Download GCSE Religious Studies A Specification A - Judaism

GCSE Religious Studies
Specification A
Explanation of Terms - Judaism
These terms appear in the Specification and so knowledge and understanding of their
meaning may be required in an examination.
Term
Definition
Abraham
The father of the Jewish people. God made a covenant with him, promising him
land and descendants. This covenant was sealed by circumcision.
the Amidah
The ‘standing prayer’. It is recited at the three daily services in the synagogue and
consists of three opening blessings, three closing blessings and thirteen
intermediate blessings (one intermediate blessing on Shabbat and holy days).
aron hakodesh
The Ark. It is the holiest part of the synagogue as it contains the Torah scrolls.
Bar Mitzvah
Celebration of a boy coming of age at 13. Literally "Son of the Commandment".
Bat Mitzvah
Celebration of a girl coming of age at 12. Literally "Daughter of Commandment".
bimah
The reading platform in a synagogue from which the Torah is read.
Brit Milah
The religious rite of circumcision performed eight days after birth (unless it has to
be postponed for some very serious reason). The boy becomes a member of the
Jewish People of God.
charity
This refers to the requirement for Jews to give at least 10% of their income to
charity. The Hebrew word (tzedakah) literally means ‘justice’ and Jews believe
that it is unjust not to give to those in need.
the Covenant
God's agreement to look after the Jews as his chosen people, subject to Israel's
obedience.
Creator
Refers to the belief that God created the world from nothing.
dietary laws
The food laws that were given by God to the Jews. These rules relate to what
may / may not be eaten and in what combination and to the preparation of the
food
God gave humans the gift of free will, which means that they are free to choose
to do right or to do wrong. They bear responsibility for their actions.
free will
God as one
This is the belief that there is only one God. Judaism is a monotheistic religion.
healing the world
It is the Jewish concept (tikkun olam) that relates to making the world a better
place.
Judge
judgement
justice
The belief that God is fair. He recognises that humans are not perfect and so
takes this into account. God’s justice incorporates both forgiveness and mercy.
The belief of many Jews in a Day of Judgement when God will judge the living
and the dead, rewarding all good people, both Jews and non-Jews.
Fairness in the way people are treated
kosher
Food that is ‘clean’ and ‘fit and that meets the requirements of the Jewish laws.
Law-giver
Refers to God’s giving of the Law to Moses on Mount Sinai.
Choose option
Liberal Judaism
This is a form of progressive Judaism which seems to combine traditional beliefs
and practices with modern interpretations.
merciful
Refers to the nature of God as compassionate.
the Messiah
Literally ‘the anointed one’. Orthodox Jews believe that the Messiah will be a
human person sent by God to establish justice and peace on the earth. For
Reform Jews, the Messiah is a symbolic figure.
mitzvot
Mitzvot (singular is ‘mitzvah’) are the 613 Jewish commandments / rules.
Moses
The person through whom God set free the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, to
whom God gave the Ten Commandments and through whom God made a
covenant with Israel.
Refers to set practices that are carried out by Jews as a way of grieving for loved
ones who have died.
mourning rituals
ner tamid
The ever-burning light. It is a light that is above and in front of the aron hakodesh. It burns
continually as a symbol of God’s presence.
the oral law
The Talmud. Jews believe that this law was given by God to Moses and then eventually
written down and explained by the rabbis. It consists of the Mishnah and the Gemara.
Orthodox Judaism
Jews who believe God gave the complete Torah to Moses and therefore live
according to Jewish laws and traditions.
Pesach
Festival (known by non-Jews as Passover) that celebrates the Jewish Exodus
from Egypt. Celebrated in spring.
Pikuach Nefesh (in
brackets)
The mitzvah of ‘saving a life’ which overrides all other religious laws.
Reform Judaism
Jews who believe the Torah was inspired by God and was developed through
their history - therefore laws may be changed or adapted as modern life changes.
resurrection
The belief of many Jews that in a future age the dead will rise from their graves to
live again.
Rosh Hashanah
The Jewish New Year. It is the start of the ten day period of High Holy Days that
culminates in Yom Kippur and marks the beginning of God’s judgement of his
people.
The belief that human life is a precious gift from God and is not to be taken
without just cause.
sanctity of human life
‘saving a life’
This principle (Pikuach Nefesh) overrides all other religious laws.
Shabbat
Holy day of the week; day of spiritual renewal beginning at sunset on Friday and
continuing to nightfall on Saturday.
Shekhinah (in brackets)
The divine presence. The term indicates that God is a Being beyond human
understanding yet whose presence may be experienced.
Sinai
The mountain where Moses received the Law from God and where the covenant
between God and Israel was made.
synagogue
Means ‘coming together’. A building for Jewish public worship, study and
gathering.
Talmud (in brackets)
The oral law, containing the law believed by Orthodox Jews to have been given to
Moses that was not written down for many centuries and was then expanded with
rabbinic explanation. It consists of the Mishnah and the Gemara.
The books that comprise the Jewish scriptures. It falls into three parts: Torah
(Law), Nevi'im (prophets) and Ketuvim (writings). Many Jews believe that the
Torah was given to Moses on Sinai.
Tenakh (in brackets)
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the Ten Commandments A list of religious and moral rules that were given by God to Moses.
trefah
Forbidden food - means 'torn'. It does not fulfil the Jewish dietary laws.
the written law
The Tenakh. It includes the Jewish scriptures and falls into three parts: Torah
(Law), Nevi'im (prophets) and Ketuvim (writings). Many Jews believe that the
Torah was given to Moses on Sinai.
The Day of Atonement - a day of penitence and fasting on the tenth day after
Rosh Hashanah. The holiest day of the year for Jews.
Yom Kippur
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