Judaism B&T - The Shekhinah

Question 1

What does the Shekhinah mean and refer to?

Answer 1

The Shekhinah means ‘to settle or dwell’ and refers to the divine presence of God

Question 2

BRIEFLY outline 2 reasons as to why the Shekinah is important

Answer 2

1. For study of the Tenakh and Talmud (Shekhinah is present and encourages Jews to connect with God)
2. The Tabernacle and worship today (connection carried on till today)
3. Through prayer

Question 3

Why do jews believe it is good to pray in a minyan?

Answer 3

Because they believe God is present

Question 4

What is a quote that shows shekhinah is present through prayer?

Answer 4

‘Whenever ten are gathered for prayer, there the Shekhinah rests’ Talmud Sanhedrin 39a

Question 5

What is a quote that shows the shekhinah is present rhough the building of the tabernacle

Answer 5

‘they shall make a sanctuary for me - so that I may dwell among them’ Exodus 25:8

Question 6

What is a quote that shows the shekhinah is present through study?

Answer 6

‘If two sit together and the words between them are of the Torah, then the Shekhinah is in their midst’ Rabbi Hananiah

Question 7

What is a yeshive?

Answer 7

Jewish school of Talmudic study

Question 8

What two prayers must be said in a minyan?

Answer 8

1. Kaddish: A prayer of praise blessing God’s name

2. Barachu: Call to prayer

Question 9

What is a minyan?

Answer 9

A group of ten men/adults over the age of 13

Question 10

Describe the story of the temple and how it links to the Shekhinah?

Answer 10

After Solomon and his people finish their prayers, ‘the glory of Hashem filled the temple’ Chronicles 7:1. This shows the shekhinah is present through prayer

Question 11

What is Tikkun Olam?

Answer 11

Doing Good in the world