Understanding BC/AD vs BCE/CE

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Questions and Answers

What do Jews prefer to use instead of BC/AD and why?

BCE/CE, because they acknowledge Jesus as God.

BCE/CE, as it has no religious connotations.

BCE/CE, because they do not believe Jesus is a God. (correct)

BCE/CE, because it aligns with their historical timeline.

Which term refers to the Jewish writings that include Psalms?

Neviim

Bereshit

Chetuvim (correct)

Tanach

Which covenantal promise did Abraham make to G-d?

To establish a great empire.

To sacrifice his son.

To follow the one true G-d. (correct)

To visit Eretz Canaan.

Who is buried in Chever Rachel?

Rachel Signup and view all the answers

What is the correct order of Yaakov's wives?

Leah, Rachel, Bilhah, Zilpa Signup and view all the answers

What title is given to the forefathers in Judaism?

Patriarchs Signup and view all the answers

Which son of Yaakov was sold into slavery by his brothers?

Yosef Signup and view all the answers

What is the meaning of 'Bnei' in Hebrew?

Children Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of Joseph recognizing his brothers during their encounter in Egypt?

It demonstrated Joseph's ability to forgive and assess his brothers' character development. Signup and view all the answers

Why did the new Pharaoh of Egypt enslave the Jews?

He viewed them as a threat due to their prosperity and multiplying numbers. Signup and view all the answers

What event is celebrated during Passover in Judaism?

The Exodus from Egypt and the liberation from slavery. Signup and view all the answers

What was the consequence of the ten sins committed by the Jews during their 40 years in the desert?

They lost the opportunity to enter the Promised Land. Signup and view all the answers

What was the nature of the food that sustained the Jews during their time in the desert?

Mana that fell from the sky. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'National Revelation' refer to in Judaism?

The collective experience of receiving the Torah. Signup and view all the answers

What action did Moshe take that ultimately led to him not being allowed to enter the land of Israel?

He hit the rock instead of speaking to it as commanded. Signup and view all the answers

What is Shavuot celebrated for in relation to the Jewish faith?

The giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

BC/AD vs BCE/CE

BC stands for "Before Christ," while AD means "Anno Domini" (in the year of our Lord).
BCE refers to "Before Common Era," and CE means "Common Era."
Jews prefer BCE/CE as they do not recognize Jesus as divine.

Important Biblical Terms

Tanach: The Hebrew Bible divided into three main sections.
Torah: First five books of the Tanach, including Bereshit (Genesis), Shemot (Exodus), Vayikra (Leviticus), Bamidbar (Numbers), and Devarim (Deuteronomy).
Neviim: The section of the Tanach comprising the writings of the prophets.
Chetuvim: The third section of the Tanach, consisting of various Jewish writings, including Psalms (Tehillim) attributed to King David.
Bnei Yisrael: Means "Children of Israel," where "Bnei" translates to "children" from "ben" meaning "son."
Am Israel: Refers to the "Nation of Israel."
Eretz Yisrael: Translates to "Land of Israel."
Medinat Yisrael: Means "State of Israel," a term used post-1948.

Historical Names for Israel

Zion: Another name for Israel.
Eretz Canaan: Historical name for the Land of Israel.

The Abrahamic Covenant

G-d promised Abraham a great nation, blessings, and Eretz Yisrael for his descendants.
Abraham’s commitments include following G-d, moving to Eretz Canaan, and undergoing brit milah (circumcision).

Patriarchs and Matriarchs

Patriarchs: Avraham, Yitzchak, Yaakov.
Matriarchs: Sarah, Rivkah, Leah, and Rachel.
Avraham and Sarah had Isaac; Isaac and Rivkah had Esav and Yaakov.
Yaakov had four wives: Leah, Bilhah, Rachel, and Zilpa, resulting in 13 children, including Dina.

The Tribes of Israel

Notable tribes include Reuven, Shimon, Yehudah, Issachar, and Binyamin, among others.

Burial Places

Most patriarchs and matriarchs are buried in Maarat Hamachpela, located in Chevron, while Rachel’s tomb is in Chever Rachel.

Joseph's Story

Joseph, favored by his father Jacob, was sold into slavery by his jealous brothers.
He interprets Pharaoh's dreams predicting seven years of abundance followed by seven years of famine.
His brothers come to Egypt for food, not recognizing him; Joseph tests them by demanding Benjamin's return.
The Jews spent about 400 years in Egypt, with the first 200 years as a prosperous community followed by 116 years of slavery.

National Revelation and Torah

Matan Torah: Refers to the giving and receiving of the Torah at Mount Sinai, differentiating Judaism by its national revelation.
Passover commemorates the Exodus; Shavuot occurs seven weeks later in honor of receiving the Torah.
Jews are tasked with following 613 mitzvot and passing traditions to the next generation.

40 Years in the Desert

The Jews wandered for 40 years due to ten sins committed, preventing them from entering Eretz Yisrael.
Moses struck a rock instead of speaking to it as instructed and was punished by being denied entry to the land.
During the desert journey, the Jews were protected by clouds and provided with mana as sustenance.

Key Takeaways

Familiarize with the Matriarchs and Patriarchs, their roles, and burial places.
Understand Joseph's story and its significance in Jewish history.
Acknowledge the implications of the covenant made between G-d and Abraham.

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Description

This quiz explores the differences between BC/AD and BCE/CE, focusing on why some cultures, particularly Jews, prefer using BCE and CE. It also covers significant terms related to Jewish texts, such as the Tanach and Torah. Test your understanding of these concepts and their cultural significance.