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GCSE RE > Judaism - Practices > Flashcards

Judaism - Practices Flashcards

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1
Q

What is a Synagogue?

A

A building for Jewish public prayer, study and gathering.

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2
Q

What is the Hebrew term for Synagogue?

A

Beit K’nesset - house of gathering

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3
Q

In order for a Jewish religious service to take place, a group of 10 adults must be present. What is this group called?

A

Minyan

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4
Q

How does a minyan differ in reform and orthodox synagogues?

A

Reform synagogues include women in the minyan. Orthodox synagogues do not.

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5
Q

What rules are there about what a synagogue should look like?

A

No rules. It can be rectangular, triangular….

Must display certain symbols so it is recognisable as a synagogue.

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6
Q

What 2 symbols are usually displayed to make a synagogue recognisable?

A

1) The Star of David

2) Menorah

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7
Q

What is the Star of David?

A

A symbol of Judaism, said to represent the shield of King David, who ruled over Israel in the 10th century.

Reminds many Jews (mainly Orthodox) that the Messiah will be a descendent of King David.

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8
Q

What is a Menorah?

A

A seven-branched candlestick, representing each day of creation.

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9
Q

What are some common names used by Jews to refer to the synagogue?

A

Shul - meaning school

Temple - replacement for the Temple in Jerusalem

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10
Q

Name some of the interior features of a synagogue:

A

The Ark (Aron Hakodesh) - houses the Torah & considered the holiest part of the synagogue.

Ten Commandments - decorate the Ark and remind Jews of the importance of the laws.

Bimah - platform at the centre of the synagogue where the Torah is read from. It is the focus of worship.

Ner Tamid - symbolises eternal light, kept burning in the synagogue above the Ark.

Stained Glass Windows - shows important symbols of faith - NOT PEOPLE - Jews very strict with ‘Do not worship idols’

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11
Q

What is used to read the Torah, without damaging or touching it?

A

A Yad - long pointed hand

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12
Q

What is a Rabbi?

A

A Jewish religious leader and teacher.

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13
Q

What is a Kippah?

A

A special hat that Jewish men wear to cover their heads as a sign of respect.

Some women in reform wear a Kippah, and in Orthodox a hat or scarf.

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14
Q

In which direction does the congregation face?

A

Towards the Temple in Jerusalem.

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15
Q

Describe some key features of worship in an Orthodox Synagogue:

A
  • Person leading service has his back to congregation so he is facing the Ark.
  • Service conducted in Hebrew.
  • Uncaccompanied singing.
  • Men and Women sit separately.
  • Rabbis are all male.
  • Men cover heads with Kippah. Married women wear a scarf or hat.
  • Congregation may arrive late.
  • Services DAILY
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16
Q

Describe some key features of worship in a Reform Synagogue:

A
  • Person leading service faces congregation most of the time.
  • Service conducted in Hebrew and country’s own language.
  • Accompanied Singing.
  • Men and Women sit together.
  • Women can perform all rituals traditionally reserved for men, including Rabbi.
  • Men wear Kippah. Women wear Kippah or hat.
  • Services are structured and well-planned.
  • Many reform synagogues don’t hold DAILY services.
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17
Q

Why do men and women sit separately in Orthodox synagogues?

A

So they do not distract eachother.

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18
Q

Where do women sit in Orthodox synagogues?

A

In the gallery at the back.

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19
Q

What is the importance of the Synagogue?

4 Key Areas:

A

1) Prayer
2) Study
3) Charity Work
4) Socialising

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20
Q

How is the Synagogue important for prayer?

A

The Synagogue is the focal point for celebrations, rituals, rites and prayer.

Often reffered to as Beit T’filah (House of Prayer)

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21
Q

How is the Synagogue important for Study?

A

The synagogue provides classes for learning Hebrew. Most synagogues have a well-stocked library for people to improve their knowledge.

The synagogue represents the importance of education. Often called Shul (school).

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22
Q

How is the Synagogue important for Charity Work?

A

The Synagogue provides a venue for collecting and donating money. The money is distributed locally and internationally.

E.g Jews often support or work for World Jewish Relief.

