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(GCSE) Religious Studies > Jewish Practices (Y10 - Summer 1) > Flashcards

Jewish Practices (Y10 - Summer 1) Flashcards

1
Q

What’s Inside a Jewish Synagogue? (9 Things)

A
  • The Star Of David: The symbol of Judiasm
  • The Ark: The cupboard that houses the Torah scrolls - the most important feature in the synagogue
  • The Ten Commandments: These decorate the Ark, reminding Jews of their important rules
  • A Yad: A pointe used to read the scrolls
  • The Bimah: A platform in the centre of the synagogue. The Torah scrolls are read from here.
  • The Menorah: A seven-branched candlestick - representing each day of God’s creation
  • Ner Tamid: (Eternal Light). It’s a lamp that is always burning, showing God is always present
  • Stained Glass Windows: Shows important symbols of faith
  • The Gallery: In Orthodox synagogues, the seating area upstairs is just for women.
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2
Q

What are the Definitions of Kippah, Tallit, Yad, Minyan, and Tefillin

A

Kippah - A small hat that men wear to cover their head whilst praying in the synagogue. This is out of respect for God

Tallit - Men cover themsleves with a tallit when the pray (while women can choose to). The Tzitzit on the fringes of the tallit symbolise the 613 mitzvot

Yad - A pointer that is used when the Torah is read. It means people don’t have to touch it with their hands and fingers

Minyan - A minyan is a group of 10 Jewish men (and women if it’s a reform synagogue) who are needed to take part in and start the service, as well as being needed to say prayers

Tefillin - A long band which men (and women if they want to) wrap around their head and arms when when praying. It contains the words of the Torah.

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3
Q

What is The Star of David and it’s Importance

A

The Star of David is the main symbol of Judaism and is well known around the world for this.

It’s thought that the Star of David us said to have represented the shield used by King David when he beat Gloiath in battle. David was King of Israel in the 10th Century BCE.

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4
Q

What is Ner Tamid and it’s Importance

A

Ner Tamid, meaning eternal light, is placed in front of and above the Ark in front of and above the Ark at the front of the Synagogue.

This light is kept buring at all times. It symbolises God’s presence so it is never put out, and is also a reminder of the Menorah that is lit every light in the the Temple in Jerusalem.

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5
Q

What is The Ark and it’s Importance

A

The Ark (Aron Hakodesh) is regarded as the holiest place in the synagogue, and is position right at the front of it. It contains the Torah scrolls, and has the 10 Commandments written on the doors.

The Ark is important, because it is where the sacred Torah scrolls are kept, while it represents the original Ark of the Covenant between Moses and God (on behalf of all Jews). It’s believed that the first Ark was once used to hold the stone tablets of the first set of the 10 Commandments given to Moses.

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6
Q

What is The Bimah and it’s Importance

A

The Bimah is a raised platform that is located in the very centre of the synagogue, meaning it is the centre of worship.

It is used when reading from the Torah and by the person leading the service. When the Torah scrolls are being read, this is the docus or worship. The Bimah can also be seen as a reminder that the alter was once the central feature in the courtyard of the Temple.

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7
Q

What is The Menorah and it’s Importance

A

The Menorah is a seven-branched candlestick that holds seven candles.

The Menorah is found in the synagogue and each seperate candlestick represents each day of God creating the Earth

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8
Q

What features make Orthodox Sevices different to Reform ones

A
  • Services are held daily
  • Leader of the service has his havk to the congregation and stays facing the Ark
  • Service is conducted in Hebrew
  • Singing is unaccompanied (no instruments/music)
  • Men and women sit separtely (women in the upstairs gallery, traditionally, but no they are separated on the same level)
  • Men and women pray separtely to avoid distractions or sexual thoughts
  • A greater level of personal connection with God is achieved when they only focus on prayer
  • All rabbis and men (and some women) cover their head in synagogues (or always if they choose). This can be done by wearing a kippah or a yamulkah
  • Congregation may arrive late
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9
Q

What features make Reform Sevices different to Orthodox ones

A
  • Services aren’t held daily, but are instead focused on Shabbat and religious festivals
  • Men and women are able to sit together
  • The leader faces the congregation at most times
  • Women are able to play a more active role in the service
  • Women can perform all rituals traditionally reserved for men (like being a rabbi, reading the Torah, being a cantor, or being part of the minyan)
  • Services are held in Hebrew and English (or whatever language the country speaks)
  • Reform services are shorter and more ridgedly structured
  • There are set times for the congregation to arrive and leave
  • Sining can be accompanied by instruments
  • Most men wear head covering and some women can choose to as well
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10
Q

The Layout of an Orthodox Synagogue

A

The Ark: Located at the very back and middle of the synagogue

Ner tamid: Positioned just in front of the Ark and slightly above

Bimah: Found in the very centre of the synagogue and has a desk at the front of it

Men’s Seats: At the left and right hand sides of the synagogue

Women’s Seats: At the very back of the synagogue, either raised up in a gallery, or behind a screen.

