also see page on Jewish History
very basic
Important Dates
BCE: 1900 – Abraham
BCE: 1300 – Moses and Exodus
BCE: 1000 – King Saul, David, Solomon
BCE Biblical prophets 8th century-5th century
BCE: 722- Conquering of Northern Kingdom of Israel by Assyria
BCE: 586 - Conquering of Southern area Judah by Babylonians,
Temple destroyed,
BCE 5th Century Persians (Iran) defeat Babylonia, let
Jews go back and rebuild Temple 516, /Purim
story.
BCE: 165 – Maccabees defeat Greek tyrants/Chanukah
Hebrew Bible canonized There is no
scholarly consensus as to when the Hebrew Bible canon was fixed: some scholars
argue that it was fixed by the Hasmonean dynasty (140–40 BCE),[5] while others
argue it was not fixed until the second century CE or even later
CE: 70 - Temple destroyed by Romans
CE Babylonian Talmud Finished
CE 1099 Crusades begin
CE 1135 Maimonides born
CE: 1492 - Jews expelled from Spain
Luis de Carabajal y Cueva, a Spanish conquistador and converso first set
foot in what is now Texas in 1570. The first Jewish-born person to set foot on
American soil was Joachim Gans in 1584
CE 1776 US Independence
CE: 1791 - French emancipation of Jews
CE 1897 First Zionist Congress in Switerland
CE: 1940 – Holocaust
CE: 1948 State of Israel established
For those who want to learn a lot more later about Jewish
history, here is a very cool online way to study http://www.odyeda.com/English/JewishTimeline.html +++and see our page on this blog
http://bnaichai.blogspot.com/p/jewish-history-in-brief.html
http://bnaichai.blogspot.com/p/jewish-history-in-brief.html
RECOMMENDED BOOKS
Jewish Literacy by Rabbi Joseph Telushkin
Basic Judaism by Milton Steinberg
Amazing Adventures of the Jewish People by Dimont
The Jewish Book of Why series
The Complete How To Handbook For Jewish Living: Three Volumes in One by Kerry M. Olitzky, Ronald H. Isaacs
Jewish Belief Jacobs
Jewish Practice Jacobs
Jewish Study Bible
Etz Hayim Torah and Commentary
9 Questions Jews Ask Prager and Telushkin
Jewish book of Why (several volumes)
More advanced:
A Guide to Jewish Religious Practice by Rabbi Isaac Klein
Everyday go to www.jewfaq.org and read something
Videos watch on youtube search Jewu there
Great internet learning site: http://www.jewfaq.org/
YOUTUBE SERIES 700 brief videos at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFyp4SJjOFnmAjswF28JAHg?view_as=subscriber
39 Jewish Values to Learn
1. Adam Yachid - a single human being / The Mishnaic concept
that one human being was created originally in order that no one can say, "My
father was greater than your father." Sanhedrin 4:5
2. Ahavat ha-Beriot - love of all God's created beings /
principle that entails acting in a loving fashion to any and all creatures.
3. Arevut - the concept of having a special bond to other Jews
/ series of ideas and laws encouraging commitments of mutual aid and devotion
among Jews as in Kol Yisrael arevim zeh bazeh. "All Israel is responsible,
one for the other." Shavuot 39a
4. Bakesh Shalom ve-Rodfehu - seek peace and pursue it / the
obligation to actively reduce conflicts / series of laws and ethical teachings
advocating peace, conflict resolution methodologies, and prohibiting violence
against the innocent.
Rabbi Simeon ben Gamliel said: "The world stands on three
things: on justice, on truth, and on peace . . . Hezekiali said: Great is peace, for in all commandments of
the Torah it states, If you come upon the ox of your enemy . . . If you see the ass of your enemy... If a
bird's nest chances to be before you... (If the mitzvah comes your way you are
obligated to perform it, but if not, you are not obligated.) But what does it
say of peace? Seek peace and pursue it, seek it in your own place and pursue it
to another place." Chapter on Peace, small Tractates from Talmud
5. Bechirah Chofshit -- freedom of choice / the Jewish
philosophical assumption that all human beings have the ability to freely
choose actions, and are responsible for those choices.
"All is foreseen (by God), yet freedom of choice is
given, and by goodness is the universe judged, and all is according to the
nature of the deeds (be they good or evil)." Avot 3:15
"And this is a central principle and a pillar of the
Torah and of the mitzvot, as it states. .
