the Chanukkah candles. Can also refer to the seven-branched candelabrum used in the Temple.
58
midrash
From a root meaning "to study," "to seek out" or "to investigate." Stories elaborating on incidents in the Bible, to derive a principle of Jewish law or provide a moral lesson.
59
mikvah
Lit. gathering. A ritual bath used for spiritual purification. It is used primarily in conversion rituals and after the period of sexual separation during a woman's menstrual cycles, but many Chasidim immerse themselves in the mikvah regularly for general spiritual purification.
60
minyan
The quorum necessary to recite certain prayers, consisting of ten adult Jewish men.
61
mitzvah
Lit. commandment. Any of the 613 commandments that Jews are obligated to observe. It can also refer to any Jewish religious obligation, or more generally to any good deed
62
mizrachi jews
Jews from Northern Africa and the Middle East, and their descendants. Approximately half of the Jews of Israel are Mizrachi.
63
mohel
Lit. circumciser. One who performs the ritual circumcision of an 8-day-old male Jewish child or of a convert to Judaism
64
movements
The denominations, branches or sects of Judaism, although the distinctions between Jewish movements are not as great as those between Christian denominations.
65
mysticism
Mysticism and mystical experiences have been a part of Judaism since the earliest days, but specific beliefs in this area are open to personal interpretation.
66
new year
one of the holiest days of the year
67
noahic commandments
Seven commandments given to Noah after the flood, which are binding on both non-Jews and Jews.
68
numerology
numerical values of words
69
origins of judaism
According to Jewish tradition, the religion now known as Judaism was founded by our ancestor, Abraham, almost 4000 years ago
70
orthodox
One of the major movements of Judaism, believing that Jewish law comes from G-d and cannot be changed
71
passover
Holiday commemorating the Exodus from Egypt. The holiday also marks the beginning of the harvest season.
72
pentecost
A festival commemorating the giving of the Torah and the harvest of the first fruits, known to Jews as Shavu'ot.
73
pesach
Lit. exemption.1) One of the Shalosh R'galim (three pilgrimage festivals), a holiday commemorating the Exodus from Egypt, known in English as Passover. The holiday also marks the beginning of the harvest season.
2) The paschal lamb that, in Temple times, was sacrificed on this holiday.
74
pharisees
A movement of Judaism that began approximately 2200 years ago. It is the forerunner of rabbinic Judaism, which encompasses all of the movements of Judaism in existence today.
75
phylacteries
Leather pouches containing scrolls with passages of scripture, used to fulfill the commandment to bind the commandments to our hands and between our eyes. Jews refer to them as tefillin. The Greek term "phylacteries" literally means "amulets" and is offensive to some.
76
purim
Lit. lots (as in "lottery"). A holiday celebrating the rescue of the Jews from extermination at the hands of the chief minister to the King of Persia
77
pushke
Yiddish, from the Polish word puszka, which means tin can. A box in the home or the synagogue used to collect money for donation to the poor
78
rabbi
A religious teacher and person authorized to make decisions on issues of Jewish law. Also performs many of the same functions as a Protestant minister.
79
ramban
Rabbi Moshe ben Nachman, one of the greatest medieval Jewish scholars. Also known as Nachmanides
80
rashi
Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki, one of the greatest medieval Jewish scholars.
81
rebbe
Usu. translated Grand Rabbi. The leader of a Chasidic community, often believed to have special, mystical power. When Lubavitcher Chasidim speak of "The Rebbe," they are referring to Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson.
82
red heifer
An animal used as an offering in an unusual and mysterious ritual to purify from the defilement of contact with the dead.
83
reform
One of the major movements of Judaism, believing that Jewish law was inspired by G-d and one can choose which laws to follow
84
sadducees
A movement of Judaism that began approximately 2200 years ago. It died out shortly after the destruction of the Temple.
85
sanhedrin
The "Supreme Court" of the ancient Jewish state, in the tradition established in Exodus chapter 18. According to tradition, the Oral Torah was given to Moses and passed on a continuous line to Joshua, then to the elders, then to the prophets then to the Sanhedrin. It decided difficult cases and cases of capital punishment. It also fixed the calendar, taking testimony to determine when a new month began.
86
sephardic jews
Jews from Spain, Portugal, North Africa and the Middle East and their descendants, who are culturally different from Jews with origins in other parts of the world. Jews from North Africa and the Middle East are often described separately as Mizrachi Jews.
