Do You Know Judaism? Trivia Quiz

Answer: Hashem

Hashem comes from the Hebrew word "HaShaim", meaning, "the name". We do not normally refer to God by his actual name unless in prayer, because it is so holy. There are many different names forGod, all relating to different traits. Hashem is the name we use when referring to God indirectly, to preserve the holiness of His name.

Answer: Not worshipping idols

The three things that we are commanded to be killed rather than transgress are: worshiping idols, killing (although self-defense is not counted) and inappropriate marriages (incest). All other commandments may be transgressed if it is a case of life or death.

Answer: Turn on a light

Turning on a light, though it may not seem like much work, falls under the category of starting a fire, which is work. Some people think that running is not a respectful thing to do on Shabbat, but there is no direct prohibition. Eating leavened foods is prohibited only on Passover. Going outside is never prohibited, but one must be careful about the laws of carrying on Shabbat.

Answer: Cutting a grapefruit

Cutting is usually not permissible, but for food-related items it is. However, the other three all fall under categories of work that was done to build the Tabernacle. Washing a stain off of clothing is connected to bleaching, something that was done in preparation for making the curtains. Braiding hair is connected to tying a permanent knot, which is forbidden. Watching television is also like making a fire because of the electricity.

Answer: When making Kiddush on Friday night

"Shehechiyanu" is a blessing that is said when you do something for the first time, or for the first time in a while. Some people say shehechiyanu when wearing new clothing. When sitting in a sukkah we say shehechiyanu because we haven't done it in a year.

The same thing applies to Hanukkah candles. However, we make Kiddush every Friday night, therefore it is not something to which this blessing applies.

Answer: blessing

We say "brachot" (the plural of "bracha") before and after eating, before doing mitzvot, during prayer, and many other times throughout the day. There are multiple ways to say God. House is translated as "bayit", and a commandment is a "mitzvah". "Bracha" is a very important Hebrew word to know!

Answer: Honor them after they are dead

Honoring a dead body is considered the biggest hesed because it can never be repaid by the person it was done to. This includes attending a funeral and helping to prepare the body for burial. Giving charity is also a great kindness, but there are different levels to it.

The best way to give charity is anonymously. Judaism is one of the only non-evangelistic religions. We are not looking to convert people. If someone really wants to convert, they must prove it first, but then it would be a great kindness to help them. Being kind to someone when they are sad is very nice, but there is no direct commandment for it.

Answer: 12

Even though some other forms of Judaism celebrate the coming of age of women to be at 13, Orthodox Jews consider that to be really for men. At the age of 12 Jewish women are considered adults. In olden days Jewish girls were often married at the time of their Bat Mitzvah, because that was considered the age of maturity.

Answer: A woman covering her hair after marriage

Orthodox women traditionally cover their hair after they are married so it can be private for their husband. However, many women (Orthodox included) do not keep this practice anymore. Keeping Shabbat and wearing kippot are done to show we believe in God, and there is no rule about Jews driving after dark.

Answer: It cannot be eaten with any type of condiment

All Kosher animals (except for birds and fish, which have separate requirements) must be mammals, chew their cud, and have split hooves. In addition, Kosher meat is salted to drain out all the blood.