Jewish symbols Flashcards
what is the mezuzah?
a small box with a piece of parchment or scroll inscribed with biblical passages and affixed to the doorpost of the rooms of a Jewish house. It contains the shema (a Jewish statement of belief / the most important passage from the Torah – Deuteronomy 6:4 “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one.”)
what is the menorah?
One of the oldest symbols of the Jewish faith is the menorah, a seven-branched candlestick used in the Temple before it was destroyed. It has been said that the menorah is a symbol of the nation of Israel and its mission to be “a light unto the nations (Gentiles). (Isaiah 42:6). It also symbolises the burning bush seen by Moses. In quite a few synagogues there is a nine branched menorah lit for the festival of Hanukkah (Festival of Lights)
what is the star of david symbolize?
two superimposed equilateral triangles which is a symbol of the Twelve Tribes of Israel. Tradition says it represents the shape of David’s shield.
what is the ark?
cupboard that houses the Torah scrolls.
what does bread symbolize ?
a symbol of life and the way that God looks after and provides for the needs of His people. The Sabbath meal begins with a blessing over bread and it reminds them of when God provided for the Israelites during the Exodus.
what is the teffin?
two small leather boxes tied to the forehead (to show he is thinking about God) and left arm (to show he loves God) which contains the shema.
what is the tallit?
a Jewish prayer shawl with 613 tassels/ fringes/strands to remind them of the number of laws in the Torah.
what is the yarmulke?
Jewish skull cap worn as a sign of respect.
what does kosher mean?
fit to be eaten
what does treifah mean?
unfit
