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RE > Judaism Practices > Flashcards

Judaism Practices Flashcards

1
Q

What is Beit K’nesset?

A

The synagogue, the house of assembly.

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2
Q

What is Beit T’filah?

A

The synagogue, the House of Prayer.

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3
Q

What is a minyan?

A

A group of at least 10 adults, the minimum number of Jews required for a Jewish religious service.

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4
Q

What are the beliefs about a minyan?

A

In Orthodox Judaism, this needs to be 10 men over the age of 13, while Reform Judaism accepts females for the minyan as well.

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5
Q

What does the Star of David represent?

A

It’s the symbol of Judaism

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6
Q

What is the Ark and why is it important?

A

It stores the Torah and it’s the holiest place in the synagogue.

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7
Q

What is the importance of Stained Glass Windows?

A

They show important symbols of faith.

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8
Q

What is the use of the Bimah?

A

It is where the Torah is read from, and it’s easier to hear the Word of God from a platform.

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9
Q

What is the Ner Tamid and why is it used?

A

It’s an ever-burning light, and it shows God’s omnipresence.

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10
Q

What is another name for the Ark?

A

Aron Hakodesh

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11
Q

What is a menorah?

A

It’s a seven-branched candle stick, used to represent the seven days of creation.

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12
Q

What are the functions of a synagogue?

A

It’s a house of prayer, study and education, social and charitable work, as well as a social centre. Also, many Jewish festivals are celebrated here.

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13
Q

What is a cantor/chazzan?

A

A person who leads or chants prayers in the synagogue.

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14
Q

Why do women sit separately from men in the Orthodox synagogue?

A

Orthodox Jews believe that a greater level of person connection with God can be achieved through prayer.

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15
Q

What are the key differences between Reform and Orthodox synagogues? (8)

A

Singing (unaccompanied in Orthodox, organ in reform)

Men and women positioning

Service language (Orthodox is Hebrew, Reform is the country’s language)

Service leader positioning (Orthodox faces the Ark, Reform faces the congregation)

Late arrivals (Orthodox people catch up, Reform there are set times)

Jewish rabbis (Orthodox always male, Reform can be female)

Kippah (Orthodox must be worn, Reform don’t have to)

Minyans (Orthodox is 10 males, Reform can have female)

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16
Q

What is a tallit?

A

A prayer shawl with tzitzit tassels representing the 613 mitzvot.

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17
Q

What is a tefillin?

A

Small leather box containing extracts from the Torah, strapped to the wearer’s arm and forehead for morning prayers.

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18
Q

What does the Tallit remind Jews of?

A

They are obeying God’s word whenever they wear it.

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19
Q

What does the tefillin remind Jews of?

A

That during prayers their total concentration should be on God and the prayers should be completely from the heart.

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20
Q

Where are the daily prayers for Jewish services taken from?

A

Siddur

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21
Q

How often do formal prayer services take place in Orthodox synagogues (even though they don’t have to)?

A

3 times a day

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22
Q

What is the condition for a Jewish service to start?

A

A minyan must be present.

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23
Q

Give the order of events in a Jewish service.

A

Opening prayers (may consist of prayers and psalms that praise and give thanks to God)

Blessings/prayers (said before and after the Shema)

The Amidah (the ‘standing prayer’ or the ‘eighteen blessings’)

Reading from the Torah (sometimes)

Aleinu prayer (gives praise and thanks to God)

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24
Q

Why do Jews find prayer so important?

A

Prayer brings them closer to God as it enables them to focus their hearts, minds and souls on him. It reinforces their faith by helping them find new insights into their relationship with God. Formal prayer in the synagogue also helps them to remember what their faith is all about and strengthens the sense of Jewish community.

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25
Q

What does celebrating Shabbat remind Jews of?

A

It’s a reminder of the covenant made between God and the jewish people, and is an occasion to rejoice that God has kept his promises. The idea of rest comes from the Genesis story in which God created everything in six days and rested on the seventh day.

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26
Q

What does the Amidah consist of?

A

The first three blessings praise God, and inspire the worshipper and ask for God’s mercy.

