Importance Of The Jewish Home

Question 1

What is the importance of a Jewish home?

Answer 1

The home is seen as a holy, safe space for Jewish people where they can pray, celebrate, and feel the presence of God (Shekhinah) on Shabbat.

Question 2

What is the Shema prayer?

Answer 2

• A prayer that can be found in the Torah which shares a belief in one God.
  -e.g. it says “ Adonai Echad” which means the Lord is one
  -Jews will pray the most important prayer in their religion, the Shema prayer, every morning, and night so they are always thinking about and worshipping, one God.

Question 3

What is the Mezuzah?

Answer 3

-This is a small scroll of parchment in a decorative case with the Shema prayer written on it. Mezuzahs are attached to the doorposts in Jewish homes.
-the Torah says “Inscribe them on the doorposts of your house”
-Jewish people will touch the mezuzah as they pass it and be reminded of their faith in one God and how this influence their actions by following the mitzvot rules.

Question 4

What is Shabbat?

Answer 4

-The day of rest. Jewish people celebrate Shabbat to remember the day that God rested during the creation of the world. -Jewish women will welcome the Shekhinah into the home on Shabbat by lighting two candles.
-e.g. The Ten Commandments says “Keep the Sabbath day holy”
-* Many Orthodox Jews take the commandment not to work literally and will prepare food in advance, setting timers to turn lights on or to cook food.