Jewdaism: Practices

Question 1

The synagogue

Answer 1

Jewish place of worship.
Inside you find:
The Ark - Where the Torah scrolls are kept. It is the holiest place, focal point and represents the Ark of the Covenant.
Ner Tamid - An oil/electric light placed in front of and above the Ark, representing God’s presence and is never put out.
Bimah - A reading platform for Torah in the centre of the synagogue.

Question 2

Traits of Orthodox synagogue

Answer 2

Daily services
Person leading the service faces the Ark
In hebrew
Men and women seperated
Congregation can arrive late and catch up

Question 3

Traits of Reform synagogues

Answer 3

Services on Shabbat and festivals
In hebrew and local language
Leader faces congregation most the time
Men and women together
Services shorter but more rigid with a set start time

Question 4

Orthodox Judaism

Answer 4

Traditional
Strictly follow the laws as it was given directly to Moses from God
Me and women have different roles

Question 5

Reform Judaism

Answer 5

Progressive
Emphasise induvidual choice in how to worship the faith, beleive the Torah was inspired by God and written by humans
Men and women can take the same roles

Question 6

Daily service structure

Answer 6

Opening prayers said
The Shema is recited
The Amidah - The standing prayer, done in silence facing Jerusalem
Torah reading
Final prayers said

Question 7

Prayer attire

Answer 7

Tallit - A shawl from wool or silk with a long tassle at each corner. It reminds Jews they are obeying God and tassles represent mitzvot.

Tefillin - A pair of small leather boxes containg extracts of the Torah, fastend with leather straps to forehead and upper arm. Reminding Jews their mind should be fully concentrated and they pray from the heart.

Question 8

Shabbat

Answer 8

Jewish holy day lasting from Friday sunset to Saturday sunset. All work is done and everything prepared for Friday evening as no work is allowed on Shabbat, everyone sits down to have a special meal.

Two candles are placed on the table to represent the commandments ‘remember’ and ‘preserve’ Shabbat.
Two loaves of challah bread to represent the food God provided the Israelites in the wilderness.
Wine or grape juice drunk from the Kiddush cup symbolising joy and celebration

The end is marked with the Havdalah service where blessings are performed over wine, spices and a candle.

Question 9

Synagogue on Shabbat

Answer 9

There is a short service on Friday evening where Shabbat is welcomed like a bride.
And a longer main one on Saturday morning. Includes a reading from the Torah, a sermon as well as prayers and blessings.