Judaism : Practices Flashcards
What are the three main public acts of worship that take place in the synagogue
Daily services
Shabbat services
Festival services
What is the importance of public worship
It gives Jews an opportunity to listen to and reflect on readings from the Torah and the rest of the Tenakh
It unites the Jewish community
It allows Jews to show love to God, which is a requirement of the Torah
It fulfils the requirement to worship publicly, which is laid out in the mitzvot
“I will fulfil my vows to the Lord in front of all his people” (Torah) - shows the importance of worshipping in a community with others
What are the forms of private prayer
Recite the Modeh Ani (a daily prayer said by Jews upon waking, thanking God for returning their soul to their body after sleep)
Jews often fix a mezuzah to the doorpost at the entrance to their home. They touch the mezuzah as a reminder of the presence of God
What are the set prayers that reminds Jewish people of God throughout the day
Shacharit – morning prayer
Minchah – afternoon prayer
Arvit – evening prayer
What is scripture for praying to God three times a day
“Evening, morning and noon, I cry out in distress, and he hears my voice” (Torah) - this ensures that God is always in the minds of Jewish people throughout the day
What are the two most important prayers
The Shema - reminds them of the key principle of the faith - there is only one God. It emphasises the covenant that God made with the Jewish people, the need to follow the mitzvot and the importance of loving God
The Amidah - the central prayer used in worship services. It is recited while facing Jerusalem
What is scripture for the Shema
“Hear O Israel…the Lord is One” - reminds Jews that there is only one
What are the features of a synagogue
Face Jerusalem - reminds them of the temple
Ark - Contains the Torah. It is located on the wall that faces Jerusalem. It symbolises the ark that held the tablets that God gave to Moses
Bimah - a platform in the centre which represents the altar in the Temple
Ner tamid - Also known as everlasting light. Hung above the ark. The light is never put out as it represents the menorah in the Temple, which was never allowed to be put out
Menorah - represents the seven-branched candlestick that was always kept burning in the Temple
What is scripture for the synagogue
“A multitude of people is a king’s glory” (Torah) - encourages Jews to gather for worship
“Keep the lamps burning before the Lord” (Torah) - you can’t put out the menorah
What are the differences in an orthodox and reform synagogue
Orthodox:
Separate seating for men and women
Only men can read from the Torah
Prayers are said in Hebrew
Reform:
Men and women can sit together
Both men and women can read from the Torah
Prayers may be said in English
What are the features of a wedding
Chuppah - represents the home that the couple will build together as husband and wife
Ketubah - a marriage contract in which the groom makes promises to his new wife
Breaking of the glass - some believe it symbolises the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem whereas others believe it shows that love needs to be protected
What are the stages of a funeral
Shiva - the first seven days of mourning after the burial. Close family mourn during this time and some Jews will not leave the house
Avelut - if someone has lost a parent, they will mourn for a whole year. During this year they will not attend parties and will say a blessing called the Kaddish every day
Yahrzeit - the anniversary of a death. The night before, many Jews light a candle in remembrance of the dead. The candle is kept burning for 24 hours. The Kaddish is said on this day
What is Brit Milah
The ritual of circumcision
Dates back to the covenant made between God and Abraham
The ritual is usually performed at home when a boy turns 8 days old. This is done by a mohel
“Every male child among you shall be circumcised” - all Jews must be circumcised
“Any male who is not circumcised will be cut off from his people” (Torah) - shows Jews how important it is to follow God’s word
What is Shabbat
A day of rest
It originates from the Creation story, as told in Genesis, which says that God rested on the seventh day after creating the world
The day also connects Jews to their ancestors who were in slavery. Refraining from work on Shabbat is a sign of freedom for Jews
On Shabbat, Jews are forbidden by Jewish law from taking part in several categories of work. These include creating or extinguishing fire, writing, and repairing things
“God made heaven and Earth and on the seventh day he rested” (Torah) - shows Jews that even God needed a rest
What happens at home during Shabbat
The house is cleaned thoroughly before sunset on Friday. As no work can be done during Shabbat, all food required is cooked in advance
There is a further blessing by the father, known as the Kiddush
Challah is eaten
