Judaism Beliefs & Practices Flashcards
7.1 The Almighty
What are the 3 Types of Jews?
1. Secular Jews
- Don’t believe in God or in the Jewish religion, but think themselves as Jewish by birth and culture.
2. Reform Jews
- Modern Jews who have adapted the traditional ways to modern culture. They choose which mitzvots to follow.
- They do not interpret the Bible literally, but in a more symbolic way.
3. Orthodox Jews
- Traditional Jews, they intepret the Torah literally & keep the Biblical mitzvotz about dress.
7.1 The Almighty
What are the 4 Characteristics of God?
1. God is One - the importance of this belief can be seen in the way;
- Jewish people have a mezuzah holding the shema on their gates and doorframes
- Jewish men bind tefillin to their forehead and arm when they pray every morning.
- Judaism teaches the unity of creation and the need for people to try to bring unit to society.
2. God is The Creator
- The Torah begins with the Book of Genesis, of how God created the world.
- Jews do not work on the Sabbath to appreciate Creation.
3. God as Lawgiver
- Rules given by God on how to live are shown in the 613 mitzvotz given though moses.
- Other laws allows Jews to show their faithfulness to God by living in particulars ways.
4. God as Judge - This is important as it ensure that;
- The good are rewarded and the evil are punished.
- The world is protected from the chaos that would come if there was no way of making sure people kepts God’s laws.
- People know there will be punishments for those who do not keep God’s laws.
7.2 The Shekinah
What is the Shekinah?
The divine presence of God within the created world.
7.2 The Shekinah
Describe some ways Jews can come to understand/believe in The Shekinah.
- Some Reform Jewish people base themselves on the teachings of Maimonides, who describe the shekhinah as a light created to be a link between God and the world.
- Others regard the shekhinah as an expression for the various ways in which God is related to the world
- Others believe that shekhinah simply means God. They feel shekhinah and God are interchangeable words.
- In the kabbalah ( Jewish mysticism ), Shekhinah is the gateway to high consciousness, which brings followers into God’s presence.
7.2 The Shekinah
Why is the Shekinah important to Jews?
1. Idea of shekinah shows that God’s presence is so holy and awesome that it must be respected, which is why Jewish people only use God’s complete name in worship
2. The teaching that Moses was surrounded by the shekhinah when he received the Torah means that Moses received the Mitzvot directly from God, so they are God’s word.
3. The Shekhinah being at the Temple, Mount Zion and Jerusalem is what makes those places so special for some Jews.
4. The shekhinah means God’s presence is in the world and believers might come across the shekhinah at any time.
2.3 Messiah
Outline;
A) The purpose
B) The nature
of the Messiah
A) The purpose of the Messiah is to;
- rebuilt the Temple in Jerusalem
- unite all the peoples of the world
- make all the peoples of the world aware of the presence of God
- bring in the Messianic Age when we all will live at peace.
B) The nature of the Messiah is;
- a descendant of King David
- a human, not a divine being
- a man of great piety and close to God.
7.3 The Messiah
When it comes to the Messiah, what do;
A) Orthodox Jews believe
B) Reform Jews believe
A) Orthodox Beliefs
1. The Messiah will be a descendant of King David.
2. He will be a political ruler, who will bring world peace - a Messianic Age.
3. He will rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem.
B) Reform Beliefs ( Varying )
1. Some believe that a Messiah will come, but that he will not be a supernatural figure. ( Inspirational role model )
2. Others believe that bringing about the Messianic Age is the duty of the Jews. ( A Time of Peace )
3. Torah does not speak of the Messiah in clear terms.
2.3 Messiah
Explain why the belief in the Messiah is important for;
A) Orthodox Jews
B) Reform Jews
A) It is important for Orthodox Jews as;
- It encourages religious observation as they believe studying the mitzvot will bring about the Messiah, reinforcing their commitment to Jewish law.
- It provides hope and motivation to continue living Jewish lives as they believe when the Messiah comes there will be universal peace.
B) It is important for Reform Jews as;
- It inspires social action for the Reform Jews as they focus on Tikkum Olam ( Repairing the world ) so they work together to bring about the Messianic Age.