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11
Q

The Layout of an Reform Synagogue

A

The Ark: Located at the very back and middle of the synagogue

Ner tamid: Found next to/with the Ark

Organ: In the far corner beside the Ark and Bimah

Bimah: Is positioned right in front of the Ark

Men and Women’s Seats: Found at both the left and right hand sides of the Synagogue

Entrance Hall: At the very front of the synagoue and is where people enter

Prayer Hall: The hall that contains all of these things (The Ark, Ner tamid, Organ, Bimah and Men and Women’s Seating)

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12
Q

What 4 Things are Important For/To a Synagogue

A

Overall, the supynagogue is held and regarded as an extremely important place for all Jews. It can act as place for many different things to happen/take place, some of which include: Prayer, Study, Charity Work, and Socialising. These four main branches of what can happen is a synagogue are seen as four very important things that Jews should regularly practice, as it will lead them to live a good religious life.

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13
Q

How is the Synagogue used for Prayer?

A
  • The synagogue is a place where many people gather to celebrate a range of things, including religious services (festivals, Bat/Bar Mitzvah, Marriages, e.c.t).
  • It is a place where the sacred writing are kept and stored, making it a holy place for Jews.
  • The synagogue is a place people can go to pray and worship God.
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14
Q

How is the Synagogue used for Study?

A
  • An important function of the synagogue is to provide a house of study (Beit Midrash), where you can learn and prepare for Bat/Bar Mitzvah.
  • Some synagogues provide classes for learning Hebrew, which is importamt for Jews if they are going to be abke to fully take part in Jewish study, prayer, and worship.
  • Most synagogues have a library to enable adults to improve their knowledge and understanding of their faith.
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15
Q

How is the Synagogue used for Charity Work?

A
  • The synagogue can act almost as a central hub for charity work.
  • Synagogues and the Jews that run them will support the work of other known organisations such as World Jewish Relief.
  • The synagogue can finally be seen as a place of refuge and helps with providing aid after natural disasters.
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16
Q

How is the Synagogue used for Socialising?

A
  • Most synagogues have a social hall, which is used for both religious and non-religious purposes/things.
  • It provides a venue where things can be dicussed, and where items and mny other things can be distributed. The hall can be used for a lot of events and also charity work too.
  • The social hall can be used for a variety of activities for young children, like holding clubs, sports groups, and other clubs for senior citizens.
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17
Q

What things do Men wear for Morning Prayer (and their Definitions/Descriptions)

A

Kippah - All Jewish men cover their heads when they pray as a sign of respect for God. (Some women in Reform synagogues do as well)

Tallit - It is a woolen shawl. Shows the man is obeying God’s laws because each fringe (tzitzit) symbolises one of the 613 mitzvot given by God.

Tefillin - They are two leather boxes. One is worn on the upper left arm and the other on the forehead. Each contains the Shema and wearing them shows that the person loves God with all their heart and mind.

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18
Q

What 4 parts/things make up Daily Prayer Services

A
  1. Opening Prayers
  2. The Shema
  3. The Amidah (standing prayer)
  4. Final Prayers (praise and thanks)
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19
Q

How often do certain Jews pray for and how many people are needed to start a service?

A
  • Orthodox Jews pray three times a day - morning, afternoon, and evening
  • A minimum of ten adult males are required to start an Orthodox service
  • A minimum of ten adults (male or female) are needed to start a Reform service

(Your classed as an adult from 12 if you are a girl, and from 13 if you are a boy)

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20
Q

Quote For How Many People are Needed being Shekhinah (from the Talmud)

A

“Whenever ten are gathered for prayer, the Shekhinah is there”

(The Talmud)

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21
Q

What is the Amidah?

A
  • The Amidah is the central prayer of Jewish worship
  • It is prayed in silence and is done when facing Jerusalem
  • The Amidah forms the core of Jewish prayer services
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22
Q

What is the Amidah made up of (What does it consist of)?

A

In total, there are 19 blessings that make up the Amidah:

  • The first 3 blessings praise God and ask for mercy
  • The second 13 ask for his help
  • The last 3 are thanking God for the opportunity to serve him, and also to pray for peace.
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23
Q

What are the Aims of prayer in Judaism

A
  • To communicate with God (to ask him for help/for forgiveness)
  • To connect/build a relationship with God (to thank and praise him)
  • So you can focus your mind, heart, and soul on God (affirm your belief in him)
  • To strengthen the sense of Jewish community
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24
Q

How do Jews worship in the home?