87
shabbat shalom
Hebrew. Literally, sabbath peace or peaceful sabbath. A general, all-purpose Shabbat greeting
88
shema
One of the basic Jewish prayers
89
shiksa
A derogatory term for a non-Jewish female
90
shofar
A ram's horn, blown like a trumpet as a call to repentance
91
shul
The Yiddish term for a Jewish house of worship. The term is used primarily by Orthodox Jews
92
synagogue
From a Greek root meaning "assembly." The most widely accepted term for a Jewish house of worship. The Jewish equivalent of a church, mosque or temple.
93
sukkot
Lit. booths. One of the Shalosh R'galim (three pilgrimage festivals). A festival commemorating the wandering in the desert and the final harvest. Also known as the Feast of Tabernacles or the Festival of Ingathering.
94
takkanah
A law instituted by the rabbis and not derived from any biblical commandment.
95
tallit
A shawl-like garment worn during morning services, with tzitzit (long fringes) attached to the corners as a reminder of the commandments. Sometimes called a prayer shawl
96
talmud
The most significant collection of the Jewish oral tradition interpreting the Torah.
97
tanakh
Acronym of Torah (Law), Nevi'im (Prophets) and Ketuvim (Writings). Written Torah; what non-Jews call the Old Testament
98
tefillin
Phylacteries. Leather pouches containing scrolls with passages of scripture, used to fulfill the commandment to bind the commandments to our hands and between our eyes.
99
tisha B'Av
Lit. The Ninth of Av. A fast day commemorating the destruction of the First and Second Temples, as well as other tragedies.
100
torah
In its narrowest sense, Torah the first five books of the Bible: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy, sometimes called the Pentateuch or the Five Books of Moses. In its broadest sense, Torah is the entire body of Jewish teachings.
101
tzaddik
Lit. righteous person. A completely righteous person, often believed to have special, mystical power
102
tzitzit
Fringes attached to the corners of garments as a reminder of the commandments
103
yarmulke
From Tartar "skullcap," or from Aramaic "Yirei Malka" (fear of the King). The skullcap head covering worn by Jews during services, and by some Jews at all times.
104
yiddish
The "international language" of Ashkenazic Jews, based primarily on German with words taken from Hebrew and many other languages, and written in the Hebrew Alphabet.
105
zealots
A movement of Judaism that began approximately 2200 years ago. It died out shortly after the destruction of the Temple
106
zionism
A political movement to create and maintain a Jewish state. The word is derived from Zion, another name for Jerusalem
107
zohar
The primary written work in the mystical tradition of Kabbalah
108
how do the jews view gods existence?
The fact of G-d's existence is accepted almost without question. Proof is not needed, and is rarely offered
109
is gods existence necessary to the jews?
Judaism views the existence of G-d as a necessary prerequisite for the existence of the universe. The existence of the universe is sufficient proof of the existence of G-d.
## Footnote
110
how does the shema begin? what different ideas does this statement encompass?
it begins with "Hear, Israel: The L-rd is our G-d, The L-rd is one." This simple statement encompasses several different ideas:
## Footnote
1. There is only one G-d. No other being participated in the work of creation.
2. G-d is a unity. He is a single, whole, complete indivisible entity. He cannot be divided into parts or described by attributes. Any attempt to ascribe attributes to G-d is merely man's imperfect attempt to understand the infinite.
3. G-d is the only being to whom we should offer praise. The Shema can also be translated as "The L-rd is our G-d, The L-rd alone," meaning that no other is our G-d, and we should not pray to any other.
111
true or false: god is the creator of everything
true
112
do they picture god with a physical body?
Judaism firmly maintains that G-d has no body. Any reference to G-d's body is simply a figure of speech, a means of making G-d's actions more comprehensible to beings living in a material world.
We are forbidden to represent G-d in a physical form. That is considered idolatry
113
is god a male or a female?
G-d has no body, no genitalia, therefore the very idea that G-d is male or female is patently absurd. We refer to G-d using masculine terms simply for convenience's sake, because Hebrew has no neutral gender; G-d is no more male than a table is.
## Footnote
114
how is god universal?
G-d is in all places at all times. He fills the universe and exceeds its scope. He is always near for us to call upon in need, and He sees all that we do. Closely tied in with this idea is the fact that G-d is universal. He is not just the G-d of the Jews; He is the G-d of all nations.
## Footnote
115
how is god omnipotent?
G-d can do anything. It is said that the only thing that is beyond His power is the fear of Him; that is, we have free will, and He cannot compel us to do His will.
