Judaism Practices - Synagogue Flashcards
What is a minyan?
10 Jewish males over the age of Bar Mitzvah who are required to say certain prayers
Which group of people do some Reform communities allow to be part of the minyan?
Women
What happens at the Synagogue? Give 3 things
Prayer
Study - for Bar/Bat Mitzvahs or for Hebrew generally as well as books can also be borrowed there
Celebration - social hall
Describe the typical seating plan of a synagogue
Men and women separated by a curtain or balcony
How may the seating plans of Orthodox and Reform synagogues differ?
Orthodox - men and women separated
Reform - can often sit together
Why do men and women sit seperately in a synagogue?
To ensure minimised distraction and assist focus on God
What is the Bimah?
The raised platform from which the Torah is read or the chazzan (prayer leader) leads prayers
What is the Yad?
The pointer used to read the Torah
What clothing do men wear in the synagogue?
Kippah or Tallit to cover their heads
What do married women wear in the synagogue?
Hat, scarf or full wig which covers their natural hair
What will you not find in a synagogue that you’d likely find in a Catholic church?
(not a bible)
Images of humans
What is the Ark?
Where the torah scrolls are held
Where is the Holy Ark placed in a synagogue?
At the front of the room on the wall facing Jerusalem
Why may the Ark be raised off the floor?
To remind worshippers that God and the Torah are of higher importance
What is the Ark behind?
A curtain
