Judaism Practises Flashcards
What is The Ark
Cupboard that houses the Torah scrolls – the most important feature in the synagogue
What are the 10 commandments in the synagogue
These decorate the Ark,
reminding Jews of their most important rules.
What is The Bimah
Platform in the centre of the synagogue. The Torah scrolls are read from here.
What is The Menorah
A seven-branched candlestick – representing each day of God’s creation
What is the Ner Tamid
Eternal light. Always burning. It shows God is always present
What is The Gallery
In Orthodox synagogues the seating area upstairs is just for
women.
What is worship like for orthodox jews
- Daily services
- Services in Hebrew
- Rabbi has his back to the congregation
- Men & women sit separately
- Congregation may arrive late
- Men always cover their heads
- Singing is unaccompanied
What is worship like for Reform jews
- Services only on Shabbat & festivals (not daily)
- Services in Hebrew and English
- Rabbi faces congregation
- Men & women sit together
- Shorter, structured services
- Most men wear a kippah (and some women)
- Singing is accompanied by music
- Women perform all rituals … can be a rabbi, publicly read the Torah etc
what is the importance of prayer in the synagogue
- Daily services
- Celebration of festivals
- Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, marriages etc.
what is the importance of study in the synagogue
- Learn Hebrew (used in prayer)
- Prepare for Bar/Bat Mitzvahs
- Library to improve knowledge of Jewish faith
what is the importance of charity in the synagogue
• Place to collect money/items for the poor
• Holds fundraising events
e.g. for World Jewish
Relief/natural disasters
what is the importance of socialising in the synagogue
- Youth clubs
- Senior citizen clubs
- Music and drama groups
- Sports groups
What is the kippah
All Jewish men cover their heads when they pray as a sign of respect for God.
What is the tallit
Woollen shawl. Shows the man is obeying God’s laws
because each fringe (tzitzit) symbolises one of the 613 mitzvot given by God.
What is the Tefillin
Two leather boxes. One is worn on the upper left arm and the other on the forehead. Each contains the Shema and wearing them shows that the person loves God with their heart and mind.
What is daily prayer in Judaism
• Orthodox Jews pray three times a day - morning, afternoon and evening
• A minimum of ten adult males are required (Orthodox)
• Or a minimum of ten men and women (Reform tradition)
- This is called Minyan
what is The format of Jewish prayer services
- Opening prayers
- Shema
- Amidah
- Final prayers
What is the Amidah
is the central prayer of Jewish worship. Prayed in silence while standing and facing Jerusalem. Includes a series of blessings and thanksgiving
what are The aims / importance of prayer
- Communicate with God
- Become closer to God
- Focus your heart, mind and soul on God
- Strengthen the sense of Jewish community