Jewish Beliefs

• What is the belief in one God in Judaism called?

  Monotheism
• What attributes do Jews believe God possesses?

  God is omniscient, omnipotent, and omnibenevolent
• Who created the universe according to Jewish belief?

  God
• What are the 613 mitzvot?

  They are commandments provided by God found in the Torah
• When does God judge people according to Jewish belief?

  During Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur
• What is the Shema?

  A central declaration of Jewish faith affirming the oneness of God
• What does the Jewish concept of covenant refer to?

  Agreements between God and the Jewish people
• Who are two key figures associated with Jewish covenants?

  Abraham and Moses
• What is the traditional Jewish belief about the Messiah?

  That a future leader will establish peace and justice
• What are the three parts of the Jewish Bible known as the Tenakh?

  Torah, Nevi’im, and Ketuvim
• What does the Torah consist of?

  The first five books of Moses
• What do the Nevi’im represent in the Tenakh?


  Books that tell the history of the Jewish people and include teachings from prophets
• What types of writings are included in the Ketuvim?

  Various writings, including Psalms, Proverbs, and the Book of Job
• What is the Talmud?

  A collection of rabbinical discussions, interpretations, and commentaries on the Torah
• What distinguishes the Written Torah from the Oral Torah?

  The Written Torah is the text in the Tenakh, while the Oral Torah consists of interpretations and teachings passed down orally
• What is the significance of the land of Israel in Judaism?

  It was promised to Abraham and his descendants by God
• Why is Jerusalem important in Judaism?

  It is the historical and spiritual center of Judaism
• How do many Jews today feel about the land of Israel?

  They feel a strong connection to it and support its significance as a Jewish homeland
• What is the purpose of a synagogue?

  Places of worship, study, and community gatherings
• What is the Ark (Aron Hakodesh) in a synagogue?

  The place where Torah scrolls are stored
• What does the Ner Tamid represent?

  God’s eternal presence
• What is the Bimah in a synagogue?

  A raised platform where the Torah is read
• How often do Jews pray?

  Three times a day
• What is the Siddur?

  The Jewish prayer book
• What does Shabbat commemorate?

  God's creation of the world and His rest on the seventh day
• When does Shabbat begin and end?

  From Friday evening to Saturday evening
• What is the significance of candle lighting on Shabbat?

  It marks the beginning of Shabbat
• What is Kiddush?

  A blessing over wine that sanctifies the day
• What do Jews refrain from during Shabbat?

  Work-related activities
• What is Havdalah?

  The closing ceremony of Shabbat
• What does Rosh Hashanah mark?

  The Jewish New Year
• What is Yom Kippur known for?

  The Day of Atonement, focusing on fasting, prayer, and repentance
• What does Passover (Pesach) celebrate?

  The Exodus when God freed the Israelites from slavery in Egypt
• What is the Seder meal?

  A meal that retells the Exodus story with symbolic foods and rituals
• What does Sukkot commemorate?

  The Israelites’ journey in the wilderness
• What is Hanukkah also known as?

  The Festival of Lights
• What does Hanukkah celebrate?

  The rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem and the miracle of the oil
• What is Purim about?

  The story of Queen Esther and the deliverance of the Jewish people from Haman's plot
• What is Brit Milah?

  A ritual circumcision for Jewish boys performed on the eighth day after birth
• What is a Bar/Bat Mitzvah?

  A coming-of-age ceremony for Jewish boys (13) and girls (12)