Judaism Rituals

Question 1

Shabbat (Sabbath)

Answer 1

• The most sacred day for Jews, focuses on the day the Lord rested from all his work.
• Begins at sundown on Friday and ends at sundown on Saturday.
• Celebrated in the synagogue, focuses on family
• Celebrates everything on earth as a gift from God

Question 2

Pesach (passover)

Answer 2

• 7-8 days in March/April (like Christian feast of Easter)
• Celebrates the liberation of Jews from Egyptian slavery more than 3000 years ago.
• Most important part is the Passover Seder, placed in the center of the table:
• Egg = New Life
• Bitter Herbs=bitterness of slavery
• Lamb=sacrifice
• Matzah Bread=Jews escaped Egyptians so fast that bread didn’t rise

Question 3

Rosh Hashanah (new years)

Answer 3

• Their new year begins around September
• Celebrated in a synagogue
• Jews declare God king again for the coming year and pray for protection and blessing.
• Ram’s horn (shofar) is blown by the rabbi at the beginning of the new year.
• 10 days in between called “Days of Awe”

Question 4

Yom Kippur

Answer 4

• This is the day of Atonement (10 days after Rosh Hashanah)
• Jews seek reconciliation with God.
• Traditionally this holy day has a 25-hour period of fasting (no food or drink), intensive prayer, and they often spend most of the day in synagogue services.
• The Talmud also specifies additional restrictions that are less well-known: washing and bathing, anointing one’s body (with cosmetics, deodorants, etc.), and engaging in sexual relations are all prohibited on Yom Kippur
• relates to Ash Wednesday

Question 5

Brit Milah or Bris

Answer 5

• 8 days after the birth of a male child, the rite of circumcision is performed.
• Child is given a Hebrew name
• takes place in Mohel (doctor)
• circumcision is bodily sign of enduring covenant

Question 6

Bat Mitzvah/Bar mitzvah

Answer 6

• When a girl reaches 12 years old and a boy reaches 13 years old
• She/He is recognized by Jewish tradition as having the same rights as an adult.
• She/He is now morally and ethically responsible for their decisions and actions.
• A celebratory party will follow the ceremony

Question 7

Betrothal or marriage

Answer 7

• People are strongly encouraged to marry and have children.
• Before the wedding a marriage contract is prepared. Ensured the husband treated wife respectfully.
• The breaking of the Jewish wedding glass is at the end of the Jewish wedding ceremony when the groom stomps on a glass to crush it and the guests shout, “Mazel Tov!”

Question 8

Hanukkah

Answer 8

• Also known as the Festival of Lights
• 8 day Jewish holiday in December
• In Hebrew, the word “hanukkah” means “dedication.”
• Holiday commemorates the dedication of the holy Temple in Jerusalem following the Jewish victory over the Greeks.
• Lighting the menorah and playing spin the dreidel

Question 9

Death

Answer 9

• son recites the Kaddish (prayer of sanctification) each morning and night in the synagogue for 11 months
• Mourners gather at one home and receive visitors at certain times – neighbors bring food for family
• Sitting Shiva: for seven days after burial, the family of the deceased wear somber clothing, cover mirrors in the house