the monotheistic religion of the Jews having its beliefs and ethical principles embodied chiefly in the Torah and in the Talmud

the whole of the Hebrew scriptures - written in classical Hebrew - divided into 3 parts

Means "teaching" or "instruction" - first 5 books of the Hebrew Bible: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy. Also known as the Pentateuch or the 'Law of Moses', believed to be written by Moses according to the tradition. Written in Hebrew. Contains the oral tradition and other writings that existed prior to the destruction of the First Temple of Jerusalem in 586 BCE. Two types of material: narratives about the history of the world, humanity and the Hebrew people; and the divine commandments/laws.

8 book of prophets (eg Isaiah, Jeremiah and Ezekiel) - the second division of the TaNak. Interpreted the Exile as God punishing the people of Israel for their sins, rather than the god of the conquerors having conquered the G-d of Israel.

"Writings"; the third section of the Hebrew scriptures containing 11 books consisting primarily of wisdom literature, poetry, proverbs, psalms and a love song. Some of these books (Song of Songs, Ruth, Lamentations, Ecclesiastes and Esther) are read in the Synagogue on specific holidays. Psalms are found in the siddur (prayer book).

known as the oral Torah - completed 600 CE - records debates and discussions by ancient rabbis over several hundred years - combines halakhah (religious law) and aggadah (story) - divided into 2 components: the Mishnah and the Gemara.

a commentary on the Torah - completed in 200 CE - collection of legal rulings and opinions - discussing the 613 mitzvot, filling in gaps and interpreting ambiguities

an Aramaic commentary relating to the Mishnah

means 'to inquire' - a collection of interpretations on the books of the TaNak - it makes connections between new Jewish realities and the unchanging Biblical text.

A commandment from God found in the Torah - 613 in all. Many relate to "love of one's neighbour as oneself' (Lev 19:18), not acting towards others with vengeance and malice, actions to relieve oppression of the poor and to prevent the corrupt use of power.

also known as Progressive or Liberal; adapts its beliefs and practices to the norms of modern society; accepts that ideas of the divine are expressed in human terms and therefore beliefs and practices may change and evolve. Emphasises equality and working with others to make the world a better place by promoting ethical monotheism throughout the world, especially working for the disadvantaged.

means 'right belief' and 'right practice' - advocates the full observance of Jewish religious law (halakhah) interpreted in a traditional way, hence the title 'observant Jews'. Sees the law recorded in the Torah as a direct expression of God's will and its unchanging nature - 'the Torah is eternal'. Any changes must be based on Talmudic commentaries and be recognised by rabbis.

occupies the middle ground between Orthodox and Reform Judaism - stresses the authority of halakhah (religious laws) but also accepts that change is permissible and necessary. Usually maintain traditional Jewish practices but have allowed some changes to role for women eg read from Torah in synagogue and being counted as part of a minyan. It is the largest and most popular form of Judaism in America.

Christian sacred text which consists of the Jewish/Hebrew scriptures (often referred to as the 'Old Testament') and the Christian scriptures commonly known as the New Testament or Second Testament.

means total submission or committing oneself totally to Allah, PBUH. A religion based on the teachings of the prophet Mohammed PBUH which stresses belief in one God (Allah) who is Creator and Judge, and a body of law written in the Qur'an. Submission will bring salvation to the believer.