J1- Worship Flashcards
What is an ark?
A cupboard that stores the torah scrolls
it faces towards Jerusalem
it symbolizes the ark of the covenant (Moses’ times)
What are Torah scrolls?
God’s words written by hand in Hebrew
They are dressed, tied with a sash, wrapped in cloth and a metal breastplate is hung before it (like the one worn by temple priests)
Menorah/Hanukkiah
Menorah-seven branched lampstand lit always in the temple
Hanukkiah- nine branched lampstand lit during Hanukkah in synagogue (represents the one in the temple)
Ner tamid
means ‘eternal light’
always lit at the front of synagogues. Represents the presence of God
Star of David
Used to identify Jewish place of worship.
Bimah
The reading table that the Torah scroll is on when read. usually raised and in the middle of the room.
Doesn’t let the Torah touch the ground
Yad
The pointer used when reading the Torah.
Prevents dirty hands from ruining the ink on Torah.
Rabbi
The teacher who teaches the Torah. Also gives advice to the community.
Chazzan/Hazzan
They lead prayers and the singing of Hymns in a synagogue.
Amud/Lectern
Small desk used to put the Rabbi or the Hazzan’s notes on when teaching.
Women’s gallery
The place where women stay in the synagogue. They are separated so that people can focus of prayer and not each other (Orthodox and conservative)
What is the difference between Orthodox/Conservative and Reform Judaism?
Men and women are allowed in the same room
Women can be Hazzans or Rabbis
Women can be apart of the Minyan
Orthodox/Conservative Judaism
They try to stick with the law exactly as laid out in the torah. They dont change or adapt the law.
Reform Judaism
They adapt the law of the Torah to fit with the modern society
What is a synagogue?
Jewish place of worship
other names for synagogue and their meaning
Beit Knesset- House of Gathering (Community)
Beit Midrash- House of learning (Learning)
Beit Tefilah- House of Prayer (Celebration)
What are the Bat and Bar Mitzvah?
The Bat (Female) and the Bar (Male) Mitzvah are events celebrated when a Jewish turns 13 to celebrate becoming an adult. It means that their parents are no longer in charge of their faith in God
Who are the Minyans?
People who perform certain prayers
Minimum of 10 adult jews (anyone who has done Bar or Bat Mitsvah)
Reform have women in this group while Orthodox have only men
Why are there no images in the Synagogue?
In Jewish it is a huge sin to worship idols, so God isn’t represented in any for of artwork just incase it creates a distraction from God.
What is the order of the Synagogue Service?
Introductory Prayers
Barechu
Reciting the Shema
Blessing of the Shema
Amidah
Reading of the Torah
Concluding Prayer
Introductory Prayers
The content varies on time of day and time of year
Barechu
The call to worship
Official start of the service
Reciting the Shema
Worshippers will say the statement of faith
Considered most important
Blessing of the Shema
Prayers said on themes of creation, revelation and redemption
Amidah
Private prayers from the siddur (Jewish prayer book)
Weekday: Petition, praise of God, thanksgiving
Shabbat: no petition, ‘sanctification of the day’
Reading of the Torah
Member of Congression reads the torah and Rabbi teaches and explains reading
Concluding prayers
Starts with Aleinu (Praying of the time when everyone worships one God)
Shabbat- Kaddish is also said (predicts the Messianic age)
A song is sung