The middle thirteen blessings are prayers of petition and intercession, with six personal requests, six requests for the community, and a final request that God accept the prayers.

The final three blessings thank God for the opportunity to serve him and pray for peace, goodness, kindness and compassion.

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27
Q

What are the services during Shabbat?

A

The Friday evening service (45mins)

The Saturday morning service

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28
Q

What happens at the end of the Friday evening Shabbat service?

A

The prayer leader takes a cup of wine and recites a blessing (Kiddush) thanking God for having given Shabbat to the Jewish people.

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29
Q

Why is the Saturday morning Shabbat service longer than weekday services?

A

Because they include an additional reading from the Torah and often a sermon.

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30
Q

What is the Aron Hakodesh?

A

The doors/curtains of the Ark

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31
Q

When the doors or curtains of the Ark are opened, what must the congregation do? Why is this important?

A

Stand, and chant Numbers 10:35. It’s a reminder of how the Israelites stood at the bottom of Mount Sinai when Moses returned with the Ten Commandments.

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32
Q

What happens after the Torah is taken out of the Ark? What is the purpose of this?

A

It’s dressed with a cover and various ornaments, such as a breastplate, crown or belt. This reminds Jews of the vestments worn by the priests in early Judaism.

Then, the Torah is held in front of the congregation while verses from scripture are chanted, after which it is paraded around the synagogue. This represents the march through the wilderness, when the Jews carried the holy Ark (containing the 10 Commandments) from Mount Sinai to Jerusalem.

It also gives the congregation an opportunity to be close to the Torah and give thanks for having God’s word.

As the Torah passes, many touch it with their tzitzit or siddur and touch their lips. This shows that the words that should be on their lips are sweet like honey (Ezekiel 3:3).

The reading of the day (the sidra) is then read from the bimah. After this, the parade around the church happens again before the Torah is placed in the Ark.

The rabbi/visiting speaker gives a sermon, and after that, on leaving the synagogue, Jews wish each other ‘Shabbat Shalom’.

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33
Q

What are the Shabbat preparations in the home? What do these represent?

A

The house is cleaned, the food is prepared, and the family washes and changes into clean, smart clothes.

The table is set with the best cutlery and crockery, and at least two candles: these represent the two commandments to remember and observe the Shabbat.

Wine or grape juice and two loaves of challah bread are also placed on the table; the loaves are covered with a special cover whenever possible. The shabbat wine is sweet and is usually drunk from a Kiddush cup, with the drink representing joy and celebration. The loaves represent the two portions of manna that God provided the Israelites on Shabbat while they were in the wilderness.

34
Q

What do the candles at home for Shabbat represent?

A

They represent the two commandments to remember and observe Shabbat.

35
Q

What happens for the lighting of the candles in Shabbat (at home)?

A

A female member of the family has the honour of lighting the candles, lasting 18mins before sunset, and once they are lit she welcomes in the Shabbat. She does this by waving or beckoning with her arms around the candles, and then covers her eyes to recite a blessing: ‘Blessed are You, Lord, our God, King of the Universe, who sanctifies us with his commandments and commands us to light the candles of Shabbat’.

She also says a prayer asking God to bless the family.

36
Q

What happens at the Friday meal during Shabbat (at home)?

A

After the evening service, the family comes home, the parents bless their children and the head of the household recites the Kiddush blessings while holding up the Kiddush cup. The family say ‘Amen’ at the end of each blessing. Each family member then washes their hands as an act of purification before taking their place ready for the meal.

Everyone then sits down, the head of the household removes the cover from the challah loaves and lifts them up while saying a blessing. The bread is cut into slices or broken into piece, dipped or sprinkled in salt and passed around to each person so everyone has a piece. Then the meal begins.

After each course, stories from the scriptures might be told to the children or songs might be sung.

The meal ends with a prayer of thanksgiving for the food.

37
Q

What happens at the Saturday meal during Shabbat (at home)?

A

This happens after the morning service in the synagogue, to then enjoy another meal in their home.

During the afternoon, parents may spend time with their children and study the Torah.

Then there is another smaller meal before sunset,

The end of Shabbat is marked by the havdalah service. This is performed in the home after nightfall, once three stars can be seen in the sky.