116
how is god omniscient
G-d knows all things, past, present and future. He knows our thoughts
117
how is god eternal?
G-d transcends time. He has no beginning and no end. He will always be there to fulfill his promises
118
what is halakhah?
it is a set of rules and practices.
Judaism is a comprehensive way of life, filled with rules and practices that affect every aspect of life: what you do when you wake up in the morning, what you can and cannot eat, what you can and cannot wear, how to groom yourself, how to conduct business, who you can marry, how to observe the holidays and Shabbat, and perhaps most important, how to treat G-d, other people, and animals.
119
does the messiah (mashiach) mean savior?
The word "mashiach" does not mean "savior." The notion of an innocent, divine or semi-divine being who will sacrifice himself to save us from the consequences of our own sins is a purely Christian concept that has no basis in Jewish thought
120
what is the meaning of mashiach?
The term "mashiach" literally means "the anointed one," and refers to the ancient practice of anointing kings with oil when they took the throne. The mashiach is the one who will be anointed as king in the End of Days.
## Footnote
121
who will be the mashiach?
The mashiach will be a great political leader descended from King David (Jeremiah 23:5). The mashiach is often referred to as "mashiach ben David" (mashiach, son of David). He will be well-versed in Jewish law, and observant of its commandments (Isaiah 11:2-5). He will be a charismatic leader, inspiring others to follow his example. He will be a great military leader, who will win battles for Israel. He will be a great judge, who makes righteous decisions (Jeremiah 33:15). But above all, he will be a human being, not a god, demi-god or other supernatural being.
## Footnote
122
when will the meshiach come to the world?
Although some scholars believed that G-d has set aside a specific date for the coming of the mashiach, most authority suggests that the conduct of mankind will determine the time of the mashiach's coming. In general, it is believed that the mashiach will come in a time when he is most needed (because the world is so sinful), or in a time when he is most deserved (because the world is so good).
123
what will the mashiach do?
The mashiach will bring about the political and spiritual redemption of the Jewish people by bringing us back to Israel and restoring Jerusalem (Isaiah 11:11-12; Jeremiah 23:8; 30:3; Hosea 3:4-5). He will establish a government in Israel that will be the center of all world government, both for Jews and gentiles (Isaiah 2:2-4; 11:10; 42:1). He will rebuild the Temple and re-establish its worship (Jeremiah 33:18). He will restore the religious court system of Israel and establish Jewish law as the law of the land
124
what are the two pimary subjects of mystical thoughts in judaism?
There are several references in ancient sources to ma'aseh bereishit (the work of creation) and ma'aseh merkavah (the work of the chariot [of Ezekiel's vision]), the two primary subjects of mystical thought at the time.
125
what does the torah contain?
The Torah contains many stories of mystical experiences, from visitations by angels to prophetic dreams and visions.
126
what does the talmud contain?
The Talmud considers the existence of the soul and when it becomes attached to the body. Jewish tradition tells that the souls of all Jews were in existence at the time of the Giving of the Torah and were present at the time and agreed to the Covenant. There are many stories of places similar to Christian heaven and purgatory, of wandering souls and reincarnation. The Talmud contains vague hints of a mystical school of thought that was taught only to the most advanced students and was not committed to writing.
127
how do many non jews describe the kabbalah?
"the dark side of Judaism," describing it as evil or black magic
128
amongst who was the kabbalah popular with?
Kabbalah was popular among Christian intellectuals during the Renaissance and Enlightenment periods, who reinterpreted its doctrines to fit into their Christian dogma
129
is magic a part of the kabbalah?
There are certainly many traditional Jewish stories that involve the use of hidden knowledge to affect the world in ways that could be described as magic
130
what was the original name of the jews?
The original name for the people we now call Jews was Hebrews
131
what are other names for the jews?
Another name used for the people is Children of Israel or Israelites, which refers to the fact that the people are descendants of Jacob, who was also called Israel.
132
where is the name "jew" derived from?
The word "Jew" (in Hebrew, "Yehudi") is derived from the name Judah, which was the name of one of Jacob's twelve sons
133
who is a jew?
A Jew is any person whose mother was a Jew or any person who has gone through the formal process of conversion to Judaism
134
who are the sadducees?
The Sadducees evolved out of the Hellenistic elements of Judaism. The movement was made up of the priests and the aristocrats of Jewish society. They were religiously conservative but socially liberal.
135
what did the sadducees believe in?
