Judaism 2.5 Flashcards
Shabbat is an opportunity to do what?
Relax and forget the concerns of everyday life. Its a time to worship God and enjoy family life.
When does Shabbat start and end?
It starts on Friday just before sunset and lasts until an hour after sunset on Saturday.
What isn’t allowed during Shabbat.
Jews aren’t allowed to do any work during Shabbat. So they do all the cooking and cleaning before it.
Why is it considered the most holy day?
It was explicitly commanded by God in the ten commandments.
What does Shabbat celebrate?
Its a reminder of the covenant made between God and the Jewish people, and an occasion to rejoice that God has kept His promises.
What happens on the Friday evening in the Synagogue?
There is a special 45 minute service. There is storytelling, discussion, games and music.
What happens at the end of the Friday service?
The Rabbi takes a cup of wine and recites a blessing (Kiddush) over it thanking God for Shabbat.
What happens on the Saturday morning?
There is another special service. This one is extra long. It includes prayers, blessings and a reading from the Torah, often having a sermon too.
During the Saturday morning service, what happens with the Ark?
The curtains of the Ark is drawn back or the doors are opened to reveal the Torah scrolls.
Why does the congregation stand when the Ark is opened?
It is a reminder of how the Israelites stood at the bottom of mount Sinai when Moses returned with the ten commandments.
After the congregation has stood up when the Ark is opened, what do they do?
They chant Numbers 10:35. The Torah is then taken from the Ark and dressed with a cover and various ornaments, such as a breastplate, crown or belt.
The Torah is held in front of the congregation and then paraded around the synagogue. What does this represent?
The march through the wilderness, when the Jews carried the holy Ark from mount Sinai to Jerusalem.
As the Torah passes around the prayer hall, what do many Jews do?
They touch it with their tzitzit or siddur and then touch their lips with it. This is done to show that God’s words should be on their lips and that his words are sweet like honey (Ezekiel 3:3).
The reading of the day is read from what?
Which is?
The Bimah. Which is the small raised platform where the Torah is read from.
Once the reading is over, what happens?
The Torah is paraded around the Synagogue again, before being undressed and put back into the Ark.
