Jewish Practices Flashcards
What is a synagogue and what is its importance to Jews?
A synagogue is a Jewish place of worship but is also a centre for many Jewish social events. It is known as “house of prayer”, “house of study”, “shul”(which means school) or “temple”. It’s main 4 uses are for worship/prayer, education/study, social events and charitabl events
What are the main features of a synagogue?
The Ark is where the Torah scrolls are kept and is the holiest place in the synagogue as it represents the original Ark of the Covenant and the Jewish Temple in which it was kept in.
The Ner Tamid(ever burning light) is a light (traditionally oil, but nowadays many synagogues use an electric lamp) that’s placed in front of the Ark. It reminds Jews of the menorah that was lit in the Jewish Temple and symbolises God’s presence so is never put out.
The Bimah is the platform from which the Torah is read. It provides a focal point for the Jewish congregation to look at. Some Jews are also reminded of the courtyard outside the Temple.
Most Synagogues also have menorahs, stars of David and Jewish symbols, however images of God aren’t allowed
What are the main differences between Orthodox and Reform synagogues?
Orthodox-Services are daily and in only Hebrew. Men and women sit separately, and the person leading the service faces the Ark. Men cover their heads with a skull cap, and married women wear a scarf or hat on their head. Singing is not accompanied
Reform-Services are only usually on Shabbat and main celebrations and in both Hebrew and the country’s native language. Men and women sit together, and the person leading the service faces the congregation. Mose men wear a skull cap and some women do as well. Singing may be accompanied by instruments.
What is the format of a standard Jewish service in an Orthodox Synagogue and what do Jews use to pray?
The tallit is a prayer shawl. It has many tassels to represent the mitzvoth. The tefillin are black boxes that the Jews wear to remind them to only focus on God when praying. An Orthodox service will start with some opening prayers. It is followed by the Shema, the prayer that states what Jews believe in. This is followed by the Amidah. The Amidah consists of 19 blessings: 3 to praise God, 13 to ask God for help, and 3 to thank God. Sometimes the Amidah is followed by a reading in the Torah. Finally, there are closing prayers.
How is Shabbat celebrated in the Synagogue?
There are two main service on Shabbat: one on the Friday evening, and one during Saturday midday. The Friday one is a short 45 minute service. In it Shabbat is welcomed like a bride into the family and at the end of it the Rabbi says the Kiddush. The Saturday service is longer and has a reading from the Torah. The readings are split so over a year the entire Torah is read.
How is Shabbat prepared for and celebrated in the home?
On Shabbat no work can be done so all preparations are done before. All washing and cooking is done before. The table is set with the best cutlery and crockery, and at least two candles. Two loaves of challah bread and sweet wine or grape juice is also set. After the sunagogue service on Friday the family has their evening meal. A female member lights the candles and the family then say the Kiddush while holding the Kiddush cup and then eat. The bread is cut and dipped in sugar. On the Saturday, after the synagogue, the family eat another special meal and spend the day together as a family. They may also study the Torah. Shabbat is ended with the Havladah celebration, which is marked when 3 stars can be seen in the sky.
What happens on a Jewish girl’s naming ceremony?
On the first Shabbat after birth all Jewish babies are blessed at the synagogue. In orthodox, the father blesses and asks God for his wife and child to have good health. In reform both parents take part. A girl’s name will be announced at this point too.
What is brit milah?
A ceremony that happens when the boy is 8 days old. A close friend or relative places the baby on a chair to symbolise Elijah. A mohel circumcises the boy and his name is announced. The boy is blessed over wine.
What is the redemption of the first born son?
When an Orthodox Jew has their first born son the parents will often give a small amount of money to charity 31 days after the birth. This represents when parents would give 5 silver coins to redeem their son from temple service
What is a betrothal?
The period of time before the marriage, usually 12 months. Betrothal is a legal status in Judaism.
What happens in a Jewish marriage?
Before the wedding the couple may fast to cleanse themselves from sin. The betrothal ceremony usually happens first, where the bride and groom stand under the canopy called a shuppah and put the rings on. The marriage contract (the ketubah) is then signed with witnesses, then read out to the bride. The 7 blessings are read followed by a speech from the rabbi, then the groom breaks a glass and rhey have a party.
What happens in the first period of mourning(the first 24 hours)?
When the death is first announced mourners will make a tear in their clothes and say a blessing that refers to God as the true judge. The funeral must happen within 24 hours if possible and mourners are allowed to ignore some Jewish rules to mourn.
What is Shiva?
Shiva is an 7 day period of intense mourning right after the funeral. Mourners don’t work, stay at home, have 3 prayers a day, don’t wear makeup, don’t shave or cut their hair, and cover mirrors
What is the third period of mourning?
A 30 day period after shiva ends. Mourners carry on with life, but don’t party, shave or cut their hair and male mourners say the kaddish daily.
What is the final period of mourning?
It lasts 11 months and mourners don’t attend parties.
