Hebrew 101
What is the first and last letters in the Aleph Bet?
Aleph and Tav
The Jewish New Year is called _______
Rosh Hashanah
On Purim, we dress up in
Costumes
What is it called when someone is called up to the Torah to say a blessing for the reading?
Aliyah
613
The triangle-shaped cookie we eat at Purim
Hamantaschen
What does Shalom mean?
Hello, goodbye, and peace
On Rosh HaShanah what is traditional to have apples with honey?
To start it out as a sweet new year.
Chanukah is also called
The Festival of Lights
The Barchu can be viewed as a blank for the service.
A warm up
Who are the Jewish patriarchs?
Bonus 200 points: Who are the Jewish matriarchs too?
Abraham, Issac, and Jacob
Sarah, Rebecca, Leah, and Rachel
On Friday nights, we bless and eat this delicious braided bread.
Challah
What is the Hebrew word for teacher?
Moreh or Morah
This holiday marks the end and the beginning of reading from the Torah AND we celebrate by dancing with the Torah
Simchat Torah
When do we celebrate the birthday of the trees?
Tu B'Shvat
Why is it traditional to close your eyes during the Shema?
To help us focus on the words that we're saying.
How old is the State of Israel this year?
75 years old
What is the fried pancake we eat to commemorate the Maccabee victory during Hanukkah?
For an extra 100 points: Why are fried foods traditional to eat on Hanukkah?
Latke and because the miracle of the holy oil lasting 8 days before they could get more when they were cleaning up the Temple after retaking it.
What does Sh'ma mean in Hebrew?
Hear/Listen
What holiday do we celebrate by building outdoor huts?
Sukkot
What did Queen Vashti refuse to do for King Ahashverosh in the story of Purim?
King Ahashverosh wanted Vashti to dance for him and his guests and she refused.
What direction do we face when we're saying prayers like the Amidah?
We face east toward Israel and Jerusalem.
Who are Moses' siblings?
Aaron and Miriam
What is made up of a mixture prepared with apples, wine, nuts, and cinnamon that is eaten during a spring time holiday?
Charoset during Passover
Count until 10 in Hebrew
אחת, שתים, שלוש, ארבע, חמש, שש, שבע, שמונה, תשע, עשר
Why do we fast on Yom Kippur?
The fasting isn't supposed to be a punishment for our sins but instead to cleanse our body and spirit.
Name seven of the ten plagues in the Passover Story.
Bonus 200 points: Name all 10
water turning to blood, frogs, lice, flies, livestock pestilence, boils, hail, locusts, darkness, and the killing of firstborn children
Many prayers in Judaism require a certain number of Jewish adults. This is called a minyan. How many Jewish adults does it take?
Ten. Prayers like the shema are considered so important that you don't need a minyan but something like a Torah service requires a minyan.
What are the five books in the Torah?
B'reishit, Shemot, Vayikra, B'midbar, D'varim
OrGenesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy
During Rosh Hashanah there is a ritual of throwing our "sins" into the water, oftentimes with bread. What is this called?
Tashlich