Judaism - Practices

Question 1

What is a kippa and why do men wear it when praying ?

Answer 1

• A cap covering the top of heads
• To cover there heads to show significance to god and a sign of respect

Question 2

What is a tallit/shawl ?

Answer 2

This is a cover when they pray and each fringe at the bottom represents each of the 613 commandments .

Question 3

What is the main symbol of judaism ?

Answer 3

The star of david

Question 4

What is the most important part of the synagogue ? why ?

Answer 4

The ark because they hold the torah scrolls

Question 5

What is the bimah ?

Answer 5

The structure where the torah is read from and in the middle so everyone can see

Question 6

What is the ner tamid ?

Answer 6

This is an everburning light showing that gos is omni-present meaning he is all around us and never leaves us

Question 7

What is the menorah ?

Answer 7

This is a 7 branch candle stick to symbolise the 7 days of creation

Question 8

Name 3 things that happens at an orthodox service ?

Answer 8

• the person leading it has his back to the congregation
• men and woman sit seperately (avoiding distraction and focus on prayer)
• the service is conducted in hebrew

Question 9

Name 3 thongs that happens at a reform service ?

Answer 9

• they dont hold services daily
• they concentrate on shabbat and festivals
• the person leading the service will face the congregation
• reform services are alot shorter

Question 10

What 4 things does a synagogue provide a space for ?

Answer 10

Prayer
Charity work
Study
Socialising

Question 11

What is the tefillin ?

Answer 11

Two leather boxes worn of the upper left arm and forehead , containing words of the sheema .
Shows that the person loves god with all there heart and mind .

Question 12

What is the amidah ?

Answer 12

• prayed standing up facing jeruselum
• first 3 prayers thank god
• middle 13 - 6 personal requests , 6 requests for the community and 1 requesting god to accept
• final 3 thank god for being able to serve him
• followed by a reading from torah

Question 13

What are the aims of the amidah ?

Answer 13

• Becoming closer to god
• focuses the heart , mind and soul on god
• strengthen the sense of jewish community

Question 14

How do jews pray at home ?

Answer 14

• they fix a mezuzah to a door post
• they touch it when they pass , as a reminder of gods law
• they study the torah and talmud

Question 15

What are 3 ways a jewish family prepares for shabbat ?

Answer 15

Food is pre - prepared
The house is cleaned
The family washes and get changed into clean , smart clothes

Question 16

What items are places on the shabbat table ?

Answer 16

Wine
2 loafs of challah bread
Set with the best crokery and cuttlery
2 candles to remeber 2 commandments over shabbat

Question 17

How is shabbat is celebrated in the synagogue ?

Answer 17

1. Full service on saturday morning
2. When torah is read congregation stand like they did when moses gave the 10 commandments
3. The torah scrolls are paraded around the synagogue to be close to gods word
4. People touch torah with tzitzit(fringe of tallit) then touch there lips with it
5. When leaving people wish eachother ‘shabbat shalon’

Question 18

What ceremonies do jewish people hold for the brith of a child - naming ceremony ?

Answer 18

Naming ceremony - it introduces the baby to the community and to god , names are considered powerful and the parents are saying something about the hopes they have for their child

Question 19

What ceremonies do jewish people hold for the brith of a child - brit milah ?

Answer 19

• only for jewish boys
• key quote ‘every male among you shall be circumsised at the age of 8 days
• it is important because god said this to abraham and any male uncircumsised will break gods covenant - life long sacrife to god

Question 20

What is bar mitzvah ?

Answer 20

Bar mitzvah - celebration of a boy coming of age (13) - literally ‘son of the commandments’
They are not considered old enough to take full responsibility in their faith

Question 21

What is bat mitzvah ?

Answer 21

Bat mitzvah : celebration of a girl coming of age (12) - literally ‘daughter of the commandments (Reform only)
They are now old enough to take full responsibility in their faith

Question 22

What is the significance of the phrase ‘and they shall become one flesh’ in Jewish marriage?

Answer 22

It signifies the unity of the couple as they join in marriage.

This phrase is derived from Genesis 2.

Question 23

On which days do Jewish weddings typically not take place?

Answer 23

Shabbat and festivals.

These days are considered sacred in Jewish tradition.

Question 24

What is the first step in the Jewish marriage process?

Answer 24

Betrothal, which usually lasts for a month.

This period is part of Jewish law and can only be broken by death or divorce.

Question 25

What is the chuppah in a Jewish wedding?

Answer 25

A canopy that symbolizes the couple’s home and faces Jerusalem.

The chuppah represents the new home that the couple will build together.

Question 26

What action does the bride perform during the Betrothal ceremony?

Answer 26

The bride circles the groom.

This act symbolizes the bride’s commitment.

Question 27

What is typically recited over wine during the Betrothal ceremony?

Answer 27

Blessings.

This is a traditional practice in Jewish weddings.

Question 28

What does the groom do with the glass during the wedding ceremony?

Answer 28

He breaks a glass wrapped in cloth under his heel.

This act symbolizes the fragility of life and the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem.

Question 29

What is the marriage contract in a Jewish wedding called?

Answer 29

Ketubah.

The Ketubah outlines the husband’s responsibilities and mutual hopes for the marriage.

Question 30

What happens during the wedding reception?

Answer 30

The couple spends a short time together in a private room, followed by a special meal, music, and dancing.

This time symbolizes their new status as a married couple.

Question 31

What is a key difference between Orthodox and Reform Jewish weddings regarding the rings?

Answer 31

The groom places a plain ring on the bride’s finger in Orthodox weddings, while Reform couples usually exchange rings.

This reflects differing traditions within Jewish communities.

Question 32

What happens at the mourning of the dead ?

Answer 32

Aims to show respect for the dead person and offer comfort to loved ones
A jewish person will tear there clothing when a patient dies to show a permenant tear in there heart

Question 33

What happens to the body after a jew dies ?

Answer 33

Body is washed
Wrapped in a plain linen cloth
Placed in a simple grave showing everyone is equal in death