Judaism Quiz Notes PDF

Canaan An ancient region in the Eastern Mediterranean, roughly corresponding to modern-day Israel, Palestine, Lebanon, and parts of Syria and Jordan. It was the Promised Land given to the descendants of Abraham according to the Hebrew Bible. Merneptah Stele A stone tablet from ancient Egypt, dati...

Canaan An ancient region in the Eastern Mediterranean, roughly corresponding to modern-day Israel, Palestine, Lebanon, and parts of Syria and Jordan. It was the Promised Land given to the descendants of Abraham according to the Hebrew Bible. Merneptah Stele A stone tablet from ancient Egypt, dating to around 1207 BCE, that contains the earliest known mention of "Israel" outside the Bible, referring to a people or tribe in Canaan. Jericho One of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, located in the West Bank. It is mentioned in the Bible as a significant site in the Israelites' conquest of Canaan. YHWH The tetragrammaton, representing the name of God in Hebrew scripture, often written as "Yahweh" or "Jehovah." It is considered the most sacred name for God in Judaism. Abraham's Journey Abraham, the patriarch of the Jewish people, is said to have left his home in Ur and traveled to Canaan (modern Israel/Palestine) in obedience to God's command. This journey is foundational to the narrative of the Jewish people. Moses A prophet and leader in Judaism who led the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt, received the Ten Commandments from God, and guided the people through the wilderness for 40 years before reaching the Promised Land. The Tanakh The canonical collection of Jewish texts, also known as the Hebrew Bible, comprising three parts: Torah (Law), Nevi'im (Prophets), and Ketuvim (Writings). Moabite Stele An ancient stone inscription from the 9th century BCE, which describes the victories of the Moabite king Mesha. It also mentions the "House of David," providing external evidence for the biblical King David. Tel Dan Stele A fragmentary inscribed stone dating to the 9th century BCE, which mentions the "House of David," offering some of the earliest non-biblical references to King David. Cyrus Cylinder A Persian artifact from the 6th century BCE that records King Cyrus the Great’s conquest of Babylon and his policy of allowing exiled peoples, including the Jews, to return to their homeland. Dead Sea Scrolls A collection of Jewish texts discovered near the Dead Sea, dating from the 2nd century BCE to the 1st century CE. These texts include parts of the Hebrew Bible and other religious writings. Herod the Great A Roman client king of Judea (37 BCE – 4 BCE) known for his extensive building projects, including the expansion of the Second Temple in Jerusalem, and for his role in the biblical story of the Massacre of the Innocents. Kosher Refers to food that conforms to Jewish dietary laws, including rules about the types of food, how they are prepared, and how they are served (e.g., prohibiting pork or mixing dairy and meat). Bar/Bat Mitzvah A Jewish coming-of-age ceremony for boys (Bar Mitzvah) and girls (Bat Mitzvah) when they reach the age of 13 (for boys) or 12 (for girls), signifying their responsibility for following Jewish commandments. Shabat The Jewish Sabbath, observed from Friday evening to Saturday evening, as a day of rest and worship, in accordance with the Fourth Commandment. Yom Kippur The Day of Atonement, the holiest day of the Jewish year, observed with fasting, prayer, and repentance. It marks the conclusion of the Ten Days of Repentance. Synagogue A Jewish house of worship, prayer, and community gathering. It is central to Jewish religious life, especially in the diaspora. 1st/2nd Temple of Jerusalem The First Temple, built by King Solomon, was destroyed in 586 BCE by the Babylonians. The Second Temple was rebuilt in the 5th century BCE and destroyed in 70 CE by the Romans. Ark of the Covenant A sacred chest that held the tablets of the Ten Commandments, carried by the Israelites during their desert wanderings and placed in the Holy of Holies of the Temple in Jerusalem. Arch of Titus A Roman triumphal arch in Rome, erected in 82 CE to commemorate the Roman victory in the Jewish War and the destruction of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. Western Wall A remnant of the Second Temple, located in Jerusalem. It is considered the holiest site in Judaism for prayer and pilgrimage. Hanukkah A Jewish festival lasting eight days, celebrating the rededication of the Second Temple after the Maccabean Revolt, commemorating the miracle of the oil that lasted eight days. Antiochus IV A Greek king of the Seleucid Empire, whose oppressive policies against Judaism led to the Maccabean Revolt and the rededication of the Second Temple. Maccabean Revolt A Jewish rebellion (167–160 BCE) against the Seleucid Empire, led by the Maccabee family, resulting in the establishment of the Hasmonean dynasty and Jewish independence for a time. Menorah A seven-branched candelabrum used in the ancient Temple in Jerusalem and now symbolizing Judaism. The nine-branched menorah is used during Hanukkah. Passover A Jewish holiday commemorating the Exodus from Egypt, when God spared the Israelites from the final plague. It involves a special meal, the Seder, and the eating of unleavened bread (matzah). Shavuot A Jewish holiday celebrating the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai and the end of the grain harvest, particularly the wheat harvest. Rosh Hashanah The Jewish New Year, marking the beginning of the Ten Days of Repentance, a time for reflection, prayer, and self-examination. Diaspora The dispersion of Jews beyond Israel, particularly after the destruction of the Second Temple, and their communities scattered across the world. Bar Kochba A Jewish leader who led a revolt against the Roman Empire (132-136 CE), which was ultimately crushed, marking the end of Jewish independence in Judea for nearly two millennia. Syria-Palestina A Roman province established after the Bar Kochba revolt, incorporating Judea and the surrounding areas. Ashkenazim Jews of Central and Eastern European origin. The term is derived from "Ashkenaz," a medieval Hebrew name for Germany. Sephardim Jews originally from Spain, Portugal, and parts of North Africa and the Middle East, whose traditions and customs are distinct from Ashkenazi Jews. Jewish Enlightenment A movement in the 18th and 19th centuries that sought to modernize Jewish thought and integrate Jews more fully into European society, often associated with figures like Moses Mendelssohn. Orthodox Judaism A traditionalist branch of Judaism that holds strictly to Jewish law and customs, resisting modern interpretations or innovations. Conservative Judaism A branch of Judaism that seeks to conserve Jewish traditions while allowing for some modernization and interpretation of Jewish law. Reform Judaism A more liberal branch of Judaism that emphasizes individual choice in interpreting Jewish law and adapts Jewish practices to modern life. Anti-Semitism Prejudice, discrimination, or hostility against Jews. It has existed for centuries and has led to significant suffering, including the Holocaust. Holocaust The systematic persecution and murder of six million Jews by Nazi Germany during World War II, one of the most horrific events in Jewish history. Zionism The political movement advocating for the establishment of a Jewish homeland in Palestine, which led to the founding of the modern State of Israel. Israel-Palestine Conflict A long-standing geopolitical conflict between Israelis and Palestinians, primarily over territorial claims and political sovereignty. Modern State of Israel A country established in 1948 as a homeland for the Jewish people, following the end of the British mandate and the UN partition plan. It is located in the historical land of Israel and Palestine. This list provides foundational concepts and historical milestones important in understanding Judaism and its history.