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23
Q

How is the synagogue important for socialising?

A

Most synagogues have a social hall used for religious and non-religious activities.

Youth clubs, music, drama and sports groups are often set up.

The synagogue functions as a town hall a lot of the time.

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24
Q

What do Orthodx Jewish men, and some women in Reform Synagogues, wear when they pray?

A

Tallit and Tefillin

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25
Q

What is the Tallit?

A

A woolen prayer shawl. Each fringe (tzitzit) symbolises one of the 613 mitzvah.

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26
Q

What is the Tefillin?

A

Two leather boxes containing passages of the Shema. One is fastened with leather straps to the centre of the forehead. The other is wound around the upper arm in line with their heart. Shows that the person loved God with their heart and mind.

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27
Q

How many times are formal Orthodox services held per day?

A

3 - Morning, Afternoon, Evening.

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28
Q

How many services are held per day in a Reform Synagogue?

A

Not always held daily.

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29
Q

What needs to be present for daily services to be allowed to commence in both Orthodox and Reform Synagogues?

A

Minyan (ten men) (ten men or women in reform)

“Whenever ten are gathered for prayer, Shekhinah is there” - Talmud

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30
Q

What 4 things do daily prayer services consisit of?

A

1) Opening Prayers
2) Shema - “Hear O Israel….”
3) Amidah (see next flashcard)
4) Final prayers (praise and thanks)

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31
Q

What is the Amidah?

A

The Amidah is also called ‘standing prayer’. It is the central prayer of Jewish worship and is prayed in silence facing Jerusalem.

Consists of a series of blessings (19) - Ratio - 3:13:3

  • First 3 praise God.
  • Second 13 ask for his help.
  • Last 3 thank God.
32
Q

What are the aims of Jewish prayer services?

A

1) To communicate with God.
2) To become closer to God.
3) To focus your heart, mind and soul on God.
4) To strengthen the sense of Jewish community.

33
Q

How do Jews worship in the home?

A

Jews fix a ‘mezuzah’ (a small box containing verses of the Torah) to a doorpost outside their house.

Families also study the Torah together.

34
Q

What is more important to Jews, private or synagogue prayer?

A

Overall, synagogue prayer - due to minyan, amidah and Aron Hakodesh.

*Potential 12 marker

35
Q

What is Shabbat?

A

The Jewish holy day of the week from sunset on Friday, until sunset on Saturday.

Reminds Jews of how God rested on the final day of creation.

“Keep the Sabbath Day Holy”

36
Q

What happens on Shabbat in the synagogue?

A

1) On Friday evening, a brief prayer service is held in the synagogue. Often includes family service with storytelling and games.
2) On Saturday morning, a reading from the Torah is read during a service.
- While the Torah is read, the congregation stand (reminds them of the Israelites who STOOD at the bottom of Mount Sinai.)
- Many touch the Torah with their tzitzits (fringes of Tallit) and then touch their lips, showing that God’s word should be on their lips.
- On leaving the synagogue, Jews wish eachother ‘Shabbat Shalom’ (have a peaceful Shabbat).

37
Q

What happens on Shabbat in the home?

A

1) House and meal prepared - family change into clean, smart clothes.
2) The Shabbat table is laid for the Friday meal:

Items on the table include:

  • the Kiddush cup - for ceremony of Kiddush (blessing of wine by head of household)
  • candles
  • wine/grape juice - sweet wine symbolises joy and celebration of creation
  • 2 loaves of challah bread - represent the 2 portions of Mannah that God gave the Israelites - cut, sliced and dipped/sprinkled in salt.

3) Female family member lights 2 candles - to ‘welcome in Shabbat’.
4) Family has special Friday meal after Friday evening service - kiddush cup held up and kiddush blessings are said.
5) Family has Saturday Meal after Saturday morning service - they then relax and study the Torah in the afternoon.
6) End of Shabbat marked with the ‘Hadvallah’ ceremony - takes place once 3 stars can be seen.

38
Q

What 3 main parts is the 24 book Tenakh split into?

