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GCSE RE > Judaism Practices > Flashcards

Judaism Practices Flashcards

1
Q

What are the 4 important parts of the synangogue?

A

Worship and prayer (WAP)
Education
Social activities
Charitable events

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2
Q

How does the synagogue help worship and prayer?

A

The synagogue provides a space for Jewish prayer and worship. Jews can pray anywhere, bur certain prayer must be said in the presence of a minyan, a group of 10+ adults

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3
Q

What does the synagogue do in terms of social activities?

A

Hosts a variety of activities including youth clubs, music/drama groups and groups for senior citizens. The synagogue is a place to discuss matters that are important to the community.

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4
Q

Education in the synagogue…

A

Helps educate Jews of all ages in their faith.
Includes Hebrew classes which allow Jews to learn the language they use in Jewish prayer. They also have libraries that help Jews improve the understanding on their scripture.

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5
Q

Charitable events in the synagogue…..

A

Jews can donate their money and also time to charity.
Synagogues often hold events to raise money for charity.
Items also collected and distributed amongst the poor.

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6
Q

Why do some Jews call the synagogue the ‘temple’.

A

In reference to the Temple in Jerusalem

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7
Q

What is the Ark?

A

A room where the Torah scrolls are kept.
The holiest place in the synagogue, often have to reach it by climbing stairs, God is above humanity. Represents the covanent of the Ark, where the 10 commandments were kept.

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8
Q

What is the Ner Tamid?

A

A light that is placed infront of the ark, never put out because it symbolises that God is always present.

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9
Q

What is the Bimah?

A

A raised platform where the Torah is read from. Provides a focal point for the congregation.

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10
Q

Name some differences between a reform and orthodox synagogue….

A

Men and women sit seperate at orthodox synagogues
Orthodox holds daily services, reform focuses on Shabbat and festivals
Orthodox singing is unaccompanied, reform singing is accompanied with music.

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11
Q

What is a tallit?

A

A prayer shawl made from wool or silk, when you wear it it reminds Jews that they obey God’s word when they say it. The tassels represent the mitzvot.

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12
Q

What is a Tefillin?

A

Pair of small leather bixes containing extracts from the Torah, including some words of the Shema. Reminds Jews that their words should be fully focused on God when they pray.

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13
Q

What is the format of a Jewish service?

A 
Opening prayers - prayers that thank God
Shema - prayer saying there's only one God
Amidah - central prayer
Sometimes a reading of the Torah
Final prayer
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14
Q

What does the Amidah consist of?

A

Yhree blessings praising God
13 asking for his help
Final 3 thanking God for opportunities

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15
Q

Prayer is important to Jews because…

A

Reminds them what their faith is about
Lets them communicate with God
Brings them closer to God
Communial prayer strengthens the community

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16
Q

What is Shabbat?

A

Jewish holy day or the week. It is a day of rest and renewal.

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17
Q

Shabbat is…

A

A chance to enjot family life
Celebrate God has kept his covenants
Celebrate God’s creations
‘Remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy’

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18
Q

The shabbat services are…

A

Friday evening, a breif service in the synagogue

Saturday morning longer service, includes readings from tje Torah, as well as prayers and blessings.

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19
Q

What does the Ark being opened symbolise?

A

Jews stood at the bottom of Mount Sinai when Moses returned with the Ten Commandments

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20
Q

Torah is held infront of the congregation and verses from the sricpture is chanted….

A

March through the forest, where Jews carried the original ark from Mount Sinai to Jerusalem

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21
Q

Torah passes through the synagogue, touch with prayer books on tassels then touch them with their lips symbolises….

A

Ezekial tells Jews God’s words should be on their lips, sweet like honey.

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22
Q

Why is all Shabbat preperation done the before Shabbat begins?

A

Most types or work aren’t allowed during Shabbat.

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23
Q

What do the two candles represent in shabbat?

