Judaism: Origins and Founder Abraham

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Questions and Answers

Who is considered the founder of Judaism?

Moses

Isaac

Abraham (correct)

Jacob

What is the significance of the Ten Commandments in Judaism?

They were given to the Israelites by Isaac.

They were revealed to Jacob at Mt. Sinai.

They were revealed to Abraham in a dream.

They were revealed to Moses at Mt. Sinai. (correct)

Which of the following groups is known for strict observance of traditional Jewish law?

Sephardic Jews

Secular Jews

Reform Jews

Orthodox Jews (correct)

What name is given to the Jews who originated from Ethiopia?

Beta Israel Signup and view all the answers

Which prophet led the Israelites out of Egypt?

Moses Signup and view all the answers

What is a defining characteristic of Hasidic Jews?

They observe traditional Jewish law. Signup and view all the answers

How is contemporary Judaism described in the context of its religious form?

It is comprised of multiple religions. Signup and view all the answers

What name is used to refer to Jews from central Europe?

Ashkenazi Jews Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'Mishnah' mean?

Repetition Signup and view all the answers

Which text serves as the foundational work of rabbinic law?

Mishnah Signup and view all the answers

What are the two main components of the Talmud?

Mishnah and Gemara Signup and view all the answers

Who was Rabbi Shimon ben Yochai?

A prominent sage of the Mishnah Signup and view all the answers

What is the Zohar known for?

The ‘hidden’ part of Jewish tradition Signup and view all the answers

What do Ha sidic Jews emphasize in their practice of the faith?

Mystical experiences with God Signup and view all the answers

Which denomination of Judaism promotes progressive ideas and adaptation?

Reform Judaism Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary text of Judaism?

Tanakh Signup and view all the answers

What does Reconstructionist Judaism believe about Judaism?

It is a religious civilization that is constantly evolving Signup and view all the answers

What was promised to Abraham as a reward for his faith in one God?

Isaac would inherit the Land of Israel. Signup and view all the answers

Which section of the Tanakh contains the Torah?

Pentateuch Signup and view all the answers

Who was commanded by God to lead the Exodus from Egypt?

Moses Signup and view all the answers

Humanistic Judaism primarily celebrates what aspect of Jewish life?

Jewish history and culture Signup and view all the answers

Which group allows for some modernization between Orthodox and Reform Judaism?

Conservative Judaism Signup and view all the answers

What is the Torah often referred to as?

Pentateuch Signup and view all the answers

How many books comprise the Five Books of Moses?

Five Signup and view all the answers

What historical period does the Tanakh cover up to?

Building of the Second Temple Signup and view all the answers

What do the 613 mitzvahs represent in Judaism?

Divine commandments Signup and view all the answers

Which collection includes the Prophets and Writings along with the Torah?

Tanach Signup and view all the answers

What is the Book of Psalms also known as?

Tehillim Signup and view all the answers

Who compiled the Book of Psalms?

King David Signup and view all the answers

What is the Zohar typically organized to correspond with?

Weekly Torah portions Signup and view all the answers

Who compiled the Mishneh Torah to provide guidance for daily living?

Rabbi Moses Maimonides Signup and view all the answers

What is the Hebrew translation of Shulchan Aruch?

Set Table Signup and view all the answers

Who added glosses to the Shulchan Aruch highlighting Ashkenazic traditions?

Rabbi Moshe Isserles Signup and view all the answers

Who were the Anshe Knesset Hagedolah?

A council of 120 sages and prophets Signup and view all the answers

In which city did Rabbi Yosef Caro live?

Safed Signup and view all the answers

During which era did the Anshe Knesset Hagedolah hold authority?

Second Temple Era Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of the Shulchan Aruch?

To offer day-to-day instructions on Jewish Law Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Origins of Judaism

The Torah details the origins of the Jewish faith.
God revealed himself to Abraham, regarded as the founder of Judaism.
A special covenant was made with Abraham, marking him and his descendants as the chosen people.
Isaac and Jacob (later named Israel) are significant figures in Jewish history, with Jacob's children becoming known as Israelites.
Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt, where they had been enslaved, and received the Ten Commandments from God at Mt. Sinai.

Varieties of Judaism

Contemporary Judaism comprises various denominations, reflecting the cultural and historical diversity of Jewish communities.
Sephardic Jews originate from West Israel and Spain; Ashkenazic Jews from Central Europe; Beta Israel (Falashas) from Ethiopia.
Orthodox Judaism emphasizes strict observance of traditional Jewish law, with many prohibiting work on Shabbat.
Hasidic Jews within Orthodoxy focus on mysticism and a personal connection with God through prayer.
Reform Judaism prioritizes ethical traditions over strict adherence to laws, promoting progressive ideas.
Conservative Judaism balances tradition with some modernization.
Reconstructionist Judaism views Judaism as a constantly evolving civilization, founded by Mordecai Kaplan in 1992.
Humanistic Judaism celebrates Jewish culture without a focus on God.

Sacred Writings of Judaism

The oldest Abrahamic religion, Judaism's primary text is the Tanakh, or Jewish Bible: includes the Pentateuch (Torah), Prophets (Nevi'im), and Writings (Ketuvim).
The Tanakh covers the Israelites' history and their covenant with God, concluding with the building of the Second Temple around 535 BCE.
The Torah is also known as the Chumash, written over 3,000 years ago, containing 613 mitzvahs (divine commandments).

Key Religious Texts

The Mishnah, compiled by Rabbi Judah the Prince, is a foundational text of rabbinic law, central to Jewish religious life.
The Talmud expands upon the Mishnah, featuring the written Oral Torah and discussions on various subjects.
The Zohar, attributed to Rabbi Shimon ben Yochai, explores Kabbalistic teachings and is organized by weekly Torah portions.
The Mishneh Torah, created by Maimonides, serves as an encyclopedia of Jewish law for practical guidance.
The Shulchan Aruch, authored by Rabbi Yosef Caro, collates Jewish law and includes Ashkenazic variations by Rabbi Moshe Isserles.

Jewish Prayer Structure

The Siddur, organized by the Anshe Knesset Hagedolah (“Men of the Great Assembly”), provides structure to Jewish prayers and liturgy.

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Description

Explore the foundational aspects of Judaism, including the origins of the Jewish faith as documented in the Torah. This quiz delves into the life of Abraham, the covenant made with God, and the significance of this relationship in Jewish tradition.