judaism practices Flashcards
why is the synagogue important in judaism?
it is a place of worship, study and community gathering
what are key features of a synagogue?
-bimah (reading platform for torah)
-aron hakodesh (ark) where torah is kept
-ner tamid (eternal light) symbolising god’s presence
-differences between orthodox (separate seating) and reform (mixed seating) synagogues
what are key jewish prayers?
-amidah (standing prayer) is central
-orthodox jews pray three times a day
what is shabbat, and why is it important?
-begins friday evening and ends saturday night
-a day of rest, worship and family time
what is the significance of worship in the home?
jewish families pray daily, light shabbat candles and follow religious traditions
what are the tenakh and talmud?
-tenakh: written law (torah, nevi’im and ketuvim)
-talmud: oral law guiding how to apply the torah
what is brit milah and why is it important?
the circumcision of baby boys at 8 days old symbolising the covenant with abraham
what is the significance of bar and bat mitzvah?
bar mitzvah (boys / 13) and bat mitzvah (girls 12-13) mark a child’s religious maturity
what happens in a jewish marriage ceremony?
-signing of the ketubah (marriage contract)
-breaking of the glass symbolising destruction of the temple
what are jewish mourning rituals?
-shiva: seven days of intense mourning
-kaddish: mourner’s prayer
what are jewish dietary laws (kashrut)?
-kosher food: only animals that chew the cud and have split hooves (e.g. cows, sheep)
-trefah: forbidden foods (e.g pork, shellfish)
-meat and dairy must be separated
what is rosh hashanah and how is it celebrated?
jewish new year marked by prayers, reflection and the blowing of the shofar
what is yom kippur and why is it important?
day of atonement where jews fast, pray and seek forgiveness
what is pesach and how is it celebrated?
-also called passover commemorating the exodus from egypt
-jews eat matzah (unleavened bread) and hold a seder meal