A
  • In order to follow the Shema, Jews fix a mezuzah (small box containing verses from the Torah) to a doorpost outside their house.
  • Family also may study the Torah together.
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25
Q

What is the Talmud made up of? (+ Talmud Definition)

A

Talmud: Explanation of the Torah by the rabbis. Also called ‘oral law’.

-The Talmud is made up of two things: Mishnah and Gemara

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26
Q

What is Shabbat? (+ Quote telling you what not to do)

A

Shabbat is the Jewish holy day - from sunset on Friday to sunset on Saturday. It’s a day to rest, enjoy family life and worship God, as God commanded the Jews to ‘Keep the Sabbath day holy’.

Shabbat is the celebration of creation (God rested on the seventh day) and is described in poetry as a bride or queen.

Quote:
“You shall not burn a fire in your dwelling (home) on the day of Shabbat”
(Exodus 35:3)

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27
Q

What happens in the Synagogue on Shabbat? (Stages of a Service on Shabbat)

A
  1. Every Friday evening there is a breif prayer service held in the synagogue.
  2. This often includes a family service, with storytelling, discussion, games, and music
  3. A further service in the synagogue on Saturday morning includes a reading from the Torah
  4. While the Torah is being read (from the Bimah) the congregation stand. This reminds them that the Israelites stood at the bottom of Mount Sinai when Moses returned with the Ten Commandments.
  5. After the reading, the Torah scrolls are dressed again, then paraded around the synagogue - giving people the opportunity to be close to God’s word.
  6. Many touch the Torah with their tzitzit (tassels on their tallit) and then touch their lips - showing that God’s words should be on their lips.
  7. On leaving the synagogue, Jews wish each other ‘Shabbat Shalom’ (have a peaceful shabbat).
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28
Q

What do Jewish Rabbis do before, during and after services?

A
  • The day starts with a prayer service (in Hebrew). Sometimes the Torah is read
  • The rabbi either prays alongside the congregation or leads the service
  • The tefillin is worn on weekday services, along with the tallit and kippah when they pray
  • People ask the rabbi questions after the service and he helps them with anything
  • The people then go home and have breakfast, as they want keep the most important part of their day before they do absolutely anything else
  • The rabbi after the service will go and lots of work in the wider community, like visiting schools and hospitals
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29
Q

What is the Havdalah Ceremony and what do you do in it?

A
  • When three stars appear in the sky on Saturday evening, Shabbat is over
  • This event is marked with a little ceremony called Havdalah
  • The family sip wine and recite a special blessing (wishing one another a good week) over spices and the light of a plaited candle
  • The plaited candle shows how intertwined and strong the Jewish Community are
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30
Q

What three ways do the family prepare for Shabbat

A

In Jewish homes, all the work is done and the home is prepared before shabbat begins.

The house is cleaned, the food is prepared, and the family washes and changes into clean, smart clothes.

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31
Q

What is placed onto the table at the start of Shabbat and why

A

The table is set with the best cutlery and crockery, and at least two candles: these relresent the two commandments to remmeber and observe Shabbat. Many homes also have an additional candle for each family member. Wine/grake juice and two loaves of challah bread are also placed on the table, while the loaves are covered with a special cover when possible.

They do this because Shabbat is often seen as being like welcoming a special bride or queen into the home.

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32
Q

What do the two Challah loaves and the Wine/Grape Juice represent

A

The two loaves represent the two portions of manna (a type of food) that God provided for the Israelites on Shabbat while their were in the wilderness.

The bread is blessed, broken into peices and sprinkled with salt and passed round to each person.

Drinking the sweet wine/grape juice on Shabbat symbolises joy and celebration.

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33
Q

Who Lights the Candles and What do they do?

A

A female member of the family (usually the wife and mother) has the honour of lighting the candles. She lights them around 18 minutes before sunset and once they are lit, she welcomes in the Shabbat. She does the by waving/beckoning with her arms around the candle, and then covers her eyes to recite a blessing. She also says a prayer asking God to bless the family.
(If no women are present, a man will do this instead)

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34
Q

What happens just before the Friday meal

A

After the evening service in the synagogue, the family return home and the oarents bless their children, and the head of the house recites the Kiddush blessings while holding up the Kiddush cup. The family say Amen at the end of each blessing. Each family memeber then washes their hands as an act of purification before taking their place ready for the meal.

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35
Q

What happens at the beginning of the Friday meal

A

Once everyone is seated, the head if the household removes the cover from the challah loaves and lifts them up while saying a blessing. The bread is cut into slices or broken into peices and is dripped/sprinkled in salt before being passed round to everyone. Then the meal begins and ends with a prayer of thanksgiving for the food.

