Religious Texts
What are Judaism's main religious texts?
The Torah and the Talmud
Are Jews monotheistic or polytheistic?
Monotheistic
What does a 'branch of religion' mean?
It means that it's almost like a mini-religion inside of a religion. They mostly believe the same things but have differing views about some areas of their religion than the other denominations.
Who is the founder of Judaism?
Abraham
Who were the founders of Israel and Judah?
Rehoboam founded Judah and Jeroboam founded Israel.
What is the name for a person who teaches and interprets the religious texts?
Rabbi
Where to Jews worship?
At the Synagogue
Where does Reform/Liberal Judaism differ from the other branches of Judaism?
Reform/Liberal Jews believe that the Torah was not handed over complete to Moses, but that it was written by humans with inspiration from God. Worship is less ritualistic and they are more inclusive towards women.
Where did Judaism originate?
Mesopotamia.
What was kept inside the Temple?
The Ark of the Covenant, which held the Ten Commandments.
What are the first five books of the Bible, which are also make up a major part of Jewish scripture? (name at least 3)
Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy.
What day of the week is the Jewish Sabbath?
Saturday (from sundown on Friday to sundown on Saturday)
Where does Orthodox Judaism differ from the other branches of Judaism?
Orthodox Jews see themselves as the only 'real', authentic Jews, and keep as many of the original laws as they can, despite modern inconvenience.
What is the Diaspora?
When the Jews were dispersed outside of Israel (and often faced lots of anti-Semitism).
A Jewish person marrying a non-Jewish person is often seen as what by the Jewish community?
A rejection of the Jewish faith.
How many rules are outlined in the religious scriptures, and what to they govern?
There are 613 rules (although some of them can no longer be applied due to the destruction of the Temple and the location of some Jews) and they govern everyday life, such as what to wear, how to act, how to worship, and what foods are acceptable to eat.
When do children come of age?
Girls at 12 (becoming a Bat Mitzvah, Daughter of the Commandment) and boys at 13 (becoming a Bar Mitzvah, Son of the Commandment)
Where does Hasidic Judaism differ from the other branches of Judaism?
Hasidic Jews also keep as many of the original laws as possible, laying a great stress on tradition, and dress according to the style of 18th century Poland and Germany.
What is the Holocaust?
An event where millions of Jews were murdered under Adolf Hitler's commands in WWll. (as well as millions of people of other minorities and POWs)
What is another name for Jerusalem?
City of Zion
What are the 10 commandments? (list at least 5)
1) God is your only God. 2) You can't make or worship idols. 3) You shall not use the name of God in vain. 4) Keep the Sabbath holy. 5) Honor your father and mother. 6) Don't kill. 7) Don't commit adultery. 8) Don't steal. 9) Don't lie. 10) Don't covet.
What was Temple worship like?
Worship in the Temple was very ritualistic and they often sacrificed lambs, and elaborate rites performed by priests.
Where does Zionism differ from other branches of Judaism?
Zionism says that Jews should only live in Israel, and have created Israel as a haven from anti-Semitism.
What does the Passover celebrate?
It is a holiday in remembrance of when God spared them from the 10 plagues in Egypt and brought the Jews out of slavery.
What is a shofar?
A ram's horn