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GCSE RE > P2- Judaism Practices > Flashcards

P2- Judaism Practices Flashcards

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1
Q

What is a synagogue?

A

-A synagogue provides a space for Jews to meet and take part in a wide range of activities
-Synagogues may display an image of a menorah or the Star of David
-Sometimes called the ‘House of Prayer’ or ‘House of Study’
-Orthodox called it the ‘shul’ meaning ‘school and some Reform call it the ‘temple’

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2
Q

Why is the synagogue important?

A

It strengthens their community by providing a space for a variety of activities

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3
Q

What are the 4 main activities/events that take place in the synagogue?

A

-Worship and prayer
-Education
-Social activities
-Charitable events

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4
Q

Explain worship and prayer in the synagogue

A

-Jews believe it is important it is good to pray together in a group: certain prayers can only be said in the presence of a minyan (a group of at least 10 adults)
-Services are held regularly in the synagogue for Jews to pray and worship together

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5
Q

Explain education in the synagogue

A

-Helps to educate Jews of all ages in their faith
-Synagogues may provide classes in Hebrew for young Jews to help them learn the language used in prayer
-Most have a library helping older Jews to continue improving their understanding of faith and scripture

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6
Q

Explain social activities in the synagogue

A

-Most host a variety of activities for children, teens and adults in their social hall
-Examples include music/drama groups, youth clubs and groups for senior citizenship
-Provides a place to discuss matters important to the community

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7
Q

Explain charitable events in the synagogue

A

-Synagogue helps Jews donate time and money to charity
-Often hold events to raise money for charity
-Collect money or other items to be given to charity or distributed amongst poor

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8
Q

3 important features of the prayer hall in the synagogue

A

-Ark (Arok Hakodesh)
-Bimah (Reading platform)
-Ner Tamid (The ever burning light)

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9
Q

Description of the Ark

A

-Ornamental cabinet /container where scrolls are kept
-At the front of the synagogue usually set in the wall facing Jerusalem
-Reached by climbing up steps
-Usually 2 stone tablets placed above the ark where the start of each of the 10 C’s are written

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10
Q

Significance of the Ark

A

-Holiest place in the synagogue
-Represents original ark of the covenant which was built to hold Moses’ stone tablets
-When Jews face it, they face the city where the Temple once stood
-Climbing up steps is a reminder that God is above his people and the Torah is above humanity

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11
Q

Description of the Bimah

A

-Raised platform situated in most synagogues in the centre of the prayer hall
-Where the Torah is read from during services

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12
Q

Significance of the Bimah

A

-Provides focal point when Torah is read making it easier for the congregation to see/hear what is being said
-To some it is a reminder that the altar was the central feature of the courtyard in the Temple of Jerusalem

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13
Q

Description of the Ner Tamid

A

-A light placed in front of and slightly above the ark
-Traditionally an oil lamp but most now use an electric light

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14
Q

Significance of the Ner Tamid

A

-Symbolises God’s presence so it is never put out
-Reminder of the menorah that was lit every night in the Temple in Jerusalem

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15
Q

Explain the key elements of Orthodox Judaism

A

-Traditional branch of Judaism
-Emphasises the importance of strictly following Torah laws
-Believe Torah was given directly to Moses so should be followed as closely as possible
-Men and women have different roles
-All Rabbis are male although there are women in the tradition working towards greater equality

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16
Q

Explain the key elements of Reform Judaism

A

-Type of progressive Judaism
-Emphasises the importance of individual choice in how to worship/practice faith
-Believe Torah was inspired by God but written by humans so can be adapted to modern world
-Men and women are able to undertake the same roles
-Women can become rabbis and be part of the minyan

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17
Q

Explain key elements of Orthodox services

A

-Synagogues usually hold daily services
-Service is in Hebrew
-Person leading has a back to congregation (facing Ark)
-Men and women sit separately
-Some may arrive late and catch up at their own pace
-Men cover heads with skull cap and married women with scarf/hat showing respect for God
-Singing in service is unaccompanied

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18
Q

Explain key elements of Reform services

A

-Synagogues often don’t hold daily services, the focus is instead on Shabbat and festivals
-Service is in Hebrew or country’s own language
-Person leading faces congregation most of the time
-Men and women sit together
-Services are shorter but more rigid (set time)
-Most men wear a skull cap and some women as well
-Singing may be accompanied by musical instruments

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19
Q

What 2 things do Orthodox (and some Reform) Jews wear when they pray?