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36
Q

What happens on the Saturday of the Shabbat

A

On Saturday morning the family may go to the synagogie then enjoy another special meal at home. During the afternoon, families spend time relaxing with one another and sometimes study the Torah together.

Finally, Shabbat ends with the Havdalah service. This takes place once three stars can be seen in the sky.

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37
Q

What are the Moments that mark a new stage of life

A
  • Birth
  • Coming of age (Bar/Bat Mitzvah)
  • Marriage
  • Death

Although these are important family events, they are also celebrated withthe wider Jewish community.

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38
Q

When does the Naming Ceremony happen?

A
  • Orthodox girls arenamed on the first Shabbat after their birth.
  • In Reform synagogues the ceremony may be held on any Shabbat
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39
Q

What happens in the Naming Ceremony

A
  • In Orthodox synagogues the girl’s father recites the Torah blessing and asks God for the good health of his wife and baby.
  • The girl’s name is announced at this point
  • In Reform synagogues both parents take part in the ceremony.
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40
Q

What is the importance of the Naming Ceremony

A

-It formally introduces the baby to the Jewish community
and to God.

-Names are considered powerful – the parents are saying something about the hopes they have for their child.

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41
Q

When does Brit Milah happen

A
  • Baby boys have the Brit Milah ceremony when they are 8 days old
  • This means that they are circumcised very soon after their birth
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42
Q

What happens in the Brit Milah ceremony

A
  • Traditionally, a close friend or relative is given the honour of placing the baby on an empty chair that symbolises the prescence of the prophet Elijah.
  • A trained circumciser (mobel) picks up the baby and places the baby on the knee of a person chosen to be the ‘companion of the child’ (sandek), usually done by the grandfather or a respected member of the congregation.
  • The father blesses his son
  • The baby’s foreskin is removed in a simple operation that quickly heals, before the family enjoy a festive meal in celebration.
43
Q

What is the importance of Brit Milah

A

-The father then blesses his son:
“Blessed are you Lord our God, King of the Universe, who sanctified us with his mitzvot and commanded us to enter my son into the covenant of Abraham”

  • Birt Milah recalls the covenant God made with Abraham, where God told Abraham that circumscision would ‘be the sign of the covenant between Me and You’ (Genesis 17:11)
  • It provides a lifelong reminder to a male Jew that they ate one of God’s chosen people.
44
Q

When does the Redemption of the First Born Son happen

A

-31 days after birth of a boy.

45
Q

When happens in the Redemption of the First Born Son

A
  • Some Orthodox Jews give a small amount of money 31 days after the birth of their firstborn son to ‘redeem’ him from Temple service.
  • Five silver coins are given to a descendent of the priest (a kohen) who used to work in the Temple
46
Q

What is the importance of the Redemption of the First Born Son

A

Jews believe that God required firstborn sons to devote their life to service in the Temple. This ceremony frees them from this requirement.

47
Q

What quote shows that the birth of a child is what God wanted for Jews amd why the birth of a child is good

A

For Jews, the birth of a child is a happy event, especially because it fufills the commandment in Genesis 1:28 to have children:

God blessed the, and God said to them, ‘Be fertile and increase, fill the earth and master it.”

48
Q

What is Bar and Bat Mitzvah

A

Bar Mitzvah: Celebration of a boy coming if age at 13; ‘literally son the commandment’.

Bat Mitzvah: Celebration of a girl coming of age at 12; in Reform synagogues, it’s literally ‘daughter of the commandment’.

49
Q

How do boys mark their coming of age (Reform + Orthodox)

A
  • At the first opportunity after his 13th Birthday (usually the first shabbat), the boy is called to read the Torah at the normal synagogue service
  • He will wear a tallit for the first time and may lead part of the service, or prayers, or make a short speech (he would’ve had classes to prepare for this)
  • The father thanks God for bringing his son to maturity and declares he’s repsonsible for his own acts
  • A celebratory meal and party is held after the service, where the boy revieves presents and gifts
50
Q

How do girls mark their coming of age (Reform)

A

Reform Jews often have a Bag Mitzvah ceremony and celebrations for girls that are very similar to a Bar Mitzvah.

