8.1 Public Acts Of Worship Flashcards
Most common form of worship is…
Prayer
What do most of the services involve? And why?
Reciting written prayers in the synagogue
It reminds Jews that they are part of a community
Individuals are reminded of their place within the context of other Jews
What does public worship allow?
Individuals to spend regular time in praise, request, and thanks of God
Jews around the world to follow very similar services, which brings a sense of unity
What are the main public act of worship that take place within the synagogue?
Daily prayer services (three times a day)
The Shabbat (Sabbath) services
The festival services
What is the Amidah?
Known as ‘the standing prayer’
Focuses on the gift of Shabbat and the reasons for Shabbat rather than personal need
What is daily prayers?
Can prayer anywhere
Expected to pray 3 times a day: morning (Shacharit), afternoon (Mincha), evening (Ma’ariv)
Orthodox synagogues prayers: usually said in Hebrew
Reform and Liberal synagogue prayers: Hebrew and English
Extra info about daily prayer services (3 points)
Often stand to pray - reminder of God’s presence
Prayers are usually said silently when praying alone
The Siddur contains the daily prayers which vary throughout the calendar
What is the Siddur?
Book of daily prayers
Means ‘order’ or ‘sequence’
Importance of synagogue services
Unites the local community in prayer and study
—> reminding them of their place within worldwide Jewish community
Provides time for the individual to offer their own prayer of praise and thanksgiving
Experience Shekhinah
Worship was in Temple (until it was destroyed)
—> moved to synagogues
Jews pray towards Israel
Believe that God will take action and respond to their prayers
What three elements consist of private prayer?
Thanksgiving
Prayer of praise
Prayers that ask for things
Quote 1 (community, Psalm 116:12-19)
“I will fulfil my vows to the Lord in the presence of all his people”
Quote 2 (returning)
“What shall I return to the Lord for all his goodness to me”
—> there way of giving back and thanking God for his goodness
Public worship facts (from video)
Orthodox - men and women worship separately
Tefillin - wearing a box on arm and forehead (Shema inside)
Kippah - hat
Pray at the same time
Prayer shawl (tallit)
Repeatedly bowing whilst praying
What does the Mishna list?
39 things not to do on Sabbath
e.g. bathing, sewing
Torah Law…
Keep the Sabbath day holy as day of rest
Daily prayer allows…
Regular prayer
Connecting in faith as a family
Individual prayer allows…
Personal reflection and solitary time with God
Constant prayer keeps…
God in an individuals heart and mind and allows spontaneous opportunity for thanksgiving
Shabbat prayer brings…
Family and friends together in regular celebration
What is the Mezuzah?
On the door of most Jewish households
Contains the Shema
—> touched when entering and leaving the house
Quote 3 (the Mezuzah, Deuteronomy 28:4)
“You will be blessed when you come in and blessed when you go out”
Quote 4 (daily prayers, Psalm 55:18)
“Evening, morning, and noon, I supplicate and moan; and He has heard my voice”
Importance of synagogue worship for the Jewish community
Worship in community with those who share the same beliefs
—> to worship Him with all your heart and soul
It is needed for the Jewish community to enhance Shabbat
Provides an opportunity to share and celebrate family occasions
Required for the community to celebrate great festivals
Importance of synagogue worship for the individual
Worshipping in synagogue gives a sense of belonging to a whole Jewish community
Gives order and purpose to peoples religious life
Gives time for reflection
The sermons from the Rabbi provide an opportunity to discover more about what it means to be a Jew
