Judaism Practices Flashcards
Synagouge
A house of assembly where jews meet for prayer worship and study
Minyan
A group of at least 10 men in orthodox and in reform 10 people for prayer
3 reasons why synagouge is important
Study-It where Jes can prepare for Bar/Bat Mitzvahs and read scripture.
Community-Used to collect money or distibute items to the poor or youth clubs
Prayer- It is where Jes come together to pray and connect with God saying prayers like the Amidah.
Features of synagouge and explain significance
Prayer hall-Often with seats facing towards the bimah
Ark(Aron Hakodesh)-Where Torah scrolls are kept. Represents orginial ark where 10 commandments were kept. Set facing towards Jerusalem so that when they pray they face the temple. it is covered to represent curtain from Jerusalem.
Ner Tamid- Ever burning flame and symbolises God’s eterntity and presence. Electric light with backup generator
Bimah- A raised platform that when people read the torah they must be on
Differences between Orthodox and Reform synagouge
Orthodox-Women and men are sperate in prayer. All rabbis are male. Bimah is at the centre facing Jerusalem.
Reform- Women and Men together. Women can be rabbis. Bimah is at front so congregation looks upon the reader. Not daily just shabbat and festivals
Tallit
A prayer shawl with a long tassle called a tzitzit. It is usually white with blue or black stripes. It reminds Jews they are obeying Gods law when they wear it
Tefflin
A pair of leather black boxes. With words of the Shema. Its wrapped on the upper arm in line with the heart and on the forehead. This reminds Jews of their total concentration should be on God and prayers should be from the heart
Siddur
Prayer book
Shema quotes
Hear O isreal the Lord our God the Lord alone.
Amidah
Standing prayers
3 times a day
18 blessings
Praising God asking for his help and thank Him for the oppurtunity to serve him.
Why is prayer important
It reinforces their faith
Enables them to focus their heart mind and souls on God
Shabbat
Day of rest marking when God rested.
Remember Sabbath day and keep it holy Exodus
Begins friday evening and ends after sunset on Saturday
To rejoice that God has kept his promises
Kiddush
Prayer said after prayer leader drinks a sip of wine after service to thank God
Shabbat service
The torah is revelaed to the congregation where they stand.
Reminder of when Isralites watched Moses have the 10 commandments at the bottom of Mt sinai.
Many touch the torah then thier lips to show that God’s words are sweet like honey
Verses from scripture are chanted to symbolise the march from Mt Sinai to Jerusalem with the 10 commandments
Shabbat preparations
Lighting the Candles -Female member. Welcomes SHabbat and says ‘‘Blessed are You Lord our God King of the Universe’’ Kiddush
Friday Meal- Head of the household recites kiddush blessing while holding kiddush cup. The family say Amen at the end of each blessing. They then wash their hands. They eat challah loaves which represent mannah are dipped in salt and they end with stories from scripture.
Havdalah- On Saturday they end the service. Perfomed at nightfall.
Mezuzah
A small box that contains a handwrtten scroll of the Torah. Which is fixed to a doorspot. They touch it as a sign of respect
Written Law
The Tenahk contains 24 books.
Torah-Law
Nevihim-Prophets
Ketuvim-Writings
Mishnah
6 sections talking about laws referring dietary laws marriage and divorce.
Part of the Talmud
These are written teachign that wer wrote down so that in future they werent misinterpreted
Gemara
2nd part of the Talmud
Commentary on the Mishnah
Birth ceremonies
Naming ceremony- Done on the shabbat after their birth boys are named at Brit Milah.
Brit Milah-Circumscision fulfills the promise with God. Baby is placed in empty chair that symbolises presence with Elijah. The mohel places him on the knee of the sandek. The boys father blesses him. Then the foreskin is removed.
Mohel0- cutter
Sandek-COmpaninon of the child
Bar/Bat Mitzvah
A coming of age rite for boys at 13 and girls at 12.
The boy is called to read the Torah at his service. Then a party
The same is for girls but Orthodox do not. they may get gifts and have a small part in the service
Importance of marriage
Parent usually choose the partner for their children. Orthdox Jews do this as the matchmaker is working on behalf of God.
Bethrothal
A word called kiddushin. The couple are set aside for each other. It has legal status in Jewish law and can only be broken during death/divorce.
A ketubah is made which is the expectations of the man and wife during marriage.
Wedding ceremony
Taking place in the synagouge.
Held under a canopy called a chuppa which symbolises their home.
They may fast to cleanse themselves of sin.
The bride circles the groom 7 times which represnets completion.
They break glass which shows destruction of the temple. Showing there is hardship in joy.
