Jewsih oractices Flashcards
How are mitzvot categorized in Judaism?
A: Mitzvot are categorized into “positive” (mitzvot aseh) and “negative” (mitzvot ta’aseh) rules.
Q: What do positive mitzvot explain?
A: Positive mitzvot explain what Jews should do
Q: What is the purpose of negative mitzvot?
A: Negative mitzvot explain what Jews should not do.
Q: What are the ritual mitzvot concerned with?
A: Ritual mitzvot explain what Jews should or should not do to avoid offending God, covering areas like worship and festivals.
Q: Name the first four important ritual mitzvot from the Ten Commandments.
Do not worship images.
Do not worship false Gods.
Do not misuse God’s name.
Dedicate the Sabbath to honoring God.
Q: What is the purpose of ritual mitzvot?
A: Ritual mitzvot advise people on how to deepen their relationship with God.
Q: What do moral mitzvot explain?
A: Moral mitzvot explain how Jews should act when dealing with other people.
Q: According to Judaism, can loving God and your neighbor be separated?
A: No, loving God and your neighbor cannot be separated.
Q: Why are moral relationships with others pleasing to God?
A: Positive relationships with others are pleasing to God and help Jews live as a community in a way that God finds acceptable.
Q: What do mishpatim refer to?
A: Mishpatim are laws from God, for example, “you shall not steal,” covering areas like settling disputes, treatment of workers, and dietary restrictions.
Q: Why do Jews suggest they should follow the mitzvot?
A: Jews may follow the mitzvot because the laws are seen as a gift from God, keeping them improves their relationship with God, and obeying them shows gratitude to God.
Q: What is a synagogue?
A: A synagogue is a place of worship and education in Judaism.
Q: What does the term “minyan” refer to?
A: Minyan refers to a minimum of ten people required for certain prayers to be said.
Q: Besides worship, what functions does a synagogue serve?
A: Synagogues are important centers for Jewish communities where meetings, social gatherings, education, charity events, and activities for young people take place.
Q: What is the Ner Tamid in a synagogue?
A: The Ner Tamid is a light above the Aron Hakodesh that never goes out, representing the eternal light.
Q: What is the Aron Hakodesh, and what does it hold?
A: The Aron Hakodesh is a large cupboard facing Jerusalem, holding the Torah, and symbolizing the ark that held the tablets given to Moses.
Q: What is the Sefer Torah?
A: The Sefer Torah is a handwritten scroll kept inside the Aron Hakodesh, covered with a mantle or cloth, representing the sacred Torah.
Q: What is the bimah in a synagogue?
A: The bimah is a raised platform with a reading desk from where the Sefer Torah is read, representing the altar in the Temple
Q: Why are there no images of God or people in a synagogue?
A: The second of the Ten Commandments forbids idolatry, stating not to represent gods through carved statues or pictures, and synagogues follow this commandment
Ner Tamid Key verse
command the children of Isreal that they bring thee pure oil olive beaten for the light, to cause the lamp to burn always
: Who usually leads services of worship in both Orthodox and Reform Synagogues?
A: A Rabbi usually leads services of worship in both Orthodox and Reform Synagogues.
Q: What is the role of a cantor (hazzan) in synagogue services?
A: The cantor stands at the front facing the Aron Hakodesh, leading prayers through singing, saying, or chanting.
Q: What is the Shema, and what does it declare?
A: The Shema is the Jewish declaration of faith, declaring, “Hear O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord alone” (Deuteronomy 6:4).
Describe the Amidah prayer in Jewish worship.
A: The Amidah prayer is central to Jewish worship, performed in silence with worshippers facing Jerusalem. It consists of blessings praising God, seeking help, and expressing gratitude.