Covenant

A promise or agreement between two parties. Covenants were made between God with Noah, Abraham and Moses.

Messiah

The anointed one who some Jews will believe will bring in a new era or age for humankind. This will include rebuilding the Temple and bringing in an age of universal peace.

Shekhinah

The place where God’s presence rests and can be felt ; the Temple.

Shabbat

Day of spiritual renewal and rest. Beginning at sunset on Friday and closing at nightfall on Saturday.

Kosher

Means ‘fit’ or ‘proper’. Acceptable foods that are permitted to be eaten according to Leviticus 11. It is also used to refer to the purity of ritual objects such as Torah scrolls.

Synagogue

House of assembly ; building for Jewish public prayer, study and assembly.

Torah

The five books of Moses (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy). Regarded as the holiest books of the Tenakh.

Mitzvot

The term has a mix of meanings. It is often used to refer to duties ( such as the 613 in the Torah ) and good deeds to please God. It also contains the 10 commandments.

Talmud

Commentary on the Mishnah which includes teachings and stories. The term usually refers to the Babylonian Talmud although there is also a Jerusalem Talmud which is older.

Reverence

Deep respect and awe.

Shema

A prayer declaring a belief in one God. It is found in the Torah.

King David

A successful king of the Israelites. Believed by many to have written the Psalms.

Midrash

Collections of various Rabbinic commentaries on the Tenakh.

Olam Ha - Ba

The world to come. This is what the afterlife is referred to as in Judaism. It refers to a persons’ afterlife and also the Messianic Age in which some Jews believe.