Key Terms - Judaism Practices Flashcards
Synagogue
Building for Jews public prayer, study and gathering.
Minyan
Group of at least 10 adults, minimum number if Jews allowed in a Jewish service.
Menorah
7-branched candlestick.
Chanukah
9-branched candlestick.
Star of David
Symbol of Judaism said to represent the shield go king David who ruled Israel.
Torah Scrolls
5 books revealed by God to Moses. First section of the Tenakh and it is the Jewish written law. Key teachings of Judaism.
Beit K’nesset
House of assembly.
Shul
The prayer shawl.
Bimah
Platfrom in the synagogue where the Torah is read.
Aron Hakodesh (Ark)
Holiest part of the synagogue, where the Torah scrolls are kept.
Ner Tamid
Eternal light; a light that is kept burning in the synagogue above the Ark.
Tallit
A prayer shawl, Orthodox Jews wear them on weekdays and in Shabbat.
Amidah
Standing prayer. Central prayer of Jewish worship.
Shema
A jewish prayer affirming belief in God, found in the Torah.
Shabbat
Jewish Holy part of the week; days of spiritual renewal starting shortly before sunset on Friday and continuing to sunset on Saturday
Mezuzah
Small box that contains a handwritten scroll of verse from the Torah, which is fixed to the doorpost.
Tenakh
24 books of Jewish scriptures.
Nevi’im
Second section of the Tenakh - prophets.
Ketuvim
Third part of the Tenakh - writings.
Mishnah
First version written of Jewish Oral Law; part of the Talmud.
Brit Malah
Celebration of circumcision.
Circumcision
Removal of foreskin from the penis.
Bar Mitzvah
Where the boy is first called to read at a synagogue service.
Bat Mitzvah
Girl will receive gifts and have a family meal and will be allowed to read at Jewish reform synagogue services.
Pesach
Jewish passover.
Dietary Laws
Laws to do with the dietary requirements that all Jews must abide by.
Kosher - Legal
Trefah - Illegal
Rosh Hashanah
Jewish new year, recalls creation story, anniversary of God creating humans and a day of judgement.
Yom Kippur
Day of Atonement; day of fasting on the tenth day after Rosh Hashanah.
Kosher and Kosher Foods
Food that meets the requirements of Jewish laws.
Cows, sheep, goats, deer.
Fish that has scales and fins (salmon, tuna)
Kosher certified cheese.
Fruit and veg (free of insects)
Trefah and Trefah Foods
Foods that Jews are forbidden to eat; means 'torn' Pork, camel, rodents, reptiles. Seafood w/out fins (crabs, lobsters) Non-certfied kosher cheese Insects/amphibian
Mourning
Period of time spent remembering a person who has died.
Shiva
Intense 7 days of mourning that lasts for 7 days.
Kaddish
A prayer said by Jewish mourners that praises God and asks for peace.
Marriage
Legal union between a man and woman (or same sex in some countries/religions) as partners in a relationship.
Rituals
Religious ceremonies that are performed according to a set pattern.
Tzitzit
Long tassel coming off each corner of the tallit.
Orthodox Jews
Emphasise the importance of following the laws and guidance of the Torah; they believe the Torahwas given directly by God to Moses, so shouldd be followed as closely as possible.
Reform Jews
Believe the laws and guidance of the Torah can be adapted for modern times; they believe the Torah was inspired by God but written by humans, so can be interpreted according to the times
Cantor (Chazzan)
Person who leads or chants prayers in the synagogue.
Betrothal
A period of time, traditionally the 12 months before the wedding ceremony when the couple are engaged or promised to each other.