. . Behold I have given you this day a choice between good and life,
death and evil. In" other words, the choice is- yours, and everything Unit
the human being chooses to do from the sundry deeds of man, he does,whether it
be evil deeds or good deeds... Rambam Hilchot Teshuva 5:3
6. Chesed, Rachamin -
compassion, especially for those who are disadvantaged or vulnerable.
"Thus has the Lord of hosts spoken, saying: Execute
true judgment, and show mercy and compassion every man to his brother,"
Zech. 7 "If anyone has compassion on
created beings, then it is certain evidence that he or she is from the seed of
Abraham our forefather (i.e., that he or she is Jewish)." Bezah 32b
7. Chillul ha-shem - the desecration of the Divine Name /
prohibition against abroad range of activities, from business practices to,
criminal activities that, in addition to being legally proscribed by other
Jewish laws, constitutes the most serious betrayal of the relationship between
God and the Jewish people. The converse of this value is Kiddush ha-Shem,
action that brings honor upon the Jewish people and God's name.
"What constitutes profanation of the Name? Rab said:
If, for example, I take meat from the butcher and do not pay him at once …
Whenever Abaye bought meat from two partners, he paid money to each of them,
afterwards bringing them together and squaring accounts with both . . .
If one's colleagues are ashamed of his reputation, that
constitutes a profanation of the
Name . . . Abaye explained: As it was
taught, And you shall love the Lord your God, i.e., that the Name of Heaven can
be beloved because of you … If someone studies Torah and Mishnah, attends on
the disciples of the wise, but is dishonest in business, and his words to his
fellow human beings are unpleasant, what do people say about him? Woe unto him
who studied Torah . . ." Yoma 86a
8. Darchei Shalom - ways of peace / Talmudic rulings on
preserving societal peace, including inter-ethnic relations, such as feeding
the poor of the Gentiles for the sake of the ways of peace.
"We support idolaters along with the poor of Israel,
and visit the sick idolaters, along with the sick of Israel, and bury poor
idolaters along with the poor Israelites, in the interests of the ways of
peace." Gittin 61a
"And do not oppress the stranger, for you know the
heart of the stranger, having been strangers in the land of Egypt." Ex. 23
"You shall rejoice in your festival, with your son and
daughter, your male and female servant, the Levite, the stranger, the
fatherless, and the widow in your communities." Deut. 16
“Beloved are the strangers . . . Love is stated with regard
to Israel, as it states, "I have loved you, saith the Lord." And it
says love with regard to strangers, as it states, . . . and He (God) loves the stranger, giving
him food and clothing." Tractate on Strangers, Small Tractates, Talmud
"And God said to Noah, the end of all flesh is come
before me. Rabbi Yochanan said: Come and see how great the power of robbery is,
for though the generation of the flood transgressed all laws, their decree of
punishment was sealed only because they stretched out their hands to rob, as it
states . . . for the earth is filled with robbery with them, and, behold, I
will destroy them with the earth. Gen. 6
"Rob
not the weak, because he is weak, neither crush the poor in the gate. For the
Lord will fight their flight, and despoil of life those that despoil
them." Proverbs 22
11. Haken Takim Imo – “You shall surely lift it up with him”/
law designed to encourage aid to anyone in distress, even one's enemy.
14. Kevod ha-Beriot - the
honor of human beings / a set of values and laws designed to encourage dignity
and respect for all-human beings.
Maimonides' 13 Principles of the Jewish faith
Books in Tanach, the Hebrew Bible
100 Questions every Jew should know-research the answers
I. The Bible
1. What is your understanding of the Bible’s authorship?
2. What is a Sidrah?
3. What is a Haftarah?
4. What are the three main divisions of the Hebrew Bible? What is the Hebrew name for the Bible? Why do Jews prefer not to use the term "Old Testament"?
