Judaism - Practices Flashcards
What is a synagogue?
A building for jewish public prayer,study and gathering
What is a minyan?
A group of at least 10 adults:minimum number of jews required for a jewish religious service
What is a menorah?
A many branched candle that holds either seven or nine candles
What is the star of david?
A symbol of judaism said to represent the shield of king david , who ruled Israel in the 10th century
What is the bimah?
A platform in a synagogue from where the torah is read
What is the aron hakodesh?
The ark- the holiest part of the synagogue which contains the torah scrolls
What is the rabbi?
A jewish leader and teacher
What is the ner tamid?
Eternal light; a light that is kept burning in the synagogue above the ark
Who are orthodox jews?
Jews who emphasiee the importsncd of following the laws and guidance in the torah; they believe the torah was given directly by god to Moses , so should be followed as closely as possible
What is a reform jew?
Jews who believe the laws and guidance in the torah can be adapted for modern times ; they believe the torah was inspired by god but written by humans , so can be interpreted according to the times
What is a cantor?
A person who leader or chants prayers in a synagogue
What is the tallit?
A prayer shawl
What is the teffilfin?
A small leather box containing extracts from the torah , strapped to the wearers arm and forehead for morning prayers
What is the amidah?
Also known as the standing prayer , it is central prayer of jewish worhsip
What is shabbat?
Jewish holy day of the week ; a day of spiritual renewal starting shortly before the sunset on Friday an continuing to sunset on Saturday
What is the tenakh?
The 24 books of jewish scriptures
What is the torah?
1) five books revealed by God to moses
2) the first section of the tenakh(jewish bible) and the jewish written law
What is the Nevi’im?
The second section of the tenakh; the prophets
What is the ketuvim?
Third section of the tenakh; the writings
What is the Mishnah?
The first written version of jewish oral law; part of the talmud
What is the gemara?
A commentary by the rabbis on the torah - it consists of the mishnah and Gemara together in one collection
What is the talmud?
A commentary by the rabbis on the torah - it consist of the Mishnah and Gemara together in one collection
What are rituals?
Religious ceremonies that are performed according to a set pattern
What is brit milah?
A ceremony of male circumcision ; the removal of the foreskin for religious reaosns