A

-Tallit
-Tefillin

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20
Q

Description of a Tallit

A

-Prayer shawl made from wool or silk
-A long tassel is attached to each corner

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21
Q

Significance of a Tallit

A

-Shawl reminds Jews they are obeying God’s word whenever they wear it
-Tassel represents the mitzvot

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22
Q

Description of a Tefillin

A

-Pair of small leather boxes containing extracts from Torah including some words of the Shema
-One is fastened with leather straps to the centre of the forehead and the other is wound around the upper arm in line with the heart

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23
Q

Significance of a Tefillin

A

-Reminds Jews their mind should be concentrating fully on God when they pray and their prayers should come from the heart

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24
Q

What is the order of the Jewish prayer service?

A

-Opening prayers (e.g prayers/psalms praising God)
-Shema is recited and accompanied by blessings
-Amidah (Standing prayer) is said
-Followed by a reading from the Torah
-Final prayers are said which include the closing Aleinu Prayer giving praise and thanking God

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25
Q

What is the Amidah?

A

-It is the central prayer of Jewish worship and on a weekday, it forms the core of all Jewish prayer services
-It is prayed in silence while standing and facing Jerusalem
-It consists of a series of blessings

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26
Q

What blessings does the Amidah consist of?

A

-First 3 praise God and ask for his mercy
-Middle 13 blessings ask for God’s help
-Final 3 thank God for the opportunity to serve him and pray for peace, goodness, kindness and compassion

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27
Q

4 reasons why prayer is important to Jews?

A

-Communicate with God
-Brings Jews closer to God
-Communal prayer strengthens Jewish community
-Helps Jews remember what faith is all about

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28
Q

What is Shabbat?

A

-The Jewish Holy day of the week
-A day of rest and renewal from sunset on Friday to sunset on Saturday
-A time to celebrate God’s creation
-Celebrate God keeping his covenant with Jews
-Relax, rest, worship God and enjoy family life
-4th commandment ‘Remember the sabbath day and keep it holy’

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29
Q

What happens on the Friday evening of Shabbat at the synagogue?

A

-A brief service during which Shabbat is welcomed like a bride coming to meet her husband (the Jews)

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30
Q

What happens on the Saturday morning of Shabbat at the synagogue?

A

-The main service, longer than weekday services as it includes a reading from the Torah and often a sermon as well as prayers and blessings

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31
Q

Explain 4 actions that happen in the Saturday shabbat service before the readings

A

1) Congregation stands when Ark opens to reveal scrolls
2) Torah taken from Ark and dressed with cover/ ornaments
3) Torah held in front of congregation while verses from scripture are chanted, then it is paraded around synagogue
4) When Torah passes through, many touch it with prayer book or tassels and then with their lips

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32
Q

What is the significance of the congregation standing when the Ark opens?

A

Reminder of how Jews stood at the bottom of Mount Sinai when Moses returned with 10 C’s

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33
Q

What is the significance of the Torah being covered and dressed with ornaments?

A

Reminder of the vestments worn by priests in early Judaism

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34
Q

What is the significance of the Torah being held in front whilst verses are chanted and then paraded around?

A

Represents the march through the wilderness when Jews carried the original ark from Mount Sinai to Jerusalem

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35
Q

What is the significance of people touching the Torah with their prayer book/ tassels and then their lips?

