Judaism - Practices

Question 1

What is Star of David?

Answer 1

The symbol of the Jews

Question 2

What is the Ark?

Answer 2

Cupboard that houses the Torah scrolls ,it is the most important feature in the synagogue

Question 3

Why does a Synagogue have the Ten Commandments in it?

Answer 3

These decorate the Ark, reminding Jews of their most important rules.

Question 4

What is the Bimah?

Answer 4

Platform in the centre of the synagogue. The Torah scrolls are read from here.

Question 5

What is the Menorah?

Answer 5

A seven-branched candlestick, representing each day of God’s creation

Question 6

What does the Ner Tamid represent in a Synagogue?

Answer 6

Eternal light. Always burning. It shows God is always present

Question 7

Why is there stained glass windows in a Synagogue?

Answer 7

Shows important symbols of faith

Question 8

What is the Gallery?

Answer 8

In Orthodox synagogues the seating area upstairs is just for women.

Question 9

What is worship like in Orthodox Synagogues?

Answer 9

• Daily services
• Services in Hebrew
• Rabbi has his back to the congregation
• Men & women sit separately

Question 10

What is worship like in Reform Synagogues?

Answer 10

• Services only on Shabbat & festivals (not daily)
• Services in Hebrew and English
• Rabbi faces congregation
• Men & women sit together

Question 11

What does a synagogue provide space for?

Answer 11

Prayer
Charity
Studying
Socialising

Question 12

During Orthodox Jewish prayer, what do men wear?

Answer 12

Kippah
Tallit
Tefillin

Question 13

What is a Kippah?

Answer 13

A hat all Jewish men wear to cover their heads when they pray as a sign of respect for God.

Question 14

What is a Tallit?

Answer 14

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.

Question 15

What is the Tefillin?

Answer 15

Two leather boxes each containing the Shema

Question 16

Where is the Tefillin worn?

Answer 16

One is worn on the upper left arm and the other on the forehead

Question 17

Why is the Tefillin worn?

Answer 17

It shows that the person loves God with their heart and mind.

Question 18

How many times a day do orthodox Jews pray?

Answer 18

Three times - morning, afternoon, evening

Question 19

What is the Minyan?

Answer 19

Daily prayers which need a minimum of 10 people (Only Men for Orthodox, Men and Women for Reform)

Question 20

What is the format of an Orthodox Jewish prayer service?

Answer 20

1. Opening Prayers
2. Shema
3. Amidah
4. Final Prayers

Question 21

What is the Amidah?

Answer 21

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

Question 22

What is the importance of prayer in Jewish belief?

Answer 22

• 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

Question 23

What is Shabbat?

Answer 23

The Jewish Holy day, which is from sunset on Friday till sunset of Saturday every week

Question 24

Why is Shabbat celebrated?

Answer 24

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

Question 25

Why is no electricty used during Shabbat?

Answer 25

“You shall not burn fire in your dwelling (home) on the day of the Shabbat”
- this could be interpreted as electrical usage