Key Definitions in Judaism

Key Definitions in Judaism

• Bar/Bat Mitzvah is a ceremony marking a Jewish boy/girl becoming an adult in faith.
• Branches of Judaism include different groups like Orthodox, Reform, and Conservative.
• Diaspora refers to Jews living outside of Israel.
• Hanukkah is a Jewish holiday that celebrates the miracle of the oil lamp lasting 8 days.
• The Holocaust refers to the killing of 6 million Jews by the Nazis during World War II.
• Kippah is a small cap worn by Jewish men to show respect to God.
• Kosher food follows Jewish dietary laws.
• Menorah is a 7-branch candle holder used during Hanukkah.
• Mezuzah is a small scroll with prayers placed on the doorposts of Jewish homes.
• Midrash includes stories or interpretations of the Torah.
• Mishnah encompasses Jewish teachings, and is part of the Talmud.
• Mitzvah is a commandment or good deed in Judaism.
• Rabbi is a Jewish religious leader or teacher.
• Shiva is a week of mourning after someone's death.
• Tallit is a prayer shawl worn during Jewish services.
• Talmud is a collection of Jewish teachings and commentary on the Torah.
• Tanakh is the Jewish Bible, including the Torah, Prophets, and Writings.
• Tefillin are small black boxes with scriptures, worn during prayer.
• Torah refers to the first five books of the Jewish Bible.
• YHWH (Yahweh) is the name of God in Judaism.