Terms Used
Amidah, or “Standing” because it is prayed standing up, is a series of 19 prayers said twice daily by observant Jews. According to tradition, the prayer, in oral forms, goes back to the days of Ezra’s revival of the Temple.
Shema, or “Hear,” refers to Deuteronomy 6:4-9. Many recite these verses twice daily, along with Deuteronomy 11:13-21, and Numbers 15:37-41.
Torah refers to the first five books in the Bible: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. These are also called the “books of Moses.” The Torah presents, among many other things, God’s Law and commandments including the well known Ten Commandments.(The idea of “Ten Commandments” is well known. Most can’t list them. There’s another great exercise for believers: memorize the Ten Commandments.)
Tzedekah is charity and philanthropic acts.