38
Q

How do Jews pray?

A

Prayers are said three times a day either in the home or in the synagogue. Jews traditionally stand to pray, and if they’re alone they pray silently.

Each house has reminders to obey God’s commandments, such as a kitchen that is designed to meet the requirements of the Jewish food laws, and mezuzot.

39
Q

What is a mezuzah?

A

A small box that contains a handwritten scroll of verses from the Torah, which is fixed to a doorpost. Jews touch the mezuzah as a sign of respect and a reminder of God’s laws.

40
Q

What is the Tenakh made up of?

A

The Torah (first 5 books of moses, forming the basis of Jewish law)

The Nevi’m (the Prophets, 8 books that continue to trace Jewish history and expand on the laws in the Torah.

The Ketuvim (the Writings, eleven books that contain a collection of poetry, stories, advice, historical accounts and more).

41
Q

What is the Mishnah?

A

The first written version of Jewish oral law; part of the Talmud.

42
Q

What is the Gemara?

A

A commentary on the Mishnah; part of the Talmud.

43
Q

The Mishnah and the Gemara are combined to form the…

A

Talmud

44
Q

Name the events of the Naming ceremony.

A

The father goes forward to recite the Torah blessing, and to ask God for the good health of his wife and baby. A baby girl’s name will be announced at this point, but a boy will be named later at his circumcision.

45
Q

When are boys named?

A

At their circumcision, 8 days after their birth.

46
Q

When are girls named?

A

The father would announce her name in the synagogue about a month after her birth.

47
Q

What is Brit Milah?

A

The ceremony of male circumcision; the removal of the foreskin for religious reasons.

It is a lifelong reminder of membership of God’s chosen people (Abrahamic covenant).

48
Q

What happens during Brit Milah?

A

A close friend or relative is given the honour of placing the baby on an empty chair that symbolises the presence of the prophet Elijah.

A trained circumciser (the mohel) picks up the baby and places him on the knee of a person chosen to be the ‘companion of the child’ (sandek).

The boy’s father blesses his son with the words: ‘Blessed are you Lord our God, King of the Universe, who sanctified us with his mitzvot and commanded us to enter my son into the covenant of Abraham.’

The other respond, ‘Just as he has entered into the covenant, so may he enter into the Torah, into marriage, and into good deeds.’

A blessing is said over the wine and the baby is formally named. Circumcision occurs, and then the family and the guests then enjoy a festive meal to celebrate.

49
Q

What happens during the Redemption of the firstborn son?

A

Some Orthodox Jews give a small amount of money 31 days after the birth of their firstborn son, to ‘redeem’ him from the Temple service.

The Temple in Jerusalem no longer exists, but some Orthodox parents keep up the tradition in a ceremony kown as Pidyon Ha-Ben. Five silver coins are given to a kohen (a descendant of the priests who used to work in the Temple).

Prayers are also said asking that the child may ‘enter the Torah, into marriage, and into good deeds.’

50
Q

What happens in a Bar Mitzvah?

A

The boy is called to read from the Torah at the normal service in the synagogue. He will wear a tallit for the first time, may lead part of the service and prayers, and make a short speech. His father thanks God for bringing his son to maturity and declares he is now responsible for his own actions.

Many Jewish families celebrate this with a meal afterwards, and the boy receive gifts.

51
Q

What happens during a Bat Mitzvah?

A

The girl will read from the Torah, give a short speech, and may lead part of the prayer service, often followed by a celebratory meal or party.

52
Q

Why do Orthodox Jews not celebrate a full Bat Mitzvah?

A

Because Jewish women don’t take an active role in leading synagogue worship.

53
Q

Give a quote on marriage in the Old Testament.

A

“Hence a man leaves his father and mother and clings to his wife, so that they become one flesh.”

Genesis 2:24

54
Q

How long is betrothal, and what happens during the period?

A

The couple don’t live together for 12 months, but they do prepare for their future lives together.

55
Q

What does the ketubah cover?

A

A wedding contract (ketubah) is drawn up.

For Orthodox Jews, this covers aspects such as the husband’s duties to his wife, the conditions of inheritance upon his death, how the couple’s children will be supported and how he will provide for his wife if they get divorced.