5. Name the five Books of Moses. Describe what took place at Mt. Sinai .
6. Why was King David's reign considered such an important episode in Jewish history?
7. Who were the early kings of Israel ? Why was the country later partitioned into Israel and Judah ?
8. Define a prophet. Name three important prophets.
9. What is the Talmud? Why was it called the Oral Tradition?
II. The Synagogue
10. What are the three terms for a synagogue in Hebrew? How does the modern synagogue fulfill them?
11. Describe the Tallit and Tefillin and explain why and when they are worn.
12. How is a Torah written? How is it treated and why do we accord it so much respect?
13. Define Aliyah. On what occasions other than Bar/Bat Mitzvah does one receive an Aliyah?
III. The Prayer Book
14. Define the terms Siddur and Mahzor.
15. What is the importance of the Shema and what do its three paragraphs say?
16. What is Shaharit, Minha, Maariv? What prayer is an indispensable prayer?
17. What is the Hallel service and when is it recited? When is the Musaf recited?
18. What is the meaning of the Alenu prayer? Is it always recited only at the end of a service?
IV. The Home
19. What is so special about being Jewish? What are your responsibilities along these lines?
20. What is a Mezuzzah? On which side of the door should it be placed? What does it signify?
21. What ritual objects are basic to making a home "Jewish"?
22. What does "Kosher" mean?
23. What does Halachah mean? What role does it play in the Orthodox, Conservative, Reconstructionist and Reform movements?
24. What is the blessing that a Jewish woman recites over Sabbath candles and when are they kindled? What prayers does a father recite to his children and wife on Friday night?
25. What is Kiddush? On what occasions is wine used in Jewish ritual?
26. What is Birchat Hamazon?
V. Sabbath and Holidays
27. Why does the Jewish calendar change every year? What is the Hebrew word for calendar?
28. Name some Hebrew months of the year and the major holidays that occur during these months.
29. Why is the Sabbath considered a cornerstone of Jewish or Jewish tradition? How is it observed traditionally? Why does it have meaning for our society?
30. What is the Havdalah ceremony? What objects are used?
31. In what ways is Yom Tov (the Festivals and High Holidays) like Shabbat? In what ways does the observance differ? Why do traditional American Jews observe the first two and last two days of Yom Tov unlike in Israel?
VI. Sukkot - Simchat Torah
32. Why do we celebrate Sukkot and what is the significance of the Sukkah?
33. What are the four species used on Sukkot and what do they represent?
34. Why is Ecclesiastes (Kohelet) read on Sukkot?
35. What is the Yizkor service and how often is Yizkor recited during the year?
36. Explain Simchat Torah and what Hakafot are.
VII. Passover
37. What is the meaning of Pesach?
38. What is Chametz and what are the requirements for making a home ready for Passover?
39. Name some of the rituals of the Seder.
40. What is the Haggadah?
41. Why is the Biblical book "The Song of Songs" read during Passover?
42. What does "Counting the Omer" mean and what is Lag B'Omer?
VIII. Shavuot
43. What does Shavuot mean and what is its significance?
44. List the Ten Commandments and explain why they are still important to follow.
45. Why is the "Book of Ruth" read on Shavuot? What is the attitude of Ruth to a non-Jew who accepts Judaism?
IX. Minor Festivals
46. What is Tisha B'av? What is its significance for us today?
47. What is the historical background of Hanukah?
48. In what order are the candles kindled on Hanukah?
49. What is the Megillah or Scroll of Esther?
50. What is the story of Purim and how does it reflect Anti-Semitism?
X. High Holidays
51. What is the meaning of Rosh Hashanah and what does the holiday stress?
52. When is the Shofar blown and what does it symbolize?
53. What are some of the special prayers recited in the Mahzor on Rosh Hashanah?
54. Explain how Jews "confess" their sins, and how do Jews "repent"?
55. Why is the Sabbath between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur called Shabbat Shuva?
56. What is the importance of Yom Kippur and why do we fast?
57. What is the Kol Nidre prayer? What does it have to do with the theme of Yom Kippur?
58. What are some of the special prayers recited in the Mahzor on Yom Kippur? Why is the Book of Jonah read on Yom Kippur afternoon? What is the Neilah Service?
