Judaism Practices

Question 1

What is a synagogue?

Answer 1

A house of assembly where Jews meet for prayer, worship and study (worshipping in a minyan). It’s sometimes called Beit T’filah (house of prayer).

Question 2

Why are synagogues important for Jews?

Answer 2

It forms the centre of the Jewish religious community. It’s a place of prayer, study and education, social and charitable work, as well as a social centre. It provides a focal point for the celebration festivals and rites of passage such as a Bar Mitzvah, Bat Mitzvah or a marriage.

Question 3

What is a Bimah?

Answer 3

A raised platform generally in the very centre of the synagogue where reading is done. Used when reading from the Torah, and bimah becomes focus of worship. The raised platform makes it easier for the congregation to hear what is being said. Also a reminder that the altar was the central feature of the courtyard of the Temple in Jerusalem.

Question 4

What is Aron Hakodesh?

Answer 4

Regarded as the holiest place in the synagogue as it’s where the Torah scrolls are kept and represents the original Ark of the Covenant. It’s believed that the original Ark was created to hold the stone tablets which contained the Ten Commandments. Situated at the front of the synagogue, usually set into the wall facing Jerusalem. It’s usually reached by climbing up steps, a reminder that God is above his people and the Torah is above humanity.

Question 5

What is ner tamid?

Answer 5

The ever-burning light, placed in front and slightly above the Ark. Symbolises God’s presence and so is never put out. Also a reminder of the menorah that was lit every night in the temple in Jerusalem.

Question 6

What are the differences between Orthodox and Reform Jews in regards to the design of their synagogues?

Answer 6

Orthodox Jews separate the seating of men and women, traditionally with the women’s seats being in an upstairs gallery or at the back of the synagogue, but it could be divided by a screen in modern times. Reform Jews seat everyone together regardless of gender.

Question 7

What are the differences between synagogue services for Orthodox and Reform Jews?

Answer 7

Orthodox:
• Person leading service has his back to the congregation so is facing the Ark (Aron Hakodesh)
• Service is in Hebrew
• Singing is unaccompanied
• Men always cover their heads at the synagogue with a kippah/yamulkah (sign of respect and fear of God)
• Married women cover their heads wearing a scarf or hat

Reform:
• Many do not hold daily services but concentrate on celebrating Shabbat and festivals
• Person leading the service faces the congregation most of the time
• Women can be rabbis, can publicly read the Torah, be a cantor and be part of a minyan
• In Hebrew and the country’s own language
• Singing may be accompanied by musical instruments

Question 8

What is the tallit?

Answer 8

A prayer shawl worn during morning prayers by Orthodox Jews. Made from wool or silk, with a long tassel called a tzitzit. They represent the 613 mitzvot. The tallit reminds Jews that they are obeying God’s word whenever they wear it.

Question 9

What is the tefillin?

Answer 9

Small leather boxes (phylacteries) containing passages of scripture, including some of the words of the Shema. One is fastened with leather straps to the forehead and the other is fastened to the upper arm in line with the heart. They remind Jews that during prayers, their total concentration should be on God and the prayers should be completely from the heart.

Question 10

What is the Amidah?

Answer 10

The ‘standing prayer’ and is the central prayer of Jewish worship. It contains nineteen blessings: 1-3 praise God, 4-16 are prayers of petition and intercession (six requests for the community, six personal requests, and a final request that God accepts the prayers), and 17-19 thank God for the opportunity to serve him. It’s often followed by a reading from the Torah

Question 11

Why is prayer important for Jews?

Answer 11

It’s vital for communicating with God, and they believe that prayer brings them closer to God as it enables them to focus their hearts, souls and minds on Him. It reinforces their faith by helping them find new insights into their relationship with God. Formal prayer in the synagogue also strengthens the sense of Jewish community.

Question 12

Why is Shabbat important to Jews?

Answer 12

It was explicitly commanded by God in the Ten Commandments (“Remember the sabbath day and keep it holy.”). It reminds Jews of the covenant made between God and the Jewish people and is an occasion to rejoice that God has kept his promises.

Question 13

How is Shabbat celebrated in the synagogue?

Answer 13

There is a brief service on the Friday evening in the synagogue. Shabbat is welcomed like a bride coming to meet her husband, the Jewish people. At the end of the Friday service, the prayer leader takes a cup of wine and recites a blessing (Kiddush) thanking God for having given Shabbat to the Jewish people.

The Saturday morning service is longer than weekday services and includes not only prayers and blessings but readings from the Torah and often a sermon.

Question 14

How is Shabbat celebrated at home?