- It provides them with a sense of Jewish identity, encouraging them to strive for a better society as they believe everyone can contribute to the Messianic Age.
General:
1. It is one of the 13 Principles of the Faith
2. Jews pray for the return of the Exiled, reward to righteous and rebuilding of Jerusalem at the temple 3 times a day.
7.4 The Covenant at Sinai
Outline 3 beliefs about the Covenant at Sinai
1. This was an agreement between God and the Jewish people
2. It was written on 2 tablets of stone kept in the Ark of the Covenant stored in the tabernacle and later the Temple
3. Stated that if the people kept the 613 laws given to Moses on Sinai, they would be God’s special people.
7.4 The Covenant at Sinai
Why is the Covenant at Sinai important for Jews today?
1. The 613 Mitzvot given by God on Sinai provide the way of life for Jewish people and separate them from Gentiles.
2. It means that Jewish people have a duty to keep the Mitzvot as part of their side of the covenant to make them God’s people.
- Giving Jews a sense of purpose
3. The gift of the Torah is celebrated every year at the festival of Shavuot, commemorating the day God gave the Torah.
4. The Tenakh teaches that by keeping the Mosaic Covenant, the Jewish people wil lfulfil their destiny of bringing the whole world to worship God.
5. The laws given to Moses are so important that the divisions into Reform and Orthodox etc are all based on interpreatations of how people should obey the Mosaic Covenant.
2.4 The Covenant at Sinai
Describe why the Decalogue is important to Jews.
1. Through the 1st commandment, Jewish people are able to remind themselves that they worship one God only.
- Also seen every time they touch the mezuzah and 3 times during daily prayers.
2. The 2nd commandment strengthens Jewish faith in God as they ban any form of statues from the synagogue and home.
3. The 3rd command reminds Jewish of their relation ship with God with God being above them and also keeps Jews respectfull with God.
- They can misuse the name of God.
4. The 5th commandment helps Jewish people in their family life and parents in their task of bringing up their children to be good Jewish people.
5. The last 5 commandments are very important when making moral decisions as they provide Jews with clear moral guidance from God.
7.5 The Covenant with Abraham
Outline 3 features of the Abrahamic Covenant.
- The Abrahamic Covenant said that the descendants of Abraham would become a great nation
- It also said the Jewish people will occupy the promised land
- Finally it was also stated that all Jewish males would be circumised.
7.5 The Covenant with Abraham
Describe how the Abrahamic Covenant affects Jews today.
- Most Jewish baby boys are circumcised today, usually at 8 years old. Allowing them to enter into the covenant of Abraham with God. ( Brit Milah )
- The Brit Chaymis ceremony for Jewish baby girls among Reform and Liberal Jewish people welcome girls into the Jewish faith & claim then as an heir to the Abrahamic Covenant.
- The covenant gave rise to the idea that Jewish people had a right to live in the area that was the ancient Kingdom of Israel, which has led to the importance of the land of Israel to Jewish people.
- The state of Israel has been recognised by the United Nations since 1947, but has never been recognised by the Palestinians.
- Consequently the conflict betweel Israel and palestain occured.
7.5 The Covenant with Abraham
Describe how the concept of the Promised Land affects Jewish life today.
1. The land of Israel remains central to Judaism and many Laws link to the idea of a Promised Land.
2. Prayers for a return to Israel are included in Sabbath prayers and festivals.
3. Living outside of Israel is viewed as a form of exile by some Jews.
7.6 The Sanctity of life
What is Pikuach Nefesh?
The act of setting aside certian mitzvots, for the sake of saving life.
7.6 The Sanctity of life
Describe some implication of Pikuach Nefesh today.
1. Doctors may answer emergency calls on Shabbat.
2. Abortions to save the mother’s life are mandatory - the unborn child is not considered equal to the mother.
3. Euthanasi, suicide, and assisted suicide are forbidden.
4. It may be permissible to switch off life support machines, or end treatment that artifically prolongs life.
5. Blood transfusions are allowed if it’s to save a Jewish live even though Jews are usually not allowed to take blood.
7.6 The Sanctity of life
Explain some reasons why protecting human life is important to Jews.
