Jewish Rituals

Question 1

How many days after birth do Jewish Boys get circumcised?

Answer 1

8 days after birth

Question 2

Who is the Mohel?

Answer 2

The person who carries out the circumcision

Question 3

Who is a Sandek?

Answer 3

Sandeks are usually Grandfathers or Respected people in the Jewish Community

Question 4

What is the Significance of Elijah’s Chair at a Brit Millah?

Answer 4

Elijah’s Chair symbolises the connection to Elijah the Prophet and invokes his Spiritual Presence

Question 5

What is the significance of the Kiddush?

Answer 5

Once the boy has been circumcised, the Kiddush is recited and the boy is given his Formal Name.

Question 6

What is the link between Abraham and Brit Millah?

Answer 6

Abraham links to Brit Millah as he is the first to begin the ritual of Circumcision as a symbol of the Covenant between him and God.

Question 7

At what age does a Jewish boy take his Bar Mitzvah?

Answer 7

13 Years Old

Question 8

At what age does a Jewish Reform Girl take her Bar Mitzvah?

Answer 8

12 Years Old // ONLY REFORM JEWS

Question 9

Why do Girls take their Bar Mitzvah’s Before Boys? [Only Reform]

Answer 9

As girls are believed to mature quicker then Boys.

Question 10

What does a Bar/ Bat Mitzvah symbolise?

Answer 10

Its a Ceremony where the 12 / 13 year old becomes an Adult in Jewish Law and they become responsible for keeping the mitzvot

Question 11

Why do Jewish Children need to learn Hebrew before their Bar / Bat Mitzvah?

Answer 11

As they are required to read the Torah in Hebrew

Question 12

What is the Bat Chayil?

Answer 12

When a ORTHODOX Jewish Girl takes on the adult role in the Jewish Community.

Question 13

What is the 7 day mourning period that happens straight after a funeral called?

Answer 13

Shiva

Question 14

What is the Lead Mourner Called?

Answer 14

The Onan

Question 15

Who are the Chevra Kaddisha?

Answer 15

A group of Jews that prepares the body for burial.

Question 16

What is the Yarzheit?

Answer 16

The anniversary of the death of a loved one.

Question 17

What is tearing the clothes a symbol of?

Answer 17

Jews often tear clothes to show that someone significant has been torn from their life, eg - Life will never be the same again.

Question 18

What is a tallit?

Answer 18

A piece of clothing that all Jewish men are buried in

Question 19

Why is a corner of the fringe on the tallit cut off?

Answer 19

To show it will no longer be used in life and the man will no longer have to keep the mitzvot.

Question 20

What Time-zone do ORTHODOX Jews want their loved ones buried in?

Answer 20

Within 24 Hours of their Death

Question 21

How many days does Shiva last for?

Answer 21

7 Days

Question 22

What happens during the 7 days of Shiva?

Answer 22

The mourners don’t leave their house unless they are going to the synagogue on Shabbat, 3 times a day Friends and members of the Synagogue will come and pray with the mourners [The Kaddish is recited daily]

Question 23

Why is a candle left burning day and night on Shiva?

Answer 23

To represent the persons soul. “A Persons soul is the candle of the Lord” - Proverbs 20:27

Question 24

What is sheloshim?

Answer 24

30 Days of less intense mourning

Question 25

What can Jews do during sheloshim?

Answer 25

Jews Can Leave the house but they cant
- Buying or Wearing new clothes
- No cutting hair
- No Music / Entertainment
- No fun events / Celebrations / Weddings

Question 26

What do male mourners do during Sheloshim?

Answer 26

Go to the synagogue every day to pray the Kaddish.

Question 27

What is Avelut?

Answer 27

When a mourner has lost a Parent or Child, their mourning period extends by 1 Year. They must pray the Kaddish every day and not attend any celebrations / fun events.

Question 28

What is a Yahrzeit Ceremony?

Answer 28

The anniversary of a death which is marked yearly. Before the first Yarrzeit, a Headstone is put on the grave to allow people to visit and remember the dead. After the first year, A candle is just lit for 24 hours to symbolise the departed soul.