The Sadducees believed in a strict, narrow and unchanging interpretation of the written Torah, and they did not believe in oral Torah. The Temple and its sacrificial services were at the center of their worship. Socially, they adopted the ways of the neighboring Greek culture.
136
what did the pharisees believe?
The Pharisees believed that G-d gave the Jews both a written Torah and an oral Torah, both of which were equally binding and both of which were open to interpretation by the rabbis, people with sufficient education to make such decisions. The Pharisees were devoted to study of the Torah and education for all.
137
who were the zealots?
The Zealots were basically a nationalistic movement, not a religious one. They favored war against Rome, and believed that death was preferable to being under Roman control. They would commit suicide rather than be taken prisoner.
138
how did the zealots die?
The Zealots were killed off during the war with Rome.
139
true or false: The Sadducees could not survive without the Temple, which was the center of their religion
true
140
how did the essenes die?
The Essenes, who were never very numerous, were apparently killed off by the Romans (they were easily recognizable in their isolated communities).
141
where did the ashkenazic jews descend from?
Ashkenazic Jews are the Jews of France, Germany, and Eastern Europe and their descendants
142
where is ashkenazic derived from?
The adjective "Ashkenazic" and corresponding nouns, Ashkenazi (singular) and Ashkenazim (plural) are derived from the Hebrew word "Ashkenaz," which is used to refer to Germany
143
where do the sephardic jews come from?
Sephardic Jews are the Jews of Spain, Portugal, North Africa and the Middle East and their descendants
144
where is the word sephardic derived from?
The adjective "Sephardic" and corresponding nouns Sephardi (singular) and Sephardim (plural) are derived from the Hebrew word "Sepharad," which refers to Spain.
145
how are the shephardic jews subdivided?
Sephardic Jews are often subdivided into Sephardim, from Spain and Portugal, and Mizrachim, from the Northern Africa and the Middle East.
146
how are sephardic and ashkenazic jews different?
The beliefs of Sephardic Judaism are basically in accord with those of Orthodox Judaism, though Sephardic interpretations of halakhah (Jewish Law) are somewhat different than Ashkenazic ones.
147
how are women viewed?
In traditional Judaism, women are for the most part seen as separate but equal. Women's obligations and responsibilities are different from men's, but no less important (in fact, in some ways, women's responsibilities are considered more important
148
what are women endowed with?
According to traditional Judaism, women are endowed with a greater degree of "binah" (intuition, understanding, intelligence) than men.
149
what are some of womens rights?
Women have the right to be consulted with regard to their marriage. Marital sex is regarded as the woman's right, and not the man's. Men do not have the right to beat or mistreat their wives, a right that was recognized by law in many Western countries until a few hundred years ago.
150
who was the land of israel named after?
This is the land now known as Israel, named after Abraham's grandson, whose descendants are the Jewish people. The land is often referred to as the Promised Land because of G-d's repeated promise (Gen. 12:7, 13:15, 15:18, 17:8) to give the land to the descendants of Abraham.
151
how is the land of israel described in the torah?
The land is described repeatedly in the Torah as a good land and "a land flowing with milk and honey"
152
what is the land of israel central to?
The land of Israel is central to Judaism. A substantial portion of Jewish law is tied to the land of Israel, and can only be performed there
153
what is a synagogue?
The synagogue is the Jewish equivalent of a church, more or less. It is the center of the Jewish religious community: a place of prayer, study and education, social and charitable work, as well as a social center.
154
what are some of the functions of the synagogue?
At a minimum, a synagogue is a beit tefilah, a house of prayer
A synagogue is usually also a beit midrash, a house of study
Most synagogues also have a social hall for religious and non-religious activities. The synagogue often functions as a sort of town hall where matters of importance to the community can be discussed.
In addition, the synagogue functions as a social welfare agency, collecting and dispensing money and other items for the aid of the poor and needy within the community.
155
true or false: Synagogues are, for the most part, independent community organizations
true
156
what is meant when people speak of The Temple?
When we speak of The Temple, we speak of the place in Jerusalem that was the center of Jewish worship from the time of Solomon to its destruction by the Romans in 70 C.E. This was the one and only place where sacrifices and certain other religious rituals were performed. It was partially destroyed at the time of the Babylonian Exile and rebuilt
157
what can a synagogue exist without?
a synagogue can exist without a rabbi or a chazzan: religious services can be, and often are, conducted by lay people in whole or in part. It is not unusual for a synagogue to be without a rabbi, at least temporarily, and many synagogues, particularly smaller ones, have no chazzan. However, the rabbi and chazzan are valuable members of the community, providing leadership, guidance and education.