1. The story of Creation makes it clear that God is the giver of life, so all life is sacred.
- So disrespecting life could be seen as disrespecting God.
2. The Torah ( Leviticus 24:17 ) states that anyone who kills should be put to death.
- So by preserving life Jews can follow the Laws of the Almighty, which is the best way to live.
Explain why Pikuach nefesh is important for Jewish people today.
1. Some Jewish people believe that abortion can never be allowed because of sanctity of life, but pikuach nefesh means that if the mothers life is at risk, abortion must be allowed.
2. Orthodox Judaism does not allow the use of condoms because the Torah teaches that male seed is sacred, The Jewish AIDS Trust promotes the use of condoms if it’s to prevent HIV transmission etc.
- Mitzvah can be broken to save the lives of those who can become infected with HIV.
3. Orthodox Judaism does not allow transplant surgery because there is a mitzvah which says dead bodies must not be intered with.
- Buy pikuach nefesh means this mtizvah can be broken for organ transplants to save someones life.
7.7 Moral principles and the Mitzvot
What is/are;
A) The Mitzvot
B) A Mitzvah
C) The Halakhah
A) The commandments given by the Almighty that guide the actions in Jewish life.
B) A good deed
C) The list of Mitzvot that guide Jewish life, teaches Jews how to perform or fulfil the Mitzvot.
7.7 Moral principles and the Mitzvot
Describe the importance of the Mitzvot to Jews.
1. Jews believe the Mitzvot were given by God to Moses.
- They follow the Mitzvot as they form part of the covenant between the Jewish people and God.
2. There is punishment for not following the Mitzvot. Also observing Mitzvot shows gratitude to God.
3. The Mitzvot act as a guide for Jewish life, so by following the Mitzvot it allows Jews to live the best life they can.
4. Some Mitzvot come with no given reason, for example, on keeping kosher, and it is important to understand that these Mitzvot were given by God as a test of faith.
7.7 Moral principles and the Mitzvot
What do Orthodox & Reform Jews believe when it comes to the Mitzvot.
A) Orthodox Jews
1. They believe the Halakhah was given orally on Sinai and written in the Torah
2. They believe the Torah is the Literal Word of God so every Mitzvot still had relevancy today.
- For Orthodox Jews there is a right and wrong way to do everything in life, which is why the Mitzvot were given.
B) Reform Jews
1. They believe the Mitzvot/Halakhah evolved through the generations.
- They try to keep as many Mitzvot as possible.
2. They believe the Torah is divinely inspired rather than the literal Word of God.
- They consider how Mitzvot may be influenced by culture, so may no longer be relevant or ethical.
3. They believe keeping the Mitzvot is a matter of personal choice.
7.7 Moral principles and the Mitzvot
Discuss the importance of Moral principles and the Mitzvot for Jews today.
1. Many laws are no longer practised, such as animal sacrifice.
2. The Talmud is the starting point for modern questions, such as organ donation or abortation
3. The Mitzvot continue to be studied and analysed.
4. Judaism is a living religion that considers modern issues in light of tradition and scripture.
7.7 Moral principles and the Mitzvot
Describe some Jewish beliefs concerning free will.
1. God gave Adam and Eve the command not to eat of the Tree of Knowledge. So that means they had a choice. - Free Will
2. When Moses gave the Commandments to the Jews on Mount Sinai, they had the choice to keep or refuse them. - Free Will
3. While Jews believe they can be Judged for their sins, they can also repent and ask God for forgiveness ( Last 10 days of Yom Kippur ). - Free Will
7.8 Life after death
What are some Jewish beliefs/teachings regarding Life after death.
( Ressurection & Nature of Judgement )
A) Beliefs about Ressurection
- Most Jews believe in the resurrection because it is one of the 13 Principles of Faith.
- Some believe ressurection will follow the Messianic Era, others that it will occur during the Messianic era. Some believe only righteous will be resurrected, others believe all.