Answer 14

Before it begins on Friday evening, the house is cleaned, food is prepared, and the family washes and changes into smart clothes. The table is set with the best cutlery and crockery and at least two candles (representing the two commandments to remember and observe Shabbat).

Wine/grape juice and two loaves of challah bread are placed on the table (loaves are covered with special cover when possible). Shabbat wine is drunk from a goblet known as the Kiddush cup (symbolises joy and celebration). The loaves represents the two portions of manna God provided for the Israelites on Shabbat while they were in the wilderness.

A female member of the family lights candles and says a blessing (“Blessed are You, Lord, our God, King of the Universe, who sanctifies us with his commandments, and commands us to light the candles of Shabbat.”)

After the Friday evening service, a special meal is eaten.

After the Saturday morning service, the family has another special meal and the Shabbat is ended with the havdalah service (blessings performed over a cup of wine, sweet smelling spices, and a candle with several wicks).

Question 15

How is worship performed in the home?

Answer 15

• Prayers are said three times a day
• Prayers are typically said standing
• Each house has reminders to obey God’s commandments, e.g. a kitchen fit to Jewish standards and mezuzot
• Jews touch the mezuzah as a sign of respect and a reminder of God’s laws

Question 16

What is the Tenakh?

Answer 16

Jewish sacred scriptures consisting of 24 books grouped into 3 parts:
• Torah - 5 books of Moses, forms the basis of Jewish law
• Nevi’im (prophets) - 8 books that continue to trace Jewish history and expand on the laws in the Torah
• Ketuvim (writings) - 11 books containing a collection of poetry, stories, advice, historical accounts and more

Question 17

What is the Talmud?

Answer 17

Jewish oral law (made of the Mishnah and Gemara). Torah and Talmud are studied extensively by Orthodox Jews as they’re regarded as the source for all Jewish laws, legal teachings and decisions that affect their daily lives. Reform Jews regard the authority of the Torah and Talmud in a different way and may not study them as much. Advanced Jewish studies are called Yeshivot.

Question 18

What are the three Jewish rituals associated with birth?

Answer 18

Naming, Brit Milah (circumcision) and redemption of the firstborn son.

Question 19

What is done during the naming ceremony?

Answer 19

Orthodox:
• First Shabbat after birth, father goes forward to recite the Torah blessing and asks God for the good health of his wife and baby
• Then a baby girl would be named, while a baby boy would be named at circumcision (Brit Milah)

Reform:
• Both parents take part in the ceremony (not just dad)
• May not happen on first Shabbat after birth

Question 20

What is the significance of Brit Milah?

Answer 20

Recalls the covenant that God made with Abraham. A lifelong reminder of membership of God’s chosen people. “You shall circumcise the flesh of your foreskin, and that shall be the sign of the covenant between Me and you. And throughout the generations, every male among you shall be circumcised at the age of eight days … any male who is uncircumcised … shall be cut off from his kin; he has broken My covenant.” - Genesis 17:11-14

Question 21

What is done during Brit Milah?

Answer 21

• A close friend/relative places the baby on an empty chair (symbolises the presence of the prophet Elijah)
• A trained circumciser (mohel) picks up the baby and places him on the knee of a person chosen to be the companion of the child (sandek)
• The father blesses his son by saying, “Blessed are you Lord our God, King of the Universe, who sanctified us with his mitzvot and commanded us to enter my son into the covenant of Abraham.”
• A blessing is said over wine and the baby is formally named
• The baby’s foreskin is then removed, then the family and guests enjoy a festive meal to celebrate

Question 22

What is the redemption of the firstborn son?

Answer 22

Some Orthodox Jews give a small amount of money 31 days after the birth of their firstborn to redeem him from Temple service, despite the Temple in Jerusalem no longer existing. The ceremony is known as Pidyon Ha-Ben. Five silver coins are given to a kohen (descendent of the priests who used to work in the Temple).

“The first issue of the womb of every being, man or beast, that is offered to the Lord, shall be yours; but you shall have the first-born of man redeemed … Take as their redemption price, from the age of one month up, the money equivalent of five shekels.” - Numbers 18:15-16

Question 23

What is a Bar/Bat Mitzvah?

Answer 23

Bar Mitzvah is the coming of age ceremony for Jewish boys when they reach 13, where they become fully responsible for practice of their faith. This happens at age 12 for Jewish girls, at their Bat Mitzvah. They become ‘son/daughter of the commandment’.

Question 24

What is done during a Bar Mitzvah?