A

Recalls Ezekiel 3:3 which tells Jews that God’s words should be on their lips ‘sweet like honey’

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36
Q

4 ways that Jews prepare for Shabbat in the home

A

1) All work is done/ everything is prepared before Shabbat
2) 2 candles are placed on the table
3) 2 loaves of challah bread are placed on the table
4) Wine/grape juice placed on the table (wine drunk from Kiddish cup)

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37
Q

What is the significance of all work being done before Shabbat starts?

A

-Follows the 4th commandment
-Seen as being like welcoming a special bride/queen into the home

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38
Q

What is the significance of 2 candles being placed on the table?

A

2 candles represent the 2 commandments to ‘remember’ and ‘observe’ Shabbat

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39
Q

What is the significance of 2 challah bread loaves being placed on the bread?

A

Represent the food God provided for the Jews on Shabbat while they were wandering in the wilderness

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40
Q

What is the significance of wine/ grape juice being placed on the table?

A

Drinking Shabbat wine symbolises joy and celebration

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41
Q

What happens on the Friday night of Shabbat?

A

1) 2 candles lit by mother to welcome Shabbat
2) Eldest man says Kiddish prayer whilst holding Kiddish cup
3) Everyone washes hands
4) Father picks up loaves and says prayer to thank God
5) Family enjoys meal
6) Some families might have more prayers during meal

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42
Q

What happens on the Saturday of Shabbat?

A

1) In the morning, special service at synagogue
2) Family and friends gather for lunch with another kiddish
3) Afternoon is time for families to spend time together
4) Late afternoon, there is a final meal for the family
5) Shabbat ends with Havdalah ceremony and blessings are recited over wine, spices and special plated candles (saying goodbye)

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43
Q

How many times are Jews expected to pray a day?

A

3 times a day at home or in the synagogue

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44
Q

Explain the mezuzah and its significance

A

-A small box containing a handwritten scroll of verses from the Torah
-Attached to a doorpost
-They touch it as a sign of respect to God and a reminder to obey his laws

45
Q

2 types of sacred writings

A

Tenakh (written law)
Talmud (oral law)

46
Q

What is the Tenakh (written law)?

A

-The Jewish sacred scripture
-A collection of 24 books (which can all be found in the OT in the Christian Bible)

47
Q

What are the contents of the Tenakh (written law)?

A

Contains 3 main parts:
-Torah= 5 books of Moses forming the basis of Jewish law
-Nevi’im (the Prophets)= 8 books that continue to trace Jewish history and expand on the laws in the Torah
-Ketuvim (the Writings)= 11 books containing a collection of poetry, stories, advice, historical accounts and more

48
Q

What is the Talmud (oral law)?

A

-A commentary by the early rabbis on the Torah
-Contains a collection of discussions and teachings about how to interpret the Torah and apply its laws to everyday life

49
Q

What are the contents of the Talmud (oral law)?

A

The Talmud is in 2 main parts:
-Mishnah= A commentary on the Torah compiled by Rabbi Judah Ha’Nasi in 200CE. How to interpret the Torah (Shabbat, dietary laws, marriage etc) had passed on through generations through mouth so he wanted to write it down
-Gemara: A collection of discussions on the Mishnah, written down in 500CE

50
Q

Orthodox beliefs on the Torah (including the Tenakh) and the Talmud

A

-The scriptures are considered to be the source of all Jewish laws, legal teachings and decisions that affect their daily lives
-so they are studied extensively by Orthodox who may attend classes and lectures to develop their understanding

51
Q

Reform beliefs on the Torah (including the Tenakh) and the Talmud

A

They do not regard the Torah and Talmud with the same absolute authority and may not study them as much

52
Q

3 ceremonies for newborn Jews

A

-Naming ceremony
-Brit Milah
-Redemption of the First Born Son

53
Q

What does the Naming Ceremony involve?