XI. The Lifetime of the Jew
59. Why is the ceremony of “Brit Milah" (circumcision) so significant for a Jewish boy?
60. When and how is a Jewish girl named?
61. What do we mean by performing a Mitzvah? What do the terms Bar Mitzvah and Bat Mitzvah signify?
62. Why is it essential to continue Jewish education through our lifetime?
63. Why do is the meal following a Bar/Bat Mitzvah or a wedding be part of the religious celebration?
64. Define the following terms relating to a Jewish Wedding: Chuppah; Ketubah; Sheva Brachot.
65. Why do Jews break a glass at the end of a Jewish wedding ceremony?
66. Why do we stress simplicity and economy in celebrating a happy or a sad milestone in Jewish life?
67. Do Jews believe in divorce? What is a Get?
68. What are some traditions regarding a Jewish funeral and Shiva?
69. What is the most appropriate way to show sympathy for the bereaved?
70. Why do we recite the Mourner's Kaddish and when is it recited?
71. What do Jews believe about Heaven and Hell?
72. What is a Yahrtzeit?
73. What is an unveiling?
XII. Jewish Beliefs
74. What do we mean about Jews being the "chosen people"?
75. Define Messiah and explain how Jews differ in their definition from Christianity’s definition.
76. What is the Jewish view concerning Jesus?
77. Why is it important for a Jew to belong to a Synagogue?
78. What does being "a good Jew" mean?
79. What does Tzedakah mean? Why is it important for a Jew to support worthy causes?
80. What are the functions of a Rabbi and Hazzan? What does their training involve?
81. What is Orthodox Judaism and what is an Orthodox Jew's way of life? Identify the "Yeshiva."
82. Explain Reform Judaism.
83. Describe Conservative Judaism and what it stands for. How should a Conservative observe the Mitzvot? 84. Describe Reconstructionism.
XIII. Jewish History
85. Who was Ezra and what was his importance in connection with the Torah?
86. Identify Hillel and the Pharisees. What are some of Hillel's famous sayings?
87. Who was Rabbi Akiva and what was his connection with the Talmud?
88. What is the meaning of Midrash?
89. Define the term Halachah.
90. Define diaspora.
91. Who was Moses Maimonides? What did he write?
92. What is the importance of the guidebook "Shulchan Aruch"?
93. What is a Hasid? What did the Hasidic Movement of the 19th Century contribute to modern?
94. What is the world Jewish population today? American Jewish population?
95. What does Zionism mean and when did the movement begin?
96. What roles did Theodore Hertzl and Chaim Weizmann play in shaping the movement?
97. What is the Balfour Declaration and what did it mean to the Jews?
98. Who were great personalities in the State of Israel since establishment in 1948?
99. What kind of government does Israel have and what is its relationship with Jews in the Diaspora?
100. Explain the current situation between Israel and the Palestinians.
"When you encounter your enemy's ox or ass wandering,
you must take it back to him. When you see the ass of your enemy lying under
its burden and would refrain from raising it, you must nevertheless raise it
with him." Exodus 23
12. Halbanat Panim - the experience of humiliation in public /
the loss of personal dignity at the hands of others that is considered one of
the gravest wrongs in Judaism, akin to murder.
"A Tannah taught before Rav Nachman ben Yitchak: lie
who causes his fellow to be embarrassed in public, it is as if he has shed
blood." Baba Mezia 58b
13. Hocheach Tocheach – “you shall rebuke” / the obligation to be a social critic when
you see that society or individuals are making terrible mistakes; social
criticism is an expression of care for others.
"You shall not hate your fellow in your heart. Reprove
your fellow but incur no guilt because of him." Leviticus 19
"Rebuke leads to love, as it states, Rebuke a wise
person and he will love you. This is the opinion of Rabbi Yossi the son of
Chaninah who said: All love that does not include some criticism is not true
love." Proverbs 9:8, Gen. Rabbah 54
"Let the honor of your fellow human being be as
precious to you as your own . . .Who is honored? He who honors other human
beings . . . Do not despise any human being and do not disregard any thing, for
there is not a person that has not his hour [of greatness] and there exists not
a thing that does not have a proper place." Avot 2:10, 4:1, 4:3
15. Kevod Nashim - a rabbinic value and law designed to
encourage the dignity and honor of women.
16. Kupah, Tamchuy,
Platten - central communal agencies for distribution of basic needs / a series
of ancient and medieval rabbinic laws and institutions dedicated to relieving
poverty, including soup kitchens, community chests for clothing, and tickets
that guaranteed the right to a meal and lodging for the evening.
"Our Rabbis taught: Charity is collected by two persons
jointly and distributed by three. It is collected by two because any office
conferring authority over the community must be filled by at least two persons.
It must be distributed by three on the analogy of money cases (which are tried
by a court of three). Food for the soup kitchen is collected and distributed by
three, since it is distributed as soon as it is collected. [They had no
refrigeration in the time of the Talmud.] Food is distributed every day, the
charity fund every Friday . . . Rav Assi said: Charity is equivalent to all
other religious precepts combined." Baba Batra 8b
17. Leket, Shichechah, Peah - series of agricultural laws
guaranteeing a portion of privately produced agricultural products that are
left untouched in the fields for the poor.
