Chapter 10 - Judaism: Practices Flashcards
Why is a synagogue important for Jews?
It is important because it forms the centre of the Jewish religious community. It is a place or prayer, study, social and charitable work, and a social centre.
What is a minyan?
A group of 10 adults; the minimum number of Jews required for a religious service.
What is a menorah?
A branched candlestick that holds seven or nine candles.
What is the Aron Hakodesh (the ark)?
Is the holiest place in the synagogue as this is where the sacred torah scrolls are kept.
What do Jews believe about The Ark?
The original Ark was created to hold the stone tablets which contained the Ten Commandments.
What is the ever-burning light (ner tamid)?
A light that burns at all times and symbolises Gods presence.
What is the reading platform (bimah)?
Raised platform where the torah scrolls are read and is the focus of worship.
What are orthodox and reform Jews?
Orthodox - Jews emphasis the importance of the laws in the Torah.
Reform - Jews who believe the laws and Torah can be adapted for modern times.
What is a Tefillin?
A small box that contains extracts from the Torah strapped to wearers arm.
What are the 3 series of blessings for prayer?
First three blessings praise God.
Middle thirteen blessings request for Gods help.
Final three blessings thank God and pray for peace and goodness.
What is the Amidah?
Known as the standing prayer and is the central prayer of Jewish worship.
Why is prayer important for Jews?
They believe that it is vital for communicating with God and it brings them closer to God.
What is shabbat?
The Jewish holy day of the week. It is seen as a day of renewal starting shortly before sunset on Friday and continuing to sunset on Saturday.
What does shabbat remind Jews of?
It reminds them of the covenants made between God and Jewish people.
What happens in the synagogue during shabbat?
The torah is held in front of the congregation while verses are chanted.
How is shabbat prepared in the home?
All the work is done and the home (food, clothes and cleaning) is prepared before Shabbat starts on Friday.
Why do Jews worship in the home?
They believe that every day is chance to worship God.
What is the tenakh?
The 24 books of Jewish scriptures.
What are the 3 parts of the tenakh?
Torah - five books of Moses and form the Jewish law.
Nevi’im (prophets) - 8 books continue the Jewish history and expand the Torah.
Ketuvim (writings) - 11 books that contain poems, stories, advice and more.
What is the Talmud?
A commentary by the rabbis on the Torah and consists of the Minshnah and Gemara.
Why are rituals important for Jewish family life?
The family is where the faith is preserved and passed.
What are the 3 ceremonies associated with birth?
Naming ceremony - boys are named 8 days after their birth.
Brit milah - ceremony of male circumcision.
Redemption of the first born son - they pay to redeem him from Temple service.
What is a Bar Mitzvah and a Bat Mitzvah?
Bar Mitzvah - celebrating a boy becoming the age of 13.
Bat Mitzvah - celebrating a girl becoming the age of 12.
What are the 2 step processes for Jewish marriage?
Betrothal - the 12 months before the wedding when the couple are engaged.
The wedding - the actual wedding ceremony itself.
