General Jewish Knowledge
This six-pointed star is one of the most recognizable symbols of Judaism. The correct answer is in Hebrew.
Magen David (a Jewish Star)
During this eight-day holiday, we light a chanukiyah, eat latkes, and spin dreidels.
What is Chanukah?
This biblical character received a special coat from his father, making his brothers extremely jealous
Who is Joseph?
After the great flood, God placed this colorful sign in the sky as a symbol of the covenant never again to destroy the earth by a flood. BONUS: This is the name for RAINBOW in Hebrew.
What is a rainbow? What is Keshet?
This is the most central prayer in Judaism, declaring our faith in one God.
What is the Shema?
This Jewish language combines elements of German, Hebrew, and other languages and was historically spoken by many Ashkenazi Jews
What is Yiddish?
During Purim, we make lots of noise with these objects whenever Haman's name is mentioned.
What are groggers (noisemakers)?
This woman became queen of Persia and bravely risked her life to save the Jewish people.
Who is Esther?
In the story of the Tower of Babel, God confused the people by making them speak these differently.
What are languages?
This prayer blesses God for creating light.
This Hebrew word refers to the charitable giving and acts of justice that help make the world a better place
What is tzedakah?
On Yom Kippur, Jewish people traditionally refrain from eating and drinking for approximately this many hours.
What is 25 hours?
This man was Moses' brother and became the first High Priest of the Israelites.
Who is Aaron (Aharon)?
Abraham was commanded to take his son Isaac to this mountain, where God tested his faith.
What is Mount Moriah?
The Hebrew acronym TaNaCh stands for these three sections of the Hebrew Bible
What are Torah, Nevi'im, and Ketuvim?
This collection of rabbinic discussions and debates helps explain Jewish laws, traditions, and the meaning of the Torah.
What is the Talmud?
Name the traditional foods on the Passover seder plate, including the modern addition of an orange, and explain what each represents.
Food
Symbolism
Karpas (green vegetable, often parsley)
Spring, renewal, and new life; dipped in salt water, which recalls the tears of the enslaved Israelites
Maror (bitter herbs)
The bitterness of slavery
Chazeret (second bitter herb, often romaine lettuce)
Another reminder of the bitterness of slavery
Charoset (fruit-and-nut mixture)
The mortar used by enslaved Israelites in building projects
Zeroa (roasted shank bone)
The ancient Passover sacrifice
Beitzah (roasted egg)
The ancient festival offering; also associated with mourning and renewal
Orange (modern addition)
Inclusion of women, LGBTQ+ Jews, and others who have experienced exclusion from Jewish communal life
This woman was the mother of Moses, Aaron, and Miriam, and helped save baby Moses from Pharaoh's decree.
Who is Yocheved
In this Torah portion, the Israelites bring beautiful jewels, precious materials, and handmade gifts to help build the Mishkan (Tabernacle)
What is Vayakhel?
Name the five books of the Torah in order, using their English names.
What are Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy?
This Hebrew phrase, often translated as “the image of God,” teaches that every human being possesses inherent dignity and worth.
What is b'tzelem Elohim?
Name all ten plagues that struck Egypt, in the order they appear in the Torah.
#
Plague
Hebrew
1
Blood
Dam
2
Frogs
Tz'fardeia
3
Lice / Gnats
Kinim
4
Swarms / Wild animals
Arov
5
Pestilence affecting livestock
Dever
6
Boils
Sh'chin
7
Hail
Barad
8
Locusts
Arbeh
9
Darkness
Choshech
10
Death of the firstborn
Makat B'chorot
This biblical prophet was swallowed by a giant fish after trying to run away from God's instructions.
Who is Jonah
In this Torah story, Jacob wrestled with a mysterious being throughout the night and received the new name of...
What is Jacob wrestling with the angel (or divine being/ish)? What is Israel?
Name the five books of the Torah in order, using their Hebrew names.
What are B'reishit, Sh'mot, Vayikra, B'midbar, and D'varim?