"And when you reap the harvest of your land, you shall
not wholly reap the corner of your field, neither shall you gather the gleaning
of your harvest; you shall leave them for the poor, and for the stranger: I am
the Lord your God." Leviticus 23
18. Lifnei Iver Lo Titn Michshol – “do not put a stumbling block
before the blind” / the prohibition against putting a stumbling block before a
blind person / applied frequently to the sin of keeping someone in ignorance
from information that will protect them.
"The [law] is a warning not to mislead each other. If
he asks you advice about something that he does not know, this prohibition
comes to prevent our misleading or tricking him. Rather, instruct him as to the
thing that you think is correct. And this is as it states, . . . do not put a
stumbling block before a blind person . . . And they [the rabbis] said that
this prohibition includes helping someone to sin, because he confronts a man
who has been blinded by his desire, and he helps him in his blindness.
Thus, they said that both the lender and the borrower at
interest violate this prohibition because each helps his fellow to commit the
sin." Rambam Sefer Mitzvote Negative 299
19. Lo Ta'amod al Dam Re'echa
- do not stand by the blood of your neighbor / the prohibition against
passivity in the face of violence to others. Leviticus 19
20. Ma'akeh le-Gagechah - a railing for your roof / the mitzvah
to protect people from housing that is deteriorating into dangerous conditions,
in this case by putting a railing around the roof of your house. "When you
build a new house, you shall make a railing for your roof, so that you do not
bring [the guilt of] bloodshed on your house if anyone should fall from
it." Deuteronomy 22
21. Ma'aser - tithes /
series of taxes levied to support priests, Levites and the poor.
"When you have made an end of tithing all the tithe of
your increase in the third year, which is the year of tithing, then you shall
give it to the Levite, to the stranger, to the fatherless, and to the widow,
that they may eat inside your gates and be satisfied." Deuteronomy 26
22. Milchemet Chovah - an obligatory war / laws that insist on war as a last resort in order to defend oneself.
22. Milchemet Chovah - an obligatory war / laws that insist on war as a last resort in order to defend oneself.
"... in the event of war that is commanded by the
Torah, all go forth, even the bridegroom from his chamber and the bride from
her canopy." Sotah 44b
23. Mishpat, Din - justice, law / a foundational set of
rabbinic assumptions on the need for government and a just legal system.
"These are the things that you are to do: speak the truth to one another, execute the
judgment of truth and peace in your gates." Avot 1:18
"Rabbi Chanina, the chief of the priests, said . . .
Pray for the welfare of the government, since but for the fear thereof, men
would engulf one another alive." Avot3:2
"Rabbi Nachman said in the name of Rabbi Yochathan: . .
. A judge who delivers a judgment in perfect truth causes the Divine Presence
to dwell in Israel." Sanhedrin 7a
24.Retsichah -
prohibition against murder.
25.Ribit - interest /
prohibition against interest that encourages the giving of interest-free loans,
especially to people in need, in order for them to help themselves get back on
their feet.
"And if your brother grows poor, and comes under your
authority, you shall uphold him, as a resident alien, and let him live by your
side. Do not exact from him advance or accrued interest, but fear your God ,
and let him live by your side as a kinsman." Lev. 25
Every Jewish man who lends to his fellow without interest,
it is as if he fulfilled all the commandments." Ex. Rabbah31
26 Rodef - pursuer /
the obligation to actively intervene to prevent the murder or injury of
innocent victims, even if it means killing the aggressor.
"Our rabbis taught 'Whence do we know that he who
pursues after his neighbor to slay him must be saved [from sin] at the cost of
his own life?' From the verse, You shall not standby the blood of your
neighbor." Sanhedrin 4:5
27. Sheker - falsehood / set of laws and values designed to
discourage falsehood, duplicity or hypocrisy.
“Keep far from a false charge; do not bring death on those
who are innocent and in the right, for I will not acquit the wrongdoer.” Ex. 23
28. Shoftim - Judges / the only positive mitzvah of the seven
Noachide laws / the universal obligation to set up a system of justice. This
requires any human society to guarantee equal treatment before the law for all
people.
"Just as Israel was commanded to establish houses of
justice in every state and every city, so too were the sons of Noach commanded
to establish houses of justice in every state and every city."
