Jewish Rituals Flashcards
How many days after birth do Jewish Boys get circumcised?
8 days after birth
Who is the Mohel?
The person who carries out the circumcision
Who is a Sandek?
Sandeks are usually Grandfathers or Respected people in the Jewish Community
What is the Significance of Elijah’s Chair at a Brit Millah?
Elijah’s Chair symbolises the connection to Elijah the Prophet and invokes his Spiritual Presence
What is the significance of the Kiddush?
Once the boy has been circumcised, the Kiddush is recited and the boy is given his Formal Name.
What is the link between Abraham and Brit Millah?
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.
At what age does a Jewish boy take his Bar Mitzvah?
13 Years Old
At what age does a Jewish Reform Girl take her Bar Mitzvah?
12 Years Old // ONLY REFORM JEWS
Why do Girls take their Bar Mitzvah’s Before Boys? [Only Reform]
As girls are believed to mature quicker then Boys.
What does a Bar/ Bat Mitzvah symbolise?
Its a Ceremony where the 12 / 13 year old becomes an Adult in Jewish Law and they become responsible for keeping the mitzvot
Why do Jewish Children need to learn Hebrew before their Bar / Bat Mitzvah?
As they are required to read the Torah in Hebrew
What is the Bat Chayil?
When a ORTHODOX Jewish Girl takes on the adult role in the Jewish Community.
What is the 7 day mourning period that happens straight after a funeral called?
Shiva
What is the Lead Mourner Called?
The Onan
Who are the Chevra Kaddisha?
A group of Jews that prepares the body for burial.
What is the Yarzheit?
The anniversary of the death of a loved one.
What is tearing the clothes a symbol of?
Jews often tear clothes to show that someone significant has been torn from their life, eg - Life will never be the same again.
What is a tallit?
A piece of clothing that all Jewish men are buried in
Why is a corner of the fringe on the tallit cut off?
To show it will no longer be used in life and the man will no longer have to keep the mitzvot.
What Time-zone do ORTHODOX Jews want their loved ones buried in?
Within 24 Hours of their Death
How many days does Shiva last for?
7 Days
What happens during the 7 days of Shiva?
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]
Why is a candle left burning day and night on Shiva?
To represent the persons soul. “A Persons soul is the candle of the Lord” - Proverbs 20:27
What is sheloshim?
30 Days of less intense mourning
What can Jews do during sheloshim?
Jews Can Leave the house but they cant
- Buying or Wearing new clothes
- No cutting hair
- No Music / Entertainment
- No fun events / Celebrations / Weddings
What do male mourners do during Sheloshim?
Go to the synagogue every day to pray the Kaddish.
What is Avelut?
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.
What is a Yahrzeit Ceremony?
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.
