Judaism Practices Flashcards
Synagogue (shul)(temple)
Jewish house of assembly and worship(place of worship/study)
Minyan
Group of 10 people required for a Jewish religious service
How to recognises a synagogue
Usually rectangular but no set shape
Sometimes a representation of a menorah or the Star of David can be found.
Often stained glass windows- patterns or pictures.
10 commandments forbid worshipping idols of humans or animals- so these cannot be found
Importance of synagogue
Centre of Jewish community
Place of prayer, study and education, social and charitable work, social centre.
Focal point for celebrations.
Some provide Hebrew classes. Well stocked libraries to encourage learning throughout their lifetime.
Social hall for (non) religious services- functions like a town hall, community all issues can be discussed
Collection po9nts for donations to charity
The prayer hall
Rectangular three sides with seats that Face the bimah Fourth side has the Arch Contains seat for Rabbi Pulpit where sermons are delivered Chad an seat
The Ark (Aron Hakodesh)
Holiest place in synagogue
Where Torah scrolls are kept
Represents the original Ark of the covenant
The believe they Ark was created to hold the 10 commandments., was then taken to Jerusalem and put in the temple built by king Solomon.
Ornamental container
Only opened in special prayers and when taking out the Torah , usually covered with a cutrtain called Parochet
Ner Tamid
Ever burning light
It is kept burning at all times
Slightly above ark
Symbolises God’s presence, never put out
Reminder of Menorah that was lit each night in the temple
Originally oil lamp, now electric lights with emergency power
Bimah
Reading platform Raised Centre Used when reading from the Torah Focus of worship when Torah is read Remind that the alter was central in the temple Easier to hear
Orthodox
Traditional branch of Judaism Only form til 18C Emphasise importance of God’s Laws Different roles for M + W Services Leader has bag facing congregation, to face ark + pray in same direction as congregation Unaccompanied singing M+W sit separately Enables full focus on worship Women working towards greater equalityMen cover heads (kippahj or yamulkah) (respect/fear of God) Married women also cover hair
Reform
Progressive
Individual deciding worship
Religion should change with time/society
Spiritual and moral code in Torah and Talmud must be followed, rather than individual laws, believe in equality.
Services
Not daily- concentrate on Shabbat
M+W sit together
Leader faces the congregation
Women can reforms ritual;s (Rabbi, reading the Torah, cantor and minyan)
Shorter, but more rigidly structured services- set time and worshippers are present at the beginning
In Hebrew and country’s own language,
Singing may be accompanied
Most mean wear head coverings and some women
Tallit
Prayer shall with long tassels(tzittzits)
Reminds Jews they are obeying God’s words when worn
Tefflin
Pair of leather boxes containing passages of scriptures. One fastened to the forehead and the other is fastened on the upper area in line with the heart
How many times a day do Jews pray
3 times
What is required for sabbath prayers
Minyan, daily prayers are taken out of a book called the siddur
Opening prayers
Might consist of prayers and psalms to praise and give that’s to God
Shema