29. Tsa'ar Ba'alei Chayyim - prohibition of cruelty to animals,
acts of compassion, and proper methods of treatment of non-human life.
"You shall not muzzle an ox while it is
threshing." Deuteronomy 25
"A righteous man knows the needs of his animals, but
the compassion of the wicked is cruelty." Proverbs 12
"Rabbi Judah said in the name of Rav: It is forbidden
for a person to taste a thing [from his meal] until he has given food to his
animal, as it states, I will also provide grass in the fields for your cattle .
. . And only then it states, and thus shall you eat your fill."
Talmud-Gittin 62a
"Cruelty to animals is prohibited by the Torah."
Shabbat 128b
30. Umot ha Olam -
nations of the world / set of principles recommending care and respect for
gentiles, especially their aged and vulnerable.
"Issi ben Yehuda said, . . . Rise before an elder,
every elder [including gentiles] . . . Rabbi Yochanan used to rise before
gentile elders. He said: Think of how many experiences they have gone
through." Kedushim 33a
"A person should always be wise in the fear of Heaven,
answering softly, stilling anger, increasing peace with his brothers, cousins,
and with every human being, even with the idolater in the market place, in
order that he be believed above [in heaven] and well-liked below [on earth],
and be accepted by all creatures." Berachot 17a
31. Ushemartem Et Nafshoteichem - and you shall protect your
health / obligation to protect the general health of oneself and one's society.
"Since following the ways of God includes maintaining
a human body that is healthy and whole — for it is impossible that a person
will understand or know anything from knowledge of the Creator while he is sick
-- therefore must a person distance himself from things that destroy the body,
and must accustom himself to things that produce health and strength ..."
Rambam Deot Ch. 4
32. Yatom, Almanah - orphan, widow / series of laws obligating
special care for orphans and widows
33. Tsedakah - righteousness / charity / this encompasses a wide
range of Biblical, rabbinic
and medieval institutions of Judaism, and is one of the most
well known aspects of Jewish communal and religious life.
"Rabbi Eliezer son of Rabbi Yossi said: All the charity
and deeds of kindness which [the children of] Israel perform in this world
[promote] peace and good understanding between them and their Father in heaven
. . . Rabbi Judah says: Great is charity, in that it brings redemption
nearer." Talmud, BabaBatra lOa
34. Pidyon Shevuyim - the redemption of captives / the
obligation to do everything in one's power to help release people who are
trapped in some way.
"No, this is the fast that I desire: to unlock the
fetters of wickedness, and untie the cords of the yoke, to let the oppressed go
free: to break off every yoke." Isaiah 58:6
"The spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the
Lord has anointed me; He has sent me as a herald of joy to the humble, to bind
up the wounded of the heart, to proclaim release to the captives, liberation to
the imprisoned." Isaiah 61"Just as Israel is commanded to free human
beings that have been imprisoned, so too are they commanded to free the
slaves." Yerushalmi Gittin 4:4
"There is no greater mitzvah than the redemption of
captives, which precedes financial support and clothing for the poor. For the
captive is included among those who are thirsty, hungry, naked, and in danger
of his life." Rambam Matanote Lievyonim 8:10
35. Tsedeh Tsedek Tirdof = Pursue justice / the obligation to
actively promote justice.
"Justice, justice shall you pursue, that you may live
and inherit the land that the Lord your God is giving you." Deuteronomy
"These are the things you shall do: Speak every man the
truth to his neighbor, execute the judgment of truth and peace in your gates;
and let no one devise evil in your hearts against his neighbor, and love no
false oath, for all these are things that I hate, saith the Lord."
Zechariah 8:16
36. Tselem Elohim - the creation of every human being in the
image of God.
"And God created the human being in His image, in the
image of God He created him; male and female he created them." Genesis 1
37. Pikuach Nefesh - the saving of life / the highest Jewish
obligation that overrides almost every other law. "For this reason was
the human being created alone, to teach you whosoever destroys a single soul,
Scripture imputes [guilt] to him as though he had destroyed an entire world;
and whosoever preserves a single soul, Scripture ascribes [merit] to him as
though he had preserved a complete world." Sanhedrin 4:5
38. Halva'at Chen - “loan of grace” / interest-free loan society of the medieval Jewish community.
"Free loan societies were common in the ghetto. The most famous, to be sure, the Venetian banchi del ghetto, were maintained by the Jewish community exclusively for the benefit of needy Christians . . . By their constant deficits they illustrate . . . the considerable financial burdens earned by the communities which maintained the far more numerous institutions extending cheap credit to Jews." Salo Baron
39. Shalom Bayit: domestic harmony
In his commentary on the Mishneh (tractate Sanhedrin, chapter 10), Maimonides formulates his 13 principles of faith. They summarized what he viewed as the required beliefs of Judaism with regards to:
These principles were controversial when first proposed, evoking
criticism by Rabbi Hasdai
Crescas and Rabbi Joseph Albo, and were
effectively ignored by much of the Jewish community for the next few centuries.