For Reform Jews, it may be more focussed on spiritual aspirations rather than legal rights. If often describes mutual hopes for the marriage, which are the same for both the husband and wife. It may also include a promise not to oppose divorce if the couple should separate.

56
Q

What happens at the last Shabbat service in the synagogue before the wedding day?

A

The future husband takes part in the Torah blessing and announces his attention to marry. The congregation joins in a small celebration after the service with food, drink and wine.

The couple may have a celebratory lunch together, but that may be the last time the couple see each other before the wedding day.

57
Q

What happens in a Jewish wedding (betrothal ceremony)?

A

The ceremony is led by a rabbi and held under a canopy called a chuppah, which symbolises the couple’s home.

The couple may fast on their wedding day to cleanse themselves of sin and come to the ceremony with the right attitude.

In the betrothal ceremony, the bride is set to join the groom under the chuppah facing Jerusalem. The bride circles the groom, they recite two blessings over wine, and the groom places a plain ring on the bride’s finger, saying ‘Behold, you are consecrated to me by means of this ring, according to the rituals of Moses and Israel.’ Reform couples usually both exchange rings.

58
Q

What happens in a Jewish wedding (after the betrothal ceremony)?

A

The marriage contract is signed in the presence of witnesses, then read out and given to the bride. An important guest/relative/rabbi makes a short speech and blesses the couple in-front of the congregation.

The groom breaks a glass under his heel to show regret for the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem. This symbolises that in life there is hardship and joy.

The congregation shout ‘Mazel Tov’ (good luck), and the couple go to a private room to symbolise their new status as a married couple.

59
Q

What happens when Jews first hear about the death of a close family member?

A

They make a small tear in their clothes (an example of Jacob).

They may also say a blessing that refers to God as the True Judge (‘Blessed are You, Lord, our God, King of the Universe, the True Judge’). This shows that they accept God’s taking of the person’s life.

60
Q

What is the kaddish?

A

A prayer said by Jewish mourners that praises God and asks for peace.

61
Q

What happens during the Shiva?

A

It begins on the first day of burial. The mourners stay at home and sit on low stools or on the floor rather than on chairs.

They don’t wear leather shoes, shave or cut their hair, wear make-up or do work. Mirrors are covered so they cannot focus on their appearance, and they wear the clothes they tore.

Prayer services are held 3 time a day in the home, and family/relatives must make up the minyan to recite the kaddish.

62
Q

What happens after the Shiva (both periods)?

A

The lesser period of mourning begins and lasts until 30 days after the person’s death. Normal life resumes, but mourners don’t listen to music, go to parties, or shave or cut their hair. Male mourners say the kaddish daily in the synagogue.

The final period of mourning lasts for 11 months, where mourners don’t attend parties and children continue reciting the Kaddish for a parent that has died. Formal mourning stops when this final period is over, but sons continue to mark the anniversary of a parent’s death by reciting the kaddish, and possibly making a Torah blessing, as well as with daughters too, they light a candle that burns for 24hrs.

63
Q

What happens in preparation a Jewish funeral?

A

Most Jews are buried within 24hrs. Before the burial, someone stays with the body and candles are lit beside it. The body is prepared for burial by being carefully washed. It is wrapped in a plain linen cloth, as well as a tallit for men. A corner fringe of the tallit is removed to show it will no longer be used in this life. The body is placed in a simple coffin to show that everyone is equal in death.

64
Q

What happens during a Jewish funeral service?

A

The body is transported directly to the cemetery for burial, with the service following for 20mins. Psalms are recited, prayers are said, scriptures are read and a rabbi says a few words about the person. Once the coffin is lowered, mourners shovel earth on it.

After offering condolences, everyone washes their hands before leaving the cemetery to show that they are leaving death behind.

65
Q

What is kosher food?

A

Food that meets the requirements of Jewish laws.

66
Q

What is the prescribed way of killing an animal?

A

They must be healthy and slaughtered with a very sharp knife by a trained Jew. The animal’s throat is cut so that the animal does not suffer. However, the animal isn’t stunned first as then it would be unconscious. Blood is drained, and certain parts like intestines and kidneys are removed.

