Judaism Practises Flashcards
The Tenakh
Contains 24 books, all of which can be found in the Old Testament. It is split into 3 parts
Readings from the Tenakh are given 4 times a week in orthodox services
The Torah
This is the 5 books of Moses, it makes up the Jewish law
The Nevi’im
This is the 8 books of the Prophets and an account of the Jewish history
The Ketuvium
The writing, 11 books which record Jewish poetry, stories and advice
The Talmud
. In early Judaism the Jewish teachings were passed down by word of mouth
. This was dangerous however because by teachings could be lost when passed around this way
. Rabbi Hanassi wrote the core Jewish beliefs in Hebrew in 200CE this was called the Mishnah
. The Mishnah caused debate so in 500CE , the Gemara was written, this is a Rabbinical analysis of the Mishnah written in Aramaic
The Mezuzah
. The Mezuzah is a container found on the right hand door post of Jewish homes and on every doorpost within that leads to a habitable room.
. This reminds Jews of Gods presence
. It contains the Shema prayer to remind Jews of their duty
. By placing the Mezuzah on doorpost fulfills a Biblical commandment as it is a Jewish sign of identity
Teffillin
. Black leather boxes are worn containing passages from the Scripture
. Word on the forehead and upper arm, God is as the Head and Heart
. Helps Jews maintain total concentration on God
. Prayers should be said from the heart
Tallit
. A prayer shawl made from wool or silk
. Tassels at the end called Tzitzit, reminds Jews of the 613 Mitzvot
. Usually white with black or blue stripes
. Worn around them to remind that they should always follow God’s laws
Shabbat in the Synagogue
. Jews welcome Shabbat in like a bride, with respect and admiration
. There are family services with story telling, discussion and games
Shabbat in the Synagogue (2)
. On the Saturday service, there are readings from the Torah, all 5 books of the Torah are read within each year
. The prayer leader takes a cup of wine on the Friday reciting a blessing known as the ‘Kiddush’ thanking God for giving Shabbat
Shabbat at Home
. Lay the finest cloth and the finest cutlery
. Pour wine into the Kiddush cup, this reminds Jews of joy and celebration
. Bake two ‘Challah’ bread, this is braided as dough before baking
. Lay out two candle sticks, to remember and observe the Shabbat
. ‘Challah’ bread reminds the Jews of the two portions of manna God provided in the wilderness
Shabbat at home (2)
. The Kiddush Cup is held up and Kiddush blessings are said. The family says amen
. The family wash their hands as an act of purification
. A corner of the Challah bread is removed, a blessing is said, it is then dipped in salt
. After each course, stories the Torah are read
The beginning of life
. Jews believe the life of the child begins when he/she is half way emerged from the Mother, the soul exists in the womb though born pure and free from sin.
Why can’t the mother touch anything in the sanctuary
Levictus 12:3 says ‘ she may not touch anything sacred and she may not enter the sanctuary’
. for boys this is 7 plus 33 days
. for girls this is 14 plus 66 days
When is a boy given their name
They’re given they’re English and Hebrew name after Brit Milah (circumcision)
When is a girl given they’re name
A girl is given they’re English and Hebrew name after the Father has read from the Torah in the Synagogue. There may also be a ‘rejoicing for a daughter’ ‘Simchat Bat’
How can the mother be purified
After birth the mother attends a ‘mikvah’ once she has stopped bleeding to be purified. During the Temple time. she would have made an offering