("Dogma in Medieval Jewish Thought," Menachem Kellner). However,
these principles became widely held; today, Orthodox
Judaism holds these
beliefs to be obligatory.[citation needed] Two poetic restatements of these principles (Ani Ma'amin and Yigdal)
eventually became canonized in the "siddur" (Jewish prayer book).
Torah: Genesis (Bereshit), Exodus (Sh’mot), Leviticus
(Vayikra), Numbers (Bamidbar), Deuteronomy (Devarim)
Nevi’im:
Early Prophets - Joshua, Judges, Samuel, Kings I & II;
Latter
Prophets - (Three Major) Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel; (Twelve Minor) Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nachum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi
Ketuvim:
Writings: Psalms, Proverbs, Job, Song of Songs, Ruth, Lamentations,
Ecclesiastes, Esther, Daniel, Ezra, Nehemiah, Chronicles I & II
1. What is your understanding of the Bible’s authorship?
2. What is a Sidrah?
3. What is a Haftarah?
4. What are the three main divisions of the Hebrew Bible? What is the Hebrew name for the Bible? Why do Jews prefer not to use the term "Old Testament"?
5. Name the five Books of Moses. Describe what took place at Mt. Sinai .
6. Why was King David's reign considered such an important episode in Jewish history?
7. Who were the early kings of Israel ? Why was the country later partitioned into Israel and Judah ?
8. Define a prophet. Name three important prophets.
9. What is the Talmud? Why was it called the Oral Tradition?
II. The Synagogue
10. What are the three terms for a synagogue in Hebrew? How does the modern synagogue fulfill them?
11. Describe the Tallit and Tefillin and explain why and when they are worn.
12. How is a Torah written? How is it treated and why do we accord it so much respect?
13. Define Aliyah. On what occasions other than Bar/Bat Mitzvah does one receive an Aliyah?
III. The Prayer Book
14. Define the terms Siddur and Mahzor.
15. What is the importance of the Shema and what do its three paragraphs say?
16. What is Shaharit, Minha, Maariv? What prayer is an indispensable prayer?
17. What is the Hallel service and when is it recited? When is the Musaf recited?
18. What is the meaning of the Alenu prayer? Is it always recited only at the end of a service?
IV. The Home
19. What is so special about being Jewish? What are your responsibilities along these lines?
20. What is a Mezuzzah? On which side of the door should it be placed? What does it signify?
21. What ritual objects are basic to making a home "Jewish"?
22. What does "Kosher" mean?
23. What does Halachah mean? What role does it play in the Orthodox, Conservative, Reconstructionist and Reform movements?
24. What is the blessing that a Jewish woman recites over Sabbath candles and when are they kindled? What prayers does a father recite to his children and wife on Friday night?
25. What is Kiddush? On what occasions is wine used in Jewish ritual?
26. What is Birchat Hamazon?
V. Sabbath and Holidays
27. Why does the Jewish calendar change every year? What is the Hebrew word for calendar?
28. Name some Hebrew months of the year and the major holidays that occur during these months.
29. Why is the Sabbath considered a cornerstone of Jewish or Jewish tradition? How is it observed traditionally? Why does it have meaning for our society?
30. What is the Havdalah ceremony? What objects are used?
31. In what ways is Yom Tov (the Festivals and High Holidays) like Shabbat? In what ways does the observance differ? Why do traditional American Jews observe the first two and last two days of Yom Tov unlike in Israel?