A

Torah - written law - first 5 books of Moses

Nevi’im - the Prophets - 8 books (e.g Jeremiah)

Ketuvim - the writings - 11 books - (e.g Psalm)

39
Q

What is the Talmud?

A

Jewish oral law that is essentially a commentary of the Torah by rabbis.

Similar to (CCC) for Catholics.

40
Q

What 2 parts make up the Talmud?

A

Mishnah - the first written version of oral law.

Gemara - a commentary of the Mishnah

Mishnah + Gemara = Talmud

41
Q

What are the 4 rites of passage celebrated by Jews?

Rites of passage = moving from one stage of life to another

A

1) Birth
2) Coming of Age (Bar and Bat Mitzvah)
3) Marriage
4) Death

42
Q

What are the 3 ceremonies associated with birth?

Birth is a happy event - “Be fruitful and multiply”

A

1) Naming ceremony - child’s name announced in Synagogue on first Shabbat after their birth.
2) Brit Millah (circumcision) - honours covenant that God made with Abraham. Lifelong reminder that the Jews are God’s chosen people.
3) Redemption of the first born son - some Orthodox parents pay a small amount of money 31 days after the birth of their first born son, to ‘redeem him’ from Temple service.

43
Q

What does Bar and Bat Mitzvah mean?

A

Bar means son.
Bat means daughter.

Bar Mitzvah = Son of commandments
Bat Mitzvah = Daughter of commandments

Both ceremonies are coming of age celebrations.

44
Q

What age do boys have their Bar Mitzvah, and girls have their Bat Mitzvah?

A 
Boys = 13
Girls = 12 (seen as more mature)
45
Q

What do Jewish boys do on their Bar Mitzvah?

A
  • Boy is called to read from the Torah at normal service, following many months of tutoring and preparation.
  • He will wear a Tallit and a Kippah.
  • He will make a short speech.
  • Father thanks God for bringing son to maturity.
  • Celebratory party held afterwards. Showered with gifts and sweets.
46
Q

What do Jewish girls do on their Bat Mitzvah?

A

Reform Jews have a Bat Mitzvah ceremony similar to boys. However, Orthodox Jews do not believe women take an active role in the synagogue. They just have a family meal and exchange small religious gifts.

47
Q

Why might some people feel that Bar and Bat Mitzvah are no longer relevant?

A

Because it is old-fashioned and people died a lot younger in the days of the Israelites. Sexist against girls. More symbolic than literal. Children do not need to ‘come of age’ anymore.

48
Q

Why is marriage important for Jews?

A

For Jews, marriage is a way of experiencing holiness in everyday life.

49
Q

Why do some Orthodox Jews use matchmakers?

A

They feel the matchmaker acts on God’s behalf.

50
Q

What are the 2 steps of Jewish Marriage?

A

1) Betrothal - 12 month period of engagement and preparation. Couple will not live together during this year.
2) Wedding - led by rabbi and held under chuppah (symbolises couple’s new home together). Marriage contract signed and the groom breaks glass under heel to symbolise hardship and grief towards the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem. Groom places ring on brides finger.

51
Q

What are the clear set periods of mourning when a Jewish person dies?

A

Firstly, on the hearing of the death, relatives tear clothes. “Jacob tore his clothes and observed mourning” - Genesis.

4 stages of mourning:

1) First period (24 hours)
2) Second Period - Shiva (7 days of intense mourning)
3) Third Period (30 days) - normal life starts to resume.
4) Final Period (11 months) - prayers are continually said for loved one and mourners do not attend parties.

52
Q

Where does a Jewish funeral take place?

A

Takes place in a Jewish cemetry.

  • Body is buried within 24 hours.
  • Body carefully washed and wrapped in linen cloth.
  • Mourners shovel earth on top of coffin.
  • Wash hands after leaving - leaving death behind.
53
Q

Why do Jews leave stones on top of the tombstone and not flowers?

A

A stone will never die, a stone shows someone has been there, and a stone symbolises the memory/legacy of the person.

54
Q

What is Kosher?

A

Foods that Jews are allowed to eat.

55
Q

What is Trefah?

A

Foods that Jews are not allowed to eat.

