Judaism Practises

Question 1

What is the star of david ?

Answer 1

The symbol of judaism

Question 2

What is the ark ?

Answer 2

The cupboard that houses the torah scrolls

Question 3

What is the Bimah ?

Answer 3

A platform in the centre of the synagogue. This is where the torah scrolls are read out loud .

Question 4

What is a menorah ?

Answer 4

A seven branched candlestick that represents the days of Gods creation .

Question 5

What is the ner tamid ?

Answer 5

The ner tamid is a light that represents gods eternal light and that he is always present .

Question 6

What is the seating arrangement like , in an orthodox synagogue ?

Answer 6

The seating area upstairs is just for women and the area downstaris is for men .

Question 7

How is worship set out in a reform synagogue ?

Answer 7

. Services only on shabbat and festivals ( not daily )
. Services in hebrew or english
. Rabbi faces the congregation
. Men and women sit together

Question 8

How is worship set out in an orthodox synagogue ?

Answer 8

. Daily services
. Services in hebrew
. Rabbi has his back to the congregation
. Men and women sit seperatley

Question 9

What is the synagogue a place for ?

Answer 9

Prayer , studying , charity and socialising

Question 10

What is a kippah ?

Answer 10

All jewish men cover their heads when they pray as a sign of respect for God.

Question 11

What is a tallit ?

Answer 11

A tallit is a woollen shawl that shows the man is obeying God’s laws because each fringe symbolises one of the 613 mitzvot given by God .

Question 12

What is the tefillin ?

Answer 12

The teffilin is two leather boxes . Onw 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 .

Question 13

How many times a day does an orthodox jew pray for ?

Answer 13

3 times a day

Question 14

How many people are required to pray in an orthodox synagogue ?

Answer 14

A minimum of ten adult males are required .

Question 15

In the orthadox synagogue what are the names of the prayers that are read out loud during a service ?

Answer 15

1. Opening prayers
2. Shema
3. Amidah
4. Final service

Question 16

What is the amidah ?

Answer 16

The amidah is the central prayer in judaism . Jews pray in silence and face toward jerusalem.

Question 17

What is shabbat ?

Answer 17

The jewish holy day .

Question 18

How long does shabbat last ?

Answer 18

From sunset on friday until sunset on saturday every week .

Question 19

What is a quote used in support of shabbat ?

Answer 19

’ You shall not burn a fire in your dwelling home on the day of shabbat ‘ Exodus (35:3)

Question 20

What happens in the synagogue when it is shabbat ?

Answer 20

1. Every friday evening there is a prayer service in the synagogue
2. A further service in the synagogue on saturday morning includes a reading from the torah.
3. The torah scrolls are paraded around the synagogue , giving people a chance to be closer to the word of God .

Question 21

What is the mezuzah ?

Answer 21

A small box containing verses from the torah is fixed to a doorpost which they touch when they pass .

Question 22

What are the 4 stages of life celebrated by jews ?

Answer 22

1. Birth
2. Bar mitzvah
3. Marriage
4. Death

Question 23

What are the three ceremonies associated with birth?

Answer 23

1. Naming ceremony
2. Brit milah ( circumcison)
3. Redemption of the first born son

Question 24

What are the three ceremonies associated with birth?

Answer 24

1. Naming ceremony
2. Brit milah ( circumcison)
3. Redemption of the first born son