  • The girl will read from the Torah, give a short speech, and may lead part of the prayer service
  • This service will be followed by a celebratory meal or a party
51
Q

How do girls mark their coming of age (Orthodox)

A
  • Orthodox women do not take an active role in leading the synagogue worship, so a girl’s Bat Mitzvah is making a speech or giving a brief Torah lesson at the end of a synagogue service
  • The girl’s future role in keeping a Jewish home is part of her Bat Mitzvah preparations
  • It will be celebrated with a family meal and religious gifts
53
Q

“Bar and Bat Mitzvah celebrations are no longer relevant in modern Britain”

Points For and Against

A

Agree:
-Neither the Torah nor the Talmud instructs Jews to hold the celebration

  • The ceremony itself is unnecessary - you become an adult in the Jewish religion without it
  • Girls are treated differently to boys in Orthodox synagogues - this goes against modern teachings of equality
  • Under British Law, the person is only an adult at 18, not at 12 or 13 depending on their gender

Against:
-It teaches young people how to be responsible

  • It is a unique tradition which as been carried on for cemturies (passed on)
  • It brings the young person closer to God and with their family. The Torah portion relates to everyday life
  • It is a time of great celebration - for the whole family and community
54
Q

What is the Traditional Way to find someone to get married (used by some Orthodox)

A

It was traditional for Jewish parents to choose a partner for their children, often with the help of a matchmaker. Some Orthodox Jews still do this because they believe the matchmaker is working of God’s behalf to find a soulmate for each person. For Jews, marriage is more than just two people choosing to spend their lives together: it is a spiritual bond, where two souls are fuses to become on. Marriage is a way of experiencing holiness in everyday life.

55
Q

Quote on Marraige for Jews

A

“Hence a man leaves his father and mother amd clings to his wife, so that they become one flesh”

Genesis 2:24

56
Q

What is Betrothal (meaning)

A

The Hebrew word for betrothal ks ‘kiddushin’. It comes from a word meaning ‘made holy’ or ‘set aside’. The couple are set aside for each other and no other. Betrothal has legal status in Jewish law and cannot be broken except by death or divorce

Traditionally a soecial kiddushim ceremony was held a year before the wedding, but now this ceremony is held at the wedding itself. Diring the year of betrothal the couple will not live together, but they do prepare for their future lives together.

57
Q

What happens in the Betrothal part of the ceremony

A

During the betrothal part of the ceremony, a wedding contract (ketubah) is drawn up. For Orthodox Jews this covers aspects such as the husband’s duties to his wife, the conditions of inheritance upon his death, how the couple’s children will be supported, and how he will provide for his wife if they get divorced.

For Reform Jews, the ketubah usually focuses on spiritual aspirations rather than legal rights. It describes the mutual hopes for the marriage, which are the same for both husband and wife. It might also include a promise not to oppose divorce is the couple should separate.

58
Q

What does the Husband-to-be do in the Shabbat service before the wedding day

A

At the last Shabbat service in the synagogue before the wedding day, the husband-to-be takes part in the Torah blessing and announces his intention to marry. The congregation joins in a small celebration after the service with food, drink, and wine. The couple and their families may then hage a celebratory lunch together. This may be the last time the couple see each other before the wedding day.

59
Q

What is Marriage to Judaism (what peocesses are there)

A

According to Jewish law, marriage is a two-step process. The first stage is betrothal: a period of time, traditionally 12 months before the wedding ceremony, when the couple ate engaged or promised to each other. The second stage is the wedding itself.

61
Q

Where and When are Jewish Weddings held and by Who?

A

Wedding take place in the synagogue, or elsewhere such as in a hotel, or on any day except Shabbat or a festival. This ceremony is led by a rabbi amd held under a canopy called a chuppah, which symbolises the couple’s home.

62
Q

What happens in the first part of the wedding (and just before)

A

The couple may fast on their wedding day to cleanse themselves of sin and come to the ceremony with the right attitude. The betrothal ceremony takes place first. While the groom stands under the chuppah facing Jerusalem, the bride is brought to him by her mother. The bride circles the groom, they revite two blessimgs over wine, and the groom places a plain ring on the bride’s finger, saying “Behold you are consecrated to be my keans if this rung, according to the rituals of Moses and Israel.” Refirm couples usually both exchange rings.

63
Q

What happens in the second part of the wedding

A

After the betrothal ceremony, the marrriage contract is signed in the presence of witnesses, then read out and given to the bride. An important wedding guest, family memeber or the rabbi recites seven wedding blessings, then the rabbi makes a short speech and blesses the couple in front of the congregation.

64
Q

What happens in the third part of the wedding (and afterwards)

A

The groom breaks a glass (wrapped in paper or cloth for safety) under his heel to shoe regret for the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem. This symbolises that in life there is hardship as well as joy. The congregation shout ‘Mazel Tov’, which means ‘good luck’.

Finally, the couple spend a short time together in a private room to symbolise their new status as a married couple. A joyous wedding reception follows that includes mudic and dancing.

