Judaism Practices Flashcards
Worship in an Orthadox synagogue
Daily services said in Hebrew, Rabbi’s back to the congregation and is facing Jerusalem, men and women sit seperately, congregation may arrive late, men always cover their heads(and most women) and singing is unaccompanied.
Worship in a reform synagogue
Open on Shabbat and festivals (services aren’t daily), in Hebrew and English, Rabbi faces congregation unless praying, men and women sit together, most men (and some women) wear Kippah, singing is accompanied with music and women can perform all rituals.
Prayer in the synagogue
Synagogue is a place to gather for prayer. Some prayers can only be said with a minyan (a group of at least ten adults, all men in Orthodox).
Study in the synagogue
Synagogue provides a house of study (Beit Midrash) and some might provide Hebrew classes. Helps Jews study for Bar and Bat Mitzvahs
Charity in the synagogue
It’s a place to collect money for the poor and holds fundraising events. World Jewish relief helps with natural disasters.
Socialising in the Synagogue
Youth clubs, senior citizen clubs, music, drama, sports ect.
Star of David
The shield of King David who ruled Israel in the 10th century BCE. Is a symbol of Judaism.
Ner Tamid
The eternal light kept burning above the Ark. Symbol of the light in the temple and God’s presence.
Ark
where the Torah scrolls are kept; the original held stone tablets. Holiest place in the synagogue
Bimah
Platform from which the Torah is read. The altar was the central feature of the Temple’s courtyard.
Menorah
7 branched candlestick representing the seven days of creation.
Kippah
Jewish men (and some women) cover their heads when they pray as a sign of respect to God
Tallit
Woollen shawl. Shows the man respects God’s laws. Each fringe (tzitzit) represents one of the 613 mitzvot.
Tefillin
Two leather boxes- one is worn on the upper left arm and the other on the forehead. Each contains the Shema and wearing shows love for God in hearts and minds.
Orthadox prayer
Morning, afternoon and evening. Requires a minimum of ten adult men or, in reform, a minimum of ten men and women. “Whenever ten are gathered for prayer the Shekhinah is there”
Prayer services consist of…
Opening prayer, the Shema, the Amidah (standing prayer), final prayers (praise and thanks)
The Amidah
Prayed in silence facing Jerusalem, consists of 19 blessings: praising God and asking for mercy, asking for God’s help, thanking God and praying for peace, goodness and kindness.
Aims of prayer
To communicate with God; become closer to God; focus on your heart, mind and soul; strengthen the sense of Jewish community
Shabbat
The jewish holy day from sunset on friday until sunset on saturday. Is seen as a queen or bride. Jews cannot do any work, carrying ect. God rested on the seventh day. There is a synagogue service on the friday evening.
Preparations for shabbat
All house work done before friday evening, table set with finest of cutlery, wine or grape juice and challah bread placed on table and wine is in kiddush cup
Challah bread
Represents the manna (food) that God provided the Israelites in the wildernessp