Judaism - Observance (Yr 11)

Question 1

what is Shabbat?

Answer 1

• time of rest for Jewish adherents to set time away from work
• time of appreciation
• imitation of the action of God resting on the seventh day (Genesis 2:2)
• weekly devotion to God
• strengthen their connection with God by separating themselves from the complexities of modern life

Question 2

what is the purpose of Shabbat?

Answer 2

• to reinforce their spiritual connection with God
• ritual that links the adherent to their ancestors
• reminds them of the Covenant between their people and God

“On the seventh day, He rested and was refreshed.” (Exodus 31: 15-17)

Question 3

what are the two main commands of Shabbat?

Answer 3

Zachor (remember) and Shamor (observe)

Question 4

when does Shabbat begin?

Answer 4

~18 minutes before the sunset on Friday evening

“and there was evening, and there was morning one day” (Genesis 1)
- Jews infer that their day starts in the evening

Question 5

how is the beginning of Shabbat signified?

Answer 5

the lighting of two candles

Question 6

why is Zachor significant in Shabbat?

Answer 6

• means to remember
• commemoration of the creation story and the freedom of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt
• remembering the slavery that the Israelites faced –> adherents should ‘rest’ from their own slavery (weekly difficulties)
• acts as a reminder of God’s protection for his chosen people

“Remember that you were the slave of the land of Egypt and God bought you forth from there with a mighty hand.” (Deut 5:4)

Question 7

why is Shamor significant in Shabbat?

Answer 7

• means to observe
• observe the prohibitions of MELACHA
• melacha: any work that exercises control or creative work over their environment

“‘You must observe my Sabbath. This will be a sign between me and you for the generations to come” (Exodus 31:13)
- linked to the covenant –> remembering the covenant through practicing Shabbat

Question 8

when does Shabbat end?

Answer 8

Saturday evening

Question 9

how is the end of Shabbat signified?

Answer 9

• concluding ritual called, Havdalah
• the blessing over 2 twisted candles
• symbolises the duality of the material (secular) and spiritual (sacred) world

Question 10

what do the Shabbat candles represent?

Answer 10

• lit at the beginning of Shabbat

- represents the light of the Torah

Question 11

what is recited before a meal in Shabbat?

Answer 11

the Kiddush

Question 12

what is recited after dinner in Shabbat?:

Answer 12

Birkat ha-mazon