65
Q

What do Jews do when they are dying and what do their family memebers do

A

When a Jewish family member is nearing death, the family try to stay with them so they do not die alone. Just before death, the person makes a final confession and recites the Shema if they are able to.

66
Q

What do people dl when their parents die, and why do Jews do this (refer to Jacob and Torah quote)

A

In the book of Genesis, Jacob believes that Joseph, his teenage son, has tragically diedand Jacob’s response is to tear his clothes:

‘Jacob tore his clothes… and observed mourning for many days’ (Genesis 37:34)

This ritual is has been incorporated into Jewish law so Jews observe it when they hear of the death of a loved one. Close relatives make a tear in their clothes on the right side of the chest to symbolise that the death has torn a hole in the fabric of their life.

When a parent dies the child makes a small tear in their clothes, over their heart, to symbolise the permanent tear in their heart. Jews also say a blessing that refers to God as the ‘true judge’ - showing that they accept God’s taking of the person’s life.

67
Q

What happens in the First Period of Mourning (24 hours)

A

Until the burial (usually within 24 hours) Jews believe the deceased’s soul should be comforted and supported by family members, because it does not fully leave the person until they are buried. Close family do not have to follow certain Jewish laws during this period.

Once the burial has taken place there is a meal of condolence, consisting of bread and eggs (symbols of new life) which marks the end of the immediate mourning period.

68
Q

What happens in the Second Period of Mourning - Called Shiva (7 days)

A

Shiva is a week long period of intense mourning, beginning on the day of burial. Mourners stay at home, sitting on low stools or the floor, rather than on chairs. They do not wear leather shoes, shave or cut their hair, wear make-up or do work. Mirrors are covered so they cannot focus on their appearance and they wear the clothes that they tore. Prayer services are held three times a day in the home, with relatives and friends making up the minyan. Mourners recite the kaddish prayer which praises God and asks for peace.

69
Q

What happens in the Thies Period of Mourning (30 days)

A

The next period of mourning lasts until 30 days after the death. Normal life resumes - mourners are no longer confined to the home; they can work and change out of the clothing worn during shiva. However, activities that are not in the spirit of mourning are avoided. For example, mourners do not go to parties, music concerts, go on trips for pleasure, listen to music, shave or cut their hair. Jews are encouraged to consult a rabbi for complete guidance on what is acceptable.

70
Q

What happens in the Fourth Period of Mourning (11 months)

A

During this time mourners do not attend parties and children continue to say the kaddish blessing daily in the synagogue for a parent that has died. Formal mourning stops when this period is over but the anniversary of a parent’s death is marked by sons and daughters lighting a candle that burns for 24 hours.

71
Q

When does a Jewish Funeral Take Place and What Happens?

A

Most Jews are buried within 24 hours of death (most are buried but some Reform Jews choose cremation). To prepare the body for the funeral it is carefully washed, wrapped in a plain linen cloth, a tallit for men then it is placed in a simple coffin to show that everyone is equal in death.

Funerals do not usually take place in the synagogue (considered a place for the living) but in a cemetery. The service takes around 20 minutes and includes prayers, readings from scripture and a speech by a rabbi. Once the coffin is lowered into the ground, mourners shovel earth on top of it. They then wash their hands before leaving the cemetery to show that they are leaving death behind.

72
Q

Why is a Tombstone placed on the grave and what are left at the grave instead of flowers

A

Under Jewish law, a tombstone must be placed on the grave so that the person is remembered. There is often a small ceremony to unveil the headstone. Flowers are not used to remember the dead – instead, visitors often place a small pebble to show they have visited.

73
Q

Why do Jewish people leave stones on graves

A
  • A stone will never die - flowers will
  • A stone symbolises the memory/legacy of the person that will live on
  • It shows someone has been there
74
Q

Definitions of Kosher and Trefah

A

Kosher - Food Jews are allowed to eat

Trefah - Food Jews are not allowed to eat

75
Q

Food Laws: Rule 1 (+ Quote)

A

Certain types of food cannot be eaten. For example:

“You are allowed to eat … anything which has a completely split hoof and chews the cud… .” (Leviticus 11: 2-3)

Kosher animals are considered to be ritually clean. Leviticus also names specific animals ritually clean, e.g sheep.

