Module Two: Religions of Repair (Middle East) | Midterm Study Guide Flashcards
(42 cards)
What form of Judaism emerged following the Second Temple destruction?
Rabbinic Judaism
Rabbinic Judaism represents a shift from temple-based worship to a focus on study and interpretation of the Torah.
What is distinctive about the Essenes?
They lived in communal life and are associated with the Dead Sea Scrolls
The Essenes are known for their strict religious observances and communal living.
What is distinctive about the Zealots?
They were a political movement resisting Roman rule
The Zealots believed in armed rebellion against the Romans.
What is distinctive about the Sadducees?
They were priestly and aristocratic, rejecting oral traditions
The Sadducees held power in the Second Temple and focused on the written Torah.
What is distinctive about the Pharisees?
They emphasized oral law and the importance of the synagogue
The Pharisees played a significant role in the development of Rabbinic Judaism.
How did the unification of Spain in 1492 impact Jews?
It led to the expulsion of Jews from Spain
The Alhambra Decree expelled Jews who did not convert to Christianity.
What event helped inspire Jews to commit the Oral Torah to writing?
The destruction of the Second Temple
This event marked a significant turning point in Jewish history.
In a synagogue, the Torah is most likely found in what format?
Scrolls
The Torah is traditionally kept in a sacred scroll format in synagogues.
What are the main differences between Second Temple Judaism and Rabbinic Judaism?
Second Temple focused on temple worship; Rabbinic emphasizes Torah study
Rabbinic Judaism developed after the temple’s destruction.
What effect did the Shoah have on Elie Wiesel’s religious beliefs?
It caused a crisis of faith
Wiesel grappled with the existence of God in light of the Holocaust.
Name three Jewish holidays.
- Shabbat
- Yom Kippur
- Passover
These are some of the major holidays celebrated in Judaism.
True or False: Anti-Semitism is a concern in the twenty-first century US.
True
Anti-Semitic incidents have been reported in various forms throughout the US.
What is the term for the Jewish law of circumcision?
Brit Milah
Brit Milah is a significant ritual in Jewish tradition.
What is ‘the messiah’ in Judaism?
A future leader who will bring peace and rebuild the Temple
The concept of the messiah varies in interpretation among Jewish groups.
What does Tanakh stand for?
The Hebrew Bible, consisting of Torah, Nevi’im, and Ketuvim
Tanakh is an acronym formed from the first letters of its three parts.
What are Nevi’im?
The prophetic books of the Hebrew Bible
Nevi’im includes the writings of the prophets.
What is the Talmud?
A central text in Rabbinic Judaism, containing discussions on Jewish law
The Talmud consists of the Mishnah and the Gemara.
What is a Mitzvah?
A commandment or good deed in Judaism
Mitzvot are important in guiding Jewish ethical behavior.
Who was Constantine?
The Roman Emperor who embraced Christianity
Constantine played a crucial role in the spread of Christianity.
What is the Nicene Creed?
A statement of Christian faith established at the Council of Nicaea
The Nicene Creed defines the nature of Christ and the Trinity.
What was the main issue that began the split between Sunni and Shia Islam?
Disagreement over the rightful successor to Muhammad
This division has significant theological and political implications.
Who are the Sufis in Islam?
Mystical practitioners focusing on personal experience of God
Sufism emphasizes inner spirituality and devotion.
What is Ashura?
A day of mourning for Shia Muslims, commemorating the martyrdom of Husain
Ashura is observed with rituals and remembrance.
Who is considered the father of monotheism?
Abraham
Abraham is a central figure in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