Answer 24

• The boy is called to read from the Torah at the normal service in the synagogue
• He wears a tallit for the first time, may lead part of the service or prayers, and make a short speech
• His father thanks God for bringing his son to maturity and declares that he is now responsible for his own actions
• Many Jewish families then hold a celebratory meal or party

Question 25

What is done during a Bat Mitzvah?

Answer 25

Reform Jews often have Bat Mitzvahs that are very similar to Bar Mitzvahs, but Orthodox Jews do not allow women to take an active role in leading synagogue worship so will mark it with a family meal and small religious gifts.

Question 26

Describe the process of a Jewish marriage.

Answer 26

• A two-step process made of betrothal and the wedding itself
• ‘Kiddushin’ means betrothal and coms from ‘made holy’ or ‘set aside’
• Betrothal is usually 12 months before the marriage where the couple will not live together but will prepare for their future lives together
• A ketubah (wedding contract) is drawn up (covers husband’s duties to his wife, conditions of inheritance upon his death, other legal rights etc. for Orthodox Jews but is more spiritual for Reform Jews and would cover mutual hopes for marriage and a promise not to oppose divorce if the couple should separate)
• Husband-to-be takes part in Torah blessing at the last Shabbat before the wedding and announces his intention to marry
• The ceremony happens in the synagogue on any day except Shabbat or a festival
• Held under a canopy called a chuppah which symbolises the couple’s home
• Bride is brought up to the groom by her mother, the bride circles the groom and they recite two blessings over wine
• Groom places a plain ring on the bride’s finger
• Marriage contract then signed
• Groom breaks a glass under his heel to show regret for the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem (symbolises that in life there is hardship as well as joy)

Question 27

What do Jews do to their clothes when they hear of a family member dying?

Answer 27

Parents make a tear over their hearts while any other close relatives make a tear on the right side of their chests (following the example of Jacob).

Question 28

How do Jews mourn?

Answer 28

• They believe the soul of the person doesn’t leave them until the burial, so they comfort and support the deceased
• Once buried, a meal of condolence (consisting of bread and eggs which are symbols of new life) is prepared by a close friend or relative, and ends period of immediate mourning
• Shiva (7 days of intense mourning) begins on the day of the burial. Mourners stay at home and sit on low stools or on the floor rather than on chairs. They don’t wear leather shoes, shave or cut their hair, nor do they wear make-up or do work. Mirrors are covered and they wear the clothes they tore. Prayer services are held thrice a day in the home where they recite the kaddish to praise God and pray for the coming age of eternal peace
• Lesser period of mourning begins after shiva (lasts until 30 days after the person’s death). Normal life resumes but mourners don’t listen to music, go to parties or shave/cut their hair. Male mourners say the kaddish daily in the synagogue
• Final period of mourning lasts for 11 months. Mourners don’t go to parties and children continue to say the kaddish for a parent that has died. Formal mourning stops after this, but sons continue to mark the anniversary of a parent’s death by reciting the kaddish

Question 29

Describe the process of a Jewish funeral.

Answer 29

• While some Reform Jews accept cremation, most are buried as soon after death as possible (usually within 24 hours)
• Before the burial, someone stays with the body and candles are lit beside it. The body is prepared for burial by being washed carefully, wrapped in a plain linen cloth, as well as a tallit for men. A corner fringe of the tallit is removed to show it will no longer be used in this life
• The body is placed in a simple coffin to show everyone is equal in death
• The ceremony doesn’t take place in the synagogue (a place of the living). The body is transported directly to the cemetery for burial. It lasts about 20 minutes. Psalms are recited, prayers are said, scriptures are read and a rabbi says a few words about the person
• Once the coffin is lowered, mourners shovel earth on top of it
• Everyone washes their hands before leaving the cemetery to show they’re leaving death behind
• Flowers aren’t used on the headstone but visitors often place a small stone to show they’ve visited the grave

Question 30

What are the words used to describe food that is either allowed or disallowed according to Jewish law?

Answer 30

Kosher (allowed) and trefah (forbidden, literally meaning ‘torn’)

Question 31

Why were dietary laws thought to have been created?

Answer 31

For hygiene or health, or because an animal was more valuable for other uses than food. Orthodox Jews believe the laws were given by God to test their obedience and mark out the Jews as different from others.

Question 32

What are the requirements for food to be kosher?

Answer 32

• Animal must be healthy and slaughtered with a sharp knife by a trained Jew
• Animal’s neck is cut but not stunned prior
• Certain parts of the animal must be removed (intestines, kidneys)
• Blood must be strained
• Animal can’t have a split hoof
• Animal can’t ‘chew the cud’
• Certain foods can’t be eaten at the same time, e.g. milk and other foods as it’s trefah to have dairy and meat

Question 33

What are the different views on dietary laws??