A

The two commandments to ‘remember’ and to ‘observe’

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24
Q

What do the two loaves of Challah bread represent in Shabbat?

A

The food God provided to the Jews on Shabbat when they were wandering in the wilderness

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25
Q

What does wine at Shabbat symbolise?

A

This symbolises wine and celebration.

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26
Q

What is the Tenakh?

A

This is the Jewish sacred scriptures

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27
Q

What are the three parts of the Tenakh?

A

The Torah - five books of Moses, basis of Jewish law
Nevi’im - 8 books continue to trace Jewish history and expand on the laws in the Torah
Ketuvim - 11 books that contain a collection of poetry, stories, advice

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28
Q

What is the Talmud?

A

This is the Jewish Oral law. It is a commentary by early rabbis on the Torah.

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29
Q

What are the two parts in the Talmud?

A

Mishnah - 200CE, Rabbi Ha’Nasi wrote down the oral law: early teachings about how to interpret the Torah, had been passed by mouth for many generations.
Gemara - a collection of discussions on the Mishnah. 500CE

30
Q

How many times should Jews pray per day?

A

3 times.

31
Q

What is the naming ceremony?

A

Orthodox families have their baby blessed on the first Shabbat after their birth. Father recites Torah blessing, asking for good health to Wife and Baby. Baby girl named now, boys at circumcision.

32
Q

Significance of naming ceremony?

A

It formally introduces the baby to community and God.

33
Q

What is Brit Milah?

A

This is where a baby boy is eight days old. They will be circumcised by trained circumciser, the father blesses the baby and the baby is formally named. Family and guest have a meal to celebrate.

34
Q

Significance of Brit Milah?

A

It records the covenant that God made of Abraham, where God told Abraham that circumcision would ‘be the sign of the covenant between me and you’. It also provides a lifelong reminder to a male Jew you’re one of God’s people

35
Q

What is the redemption of the first born son?

A

Some orthodox Jews give a small amount of money 31 days after the birth of their first born son to redeem him from his temple service. Five silver coins are given to a kohen, who is a descendent of the priest who used to work in the temple.

36
Q

Significance of redemption of the firstborn son

A

It comes from command number 18, but usual have the first born of mine redeemed ….take as their redemption prize… the money equivalent of five shekels’

37
Q

Significance of the Bar/Bat Mitzvah?

A

When a Jew is seen as becoming an adult.
It’s when a Jewish boys allowed to become part of the minyan.
When a Jewish boy is expected to start following Jewish laws strictly.

38
Q

What is a Bar Mitzvah?

A

Where a Boy is seen as becoming an adult at 13.
The boy wears a tallit for the first time, may lead part of the service and makes a short speech. The boys father thanks God for bringing his son to maturity. After the service there is usually a meal to celebrate.

39
Q

What is a Bat Mitzvah?

A

Girls will have a bat mitzvah at 12, and is very similar to a bar mitzvah. The girl read from the Torah, gives a short speech and can lead parts of the service in the synagogue. Orthodox Jew sometimes market goes bat mitzvah with family mail and small religious gifts.

40
Q

What is the Betrothal?

A

Is the period of time before the wedding ceremony with a couple engaged and promised to each other. It usually last about 12 months. During this year the couple do not live together, but they do prepare for their future lives together. It also has a legal status in Jewish law and can only be broken by death or divorce.

41
Q

What is the marriage contract?

A

This is a marriage contract signed in the presence of a witness, then read out and given to the bride. Orthodox Jews believe it covers aspects such as the husband’s duty to his wife, but for reform Jews that focuses on spiritual aspirations. It often describes meet your hopes for the marriage which are the same but I’ll spend and wife.

42
Q

What happens in the actual wedding?

A

Seven wedding blessing is recited. The rabbi makes a short speech and blesses the couple in front of the congregation. The green breaks a glass under his heel to show regret for the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem, this reminds them life involves hardship as well as joy. The congregation wishes then couple good luck.