67
Q

Examples of kosher food

A 
Cows
Sheep
Goats
Deer
Fish with scales and fins
Kosher cheese
Any fruit or veg free of insects
68
Q

Examples of tefah food

A 
Pork
Camel
Rodents
Reptiles
Seafood without scales and fins
Non-kosher cheese
Insects
69
Q

How do Jews celebrate Rosh Hashanah?

A

A shofar is blown daily in the synagogue daily, the month before Rosh Hashanah to announce the coming day of judgement. Special prayers for forgiveness are said all month.

On the day before, preparations are made similar to those made for Shabbat, including buying fruit that the family hasn’t eaten in a long time to symbolise renewal. Candles are lit just before sunset. At the usual evening synagogue service, prayers are focused on asking God to continue to be the king of the world for the coming year. The service ends with a Kiddush blessing over wine.

At home, a festive meal begins with the Kiddush blessing, and apples dipped in honey are eaten: a symbol of hope for a sweet new year. A fish head is sometimes eaten to show the desire for good deeds to grow in number like fish.other symbolic foods, like pomegranates, may also be eaten.

Next morning at the synagogue, the shofar is blown 100 times, and the service is longer than unusual with special prayers for the occasion and it attracts a large congregation. Many Jews who don’t regularly go to the synagogue will attend on this special day.

70
Q

What is Yom Kippur?

A

The Day of Atonement, when God seals the Book of Judgement, so it’s the last chance to repent for any sins. It’s expected that Jews will have already mended relationships with other people in the days before Yom Kippur. Atonement that takes place on this day concerns the Jews and God; Jews repent of their sins and God forgives them, enabling the relationship between them and God to be restored.

No work is done, Jews fast for 25hrs, bathing, wearing leather shoes and sexual intercourse are forbidden, and Jews wear white as a symbol of purity (Isiah 1:18, sins becoming ‘like snow’).

In the synagogue, when the Ark is open, it’s the last chance for people to make confession before God’s judgement is sealed.

71
Q

What is Pesach and where does it come from?

A

Passover.

It’s from when Moses had to ask the Pharaoh to let the Israelites go into the desert for three days to make offerings to God, and the plagues were sent when he refused.

After giving up, the Israelites were led to the Promised Land, Canaan.

72
Q

How do you prepare for Pesach, and why?

A

Remove leaven from the home, to recall how the escaping Israelites didn’t have time to let their bread rise.

Jews clean their homes throughly so that not a trace of leaven can be found.

Some firstborn males fast on this day in thanksgiving for their escape from death.

73
Q

What happens during Pesach?

A

It lasts for 7-8 days. On the first evening of Pesach, families hold a Seder service and celebrate with a special meal.

The mother lights candles to welcome the festival into the home. Often some family members visit the synagogue to offer thanks to God. When they return, the meal begins with the Kiddush blessing over the wine. There is red wine, three pieces of matzo, the seder plate and a copy of the Haggadah, read during the Seder service. The middle matzo is broken and the largest piece is hidden for children to hunt for later. The finder receives a small prize.

74
Q

What is on a Seder plate?

A 
A green vegetable to dip into salt water
Bitter herbs (made from horseradish)
Another bitter herb
Charoset
A roasted egg
A lamb bone
75
Q

What does red wine represent in Judaism?

A

The lambs’ blood the Israelites smeared on their doorposts to save their children from the final plague.

76
Q

What does the Pesach unleavened bread represent?

A

It fulfils God’s command, and recalls that the Israelites didn’t have time to let the bread rise before their escape.

77
Q

What does the Pesach salt water represent?

A

The bitter tears shed in slavery.

78
Q

What does the Pesach green vegetable represent?

A

New life in the Promised Land.

79
Q

What do the Pesach bitter herbs represent?

A

The bitterness of slavery, and are dipped in sweet charoset, symbolising the mortar used by the Jewish slaves. It reminds Jews that life is now sweet by comparison.

80
Q

What do the Pesach roasted egg and lamb bone remind Jews of?

A

They remind Jews of the sacrifices made in Jerusalem.

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