Subject Specific Vocabulary: Judaism

This guide outlines key terms related to Judaism as per the A-level Religious Studies 7062 specification. These terms are essential for students to understand and be familiar with.

Agunot

• Definition: Means "tied" in Hebrew.
• Context: Refers to women who cannot remarry under Jewish law because they cannot obtain a divorce or confirm their husband's death.

Atheism

• Definition: Disbelief or lack of belief in the existence of God.

Babylonian Talmud

• Importance: Central text of Rabbinic Judaism and primary source of Jewish law.
• Details:
  • Completed in the 5th century.
  • Consists of the Mishnah (Oral Law) and Gemara (Rabbinic discussions).

Bar/Bat Mitzvah

• Definition: Sons (Bar) or daughters (Bat) of the commandments.
• Age: Boys at 13, girls at 12.

Beth Din

• Definition: Rabbinic court handling Jewish law.
• Locations: Often near large Jewish populations like Manchester and London.

Churban

• Definition: Hebrew for "destruction".
• Context: Associated with periods of Jewish suffering.

Eternal Thou

• Definition: Term by Martin Buber for God.

Ghettoism

• Definition: Historical confinement of Jews to certain city areas.
• Modern Context: Voluntary separation of Jewish communities.

Halakah

• Definition: Comprehensive Jewish law from the Torah, Talmud, and rabbinic writings.

Kabbalistic

• Definition: Related to Kabbalah, a branch of mystical Judaism.

Maimonides 13 Principles

• Details: 13 essential Jewish beliefs by 12th-century philosopher Maimonides.

Messiah

• Definition: Means "anointed"; a future leader from King David’s line.
• Orthodox View: Messiah will reign in Jerusalem and restore Israel.
• Reform View: Messianic age leading to world perfection.

Minyan

• Definition: Quorum of ten male Jews (13+) required for certain religious practices.

Mitzvot

• Definition: Commandments in Hebrew law, totaling 613.
  • 248 positive and 365 negative mitzvots.

Pesach

• Definition: Passover, commemorating Jewish liberation from Egypt.
• Observance: Seder meal and synagogue service.

Pikuach Nephesh

• Definition: Obligation to save a life in danger.

Pittsburgh Platform

• Definition: Early American Reform principles from 1885.

Rabbi

• Role: Teacher, preacher, and spiritual leader within Jewish communities.

Secularisation

• Definition: Decline of religious belief and practice in modern society.

Shabbat

• Definition: Jewish day of rest from Friday sunset to Saturday sunset.

Tenakh

• Definition: Jewish Bible comprising Torah, Neviim, and Ketuvim.

Torah

• Definition: The five books of Moses, key to Jewish law and life.

Sheol

• Definition: Place for the dead; views vary between no judgment or a place of reward/punishment.

Yom Kippur

• Definition: Day of Atonement, holiest day in Judaism with fasting and prayers for forgiveness.

Zionism

• Definition: Movement for the reestablishment of Israel as a Jewish homeland, either by divine or political means.

Specifications Using This Resource

• A-level Religious Studies 7062.

These terms are fundamental for understanding Jewish beliefs, practices, and history as outlined in the AQA A-level curriculum.