43
Q

What happens in the wedding reception?

A

After the ceremony the couple spent a short time together in a private room to symbolise their new status as a married couple. A wedding reception follows that include music and dancing.

44
Q

What happens at the betrothal ceremony?

A

Hero Brian Jones agreement and leave the chipper, which is a canopy that symbolises the couples home. The bride and groom aside to blessings over wine, and an orthodox wedding is the groom places a plain ring around on the brides finger.

45
Q

What are the periods of mourning for the dead?

A 
Death is announced
First period of mourning
Second period of mourning (Shiva)
Third period of mourning
Final period of mourning
After the first year
46
Q

What happens right away when a death is announced?

A

When Jews first hear about the death of a close family member, they’ll make a small tear in their clothes, to follow example of Jacob.
They say a blessing that refers to God as the true judge, which shows they accept Godks decision to take the persons life.

47
Q

What happens in the first period of mourning?

A

Jews are buried as soon after the death as possible (usually in 24 hrs).
Till then Jews believe the deceased soul should be comforted and supported by family members, as it doesn’t fully leave the person till they’re buried.
Close family grieve and don’t have to follow certain laws.

48
Q

What happens in the second period of mourning?

A

Known as Shiva, period of intense mourning for 7 days, starting on burial.
Mourners don’t work and stay at home, hold prayer service 3 times a day.
One pray is the kaddish, praises God and asks for peace.
Mourners don’t wear make up or shave, mirrors are covered so they can’t focus on their own appearance.

49
Q

What happens in the third period of mourning?

A

This is after the Shiva until 30 days after the person’s death.
Normal life resumes but mourners don’t listen to music, go to parties, shave or cut their hair.
Male mourners say the kiddish daily in the synagogue.

50
Q

What is the final period of mourning?

A

It lasts for eleven months
Mourners don’t attend parties
Children continue to say the kaddish for a parent who has died.

51
Q

What happens after the first year of mourning?

A

Formal mourning ends after a year
Children of the dead light a candle for 24 hours every year in the anniversary.
Sons will recite the kaddish, and if possible make a Torah blessing.

52
Q

What happens before the funeral?

A

Body carefully washed then wrapped in plain linen cloth + tallit for men. Simple coffin to show all are equal.
Usually a funeral isn’t in a synagogue, as it’s a place of living
Funeral includes prayer, readings and psalms then short speech by the Rabbi.
Hands are washed by those at funeral as they leave death behind.

53
Q

What’s the name for food acceptable to eat and food that’s not acceptable to eat?

A

Kosher - acceptable
Trefah - unacceptable
Some jews beliebe that the laws were originally for hygiene and health.

54
Q

Difference between Orthodox Jews and Reform on how to follow dietary laws…

A

Orthodox Jews will follow them very strictly, they believe that the laws came from God to test their obedience and develop self control.
However many reform Jews believe that the laws are outdated in modern British society, and its an individuals choice to either follow the laws or not.

55
Q

How must kosher animals be prepared/killed?

A

The animal must be slaughtered with a very sharp knife by a trained Jew
Animal must be conscious when it’s killed.
Blood is drained from the animal as Jews aren’t permitted to consume food containing blood.

56
Q

What two foods MUST Jews keep seperate?

A

Milk and meat must be kept seperate, cannot be eaten at the same time or even within a couple of hours of eachother. ‘You shall not boil a kid in its mother’s milk’ - Exodus.

57
Q

What do Jews do to keep meat and milk seperate?

A

They have kitchens with two sinks (one for meat one for dairy)
Colour code utensils (for meat and dairy)
Synagogues have kosher kitchens to prepare food without breaking the dietary laws
Jews living in non-Jewish communities often find it difficult to eat out and be sure the food is prepared correctly.

58
Q

What’s the origins and meanings of Rosh Hashannah?