A

-Babies in ORTHODOX families are blessed in the synagogue on the first Shabbat after their birth
-The father recites the Torah blessing and asks for good health for the wife and child
-A baby GIRL’s name will be announced at this point
-A baby BOY’s will be named later at his circumcision
-In REFORM synagogues both parents will take part in the naming ceremony and this may not necessarily be on the first Shabbat

54
Q

What is the significance of the Naming Ceremony?

A

It formally introduces the baby to the community and God

55
Q

What does Brit Milah involve?

A

-Happens when a baby boy is 8 days old
-Close friend/relative places baby on empty chair symbolising presence of prophet Elijah
-Trained circumciser places the boy on the knee of the relative/friend who will be ‘the companion of the child’
-Baby’s father blesses his son
-A blessing is said over wine and baby is formally named
-Baby is circumcised over a simple operation that quickly heals
-Family and guests enjoy a festive meal to celebrate

56
Q

What is the significance of Brit Milah?

A

-It recalls the covenant God made with Abraham where God told Abraham that circumcision would ‘be the sign of the covenant between me and you’ (Genesis)
-It provides a lifelong reminder to a male Jew that they are one of God’s chosen people

57
Q

What does the Redemption of the firstborn son involve?

A

-Some Orthodox give a small amount of money 31 days after the birth of their firstborn son to ‘redeem’ him from Temple service
-5 silver coins are given to a kohen; a descendant of the priests who used to work in the Temple
-Prayers are said asking that the child may ‘enter into Torah, into marriage and into good deeds’

58
Q

What is the significance of the Redemption of the Firstborn son?

A

-The tradition comes from the following command in Numbers 18 ‘but you shall have the first-born son redeemed…Take as their redemption price…the money equivalent of five shekels’

59
Q

What is a Bar Mitzvah?

A

-Orthodox and Reform Boys celebrate coming of age at 13
-They become a ‘son of the commandment’

60
Q

What is a Bat Mitzvah?

A

-Only Reform girls
-Girls celebrate coming of age at 12
-They become a ‘daughter of the commandment’

61
Q

4 reasons the Bar/Bat Mitzvah is significant?

A

1) When a Jew is seen to become an adult
2) When a Jew is expected to start strictly following Jewish law and take full responsibility for doing so
3) When a Jewish boy is allowed to become part of the minyan
4) Preparing carefully for it brings Jews closer to God and the community

62
Q

Explain the celebration of a Bar Mitzvah

A

-Usually the 1st Shabbat after a boy turns 13, the boy reads from the Torah at the normal service in the synagogue
-Many synagogues hold classes to prepare boys for the occasion
-Boy wears a Tallit for the first time, may lead a part of the service and make a short prayer
-Boy’s father thanks God for bringing his son to maturity and declares he is now responsible for his actions
-There is a celebration after where the boy receives gifts

63
Q

Explain the celebration of a Bat Mitzvah

A

-Reform girls have a celebration very similar to the Bar Mitzvah
-She reads from the Torah, gives a short speech and may lead part of the service
-Often followed by a celebratory meal or party
-Orthodox Jews sometimes mark a girl’s Bar Mitzvah with a family meal and small religious gifts

64
Q

2 steps of a marriage

A

-Betrothal
-Actual wedding

65
Q

What is the betrothal

A

-The time period before the ceremony when the couple are engaged/promised to each other traditionally lasting 12 months
-Betrothal has legal status in Jewish law and can only be broken by death or divorce
-The couple don’t live together but do prepare for their future life together
-Traditionally a special betrothal ceremony was held a year before the wedding but this ceremony is now held at the wedding itself

66
Q

What is the Jewish wedding ceremony

A

-Take place in a synagogue or venue on any day except Shabbat or a festival
-A typical Jewish wedding includes the betrothal ceremony, the signing and reading of the marriage contract and the marriage itself

67
Q

5 steps of the wedding ceremony

A

1) Before the wedding
2) The betrothal ceremony
3) The marriage contract
4) The marriage itself
5) The wedding reception

68
Q

Explain what happens ‘Before the wedding’?

