Judaism: The Fundamentals

Explanation: The Torah ("teaching" in Hebrew) contains 5 books: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy. It is also called the Pentateuch. It forms the first part of the Hebrew Bible.

Explanation: Abraham is the first of the three patriarchs of Judaism (with Isaac and Jacob). According to Genesis, God made a covenant with Abraham, promising him numerous descendants and the land of Canaan.

Explanation: Shabbat begins on Friday evening at sunset and ends on Saturday evening. It commemorates the 7th day of Creation, when God rested. Observant Jews refrain from working.

Explanation: The Star of David (Magen David, "Shield of David") is a 6-pointed star formed by two overlapping triangles. It appears on the flag of Israel and is the most recognizable symbol of Judaism.

Explanation: Hanukkah (Festival of Lights) lasts 8 days. It commemorates the miracle of the oil flask that burned for 8 days instead of one during the rededication of the Temple of Jerusalem in 164 BCE.

Explanation: The Bar Mitzvah ("son of the commandment") is celebrated at age 13 for boys. The Bat Mitzvah for girls takes place at 12. The teenager becomes responsible for their religious duties.

Explanation: Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) is a day of total 25-hour fasting dedicated to atonement for sins and reconciliation with God. It is the holiest day in Judaism.

Explanation: The Western Wall (Kotel) is in Jerusalem. It is the last remnant of the Second Temple, destroyed by the Romans in 70 CE. Worshippers place written prayers between the stones.

Explanation: Passover commemorates the liberation of the Hebrews from slavery in Egypt, led by Moses. The festival lasts 7 or 8 days and includes the ritual Seder meal with unleavened bread (matzo).

Explanation: The traditional Menorah has 7 branches and symbolizes the 7 days of Creation. Not to be confused with the Hanukkiah, the 9-branch candelabrum used during Hanukkah (8 + 1 servant).

Explanation: Kashrut designates Jewish dietary laws. Compliant foods are called "kosher." Key rules include: prohibition of pork, separation of dairy and meat, ritual slaughter (shechita).

Explanation: Hebrew is the sacred language of Judaism. The Torah was written in biblical Hebrew. Modern Hebrew (Ivrit) became the official language of the State of Israel in 1948, after its revival in the 19th century.

Explanation: The rabbi ("master" in Hebrew) is a spiritual guide and Torah teacher. Unlike the Catholic priest, he is not an intermediary between God and the faithful. He can marry and have children.

Explanation: The shofar is a ram's horn blown during Rosh Hashanah and at the end of Yom Kippur. Its powerful sound is a call to repentance and spiritual introspection.

Explanation: There are an estimated 15 million Jews worldwide, mainly in Israel (~7 million) and the United States (~6 million). It is the smallest of the three major monotheistic religions.