- Other rabbis have argued for the immortality of the soul, the idea that sould live on after death as a spiritual being in Olam Ha-Ba
B) Different beliefs about nature of judgment
- Some rabbis teach that judgment will be purely based on behaivour
- Maimonides taught that all good people will go to heaven, even no Jews - ‘the pious of all the nations of the world have a portion of the world-to-come’.
- Others think it will be a combination of belief and behaviour.
7.8 Life after death
Describe the beliefs surrouding Gan Eden & Gehinnom
- Many rabbis have taught that the sould of the totally righteous ascend to Gan Eden whereas the souls of ordinary people go to Gehinnom.
- Some rabbis have tuaght that Gehinnom is more like the Catholic purgatory and that souls are pufified of their sins through punishment.
- Some rabbis reach that totally eveil souls are eternally damned and so are punished in Gehinnom for ever.
- Others teach that the souls of the truly wicked are destroyed by God and so cease to exist.
7.8 Life after death
Describe why the belief in life after death is important for Jews today.
- It is the teaching of the Torah which Orthodox Jews believe is a direct communication from God that must be believed.
- It is the teaching of the other books of the Tenakh which Orthodox Jews believe are inspired by God.
- It is the teaching of the Talmud which most Jews try to follow.
- It is one of the 13 Principles of Faith which are Jewish Creed.
- A life after death, in which people will be judged on how they live this life with the good rewarded and the evil punish provides purpose to Jews as they want to be rewarded by God.
8.1 Public acts of worship
Outline 3 occasions that Jews may attend the synagogue for worship.
1. The first occasions is Shabbat.
2. The Second occasion is Daily Prayers ( Shema ).
3. The Thid occasion is for Festivals ( Yom Kippur ).
8.1 Public acts of worship
Describe the purpose of public worship.
- To give a Jewish person a sense of belonging to a whole community of Jewish believers.
- It is a reminder that they are part of a community, a community chosen by the Almighty.
- It provides the opportunity to take part in those prayers which can only be said in a congregation.
- The rabbis taught that there is more merit in praying in a group than there is alone.
8.1 Public acts of worship
Describe the features of Jewish public worship
- On Shabbat morning is the main service of the week when the Sefer Toarh is taken out of the Ark and carried to the bimah for the rabbi to read the sidra and the rabbi gives a sermon.
- On Shabbat afternoon, synagogues have afternoon prayers when the Sefer Torah is again taken out of the Ark and a short part of the next week’s sidra is read.
- Synagogues have special services for most of the festivals, especially Rosh Hashanah
8.1 Public acts of worship
Describe the importance of Synagogue Services.
1. Synagogue services unite the local community. They also remind Jews of their global community.
2. Jews pray towards the sit of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem, Israel.
3. Synagogue worship is needed for the Jewish community to celebrate Shabbat properly.
4. A sermon will be given by a Rabbi, which may affect the way Jews live their lives.
8.1 Public acts of worship
Explain why Jewish people worship in different ways.
- Orthodox synagogues keep men and women separate because they believe the Mitzvot are God’s words.
- Liberal/Reform synagogues demonstrate complete equality of the sexes because they believe the Torah was written by peole inspired by God rather than being direct word from God.
8.2 The Tenakh and Talmud
Describe the why the;
A) Tenakh
B) Talmud
are important.
A) The Tenakh
- the Psalms are an essential part of daily prayers and of much synagogue worship
- The Torah and Nevi’im are imporant in synagogue worship.
- Portions of the Ketuvim form an important part of some festivals
- Jewish people study and meditate on the books of the Tenakh to help their understanding of and thei relation with God.
B) The Talmud
- It explain the meaning of the 613 Mitzvot
- It explains how the Mitzvot should be applied in the daily lives of Jews
- It is the basis of the halakah, which is the foundation of Orthodox Jewish life today.
Torah - Most important and holy book for Jewish people, forms part of the Tenakh
Talmud - Oral Law and contains information on how Torah’s laws should be interpreted.
8.2 The Tenakh and Talmud
Describe the importance and use of the Torah in daily life.