A

Before the wedding- Couples may fast before to cleanse sin and come to the ceremony with the right attitude

69
Q

Explain what happens at ‘The betrothal ceremony’?

A

-Bride joins the groom underneath the chuppah, a canopy that symbolises the couple’s home
-They recite 2 blessings over wine
-In Orthodox weddings the groom places a plain ring on the bride’s finger

70
Q

Explain what happens at ‘The marriage contract’?

A

-Marriage contract signed in presence of witnesses, then read out and given to bride
-For Orthodox, this covers aspects such as the husband’s duties to his wife, the conditions of inheritance upon his death, and how he will provide for his wife if they divorce
-For Reform, the marriage contract usually focuses on spiritual aspirations rather than legal rights. It often describes mutual hopes for the marriage, which are the same as husband and wife

71
Q

Explain what happens at ‘The marriage itself’?

A

-7 wedding blessings are recited
-Rabbi makes a short speech and blesses the couple in front of the congregation
-Groom breaks a glass under his heel to show regret for the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem- reminder that life involves hardship as well as joy
-Congregation wishes the couple good luck

72
Q

Explain what happens at ‘The wedding reception’?

A

-After the ceremony, couples spend a short time together in a private room to symbolise their new status as a married couple
-A wedding reception follows that includes music and dancing

73
Q

6 stages to the Mourning for the dead

A

1) When death is announced
2) The 1st period of mourning
3) The 2nd period of mourning (Shiva)
4) 3rd period of mourning
4) Final period of mourning
5) After the 1st year

74
Q

Explain what happens ‘When the death is announced’

A

-Jews make a small tear in their clothes to follow Jacob’s example
-Say blessing that refers to God as the true judge showing they accept God’s decision to take the person’s life

75
Q

Explain what happens at ‘The 1st period of mourning’

A

-Most are buried as soon as, usually first 24 hours
-Until then, Jews believe deceased souls should be comforted by family as it does not fully leave the person until buried
-Close family left to grieve without having to follow certain Jewish laws

76
Q

Explain what happens at ‘The 2nd period of mourning’

A

-Shiva is an intense period lasting 7 days starting on the day of the burial
-Mourners don’t work, stay home and pray 3 times a day
-1 prayer is the kaddish praising God and asking for peace
-Mourners don’t wear make up, cut hair and mirrors are covered

77
Q

Explain what happens at ‘The 3rd period of mourning’

A

-Begins after shiva lasting 30 days after a person’s death
-Normal life resumes but mourners don’t listen to music, party, shave or cut hair
-Male mourners say kaddish daily in the synagogue

78
Q

Explain what happens at ‘The final period of mourning’

A

-Lasts 11 months
-Mourners don’t attend parties
-Children continue to say kaddish for a parent who has died

79
Q

Explain what happens ‘After the 1st year’ of mourning

A

-Formal mourning ends after a year
-Children continue to mark an anniversary by lighting a candle each year lasting 24 hours
-Sons also recite kaddish and make a Torah blessing

80
Q

Explain what happens at the Funeral

A

-Before, body is carefully washed and wrapped in a plain linen cloth as well as a tallit for men
-Placed in a simple coffin to show everyone is equal in death
-Don’t usually take place in a synagogue but in a cemetry
-Service includes prayers, psalms, readings and short speech from the rabbi
-After, everyone washes their hands to show they are leaving the dead behind
-Jewish law states a tombstone must be placed on the grave so the person is remembered

81
Q

What is kosher food?

A

Food that is acceptable for Jews to eat

82
Q

What is trefah food?

A

Food that is not acceptable for Jews to eat

83
Q

What 2 types of food cannot be mixed?

A

Milk and meat

84
Q

Where do the dietary laws originate from?

A

Passages in the Torah particularly Leviticus 11 and Deuteronomy 14

85
Q

How do Orthodox Jews follow the dietary laws?

