JC Jewish Studies flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Tanakh

Acronym for Torah, Nevi'im, and Ketuvim, the three divisions of the Hebrew Bible. Torah is the Pentateuch, Nevi'im the Prophets, Ketuvim the Writings.

Peshat

The plain, contextual, literal sense of a biblical text. Classical commentators such as Rashi and Ibn Ezra often distinguish peshat from derash, the homiletical reading.

Rashi

Rabbi Shlomo Yitzhaki (1040-1105), author of the most widely printed commentary on Torah and Talmud. His Torah commentary blends peshat with selected midrashic traditions.

Masoretic Text

The authoritative vocalized Hebrew Bible text transmitted by the Masoretes, including vowels and cantillation. Key manuscripts are the Aleppo and Leningrad Codices.

PaRDeS

Four interpretive levels: peshat (plain), remez (allusive), derash (homiletical), and sod (mystical). The acronym organizes classical Jewish approaches to scriptural interpretation.

Second Temple destruction

Rome destroyed the Jerusalem Temple in 70 CE under Titus. This ended the sacrificial cult and catalyzed the rise of rabbinic Judaism centered on Torah study and prayer.

Mishnah

Compilation of rabbinic legal teachings organized by topic, edited around 200 CE under Rabbi Yehudah HaNasi. It is the foundation of both Talmuds and later halakhic codes.

Haskalah

The Jewish Enlightenment of the late eighteenth century, associated with Moses Mendelssohn. It promoted Hebrew study, secular education, and integration into European society.

First Zionist Congress

Convened by Theodor Herzl in Basel in 1897. It established the Zionist Organization and articulated the goal of a Jewish homeland, a milestone in modern political Zionism.

Hasmonean revolt

Revolt against Seleucid rule beginning 167 BCE under Antiochus IV. The Temple was rededicated in 164 BCE, the event commemorated by Hanukkah.

Shulchan Arukh

Sixteenth-century code of Jewish law by Rabbi Yosef Karo, with glosses by Rabbi Moshe Isserles. It remains a standard reference for normative halakhic practice.

Pikuach nefesh

The principle that preserving human life overrides nearly all other commandments. It permits violating Shabbat and kashrut rules when a life is at risk.

Shechitah

Ritual slaughter of permitted animals by a trained shochet using a swift, smooth cut. It is a prerequisite for meat to be considered kosher.

Amidah

The central standing prayer of Jewish liturgy, recited silently three times daily and aloud on Shabbat and festivals. It contains blessings of praise, petition, and thanksgiving.

Minyan

A quorum of ten adult Jews required for public prayer, Torah reading, and Kaddish. Traditionally counted as ten men in Orthodox practice.

Brit milah

Covenant of circumcision performed on the eighth day of a boy's life. It marks entry into the covenant and is accompanied by naming and celebration.

Rambam's thirteen principles

Maimonides' summary of core Jewish beliefs, including God's unity, prophecy, Torah from heaven, and resurrection. They appear in his commentary on the Mishnah.

Sefirot

Ten emanations in kabbalistic thought through which the infinite Ein Sof relates to the world. They include chesed, gevurah, tiferet, and malkhut.

Teshuvah

Repentance involving regret for wrongdoing, confession before God, and resolve not to repeat it. Yom Kippur is the liturgical climax of the process.

Devekut

Cleaving to God, a central ideal of Chasidic spirituality. It emphasizes intention, joy, and attachment to the divine in daily life.

Tikkun olam

Repairing the world, a phrase used in rabbinic literature and modern Jewish ethics for actions that improve society and creation. Its meanings vary by context.

Shalosh regalim

The three pilgrimage festivals: Pesach, Shavuot, and Sukkot. In Temple times Israelites traveled to Jerusalem for each.

Rosh Hashanah

The Jewish New Year on Tishrei 1-2, marked by shofar blasts, festive meals, and themes of judgment and renewal. It begins the Ten Days of Repentance.

Yom Kippur

The Day of Atonement on Tishrei 10, a fast day with Kol Nidre, confession, and Neilah. It concludes the penitential season begun at Rosh Hashanah.

Seder

The ordered ritual meal on the first night(s) of Pesach. It includes matzah, bitter herbs, four cups of wine, and reading the Haggadah.

Counting of the Omer

The forty-nine-day count from the second night of Pesach to Shavuot. Partial mourning customs are observed during this period.

Reform Judaism

A movement emerging in nineteenth-century Germany emphasizing ethical monotheism, autonomy, and adaptation of tradition. The 1885 Pittsburgh Platform stated its early principles.

Conservative Judaism

A movement affirming halakhah as historically developing, associated with Solomon Schechter. It is known as Masorti in Israel and parts of the diaspora.

Law of Return

Israeli law enacted in 1950 granting Jews the right to immigrate and acquire citizenship. It is a foundational expression of Zionist policy.

Knesset

Israel's unicameral legislature, sitting in Jerusalem. It passes laws, approves budgets, and can dissolve itself to trigger elections.

Baraita

A tannaitic teaching not included in the Mishnah, cited in the Talmud. It is often introduced by the formula 'tanu rabbanan' (the rabbis taught).

Tosafot

Medieval commentaries on the Talmud printed on the outer margin of the page, opposing Rashi. They compare and reconcile passages across tractates.