Jewish Law Flashcards, test questions and answers

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What is Jewish Law?

Jewish Law, also known as Halacha, is an extensive body of religious laws that govern the lives of Jewish people. These laws are derived from the Torah (the five books of Moses) and are interpreted by rabbis throughout history. The goal of Jewish Law is to bring unity within the community and to enable Jews to live a life in accordance with God’s will. The scope of Halacha covers many areas including moral behavior, family law, civil law, religious practices and more. It is divided into two parts: Mishnah (oral tradition) and Gemara (commentary on the Mishnah). Both parts contain interpretations of various aspects of Jewish Law. All aspects of Jewish life are governed by Halacha which shapes how a person should conduct themselves in different scenarios. For example, it dictates that men must recite certain prayers every morning while women are not obligated to do so; it also dictates that men must wear tefillin during morning prayers while women need not do so unless it’s voluntary. Additionally, acts such as eating non-kosher food or breaking Shabbat (Sabbath) can lead to punishment depending on severity and whether or not it was done intentionally or unintentionally. Halacha is constantly evolving as new interpretations develop upon existing laws with time and place being taken into consideration when making decisions about how best to observe them in contemporary times. This approach allows traditional beliefs to remain relevant even in our modern age making them accessible for all generations which provides a sense of continuity for Jews around the world regardless if they live in countries where Jewish tradition has been practiced for centuries or where Jews have just recently resettled due to persecution elsewhere.