76
Q

Rules for Kosher Fish and Sea Creatures

A
  • They must have fins

- They must have scales

77
Q

Rules for Kosher Birds and Poultry

A
  • It must not be a bird of prey (e.g eagle)

- It must only eat grain (e.g chicken)

78
Q

Rules for Kosher Fruit and Vegetables

A
  • All fruits, vegetables, and grain foods are kosher

- But they must be washed and checked for insects before eating

79
Q

What foods are Kosher out of:

  • Lamb
  • Lobster
  • Beef
  • Prawns
  • Cheese
  • Vegetables
  • Pork
  • Frogs
  • Salmon
  • Bacon
A 
Lamb - Kosher
Lobster - Trefah
Beef - Kosher
Prawns - Trefah
Cheese - Kosher (if it's from a kosher animal)
Vegetables -Kosher
Pork - Trefah
Frogs - Trefah
Salmon - Kosher
Bacon - Trefah
80
Q

What has to happen to kosher animals/products if they are to be kept as a kosher food

A
  • It needs to be slaughtered in accordance with Jewish Law
  • It has been cooked and prepared in a kosher kitchen
  • Meat and milk have not been mixed together
  • Non-kosher and kosher ingredients must have not been mixed together
81
Q

Food Laws: Rule 2 (+ Quote)

A

Do not mix meat with dairy.

This come sfrom the quote:
“… you shall not boil a kid (baby goat) in it’s mother’s milk” (Exodus 23:19)

82
Q

Food Laws: Rule 3

A

You must keep a kosher kitchen

A fully kosher household may have two sets of pots, pans, and dishes: one for meat and one for dairy (or colour coded).

83
Q

Food Laws: Rule 4 (+ Quote)

A

The animal must be killed according to Jewish Law

For this to happen it must:

  • Be healthy
  • Have it’s throat slit by a trained Jew (so it does not suffer)
  • Have the blood drained from it before it is eaten

“… do not partake of the blood” (Deutronomy 12:23)

84
Q

Points agreeing and disagreeing on:

“Modern Jews should forget old food laws and eat what they want.”

A

Agree:

  • No logical reason is given for the laws
  • Laws are from an outdated society
  • It should be an individual’s decision
  • It is inconvenient - it restricts Jews to eating in Kosher restaurants
  • Jews can not have dinner with non-Jewish friends

Disagree:

  • Obeying the laws show love for God
  • Obeying the laws honours the covenant
  • Reminds Jews daily of their faith
  • It teaches Jews self-discipline
  • The laws are part of Jewish tradition
  • The laws show the uniqueness of Judaism
85
Q

How do Orthodox Jews follow the laws differently to Reform Jews

A

Orthodox Jews follow the dietary laws structly. They believe the laws have come from God to test their obedience and mark out the Jewish people as different from others. The laws are also a call to holiness that helps people to develop self-control and reminds them daily of their faith. However, many Reform Jews think the laws are outdated in modern British society and it should be up to the individual weather they follow them or not.

86
Q

What is Pesach

A

The festival of Pesach (Passover) is one of the most important, joyful festivals in the Jewish calendar which holds great significance for Jews across the world. It lasts for eight days, takes place in early spring and celebrates the Jews’ escape from slavery in Egypt over 3,000 years ago, when they were led to freedom by Moses after the pharaoh finally set them free. It particularly remembers the final plague sent by God – killing of the he firstborn of the Egyptians – which ‘passed over’ the houses of the Jews.

87
Q

What is done to prepare for the Sedar Meal?

A

God commanded Jews to celebrate their escape by eating unleavened bread (without yeast) for seven days a year in order to remember how the escaping Israelites left in such a hurry that they did not even have time to let their bread rise.

The most important preparation for Pesach therefore is to remove leaven from the home – including wheat, barley and oats. Jews today clean their homes thoroughly so that no trace of leaven can be found.

88
Q

What is the Sedar Meal

A

On the first evening of Pesach, families hold a Seder service (pronounced ‘Say dah’) and celebrate with a special meal during which family members eat different foods to symbolise an aspect of the struggle of the Israelites in Egypt. During the meal the youngest person asks the questions on why this night different from all other nights.

89
Q

What questions do the youngest person at the meal ask and what is said back to them

A

During the meal the youngest person asks the question ‘Why is this night different from all other nights and asks these four questions:

  1. Tonight, why do we eat matzah?
  2. Tonight, why do we eat bitter herbs?
  3. Tonight, why do we dip our food in salt water?
  4. Tonight, why do we lean to the left as we eat?

In reply, the story of the Jews’ escape from Egypt is re-told from a special book called the Haggadah (below). This ensures that the Jewish faith and traditions are passed on to the next generation.

90
Q

Why is Passover so important?

A

Celebrating Pesach reminds Jews that God freed them from slavery, that they are the chosen people of God and that God has fulfilled the covenant he made with them. It also celebrates the birth of the Jewish nation and is a chance for Jews to thank God for saving them. Jews also feel empathy with those who live under oppression/slavery in the modern world.

91
Q

What does Parsley symbolise in the Sedar Meal?

