Judaism Practises Flashcards
What is shabbat?
Jewish day of rest and worship, starting at sunset on Friday and ending at nightfall on Saturday. They also cant use phones. “Keep the sabbath day holy”
What are the stages of mourning in Judaism?
- First Period (24 hours):
Close family stays with the body. Burial usually happens within 24 hours to comfort the soul. - Shiva (7 days):
Mourners stay at home, sit on low stools, don’t work or groom, and cover mirrors. Visitors come to comfort. The Kaddish prayer is said daily. - Sheloshim (30 days):
Normal life slowly resumes. Mourners avoid parties, celebrations, and entertainment but may return to work. - 11 Months (for a parent):
The Kaddish is said daily in synagogue. Formal mourning ends after 11 months, but the anniversary (Yahrzeit) is remembered each year.
Jewish Funeral:
Burial usually within 24 hours. The body is washed and wrapped in a plain cloth, then placed in a simple coffin to show equality. The funeral happens in a cemetery, not a synagogue, with prayers, readings, and a speech. Family helps by placing soil on the coffin.
After Burial:
Mourners wash hands to leave death behind. A meal with bread and eggs follows to symbolise new life.
Tombstone & Remembrance:
A tombstone is placed later with a small ceremony. Visitors leave pebbles (not flowers) to show they’ve visited and remembered the person.
Why is marriage so important is judaism?
A man should leave his father and mother and cling to his wife so the two become one flesh. (Genesis 2)
What is the ‘Betrothal’?
Betrothal (Kiddushin): It is the first part of a Jewish marriage. The couple are legally bound, but don’t live together yet.
Where and when do Jewish weddings take place?
Most Jewish weddings take place in a synagogue (although they can also take place in other licenced wedding venues like hotels), on any day except Shabbat or a festival.
3 stages of marriage
- The Betrothal ceremony
- The marriage contract is signed
- The marriage itself
Definition of leaven
rising agent such as yeast (used to make bread rise).
What is the Seder meal?
On the first evening of Passover, families have a Seder service, with a
special meal. Certain foods are on the table to remind the family of
aspects of the struggles in Egypt.
What does the youngest need to do while having the seder meal?
the youngest person asks five questions:
- Why is this night different from all other nights?
- Tonight, why do we eat matzvah?
- Tonight, why do we eat bitter herbs?
- Tonight, why do we dip our food in salt water?
- Tonight, why do we lean to the left as we eat?
What does wine symbolise in the seder meal?
Wine symbolises the joy and freedom
What is pesach?
Pesach (Passover) is a Jewish festival that remembers how God freed the Israelites from slavery in Egypt.
What is Rosh Hashanah?
Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish New Year, marking the start of the Hebrew year. It’s a time for reflection, repentance, and prayer, leading up to Yom Kippur.
What is yom kippur?
Yom Kippur is the Jewish Day of Atonement, the holiest day of the year. It’s a day of fasting, prayer, and repentance, where Jews seek forgiveness for their sins and reflect on their actions. It follows Rosh Hashanah and is the conclusion of the Ten Days of Repentance.
Definition of kosher
food Jews are allowed to eat
Definition of Trefah
food Jews are not allowed to eat (non-kosher)
What meat can jews eat?
“You are allowed to eat … anything which has a completely split hoof and chews the cud….” (Leviticus 11:2-3)
Modern Jews should forget food laws and eat what they want. 3 reasons for and against
Cultural Adaptation: Promotes inclusivity and reduces feelings of exclusion in diverse communities.
Personal Freedom: personal expression, allowing individuals to make their own choices.
Health and Convenience: Modern food options can offer healthier, more sustainable alternatives.
Reasons against forgetting food laws:
Religious Tradition: Food laws are key to Jewish identity and maintaining a connection to tradition.
Spiritual Discipline: Acts as a reminder of the connection to God and mindfulness in daily actions.
Cultural Heritage: Preserves cultural distinctiveness and the values tied to the practice.
