Judaism Practices RS GCSE Flashcards
What is a synagogue
a building of Jewish public prayer, study and gathering
What are the three alternate names for a synagogue
beit knesset (House of assembly)
beit tefillah (House of prayer)
Shul (School)
What shape are most synagogues
rectangular, but they can be any shape and size
What are two common symbols to mark the outside of a synagogue
menorah, star of david
Why are there no images of humans or animals in synagogues
the 2nd commandment forbids making and worshipping idols of humans or animals
Why do some Reform Jews call synagogues ‘Temples’
because they consider the synagogue as a replacement for the Temple of Jerusalem
Why is the synagogue important for Jews
it is the centre of the Jewish religious community
WHat is the Hebrew name for a house of study
beit midrash
What are some things that happen inside the synagogue (6)
- classes related to learning Hebrew or about the Jewish faith
- libraries for adults to improve their knowledge
- social halls, like a town hall, for events and gatherings, religious and non-religious
- festivals and rites of passage e.g. Bar Mitzvahs
- venue for collecting money or other items to be distributed to the needy
- clubs for the public
How is the prayer hall in a synagogue designed
seats on three sides facing the bimah
- fourth wall has the Aron Hakodesh
- has a seat for the rabbi and a pulpit from where sermons are delivered
Why is the Aron Hakodesh regarded the holiest place in the synagogue (2)
- it is where the Torah scrolls are kept
- represents the original ark of the covenant
Why do Jews believe the original ark was created
- Where was this eventually taken
to hold the stone tablets which contained the 10 commandments
- taken to Jerusalem and placed in the temple
Which wall of the synagogue is the Aron Hakodesh set into
- Which wall is this for British synagogues
wall facing Jerusalem
- Eastern Wall
Why is the Aron Hakodesh usually reached by climbing up steps
as a reminder that God is above his people and the sacred Torah is above humanity
When is the Aron Hakodesh opened
- what is done to it the remainder of the time
during special prayers and when removing the Torah to read during services
- covered with a curtain known as the Parochet
Where is the Ner Tamid placed in a synagogue
in front of, and slightly above the Aron Hakodesh
Why is the Ner Tamid never put out
- What is it a reminder of
because it symbolises God’s eternal presence
- the menorah lit every night in the Temple of Jerusalem
When is the Bimah used
used when reading from the Torah and often by the person leading services
What are the two main groups of Jews in Britain today
Orthodox and Reform Jews
What is Reform Judaism an example of
Progressive Judaism
How often are Jews expected to pray
three times a day
In Orthodox synagogues,
- seating
- what way is the leader facing
- language
- singing
- head coverings
- men and women are seated separately
- facing the Ark - same way as the congregation
- Hebrew
- unaccompanied
- all men cover their heads when in the synagogue, married women cover their heads too
Why do Orthodox men and women sit separately in the synagogue
avoids distractions or sexual thoughts and enables the focus to be on the prayers and coming close to God
Why do Jews cover their heads when in the synagogue (2)
- sign of respect and fear for God
- shows that the worshipper recognises God is above humankind
