Origins & Patriarchs
Who made the first covenant with God, becoming the “father” of the Jewish people?
Abraham
What building did Solomon construct that became the central place of worship?
The First Temple (Solomon’s Temple)
What is the Jewish weekly day of rest called?
Shabbat
What event in 586 BCE included the destruction of the First Temple?
Babylonian Exile
Who became the first female rabbi in the U.S. in 1972?
Sally Priesand
Name the three patriarchs of Israelite tradition.
Abraham, Isaac, Jacob (Israel)
After the Babylonian exile, what was rebuilt in 516 BCE?
The Second Temple
Name two of the High Holy Days (the beginning day and ending day).
Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur
What happened in 70 CE that ended Temple-based sacrificial worship?
Destruction of the Second Temple by Romans in 70 CE
Name two branches of Judaism that allow women to lead services and study equally.
Reform Judaism and Conservative Judaism
Who led the Israelites out of Egypt?
Moses
Name one of the two main texts that preserve Jewish oral law.
Mishnah or Talmud
How many commandments (mitzvot) are traditionally listed?
613 commandments (mitzvot)
What 1492 event forced Jews out of Spain?
Spanish Expulsion of 1492
How is Orthodox Judaism different from Reform and Conservative Judaism regarding leadership?
Orthodox Judaism maintains male-only leadership; Reform/Conservative allow women in leadership
Which king made Jerusalem the capital of Israel?
King David
What replaced Temple sacrifices after 70 CE?
Prayer and Torah study replaced Temple sacrifices
What is the Jewish belief about the coming of the Messiah?
The Messiah has not yet come but will arrive in the future
Which European movement in the 18th–19th centuries granted Jews greater civil rights and led to the emergence of new Jewish movements?
Enlightenment and Jewish emancipation in Europe
What year was the State of Israel established?
1948 (founding of the State of Israel)
Who was renamed Israel, giving the Israelites their name?
Jacob (renamed Israel)
Where did Jews worship after the Temple was destroyed?
Synagogues
Name two life-cycle rituals that mark key stages in a Jewish person’s life.
Circumcision (brit milah), bar/bat mitzvah, marriage, funerals (any two are correct)
What tragic 20th-century event caused a massive loss of Jewish life and trauma?
The Holocaust
Name one current debate in Judaism about tradition and modern values.
Debates over gender, tradition, and authority / balancing ancient traditions with modern values