J1 - Worship

Question 1

Synagogue

Answer 1

Jewish place of worship, meaning assembly or place of assembly

Question 2

Main features of Synagogue

Answer 2

Ark (contains Torah scrolls)
Rabbi/Hazzan’s seat
Bimah (reading desk)
Ner Tamid (Eternal light)
Yad (pointer used to read the Torah)
The Synagogue faces Jerusalem

Question 3

Importance of Synagogue

Answer 3

There are 3 key areas:
Community
Learning
Celebrations/festivals/rites of Passage

Question 4

Synagogue and community

Answer 4

Synagogue act as a community hub, place for those who are in God’s covenant made through key figures (ex. Abraham and Moses) Hebrew name ‘Beit Knesset’ meaning House of Gathering

Question 5

Synagogue and Learning

Answer 5

There are opportunities to learn scripture and Jewish history in Synagogue. children will learn Hebrew for reading Torah, for Bar/Bat Mitzvah. Hebrew name ‘Beit Midrash’ meaning House of Learning

Question 6

Synagogue and Celebration

Answer 6

There will be weekly Shabbat services in the Synagogue and important celebrations (ex. Pesach and Yom Kippur) will be held in the Synagogue. Hebrew name ‘Beit Tefilah’ meaning House of Prayer.

Question 7

Orthodox Judaism

Answer 7

Judaism/Jewish community that try to stick to the law in Torah, do not change or adapt laws.

Question 8

Reform Judaism

Answer 8

Communities that adapt the law of Torah more fit to modern society.

Question 9

The Minyan

Answer 9

Many prayers are required to perform Minyan. It requires minimum of 10 adult Jews. Orthodox Judaism this would mean 10 men that have been through Bar Mitzvah, in Reform Judaism this could be men and women that have been through Bar/Bat Mitzvah)

Question 10

Bar Mitzvah

Answer 10

‘It mean son of the commandment’ in Hebrew. A Jewish religious ritual and family celebration happening on a boy’s 13th birthday. (Bat Mitzvah for a girl)

Question 11

Torah

Answer 11

First 5 books of the Bible (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deutoronomy). It is a source of every Jewish law, and shows how God wants Jews to live.

Question 12

Yom Kippur

Answer 12

Holiest day of year in Judaism (theme: atonement and repentance) Jewish would have a day-long fest, confession and prayer. They would often spend time in synagogue services.

Question 13

Covenant

Answer 13

relationship between two people who made promises to each other.

Question 14

Shabbat (Sabbath)

Answer 14

Day of holiness and rest by Jews (symbol of God’s day of rest on the 7th day after the accound in Genesis 1)Begins at sunset on Friday and ends with sunset on Saturday. It is the only holy day that is specifically commanded in the 10 commandments.

Question 15

Shema

Answer 15

It is a declaration of faith affiring the monotheistic belief(belief about there is only one God) on Judaism, a reminder for Jews that their prayers are directed only to God. It is a start of all Jewish prayers.

Question 16

3 main periods of Shema

Answer 16

Shacharit (morning)
Minchah (midday)
Ma’ariv (evening)

Question 17

Amidah

Answer 17

means a standing prayer (considered most important prayer of synagogue) contains 19 blessings, it is services that take place on weekdays

Question 18

19 blessings of Amidah

Answer 18

First 3: praise God and ask mercy
Middle 13: Ask for God’s help
Last 3: Thank God for opportunity to serve him and pray for peace, goodness, kndness and compassion.

Question 19

Kaddish

Answer 19

A hymn of praise to God, it is mostly about praising God blessed, praised, glorified, etc.) It is used to end the main section of Synagogue services (often on Shabbat)

Question 20

Aleinu

Answer 20

Means upon us. focusing on the obligation or duty of Jewish people to praise God. Focuses on hope that one true God will be worshipped by all. part of closing prayer of services.