Judaism Practices Flashcards
What can the synagouge be used for
The synagouge can be used for charitable events,social activities education and prayer and worship
What happens in the synagouge in terms of prayer and worship
- The synagouge provides a space for communal worship and prayer
- There are many services in the synagouge for communal prayer as some prayers can only be said in the presence of the minyan (10 people)
What does the synagouge help to do in terms of education
- The synagouge provides a space to educate jews of all ages about their faith
- There are lessons for younger jews about hebrew as it is the language in which the prayer services are
- Most synagagouges also have a vast library so older jews can deepen their understanding of the faith and learn more about scriptures
What sort of social events does the synagouge hold
- The synagouge holds a place for a wide range of activities for all age ranges
- It also provides a space to discuss matters important to the community
What does the synagouge do in terms of charity
- The synagouge helps Jews to donate their time and money to charity
- The synagouge also runs charity events to help the less fortunate
- The synagouge also collects money and resources for those in need
What is the prayer hall
The prayer hall is a room where Jews gather for communal prayer , it is rectangular in shape and has seats on three sides , facing towards the vocal point of the synagouge : the arc in the middle of the synagouge
What is the arc in the synagouge
The arc is an ornamental cabinet where the torah scrolls are kept. It is situated in the wall facing jerusalem and has two stone tablets on top which have the ten commandments written on them. There are steps up to the arc
What is the significance of the arc
- The arc is the holiest place in the synagouge
- It represents the original arc of the covenant which held the ten commandments given to Moses by God
- By climbing up the stairs to the Arc Jews are reminded of the fact that God is above his people and that the sacred torah is above humanity
What is the ever burning light (ner tamid)
The ever burning light is a light placed above and slightly in front on the arc
-It was traditionally an oil lamp but now most Synagouges use an electric light
What is the significance of the ner tamid
- It symbolises Gods presence so is never put out
- It is a reminder of the menorah that was lit every night outside the temple in Jerusalem
What is the bimah
- The bimah is a raised platform situated in most synagouges in the centre of the prayer hall
- It is where the torah is read from during the service
What is the significance of the bimah
- The bimah provides a focal point for the torah so that the congregation can see the reader and hear what is being said
- It also provides a reminder of the altar which was in the old courtyard of the temple in Jerusalem
What are the features of orthodox judaism
- Orthodox judaism is the more traditional branch of judaism. They emphasises the importance of strictly following the torah as it was directly given to moses by God so should be followed as closely as possible
- Orthodoz Jews believe that men and women have different roles
What are the features of reform judaism
- Reform judaism is a more progressive type of judaism. They emphasis the need for choice when practicing faith and worshipping God.They belive that the torah was inspired by God but written by humans so it can be adapted for modern times
- They believe that men and women should be able to have equal roles in Judaism
What are some features of Orthodox services
- There are usually daily services in orthodox judaism
- The services themselves are usually in hebrew
- The rabbi usually has his back to the congregation so he is facing the arc
- Men cover their heads with a skull cap to show their respect for God and how they recognise that he is above humanity
- Men and women sit seperatley
What are the features of a reform service
- Reform Jews do not hold daily services and the focus is more on celebrating shabbat along with other services
- Men and women sit together during reform services
- The services are usually held in hebrew and the own language of the country that the service is happening in
- The services are shorter than orthodox services and the rabbi faces teh congregation most of the time
What is a tallit
A tallit is a long prayer shawl made out of wool or silk
It has 613 tassels attached to it
What is the significance of the tallit
- The tallit reminds Jews that they are obeying Gods word whenever they wear it
- The 613 tassels represent the 613 mitzvot