158
true or false: Synagogues pass around collection plates during services
flase; synagogues do not pass around collection plates during services, as many churches do. This is largely because Jewish law prohibits carrying money on holidays and Shabbat.
159
how is jewish cooking influenced?
Jewish cooking is a unique synthesis of cooking styles from the many places that Jews have lived throughout the centuries. Jewish cooking shows the influence of Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, Spanish, German and Eastern European styles of cooking, all influenced by the unique dietary constraints of kashrut and other Jewish laws.
160
in its most limited sense, what does torah refer to?
In its most limited sense, "Torah" refers to the Five Books of Moses: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy
161
what is the oral torah?
"Oral Torah," a tradition explaining what the above scriptures mean and how to interpret them and apply the Laws. Orthodox Jews believe G-d taught the Oral Torah to Moses, and he taught it to others, down to the present day.
162
what are torah scrolls?
they are written scriptures used in services that are written on parchment scrolls
163
what is a large part of jewish law?
A large part of Jewish law is about treating people with kindness. The same body of Jewish law that commands us to eat only kosher food and not to turn on lights on Shabbat, also commands us to love both Jews and strangers, to give tzedakah (charity) to the poor and needy, and not to wrong anyone in speech or in business. In fact, acts of kindness are so much a part of Jewish law that the word "mitzvah" (literally, "commandment") is informally used to mean any good deed.
164
what three things does the universe depend on?
Pirkei Avot, a book of the Mishnah, teaches that the universe depends on three things: on Torah (law), on avodah (service to G-d), and on g'milut chasadim (usually translated as "acts of lovingkindness") (Avot 1:2), perhaps drawing from Psalm 89:3, "the universe is built on kindness" (more commonly translated as "forever is mercy built").
165
what is the difference between judaism and christianity?
. Judaism is not content to leave love and brotherhood as a lofty ideal, to be fulfilled as each individual sees fit. Judaism spells out, in intricate detail, how we are meant to show that love.
166
what is the shabbat?
Shabbat is the most important ritual observance in Judaism. It is the only ritual observance instituted in the Ten Commandments
Shabbat is primarily a day of rest and spiritual enrichment. The word "Shabbat" comes from the root Shin-Beit-Tav, meaning to cease, to end, or to rest.
Shabbat involves two interrelated commandments: to remember (zakhor) Shabbat, and to observe (shamor) Shabbat
167
when do all jewish holidays begin?
All Jewish holidays begin the evening before the date specified on most calendars. This is because a Jewish "day" begins and ends at sunset, rather than at midnight
168
is work permitted on the holidays?
Work is not permitted on Rosh Hashanah, on Yom Kippur, on the first and second days of Sukkot, on Shemini Atzeret, on Simchat Torah, on Shavu'ot, and the first, second, seventh and eighth days of Passover. The "work" prohibited on those holidays is the same as that prohibited on Shabbat, except that cooking, baking, transferring fire and carrying, all of which are forbidden on Shabbat, are permitted on holidays. When a holiday occurs on Shabbat, the full Shabbat restrictions are observed.
169
how is life valued?
In Judaism, life is valued above almost all else. The Talmud notes that all people are descended from a single person, thus taking a single life is like destroying an entire world, and saving a single life is like saving an entire world
170
because life is so valuable, what are jews not permitted to do?
Because life is so valuable, we are not permitted to do anything that may hasten death, not even to prevent suffering. Euthanasia, suicide and assisted suicide are strictly forbidden by Jewish law. The Talmud states that you may not even move a dying person's arms if that would shorten his life.
171
what do jewish laws permit pertaining to a persons life?
However, where death is imminent and certain, and the patient is suffering, Jewish law does permit one to cease artificially prolonging life. Thus, in certain circumstances, Jewish law permits "pulling the plug" or refusing extraordinary means of prolonging life.
172
in judaism is death a tragedy?
In Judaism, death is not a tragedy, even when it occurs early in life or through unfortunate circumstances. Death is a natural process. Our deaths, like our lives, have meaning and are all part of G-d's plan. In addition, we have a firm belief in an afterlife, a world to come, where those who have lived a worthy life will be rewarded.
173
how are the jews mourning practices?
Mourning practices in Judaism are extensive, but they are not an expression of fear or distaste for death. Jewish practices relating to death and mourning have two purposes: to show respect for the dead (kavod ha-met), and to comfort the living (nihum avelim), who will miss the deceased.
174
