Judaism - Practices Flashcards
What is Star of David?
The symbol of the Jews
What is the Ark?
Cupboard that houses the Torah scrolls ,it is the most important feature in the synagogue
Why does a Synagogue have the Ten Commandments in it?
These decorate the Ark, reminding Jews of their most important rules.
What is the Bimah?
Platform in the centre of the synagogue. The Torah scrolls are read from here.
What is the Menorah?
A seven-branched candlestick, representing each day of God’s creation
What does the Ner Tamid represent in a Synagogue?
Eternal light. Always burning. It shows God is always present
Why is there stained glass windows in a Synagogue?
Shows important symbols of faith
What is the Gallery?
In Orthodox synagogues the seating area upstairs is just for women.
What is worship like in Orthodox Synagogues?
• Daily services
• Services in Hebrew
• Rabbi has his back to the congregation
• Men & women sit separately
What is worship like in Reform Synagogues?
• Services only on Shabbat & festivals (not daily)
• Services in Hebrew and English
• Rabbi faces congregation
• Men & women sit together
What does a synagogue provide space for?
Prayer
Charity
Studying
Socialising
During Orthodox Jewish prayer, what do men wear?
Kippah
Tallit
Tefillin
What is a Kippah?
A hat all Jewish men wear to cover their heads when they pray as a sign of respect for God.
What is a Tallit?
A woollen shawl which shows the man is obeying God’s laws because each fringe (tzitzit) symbolises one of the 613 mitzvot given by God.
What is the Tefillin?
Two leather boxes each containing the Shema
Where is the Tefillin worn?
One is worn on the upper left arm and the other on the forehead
Why is the Tefillin worn?
It shows that the person loves God with their heart and mind.
How many times a day do orthodox Jews pray?
Three times - morning, afternoon, evening
What is the Minyan?
Daily prayers which need a minimum of 10 people (Only Men for Orthodox, Men and Women for Reform)
What is the format of an Orthodox Jewish prayer service?
- Opening Prayers
- Shema
- Amidah
- Final Prayers
What is the Amidah?
It’s the central prayer of Jewish worship which is prayed in silence while standing and facing Jerusalem. It includes a series of blessings and thanksgivings
What is the importance of prayer in Jewish belief?
- to communicate with God
- to become closer with God
- to focus your heart, mind and soul on God
- to strengthen the sense of Jewish community
What is Shabbat?
The Jewish Holy day, which is from sunset on Friday till sunset of Saturday every week
Why is Shabbat celebrated?
1) It’s a day to rest and enjoy with family
2) It’s a day God commanded Jews to celebrate
3) It’s a weekly celebration of Creation
Why is no electricty used during Shabbat?
“You shall not burn fire in your dwelling (home) on the day of the Shabbat”
- this could be interpreted as electrical usage
