Jewish Practices Flashcards
What is the Shema?
The Shema is a declaration of faith, recited in the morning and evening, emphasizing the oneness of God.
Example: “Hear, O Israel, the Lord your God”
How many times a day is the Shema recited?
The Shema is recited three times a day: morning (Shacharit), afternoon (Minachah), and evening (Ma’ariv).
What is spontaneous prayer?
Spontaneous prayer is a personal prayer offered at any time, reflecting a personal and sincere connection with God.
(Some ultra-orthodox Jews discourage this as they believe that prayers should be serious and thought out)
What is a Mezuzah?
A Mezuzah is a container that holds a scroll with the Shemah prayer, placed on doorposts of Jewish homes.
What direction should one face when praying?
One should face Jerusalem when praying, as it is considered the holy city. (Temple was built there too)
What is the significance of keeping mitzvot in the home?
Keeping mitzvot in the home fosters a personal connection to faith and allows for informal worship.
Also because of persecution (400 years of slavery), they didn’t have access to public worship therefore had to worship privately.
Quote “talk about them when you sit at home”
What does the acronym C-A-T-S stand for in prayer?
C - Confession, A - Adoration, T - Thanksgiving, S - Supplication.
Quote from Shemah that commands parents to teach their children the prayer and the commandments.
“Impress them on your children”
What direction do synagogues face?
Synagogues are built facing Jerusalem.
What is another word for synagogue?
Shul, which literally means school.
Who was the first king of the Israelites?
David
When was the first temple built?
The first temple was built by Solomon, the son of David in 1000 BC
What significant event happened in 587 BC?
The Babylonian exile, when Jerusalem was conquered and the first temple was destroyed.
When was the second temple built?
The second temple was built in 516 BC.
What happened in 70 AD?
The Romans destroyed the second temple.
What is the Western Wall?
A remnant of the second temple, also known as the Wailing Wall.
What is the significance of images in the synagogue?
There are no images of God or people in the synagogue, following the commandment ‘do not make images or anything in heaven.’
What is a Bimah?
A raised platform where the Torah is read, representing the altar in the temple. (Symbolises that gods words are above them)
What is the Ark in a synagogue?
The Ark holds the Torah scrolls and is the centerpiece of the synagogue. “Construct an Ark of acacia wood” — “make it out of your purest gold”
What is a Mikveh?
A large bath used for Jewish purification rituals, where women are required to bathe before marriage. Also used for when converting into Judaism
What does the Ner Tamid represent?
The everlasting light above the Ark that symbolizes the omnipresence of God. “Let there be light”
What does the term ‘Minyan’ refer to?
Minimum amount of Jews required for a formal synagogue service (10) “how long will this evil assembly provide complaints against me”
List three Orthodox ‘practices’ in the synagogue
Any three from:
- only men can be rabbis
- three daily services all in Hebrew
- men and women sit separately to not get distracted
- only men over 13 years old can form a minyan
- only men can wear a kippah and Talit
- strict Shabbat rules
- married women are required to wear a shawl
State 3 Reform ‘practices’ in the synagogue
Any 3 from:
- women can be rabbis
- don’t usually have daily services
- all genders sit together
- men and women are counted towards the Minyan
- women can wear kippah and talit
- less strict with Shabbat rules
- service in local language AND Hebrew
What is a Kippah?
A Kippah is a cloth dome that sits on the crown of your head, symbolizing God being above us.
Example: “David went up mount olives with his head covered.”
Who wears a Kippah in Orthodox Judaism?
In Orthodox Judaism, men wear a Kippah at all times from ages 13 and up.
Who can wear a Kippah in Reform Judaism?
In Reform Judaism, both women and men can wear a Kippah, but there are no fixed rules.
What is a Talit?
A Talit is a shawl worn around the shoulders while praying, literally meaning to cover.
What do the tassels on a Talit represent?
The tassels serve as reminders of the 613 Mitzvot and the obligation to God.
Example: “Make tassels on your garments… they will serve as reminders.”
Who wears a Talit in Orthodox Judaism?
In Orthodox Judaism, all men over 13 wear a Talit during prayer.
Who wears a Talit in Reform Judaism?
In Reform Judaism, men are encouraged to wear a Talit, and women can wear it during prayer.
What is the Talmud?
The Talmud combines the Mishnah and the Gemara, providing explanations and interpretations of the Torah.
What does the Gemara do?
The Gemara is a commentary on the Mishnah that gives further discussions and interpretations.
What is the Tefillin?
2 small boxes worn on your forehead and left arm (contains scripture)
Why is the Tefillin worn on your forehead and your left arm?
God being closer to your brain (desicion making and always thinking about him) and god being close to your heart.
“Tie them on your arms and wear them on your head”
Orthodox beliefs about tefillin
All men over 13 must wear for morning prayer
Reform beliefs about tefillin
Not mandatory, encourages to wear it during morning prayer (women too)
What is Shabbat?
A day of spiritual renewal and rest, beginning at sunset on Friday and ending at night fall on Saturday.
“Remember the sabbath day and keep it holy”
What is the Oranodox view on Shabbat?
- Total ban on all work.
- very strict rules
- includes driving and carrying things
- emphasises on prayer, family and study.
- strict dietary laws
- specific Shabbat meals
What is the Reform perspective on Shabbat?
- Focus on spiritual reflection
- not as strict
- ethical
- creative rituals for the spirituality of Shabbat
- connection to Jewish heritage
How is Shabbat celebrated in the home?
- house is deep cleaned (to get rid of any bread crumbs), food prepared, formal clothes
- gather for evening meal at sunset
- as the sun disappears the eldest woman of the house lights the candle (marks start of Shabbat)
- cover their eyes while praying so that they wont get distracted
- kiddush prayer is said “ you invested us with your holy Shabbat.
- no electronics
What is prohibited on Shabbat?
Use of electronics and engaging in work.
What does the phrase ‘God blessed the seventh day and made it holy’ signify?
It emphasizes the sanctity of Shabbat.
How is shabbat at the synagogue?
Attend on either Friday night or Saturday morning.
Special service called ‘Kabbalat-Shabbat’ (candle lighting ceremony)
What is the traditional bread eaten on Shabbat?
Challah (they have 2 loafs, one they purposely burn which symbolises the destruction of the temple. The other which is salted for the tears of the suffering)
On Shabbat how many customary meals are there?
3
What type of meat is commonly served during Shabbat meals?
Roast chicken or beef