1. The Torah is used and read four times a week in Orthodox synagogues, once a week in Reform synagogues.
2. Jews are encouraged to study the Talmud, Perkei Avot is a set of ethical teachings in the Mishnah, Chapter 2 says;
- “If [a man] has acquired words of the Torah, he has attained afterlife”
3. Daf Yomi (‘a page a day’) is an internation programme where Jews study the Torah in unison.
8.2 The Tenakh and Talmud
Give the definition/meaning of the following.
A) The Kashrut
B) Kosher
C) Treifah
D) Parev
A) These are the Jewish religious laws concerning the suitability of food.
B) Something that is fitting or proper, according to Jewish laws. ( Usually about food )
C) Forbidden or unclean Opposite of Kosher
D) Foods that are “neutral”, and can be eaten with any meal e.g. vegetables.
8.2 The Tenakh and Talmud
Outline the 3 main points of Kashrut
- Pigs, camels and shellfish must not be eaten.
- Animals must be salughtered by the shecitah method of slitting the throat with a razor-sharp knife and draining out the blood.
- Kitchens should be in 2 halves, one of meat and one for dairy.
8.2 The Tenakh and Talmud
Describe why keeping kashrut is important for Orthodox Jews.
- Eating non-kosher foods, or not keeping a kosher kitchen, means breaking many of the Mitzvot.
- It gives a sense of Jewish identity.
- It gives a bond with fellow Jews.
- It makes them think about God every time they decide to eat.
8.3 Private Prayer
Outline 3 purposes of prayer for Jewish people.
- Build up their relationship with God.
- Serve God with their hear, so obeying God’s commandment: ‘to love the Lord your God and to serve him with all your heart and with all you soul’.
- Take the opportunity to speak directly to God, knowing that God will listen and respond to prayers.
8.3 Private Prayer
Describe some features of prayer in the home.
- When Jews wake up in the morning, they thank God for waking them before pouring water on their hands to purify themselves for the coming day.
- The day should end, as it should beging by praising God by saying the Shema.
- The mezuzah on each door of the house is a constant remind of God’s presence - Jewish people tough the mezuzah and pray thanking God whenever they pass it.
- Jewish people pray and bless God before eating food and bless him again when they have finished eating.
8.3 Private Prayer
Explain 2 reasons why a Jew might pray daily.
1. They have been instructed by God to do so:
- “Evening, morning, and noon, i supplicate and moan; and He has hear my voice” ( Psalm 55:17 )
- It is believed that listening to the will of God is the best way to live a Jewish life.
2. This keeps God at the forefront of a Jew’s mind. This is shown through prayers like the Shema and the Modeh ani.
Shema - A prayer recited twice a day.
Modeh ani - A prayer recited upon waking up to thank God for the gift of life.
8.3 Private Prayer
Explain why it is important for Jewish people to have different forms of prayer.
A) Praying in set forms has been used for centuries has many advantages. It:
- Stops prayers from being focused on selfish concerns
- Gives the worshipper a sense of being part of Jewish history.
- Gives the prayer a sense of community with Jews all over the world.
- Gives order and purpose to people’s religious life.
B) Prayers in own words is importants because a relationship with God can only happen if they can:
- Contact God when they want
- Express their own thoughts and feelings rather than other people’s
- Ask for God’s help.
8.4 The Shema and Amidah
Outline 3 features of the
A) The Shema
B) The Amidah
A) 3 features of the Shema are it emphasises the;
- It is said 3 times every day ( morning, evening and night )
- The first 2 paragraphs are written on the mezuzah scroll.
- The first sentance is said whenever the Torah scroll is taken from the Ark.
B) 3 Features of Amidah Prayer’
- The Amidah contains 19 blessings
- The Amidah should be said standing
- The Amidah should be said while facing Jerusalem.
8.4 The Shema and Amidah
Explain the importance of;
A) The Shema
B) The Amidah
A) The Shema is important as;
- It is a prayer which praises expressed faith and trust in God.
- It is also a declaration of the main points of the Jeiwsh faith that there is only one God and that the people should love God.
