1.
What is the Torah?
Correct Answer
B. A collection of stories and laws that make up the holy book of the Jews.
Explanation
The Torah is a collection of stories and laws that make up the holy book of the Jews. It is not the region thought to be the original homeland of the ancient Hebrews, the name for a Mesopotamian high priest, or an early Hebrew temple.
2.
Who is considered the founder of Judaism?
Correct Answer
C. Abraham
Explanation
Abraham is considered the founder of Judaism because he is believed to have made a covenant with God, which established the Jewish people as God's chosen ones. He is also considered the father of the Jewish people, as he had a son, Isaac, who continued the lineage. Abraham's teachings and beliefs laid the foundation for the religion and its core principles, including monotheism and the importance of following God's commandments.
3.
Which of the following has never been used to name the Jewish "homeland"?
Correct Answer
C. Sinai
Explanation
Sinai has never been used to name the Jewish "homeland". Canaan, Palestine, and Israel have all been used to refer to the Jewish homeland at different points in history. However, Sinai has never been associated with the Jewish homeland.
4.
What significant element of Judaism distinguished it from all other religions that existed at that time?
Correct Answer
D. Monotheism
Explanation
The significant element of Judaism that distinguished it from all other religions at that time is monotheism. Unlike other religions that believed in multiple gods and goddesses, Judaism believed in the existence of only one God. This monotheistic belief set Judaism apart and influenced its practices and teachings.
5.
Which of the following statements is true of Jewish belief?
Correct Answer
D. All of the above
Explanation
Jewish belief holds that there is only one god, and that there is a covenant between the Jews and their god. Additionally, they are instructed to follow the Ten Commandments. Therefore, the statement "All of the above" is true, as it encompasses all the individual statements mentioned.
6.
What is a covenant?
Correct Answer
E. All of the above
Explanation
A covenant is a binding agreement that can take various forms, such as a promise, a contract, or a pledge. It encompasses all of these options, making "All of the above" the correct answer. A covenant can be made between individuals, organizations, or even nations, and it outlines the terms and conditions that both parties agree to abide by. It is a legally and morally binding commitment that ensures the fulfillment of obligations and responsibilities by all parties involved.
7.
What is Passover?
Correct Answer
A. A religious holiday that celebrates the escape from Egypt
Explanation
Passover is a religious holiday that commemorates the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, as described in the biblical book of Exodus. It is a significant festival in Judaism, during which families gather for a special meal called the Seder, where they retell the story of the Exodus and partake in symbolic foods. The holiday is a time to reflect on the themes of freedom and redemption, and it is observed with various rituals and traditions.
8.
How was Hebrew society organized?
Correct Answer
B. Into 12 tribes
Explanation
Hebrew society was organized into 12 tribes. This means that the society was divided into 12 distinct groups, each with its own territory, leadership, and responsibilities. These tribes were descendants of the 12 sons of Jacob, who was also known as Israel. Each tribe had its own unique identity and played a role in the overall functioning of Hebrew society.
9.
Which of the following was not a major King of Israel?
Correct Answer
A. Ramses II
Explanation
Ramses II was not a major King of Israel. The other options, Saul, David, and Solomon, were all important kings of Israel.
10.
What is tribute?
Correct Answer
E. A and B only
Explanation
Tribute refers to money paid to a stronger, dominant power as well as "peace" money paid to prevent being invaded. This means that both options A and B are correct. Option C, a musical performance to honor the king, is not a correct definition of tribute. Therefore, the correct answer is A and B only.
11.
Which of the following statements uses terms incorrectly?
Correct Answer
C. Judaists are people who practice the Jew religion.
Explanation
The term "Judaists" is used incorrectly in the statement. The correct term to describe people who practice the Jewish religion is "Jews," not "Judaists."
12.
The Hebrews established a belief in one god, and only one god. In other words, their religion was _______________________________.
Correct Answer
monotheistic
Monotheistic
Explanation
The Hebrews believed in the existence of only one god, which is known as monotheism. This means that their religion was centered around the worship and belief in a single deity, rather than multiple gods or polytheism.
13.
What is the name of the Jewish god (although he is rarely mentioned by name)?
Correct Answer
Yahweh
Explanation
Yahweh is the correct answer because it is the name of the Jewish god. Although he is rarely mentioned by name, Yahweh is the primary name used in the Hebrew Bible to refer to God. This name is considered sacred and is often replaced with other terms like Adonai or Hashem out of respect.
14.
The often richly decorated chest that contains the Torah and protects it is called the __________ of the __________________________.
Correct Answer
Ark Covenant
ark covenant
Explanation
The often richly decorated chest that contains the Torah and protects it is called the Ark Covenant. This term refers to the sacred container that holds the Torah, which is the holy scripture of Judaism. The Ark Covenant is highly revered and symbolizes the covenant between God and the Jewish people. It is often adorned with intricate decorations and is considered a central focus of worship in synagogues.
15.
Which of the 12 tribes lasted the longest and gave its name to the Jewish people and their religion?
Correct Answer
Judah
judah
Explanation
Judah is the correct answer because it was the tribe that lasted the longest and gave its name to the Jewish people and their religion. The Kingdom of Judah was one of the two kingdoms that emerged after the division of the Israelite kingdom. It was also the tribe from which King David and King Solomon came, and it is from the line of David that the Messiah is believed to come in Jewish tradition. Therefore, Judah holds a significant historical and religious importance in Jewish history.