VI. Sukkot - Simchat Torah
32. Why do we celebrate Sukkot and what is the significance of the Sukkah?
33. What are the four species used on Sukkot and what do they represent?
34. Why is Ecclesiastes (Kohelet) read on Sukkot?
35. What is the Yizkor service and how often is Yizkor recited during the year?
36. Explain Simchat Torah and what Hakafot are.
VII. Passover
37. What is the meaning of Pesach?
38. What is Chametz and what are the requirements for making a home ready for Passover?
39. Name some of the rituals of the Seder.
40. What is the Haggadah?
41. Why is the Biblical book "The Song of Songs" read during Passover?
42. What does "Counting the Omer" mean and what is Lag B'Omer?
VIII. Shavuot
43. What does Shavuot mean and what is its significance?
44. List the Ten Commandments and explain why they are still important to follow.
45. Why is the "Book of Ruth" read on Shavuot? What is the attitude of Ruth to a non-Jew who accepts Judaism?
IX. Minor Festivals
46. What is Tisha B'av? What is its significance for us today?
47. What is the historical background of Hanukah?
48. In what order are the candles kindled on Hanukah?
49. What is the Megillah or Scroll of Esther?
50. What is the story of Purim and how does it reflect Anti-Semitism?
X. High Holidays
51. What is the meaning of Rosh Hashanah and what does the holiday stress?
52. When is the Shofar blown and what does it symbolize?
53. What are some of the special prayers recited in the Mahzor on Rosh Hashanah?
54. Explain how Jews "confess" their sins, and how do Jews "repent"?
55. Why is the Sabbath between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur called Shabbat Shuva?
56. What is the importance of Yom Kippur and why do we fast?
57. What is the Kol Nidre prayer? What does it have to do with the theme of Yom Kippur?
58. What are some of the special prayers recited in the Mahzor on Yom Kippur? Why is the Book of Jonah read on Yom Kippur afternoon? What is the Neilah Service?
XI. The Lifetime of the Jew
59. Why is the ceremony of “Brit Milah" (circumcision) so significant for a Jewish boy?
60. When and how is a Jewish girl named?
61. What do we mean by performing a Mitzvah? What do the terms Bar Mitzvah and Bat Mitzvah signify?
62. Why is it essential to continue Jewish education through our lifetime?
63. Why do is the meal following a Bar/Bat Mitzvah or a wedding be part of the religious celebration?
64. Define the following terms relating to a Jewish Wedding: Chuppah; Ketubah; Sheva Brachot.
65. Why do Jews break a glass at the end of a Jewish wedding ceremony?
66. Why do we stress simplicity and economy in celebrating a happy or a sad milestone in Jewish life?
67. Do Jews believe in divorce? What is a Get?
68. What are some traditions regarding a Jewish funeral and Shiva?
69. What is the most appropriate way to show sympathy for the bereaved?
70. Why do we recite the Mourner's Kaddish and when is it recited?
71. What do Jews believe about Heaven and Hell?
72. What is a Yahrtzeit?
73. What is an unveiling?
XII. Jewish Beliefs
74. What do we mean about Jews being the "chosen people"?
75. Define Messiah and explain how Jews differ in their definition from Christianity’s definition.
76. What is the Jewish view concerning Jesus?
77. Why is it important for a Jew to belong to a Synagogue?
78. What does being "a good Jew" mean?
79. What does Tzedakah mean? Why is it important for a Jew to support worthy causes?
80. What are the functions of a Rabbi and Hazzan? What does their training involve?
81. What is Orthodox Judaism and what is an Orthodox Jew's way of life? Identify the "Yeshiva."
82. Explain Reform Judaism.
83. Describe Conservative Judaism and what it stands for. How should a Conservative observe the Mitzvot? 84. Describe Reconstructionism.
XIII. Jewish History
85. Who was Ezra and what was his importance in connection with the Torah?
86. Identify Hillel and the Pharisees. What are some of Hillel's famous sayings?
87. Who was Rabbi Akiva and what was his connection with the Talmud?
88. What is the meaning of Midrash?
89. Define the term Halachah.
90. Define diaspora.
91. Who was Moses Maimonides? What did he write?
92. What is the importance of the guidebook "Shulchan Aruch"?
93. What is a Hasid? What did the Hasidic Movement of the 19th Century contribute to modern?
94. What is the world Jewish population today? American Jewish population?
95. What does Zionism mean and when did the movement begin?
96. What roles did Theodore Hertzl and Chaim Weizmann play in shaping the movement?
97. What is the Balfour Declaration and what did it mean to the Jews?
98. Who were great personalities in the State of Israel since establishment in 1948?
99. What kind of government does Israel have and what is its relationship with Jews in the Diaspora?
100. Explain the current situation between Israel and the Palestinians.
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