- This belief is often called ‘ethical monotheism’
B) The Amidah is important as;
- It fulfils all the requirements of a prayer set out by the great rabbis ( Should begin with words of praise, then ask petitions and end with words of thanks ).
- In additions, people have 2 needs, the spiritual and physical needs. The Amidah asks God to fulfilll spiritual needs such as fogiveness and physical needs with food.
8.4 The Shema and Amidah
Describe the purpose of the following items to Jews.
A) Tallit
B) Tefillin
C) Mezuzah
A) This is a Prayer shawl that is used as a reminder of the Mitzvot.
B) These are Black boxes with leather straps, they connect the heart and mind to God.
- ( Deuteronomy 6:8 )
C) This is a Container attached to doorposts in Jewish homes, containing the Shema. They remind Jews of God’s presence.
8.4 The Shema and Amidah
Outline 3 Jewish Prayers
1. One Jewish prayer is the Shema.
2. Another Jewish prayer is the Amidah.
3. A third Jewish prayer is the Modeh ani.
8.5 Ritual and ceremony
Describe the importance of rituals for Jews today.
1. Rituals are grounded in Jewish laws ( Leviticus ), so by performing the rituals they are honouring the word of God.
2. Observance shows gratitude to God, a sense of Jewish identity, and brings the Almighty into everyday life.
3. Important moments are marked by customs that go back to biblical times.
8.5 Ritual and ceremony
Explain 2 important features of Jewish birth ceremonies.
1. After giving birth the woman is unable to touch anything sacred or attent the sanctuary. Today she will attend mikvah once she has stopped bleeding.
- “[the mother] may not touch anything sacred and she may not enter the Sanctuary” ( Leviticus 12:4 )
2. Secondly, offerings would also been made at the Temple.
- This would be in attempt of becoming “purified” as only purified souls can go to Gan Eden, the home of the Almighty.
8.5 Ritual and ceremony
Outline 3 features of a;
A) Bar Mitzvah
B) Bat Mitzvah
A) Bar Mitzvah ( Boys )
1. One feature is that it happens at age 13.
2. Another feature is that they can lead synagogue service after this.
3. A third feature is that they need to learn enough Hebrew to read from the Torah.
B) Bat Mitzvah ( Girls )
1. One feature is that it happens at age 12. ( 13 in Reform/Liberal Synagogues )
2. Another feature is that Ceremonies are only about 100 years old.
3. A third feature is that they will be taught to cook challah & other important preparations in the home.
Challah - Plaited bread for Shabbat
8.5 Ritual and ceremony
Explain why Bar/Bat Mitzvah is important for Jews.
- They are important as they give a young jewish person the opportunity to take upon themselves the responsiblity of being a Jew. Allowing them to take pride in being God’s chosen people.
- As Midrash said, as soon as he becomes of age Jewish fathers bring him into the synagogue in order he may praise the name of God.
- Another reason they are important is that these events ensure the continuity of the Jewish faith. As those who come of age ( boys ) can then go onto hold there own Bar Mitzvah for others in the future.
8.5 Ritual and ceremony
Explain 3 reasons why Brit Milah is important to Jews
- It brings baby boys into the community of Jusdaism. The Torah records that God said to Abraham, ‘This is my covenant with you and your descendants after you, the covenant you are to keep. Every male among you shall be circumcised’
- They also give parents the promise of support from the Jewish community in bringing up new life in the Jewish faith. reminding Jews of the local community they are apart of.
- Circumcision is one of the most universally observed Mitzvot. It is an outward sign of the everlasting Abrahamic covenant with the Almighty.
8.5 Ritual and ceremony
Outline 3 features of a typical;
A) Jewish wedding ceremony
B) Jewish funeral ritual
A) Jewish wedding ceremony features;
- One is that the marriage ceremony takes place under a canopy called a huppah
- A second is that the couple must sign the ketubah or marriage contract.
- A third is that the rabbi will recite 7 blessings over a glass of wine for the couple.
B) Jewish funeral ritual features;
- One feature is that as soon as they hear of a death, close relatives make a tear in their clothes to fulfil the mitzvah.
- Another feature is that the chevra kaddisha helps to prepare the body for burial
- A third feature is that there is a period of mourning called avelut.