Answer 33

Orthodox Jews follow them very carefully as they believe they were given to them by God to test their obedience. Many Reform Jews believe they’re outdated as they’re believed to have been created for health and hygiene reasons.

Question 34

What is Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur?

Answer 34

Rosh Hashanah is the festival of Jewish new year, which recalls the creation story from the book of Genesis, and is considered to be the anniversary of the day on which God created humans. Yom Kippur is the tenth day of Rosh Hashanah, and is the day of atonement.

Question 35

How is Rosh Hashanah celebrated?

Answer 35

• A month before, a ram’s horn (shofar) is blown daily in the synagogue (except Shabbat) to announce the coming of the day of judgement
• Special prayers for forgiveness are said all month
• The day before, similar preparations to Shabbat are made (buying fruit the family hasn’t eaten for a while symbolising renewal, lighting candles etc.)
• At the evening service before it, prayers are focused on asking God to continue to be the king of the world for the coming year
• The service ends with a Kiddush blessing over wine
• A festival meal is had at home and begins with a Kiddush blessing. Apples dipped in honey are eaten (a symbol of hope for a sweet new year). A fish head is sometimes eaten to show desire for good deeds to grow in number like fish, and other symbolic foods like pomegranates are eaten
• Next morning, the shofar is blown 100 times at the synagogue

Question 36

Where does Yom Kippur originate?

Answer 36

Leviticus 16:29-31 “You shall practice self-denial; and you shall do no manner of work … For on this day of atonement shall be made for you to cleanse you of all your sins; you shall be clean before the Lord. It shall be a sabbath of complete rest for you, and you shall practice self-denial; it is a law for all time.”

Question 37

How is Yom Kippur observed?

Answer 37

• No work is done
• Fasting for 25 hours
• Bathing, wearing leather shoes and sex are forbidden
• White is worn as a symbol of purity
• Many Jews spend much of the day in the synagogue, where services are held throughout the day
• Confession of sins as a community, with the word ‘I’ being substituted with ‘we’
• During the final service, the doors of the Ark (Aron Hakodesh) are open, requiring all to stand. It’s the last chance for people to make confessions before the door of the Ark is closed to show that God’s judgement is sealed
• The service is ended with the blowing of the shofar to signal the end of the fast

Question 38

What is Pesach?

Answer 38

The Passover festival which remembers the Jewish exodus from Egypt

Question 39

How do Jews prepare for Pesach?

Answer 39

• Unleavened bread (bread without yeast) is eaten for seven days each year
• Chametz (leaven) is removed from the home (wheat, barley, oats, or any grain that has been allowed to ferment or rise) to recall how the escaping Israelites did not have time to let their bread rise
• Jews also avoid rice, corn, peanuts and beans
• Some firstborn males fast in thanksgiving for their escape from death

Question 40

How do Jews celebrate Pesach?

Answer 40

• It lasts for 7-8 days, and there’s a Seder service with a special meal on the first evening. The mother lights candles to welcome the festival into the home. The meal begins with the Kiddush blessing over the wine.
• Three pieces of matzo (unleavened bread) are eaten during the Seder service
• On the Seder plate there is: a green vegetable (often parsley) to dip in salt water, bitter herbs made from horseradish, a second bitter herb (such as romaine lettuce), charoset (a paste of chopped apples, walnuts and wine), a roasted egg, and a lamb bone

Question 41

What do the different parts of the Seder meal symbolise?

Answer 41

• Red wine reminds Jews of the lambs’ blood the Israelites smeared on their doorposts to save their children
• The unleavened bread fulfils God’s command, and recalls that the Israelites didn’t have time to let their bread rise before their escape
• The salt water represents the bitter tears shed in slavery
• The green vegetable symbolises new life in the Promised Land
• Bitter herbs, representing the bitterness of slavery, are dipped in the sweet charoset that symbolises the mortar used by Jewish slaves. It reminds Jews that life is now sweet in comparison
• The roasted egg and lamb bone are two reminders of sacrifices made in the Temple of Jerusalem

Question 42

Why is Pesach important?

Answer 42

It’s joyous as it celebrates the birth of the Jewish nation, freedom from slavery, entering the promised land and being given the law that made Jews God’s chosen people. It gives a chance to show gratitude to God for their redemption. The retelling of the Passover story ensures Jewish faith and traditions are passed on.