56
Q

Name 4 Kosher Laws:

A

Rule 1: Only eat animals with split hooves, that chew the cud.

Rule 2: Do not mix meat with dairy.

Rule 3: You must keep a kosher kitchen - 2 sets of everything.

Rule 4: Animals must be killed according to Jewish law by a kosher butcher.

57
Q

What is the main land animal that Jews are forbidden to eat?

A

Pigs / pork.

58
Q

What animals have a “split hoof”?

A

E.g lamb, beef.

59
Q

What must fish and sea creatures have to be eaten?

A

Must have scales and fins.

No prawns, lobster…..

60
Q

What must kosher birds not be?

A

They must not be birds of prey, and must only eat grain.

No owls, eagles, flamingoes…

61
Q

Are all fruit and vegetables kosher or trefah?

A

Kosher

62
Q

Why do some people think that the Jewish food laws are old fahioned?

A

It wasted money resources as they need 2 sets of everything.

It was relevant at the time of the Israelites due to disease.

63
Q

What is Rosh Hashanah?

A

A *1 or 2 day festival that marks the start of the Jewish new year (held in late September)

*depends on your beliefs

64
Q

What are the Days of Awe and for how long do they last?

A

10 days. Starts with Rosh Hashanah. Ends with Yom Kippur.

65
Q

What is the purpose of the Days of Awe?

A

To say sorry and make up for wrongs.

66
Q

What is Rosh Hashanah considered to be for Jews?

A

The anniversary of the world and the day that God created humans.

It is a period of judgement, where God makes a decision on their fortunes for the next year.

67
Q

How do Jews celebrate Rosh Hashanah?

A

1) Day before = preparations made similar to Shabbat.
2) Synagogue service - several blessings said hoping for a good new year.
3) Special meal at home - fish head is sometimes eaten to show desire for good deeds to grow in number like a fish.
4) Rosh Hashanah Morning - at the synagogue, a Shofar (a ram’s horn) is blown 100 times. Many jews who do not regularly go to the synagogue, will come to this service.

68
Q

What is Yom Kippur?

A

The holiest and most important day in the Jewish calendar.

It is a day of atonement, where the relationship between the person and God is strengthened.

69
Q

How is Yom Kippur observed?

A
  • No work is done.
  • Jews fast for 25 hours.
  • Bathing, wearing leather shoes and sex are forbidden.
  • Jews wear white as a symbol of purity.

Many Jews spend a lot of Yom Kippur in the synagogue, and express their sorrow as “we” not “I”, in the direction of the Ark.

70
Q

What is Pesach?

A

Pesach is also called ‘Passover’. It is the festival in rememberance of the Jewish exodus from Egypt. It is celebrated in spring.

71
Q

How long does Pesach last for?

A

7-8 days

72
Q

How do Jews prepare for Pesach?

A

They remove ‘leaven’ from the home, including wheat, barley, and oats. They also clean the home thoroughly.

73
Q

What meal do families hold on the first evening of Pesach?

A

The Seder meal

74
Q

What happens during the Seder Meal?

A

The mother lights candles to welcome the festival into the home.

Meal begins with Kiddush blessing over wine.

On the table there is red wine, three pieces of matzo (unleavened bread), the seder plate and the Haggadah (special seder book).

75
Q

What is there on the Seder plate usually?

A

Parsley - symbolises fresh start.

It is dipped into salt water which symbolises the sweat and tears of the slaves in Egypt.

Matzah (unleavened bread) - reminds Jews that the Israelites left in a hurry.

Bitter herbs - symbolises the bitter suffering of slavery.

Charoset - a mixture of chopped apples, walnuts and spices. Symbolises the sweetness of freedom.

Roasted egg - symbolises new life.

Lamb bone - symbolises the sacrafice of the lamb, whose blood saved them from the angel of death.

Wine - symbolises the joy of freedom

76
Q

Why does the youngest family member ask 4 questions?

A

To symbolise the 4 freedoms God promised.

77
Q

Why is Pesach such an important festival?

A

It celebrates the birth of the Jewish nation and freedom from slavery.

The retelling of the Passover story ensures that the Jewish faith is passed on.

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