8.5 Ritual and ceremony
Explain why 2 reasons why Marriage ceremonies are important to Jews.
- They bring 2 people together in the Jewish faith, reminding them of the mitzvah that all jews should marry and have children. Genesis 2:23-24 “A man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife & will become 1 flesh.”
- They also provide the opportunity for a new Jewish family to develop and continue the Jewish faith. This ensures God will always stay relevant within Jewish faith.
8.5 Ritual and ceremony
Explain 2 reasons why funeral rites are important for Jews.
- They are important as the death of a family member is a time of great grief but the rituals of the faith provide comfort to the Jewish community, helping them to cope as they follow the example of Jacob when Joseph died “Then Jacob tore his clothes, put on sakcloth and mourned his son for many days.”
- The rituals also remind them of the Jewish belief that death is not the end and there is still a hope for the future. Ensuring that Jews know that a death of a loved one isn’t the end for that person.
8.6 Shabbat
Describe & Outline how Shabbat is celebrated in Synagogues
1. On Shabbat morning families go to synagogue for the morning prayer, which is the main service of the week.
- One feature is when the Sefer Torah is taken out of the Ark.
- Another feature is that the tabbi will read the sidra ( passage from Torah )
- A third feature is that after the Sefer Torah has ben put back, the rabbi gives a sermon.
2. Liberal synagogues have differences in their services;
- Prayers are said in English, not Hebrew
- Women sit with the men
- The rabbi may aswell be a women.
8.6 Shabbat
Describe & Outline how Shabbat is celebrated in The Home
1. The father of the home will bless the children while saying kiddush over the wine & he will bless challot bread.
- Wine symbolises the sweetness and joy of the day; the challot remind the family of the time when God gave 2 lots of manna on shabbat
2. When night falls the havdalah ceremony takes place. The father says a blessing over a cup of wine, havdalah spice box and a lighted candle.
8.6 Shabbat
Describe the importance of Shabbat today.
A) Important for Jewish people:
- Obervance of Shabbat is a core part of the Jewish faith.
- It is one of the Ten commandments.
- It gives Jewish people a chance to renew themselves as they rest from work and concntrate on religion.
- It provides time for a person to think about God and find out more about their faith.
- By observing Shabbat, Jews are following God’s commandment of resting and keeping the day holy.
- It remains a day of enjoyment and a time to connect to family.
B) Important for Jewish community:
- It is the oldest Jewish festival, making it important for the community to keep it going
- It’s God’s gift to the Jewish people wich binds them together, only Jewish people celebrate Shabbat
- Offers families the chance to grow together in their jewish faith.
8.7 Festivals
A) Outline 3 features of the Jewish festival ‘Rosh Hashanah’
B) Explain the importance of the festival
A) Features;
- One feature is that Rosh Hashanah marks the beginning of Jewish New Year.
- Another feature is that Rosh Hashanah has been celeberated since biblical times
- A third feature is it remembers the time when Moses went up Mount sinai to recieve the 10 commandments.
B) Importance;
- It is the start of the Jewish New Year which means its a time for Jews to rest and reevaluate their lives, this can be seen in the SOWA ‘you shall observe complete rest,’ ( Leviticus 23:24 )
- Rosh Hashanah is seen as a time of judgement , Some Jews believe the Almighty weighs up their good and bad deeds to make a decision about their next year
8.7 Festivals
A) Outline 3 features of the Jewish festival ‘Yom Kippur’
B) Explain the importance of the festival
A) Features;
- One feature is that Yom Kippur occurs 10 days after Rosh Hashanah
- Another features is that Yom Kippure involves a reflection on past sins and what they promised on Rosh Hashanah.
- A third feature is that no jewellery or leather clothes can be worn, as forbidden in Leviticus
B) Importance;
- The mitzvot say that those who do not fast Yom Kippur must be cut off from the people, meaning they will be removed from the Jewish community.
- It releases people from guilt about sins of the past
- Fasting helps people to feel compassion for those in poverty, allowing Jews to be reminded of their Jewish community.