A

Start of the Jewish new year. Anniversary of the day God created humans
Remebers God’s creation of the world, and is a day of judgement.
God judges a persons actions over the past year, and decides their fortune for the coming year.

59
Q

What’s the observance of Rosh Hashannah?

A

Improving God’s judgement - God’s judgement can be influence by their behaviour at the festival. They try to take actions that will improve God’s judgement. Could include prayer or charity work.
Celebrate at home - Similar to shabbat, families share a festive meal. Including apples dipper in honey to symbolise a sweet new year.
Attending services - At evening service, prayers said asking God to continue to be King of the world. Next morning at Synagogue rams horn blown 100 times.

60
Q

Origins and meanings of Yom Kippur

A

Day of Antonement, holiest day in the Jewish calendar.
“Antonement shall be made for you to cleanse you of all sins”
God’s judgement finalised, last chance to repent for any sins.

61
Q

Observance of Yom Kippur….

A

Attending services - Jews spend much of Yom Kippur in the synagogue. Ask God to forgive sins, general confession of sins within the community.
In the final service, Jews have a final chance to forgive sins.
Other rituals - Fast for 25 hours and no work
Wear white as a symbol of purity
Having sex is forbidden.

62
Q

Whats the origin of Pesach?

A

Celebrates the escape of slavery in Egypt, and the many years spend wandering in the desert to find Canaan. Jews particulaly remember the final plague, death to the firstborn son of Egyptians, but passed over Jews.

63
Q

Why is Pesach so important?

A

Celebrates their escape from slavery to create the birth of the Jewish nation. When they were given the law to make them God’s chosen people. Jews thank God for their redemption.

64
Q

How do Jews prepare for Pesach?

A

Remove yeast from the home. Shows how Jews didn’t have the time to let their bread rise when they escaped from Eygpt.
After cleaning the house, bread crumbs are hidden to find and burn, shows all yeast is removed. Some firstborn males fast before pesach, thanking their ancestors for saving them.

65
Q

What does the red wine symbolise?

A

Reminder of the lambs blood Jews smeared on the doorpost to remind them of the final plague.

66
Q

What does the unleavened bread represent?

A

Fulfils Gods command to celebrate the escape from Egypt by eating unleavened bread for seven days each year.

67
Q

What does the rest on the plate as passover symbolise?

A

Green vegetable symbolises new life in promised land.
Salt water tear shed in slavery
Bitter herbs shows biterness of slavery
Sweet charoset symbolises the mortar Jews used when slaves, and life now is sweeter.
Egg and lamb bone are a reminder of sacrifices made in the Temple of Jerusalem

68
Q

What is the Prayer Hall in the synangogue?

A

A room in the synangogue where Jews will come together for communal worship.
It is usually rectangular in shape, with seats on three sides of the hall facing inwards towards the bimah (in the centre).
The prayer hall may be decorated with patterns/Jewish symbols. However images of religious figures aren’t allowed, as this goes against the second commandment.

69
Q

How do Jews celebate Shabbat through the lighting of candles?

A

Shabbat is welcomed through the lighting of two candles, they person who lit them waves their arms around the candles and then says a blessing, as well as says a prayer to God to bless the family.

70
Q

How is Shabbat celebrated through sharing a special meal?

A

The parents bless their children, and the head of the house recites the kiddush holding the kiddush cup.
Bread is blessed and passed around the group.
May last a few hours, giving the family time to relax and enjoy the meal.
The meal ends with a prayer of thanksgiving for the food.

71
Q

How is Shabbat celebrated after the saturday service?

A

The familt shares another special meal, parents may spend time with their kids, they will also study the Torah. End of shabbat is marked with the havdalah service.

72
Q

What is a ‘mezuzah’?

A

Small box that contains handwritten scrolls of verses from the Torah, which is attached to a doorpost. Jews will touch is as a sign of respect and a reminder to obey God’s laws.

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