A
  • Parsley is a green vegetable which is dipped into the salt water.
  • This reminds Jews of the sweat and tears of the slaves
  • The Parsley is a symbol of the fresh start God gave the Israelites after Egypt
92
Q

What do Bitter Herbs symbolise in the Sedar Meal?

A
  • Bitter herbs (like horseradish) are eaten (with matzvah) to symbolise the bitter suffering of the slaves in Egypt
  • These are dipped into the charoset
93
Q

What does Matzvah (Unleavened Bread) symbolise in tne Sedar Meal?

A
  • Matzah reminds Jews that the Israelites left in such a hurry that they did not have time for their bread to rise
  • This is because they didn’t have time to allow it to rise
94
Q

What does Roasted Egg symbolise in the Sedar Meal?

A
  • They are a symbol of the harshness of the Egyptians

- They also symbolise the new life offered to the Jews by God

95
Q

What does Salt Water symbolise in the Sedar Meal?

A
  • The Salt water reminds the Jews of the sweat and tears of the slaves
  • This is why the parsley is dipped into
96
Q

What does the Lamb Bone symbolise in the Sedar Meal?

A
  • The Lamb bone symbolises the sacrifice of the lamb, whose blood Jews put on the door post of each home on the night of the Passover (later sacrificed at the Temple).
  • The blood of the lamb marked the Israelites out as the People of God (however the actual bone isn’t eaten).
97
Q

What does Charoset symbolise in the Sedar Meal?

A
  • A tasty mixture of chopped apples, walnuts and spices which represents the mortar used to make the bricks to build Pharaoh’s buildings.
  • The sweet taste symbolizes freedom.
  • The bitter herbs are dipped into the charoset
98
Q

What is Rosh Hashana, What Beliefs are there on it, and What do Jews do during this time

A
  • For Jews, the new year is called Rosh Hashana. It is in late september (not 1st January)
  • It lasts 10 days and finishes with Yom Kippur (The Day of Atonement). The 10 days in between are to say sorry to others and up for wrongs.
  • Jews believe that during this time, God judges a person’s actions over the last year and decides on their future for the year ahead. So it is a time for judgement and atonement.
  • It is also believed to be the anniversary of the world and the Day God created humans.
99
Q

Timeline of the 10 Days of Judgement and Atonement that are around the Jewish New Year

A

Day 1:
Rosh Hashana

Days 1-10:
The Days of Awe (These are days to say sorry and atone for your mistakes and errors)

Day 10:
Yom Kippur

100
Q

What do Jews do in Rosh Hashana

A

Rosh Hashanah is a time of judgement and atonement - Jews believe God judges their actions over the last year and decides how the year ahead will be.

God’s judgement can be influenced by actions during Rosh Hashanah so Jews make up for their wrongdoings over the past year by apologising to people they have argued with, praying, doing acts of charity etc.

This happens throughout the ten day period and is called the days of awe.

101
Q

What 3 Things do Jews do to Celebrate Rosh Hashanah

A
  1. A special meal at home
  2. Special prayers
  3. A special synagogue service
102
Q

What foods do Jews eat to celebrate Rosh Hashanah

A

Jews celebrate by eating special, symbolic foods. For example:

  • Apples dipped in honey to symbolise hopes for a sweet new year
  • A fish head shows the wish for good deeds to grow in numbers like fish heads
  • Pomegranates (613 seeds) remind Jews of the importance of following the mitzvot.
  • Challah bread is in a round shape to symbolise the crown of God’s kingship.
103
Q

What Special prayer is said when eating the special prayer at Rosh Hashanah

A

Just before the special food is eaten the following prayer is recited.

“Blessed are you O Lord our God, King of the Universe, who creates the fruit of the tree. May it be your will, God of our fathers, to renew us in a good and sweet year.”

104
Q

What happens at the Special Synagogue Service in Rosh Hashanah

A

A ram’s horn (Shofar) is blown 100 times in the synagogue to announce Rosh Hashanah and remind people that God is all powerful and that they must listen to him.

A special service is then held which is like a Shabbat service but with extra prayers to help people reflect on their actions in the last year.

105
Q

How is Yom Kippur observed? (Quote + List of things)

A

“You will have a day of complete rest and self-denial; this is a law for all time” (Leviticus 16)

  • No work is done
  • No food or drink is allowed for 25 hours (fasting)
  • No bathing
  • No wearing leather shoes
  • Having sex is forbidden
  • White is often worn as a symbol of purity
  • Most of the day is spent in the synagogue
106
Q

What happens in the Synqgogue at Rosh Hashanah

A

There is a general confession as a community then the doors of the Ark are opened for one last chance to confess sins. They are then closed to signify that God’s judgement is sealed for another year.

(GCSE) Religious Studies (10 decks)

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