Judaism P - The Shema and Amidah

Question 1

What is the Shema?

Answer 1

The most important prayer in Judaism, which is recited twice a day (morning and evening) in the synagogue. It supports the belief in one God

Question 2

What is the opening of the Shema? (deuteronomy)

Answer 2

“Hashem is our God, Hashem is the One and Only”

Question 3

What is the tallit and what does it remind the wearer of?

Answer 3

It is a friged prayer shawl that reminds the wearer of the commandments in the Torah

Question 4

What is the Tefillin, what does it contain and what does it symbolise?

Answer 4

small boxes worn on head to symbolise the connecton of the heart and mind, emotion and intellect to God. It contains verses from the Torah, including the Shema

Question 5

What is the Mezuzah?

Answer 5

a box found on the right hand doorpost of a Jewish home, that contains the Shema and reminds Jews of God’s presence

Question 6

What is the Amidah?

Answer 6

standing prayer (helps Jews receive lots of blessings)

Question 7

What is recited during the morning prayer?

Answer 7

The Psalms and selections of the Tenakh (to focus mind on God). The shema and Amidah, along with 19 blessings from God are also recited

Question 8

What is recited during the Afternoon prayers?

Answer 8

Psalms 145, the Amidah, and ending with the Aleinu

Question 9

What is recited during the evening prayers?

Answer 9

1. The shema, amidah and Aleinu are recited
2. The kaddish: a prayer of praise which is usually used after a Rabbis teaching. A longer version of this prayer is used at funerals (mourners Kaddish)
3. Barkhu: Jewish version of the Athan