8.7 Festivals
A) Outline 3 features of the Jewish festival ‘Sukkot’
B) Explain the importance of the festival
A) Features;
- One feature is that Sukkot happens 4 days after Yom Kippur.
- Another feature is that It marks the end of summer and the start of the autumn fruit harvest.
- A third feature is that families will live in a temporary home built for the 7 days of the festival
B) Importance;
- It encourages family harmony by living in a sukkah, this allows Jews to be reminded of the community they belong to.
- It is a link with their ancestors ( Israelites ) who had escaped from Egypts, allowing Jews to relive their faith and culture.
- The etrog stands for people who both know the Torah and do good deeds, the lulav stands for those who learned the Torah but do no good deeds.
8.7 Festivals
A) Outline 3 features of the Jewish festival ‘Pesach’
B) Explain the importance of the festival
A) Features;
- One feature is that Pesach is also called Passover after the night that God ‘passed over’ Egypt killing first-born males.
- Another feature is that unleavened bread is eaten for 7 days.
- A third feature is there is a havadalah ceremony after this.
B) Importance;
- It celeberates God’s power and control of history, without the Passover and Exodus there would be no Jewish people.
- It celeberates the birthday of the Jewish nation, reminding them of their Jewish community.
- It celeberates Jewish history and the way God has preserved his chosen people, strengthing Jewish faith in God.
Chametz -
8.7 Festivals
A) Outline 3 features of the Jewish festival ‘Shavuot’
B) Explain the importance of the festival
A) Features;
- One feature is that candles are lit to bring in the festival.
- Another feature is that many people stay up to read the Torah on the first night.
- A third feature is that the Book of Ruth is read.
B) Importance;
- It celeberates the gift of the Torah, which is the most important thing in Jewish history. The 613 mitzvot provide a basis for Jewish faith and action.
- Shavuot celeberates the spiritual freedom brought by the Mitzvot, reminding Jews that by following the laws of God they will always be liberated and saved by God.
8.7 Festivals
Outline & explain the different items on a Jewish Sedar Meal.
1. Charoset: nut and apple paste, to symbolise the mortar used for making bricks.
2. Lamb bone: represents the lamb that was sacrificed.
3. Green herbs: dipped in salt water, to represent the tears shed by Hebrew slaves.
4. Maror & Chazeret: both can be bitter and represent the bitterness of slavery.
5. Roasted egg: represents the new life that Jews had after their escape from Egypt.
8.8 Features of the synagogue
Describe the designs and practices of a;
A) Orthodox Synagogue
B) Reform/Liberal Synagogue
A) Orthdox Synagogues
1. Seating on 3 sides facing the bimah
2. Synagogue prayers in Hebrew
3. Men & women sit separately.
4. No musical instruments played on shabbat as that would be work.
5. Rabbi and cantor will always be men. + Only men carry scrolls.
B) Reform/Liberal Synagogues
1. Seating may be the same as Orthodox’s
- Or bimah may be at the front seating facing Ark
2. Men and women may sit together
3. Women may wear a tallit, or kippah
4. Musical instruments may be used.
5. Women may take active role in services.
8.8 Features of the synagogue
Explain all of the features of a synagogue.
1. Ark
- What it is? Area to store Torah scrolls.
- How is it used? Door or curtain opened when scrolls are in use.
- Why is it used? Reminder of the Holy of Holies in the Temple; to keep scrolls safe.
2. Ner tamid
- What it is? ‘Eternal light’ above the Ark.
- How is it used? Light burns at all times as reminder of God’s eternal nature.
- Why is it used? Requirement in Exodus 27:20-21
3. Menorah
- What it is? Seven-branched candlestick.
- How is it used? Used in the Temple as the eternal light.
- Why is it used? Requirement in Exodus 25:31-40
4. Bimah
- What it is? Reading platform.
- How is it used? Rabbi leads service from here; Torah read from here.
- Why is it used? Represents Temple altar; makes Torah main focus.
5. Yad
- What it is? Reading stick.
- How is it used? As a point while reading from the Torah.
- Why is it used? So as not to touch the sacred Torah.
