Key Terms
What is a covenant in Judaism?
An agreement between God and His people.
What does the Star of David symbolize?
Judaism and Jewish identity.
Who received the original covenant from God, and why was it important?
Abraham received the covenant because he showed faith and obedience to God, and it marked the beginning of the special relationship between God and the Jewish people.
What day of the week is the Jewish Sabbath?
Saturday.
Is Judaism monotheistic or polytheistic?
Monotheistic.
What does the term “Diaspora” refer to?
Jewish population living outside Israel.
What is the menorah and what does it represent?
The seven-branched lampstand from the Temple, symbolizing light and wisdom.
Where did Abraham travel to after leaving Mesopotamia, and why?
Abraham traveled to Canaan because God promised him and his descendants the land as part of the covenant.
What is the sign that a Jewish boy is part of the chosen people, and why?
Circumcision, because it symbolizes the covenant between God and His people.
What do Jews believe about the Messiah, and why is this belief significant?
Jews believe the Messiah has not yet come, which reflects hope for future redemption.
What is the Shema?
A central Jewish prayer declaring belief in one God.
On the Seder plate, what does the lamb shank bone represent?
The first Passover lamb and reminder of Temple sacrifice.
How many plagues did God send to Egypt during the Exodus?
Ten
What prayer is traditionally recited at funerals?
Kaddish.
Name one of the six core beliefs of Judaism.
Belief in one God (others include Promised Land, Messiah, etc.).
What does “Mitzvot” mean?
Commandments (there are 613 in total).
What does salt water on the Seder plate symbolize?
Tears and bitterness of slavery.
What is the story of Exodus about?
The Israelites’ escape from slavery in Egypt.
What does “Kosher” refer to? Name one law.
Food prepared and eaten according to Jewish dietary laws.
What does “Omnipotent” mean in relation to God?
All-powerful.
What is the meaning of “Hasid”?
Pious one.
What does Elijah’s cup symbolize during Passover?
Prophetic hope for the coming of the Kingdom of God on Earth.
Which two brothers are central to Genesis 4?
Cain and Abel.
What is Purim and when does it occur?
A Jewish festival celebrating the saving of Jews in Persia, occurring in February or March.
What are the three sections of the Tanakh, and why are they important?
The Law (Torah), The Prophets (Nevi’im), and The Writings (Ketuvim); they form the foundation of Jewish scripture.