Judaism and the Mosaic Covenant

A solemn agreement between God and the Jewish people where God asks them to follow mitzvot in return for special care.

613 commandments found in Jewish scriptures that Jews are obligated to follow.

Love God above all things and love thy neighbor as thyself.

The least populous of the 5 major world religions, with 15.8 million adherents worldwide.

In the ancient region east of Canaan (now Israel and Palestine), around 3500 years ago.

Exile resulted in the forced dispersal of Jews around the globe.

A branch of Judaism that emphasizes strict adherence to traditional laws and interpretations.

Submission to the Law, dating back to the time of the Talmud.

A pact between God and Israel emphasizing their obligation to follow God's laws revealed through Moses, including the 10 Commandments and 613 additional laws.

God promises to make Abraham's descendants a great nation, bless them, and make them a source of blessing for all nations.

A set of moral and religious laws God revealed to Moses, forming the foundation of Jewish law.

Additional laws beyond the 10 Commandments that Jews are obligated to follow, covering various aspects of life.

A description of Israel's special relationship with God, where they are called to serve as priests among nations, mediating between God and humanity.

A designation given to Israel signifying their special status as a people set apart for God's purpose.

This refers to the practice of constantly remembering God's laws, making them an integrated part of life.

A symbol of constantly remembering God's laws and having them as a guide for all decisions.

The most traditional form of modern Judaism; it considers both the Written Law (Torah) and the Oral Law (commentary) as divinely inspired, with no human influence.

The most liberal form of Judaism; it rejects the divine revelation of the Oral Law and doesn't consider Jewish Law binding.

A middle ground between Orthodox and Reform Judaism; it believes the Torah should be interpreted for modern life and Judaism is constantly evolving to meet people's needs.

The first patriarch of the Jewish people; considered the ancestor of all Jews. Husband of Sarah, father of Isaac and Ishmael.

A promise from God to Abraham that his descendants would multiply, inherit land, and become a great nation.

Abraham's barren wife who, despite skepticism, was promised a son by God.

Abraham's son, born to Sarah in her old age, miraculously fulfilling God's promise.

Abraham's son born to his wife's servant Hagar, symbolizing a different lineage and the spread of Abraham's descendants.

The Babylonian Talmud, also known as Bavli, was written in the Eastern Aramaic dialect in the 5th Century CE and served as the central legal authority for Rabbinic Judaism.

The Jerusalem Talmud, also known as Yerushalmi, was written in the Western Aramaic dialect and focuses on the Mishnah, similar to an early Jewish legal code.

The Shema is a Jewish confession of faith, emphasizing two key aspects: God's role as creator and his active presence within human history.

A seven-branched candelabrum, considered the oldest symbol of Judaism, representing light and holiness.

A nine-branched candelabrum used during Hanukkah, with eight branches representing the eight days of the miracle of the oil, and one branch, the Shamash, used to light the others.

Jewish prayer involving recitations and contemplations; often done three times a day (morning, afternoon, evening) and includes a prayer book (siddur).

Morning prayers in Judaism.

Afternoon prayers in Judaism.

Evening prayers in Judaism.

A prayer shawl worn by Jewish men during morning prayers.

A skullcap worn by Jewish men during prayer.

A quorum of ten adult Jewish men needed for communal prayers.

A fundamental commandment in Judaism involving daily engagement with sacred texts.

A central place for Jewish communal life, serving as a house of prayer, study, and gatherings.

Sacred texts kept in the Ark, the holiest place in a synagogue.

The holiest site in Judaism, believed to be where God and the High Priest communicated.

Made during significant Jewish holidays, but currently limited due to its status as a Muslim holy site.

A pilgrimage festival celebrating the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai.

A festive holiday commemorating the saving of the Jewish people from an ancient plot.

Read aloud during Purim, telling the story of Esther's bravery and the Jewish people's rescue.

Celebrates the Jewish people's resilience and strength in the face of adversity.