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The Vocabulary
of Judaism
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Diaspora: The dispersion of the Jews after the Babylonian Captivity. Now
also used to refer to all Jews who do not live in Israel.
Gemarah:
The commentary based upon the Mishnah.
Hannukah: The Feast of Dedication celebrating the Maccabean victory in 167
B.C.
Midrash:
A commentary of the Hebrew scriptures, especially the Torah.
Mishnah:
Oral law in general to be distinguished from Scripture.
Passover: An annual feast commemorating the deliverance of the firstborn in
Egypt when the angel of death took all those who did not have blood on the
door posts. Also called Pasach.
Pentateuch: The first five books of the Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament).
Also called the Torah.
Pentecost: The Feast of Weeks observed fifty days after the Passover. Also
called Shabuoth.
Purim:
The feast commemorating Esther's intervention on behalf of the Jews when
they were in Persia.
Rosh Hashanah: The Feast of Trumpets; Jewish New Year.
Seder:
The festival held in Jewish homes on the first night of
Passover commemorating the Exodus from Egypt.
Shabuoth: The Feast of Weeks observed fifty days after the
Passover. Also called Pentecost.
Sukkoth:
The Feast of Tabernacles celebrating the harvest.
Torah:
Commonly translated “The Law,” but a better translation would be “divine
instruction.” Refers to the first five books of the Hebrew Scriptures (the
so-called “Old Testament”). It also can refer to the entire corpus of the
Jewish law.
Shophar:
The ram’s horn that is blown during services on
Rosh Hashanah. (Illustration at top of this page.)
Talmud:
The Jewish library of oral law and tradition consisting of
Mishnah and Gemara.
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