C5.1 - C5.3 Rites Of Passage Flashcards
Covenant
An agreement or contract
What is the Brit Milah
The covenant of circumcision, takes place on the 8th day after a boy’s birth
Who is the mohel
The trained circumciser
Who is the sandek
A family member or friend who holds the baby during the ceremony
Give 3 strengths and 3 weaknesses of Brit milah
Strengths -
- serves as a physical reminder of religion
- shows spiritual commitment
- is a Jewish tradition
Weaknesses -
- can’t ask child for consent
- can be unsafe
- is very painful
Give 3 strengths and 2 weaknesses of girls’ naming ceremonies
Strength -
- honour family traditions
- strengthen community bonds
- strengthen identity
Weaknesses -
- can be seen as out dated
- has a lack of relevance in modern secular context
Rite of passage
A ceremony or event marking an important stage in someone’s life
What do naming ceremonies mark in Judaism
Marks the start of the child’s journey within the Jewish community
Where do girls naming ceremonies take place
At the synagogue
What is the translation of Bar Mitzvah
Son of the law/commandments
What is the translation of Bat Mitzvah
Daughter of the law/commandments
When does a Bat/Bar Mitzvah take place
Bat - girls - at the age of 12
Bar - boys - at the age of 13
What does the Bat/Bar Mitzvah mark
Marks the time when the child becomes responsible for following Jewish laws
Key features of Bat/Bar Mitzvah
- preparation - child needs to learn Hebrew, Jewish laws, and prayers - takes 1 year
- synagogue service - reading from the Torah and may lead parts of the service e.g. prayers
- speech - talks about their faith journey - followed by blessing from rabbi
- celebration - family and friends gather to celebrate with food, music and dancing
What is the translation of Bat Chayil
Daughter of valour
Key features of Bat chayil
- study - girls learn about Jewish laws, traditions and values
- speech - give a speech about what they’ve learned
- celebration - small gathering of close friends and family, celebrated quietly
Chuppah
A canopy that symbolises the home that the couple will build together
What is the symbolism behind the chuppah
It has no walls symbolising how the new couple’s home will be welcoming
Ketubah
The marriage contract, it outlines the groom’s responsibilities to the bride
What is the symbolism behind the smashing of the glass
Symbolises the destruction of the temple, linking joy to history
Sheva Brachot
7 blessings, these blessing are recited for a cup of wine, blessing the couple and their marriage
Kiddushin
Betrothal, the first stage of the marriage ceremony