A

They follow the laws strictly and believe the laws have come from God to test their obedience and help develop their self control. The laws remind people daily of their faith and mark out Jewish people as different from others

86
Q

How do Reform Jews follow the dietary laws?

A

Many think the laws are outdated in modern British society and it is up to an individual whether or not to follow them

87
Q

How must kosher food be killed?

A

-Animal must be slaughtered with a very sharp knife by a trained Jew
-Animal has to be conscious when it is killed
-Blood is drained from the animal as Jews are not permitted to consume food containing blood

88
Q

Why are milk and meat kept separate to Jews?

A

-Dairy and meat not allowed to be eaten at the same time
-Several hours must pass between eating meat and any milk
-They believe in this rule from the instruction in Exodus 23:19 saying ‘You shall not boil a kid in its mother’s milk’

89
Q

How are milk and meat kept separate to Jews?

A

-Orthodox homes have kitchens with 2 sinks and 2 food prep areas to keep them separate
-Some colour code utensils and cutlery so each is used for one
-Most synagogues have kosher kitchens to prepare food for events without breaking the dietary laws
-Jews living in non-Jewish communities find it difficult to eat out and make sure food is prepped correctly

90
Q

What is Rosh Hashanah?

A

-A festival marking the start of the Jewish new year
-Many believe that God judges their actions over the past year and decides their fortune for the coming years during this festival

91
Q

What are the origins and meanings of Rosh Hashanah?

A

-It remembers God’s creation of the world and is also a day of judgement
-Considered to be the anniversary of the day God created humans
-Some believe that on this day, God judges one’s actions over the past year and decides what their fortune is for the year to come

92
Q

What do Jews believe in improving God’s judgement during Rosh Hashanah?

A

-Jews believe God’s judgement can be influenced by their behaviour during the festival so they try to take action to improve God’s judgement
-This might include prayer, charity work, and making up for any harm caused over the past year

93
Q

How do Jews celebrate Rosh Hashanah at home?

A

-The day before, preparations are made similar to those of Shabbat
-The evening it starts, families share a festive meal with symbolic food like apple dipped in honey for a sweet new year

94
Q

How do Jews celebrate Rosh Hashanah in the synagogue?

A

-At the evening service, prayers are said asking God to continue to be the king of the world for the coming year
-The next morning, a ram horn is blown 100 times
-This is followed by a service which is longer than usual with special prayers

95
Q

What is Yom Kippur?

A

The holiest and most important day in the year when God’s judgement and Rosh Hashanah is finalised

96
Q

What are the origins and meanings of Yom Kippur?

A

-Known as the Day of Atonement
-Holiest day in the Jewish calendar
-Jews believe God’s judgement is finalised on this day so it is the last chance to repent for any sins
-Its origins stem from Leviticus 16:30 telling Jews that on Yom Kippur ‘atonement shall be made for you to cleanse you of all your sins’

97
Q

How do Jews celebrate Yom Kippur at the synagogue?

A

-Many spend much of Yom Kippur at the synagogue
-They focus on asking God to forgive their sins to help restore their relationship with him
-Take part in a general confession of sins as a community
-During the final service, Jews are given one last chance to confess their sins
-The doors of the Ark are then closed showing God’s judgement is sealed

98
Q

What other rituals do Jews observe during Yom Kippur?

A

-Jews fast for 25 hours and do no work
-They wear white as a symbol of purity
-Bathing, wearing leather shoes and having sex are also forbidden

99
Q

What is Pesach?

A

A festival also known as Passover lasting 7 or 8 days celebrating the Jews’ escape from slavery in Egypt

100
Q

What are the origins of Pesach?

A

-It celebrates the Jews’ escape from slavery in Egypt
-In particular, it remembers the final plague God sent to Egypt persuading the Pharaoh to release the Jews
-This killed he firstborn child of Egyptians but ‘passed over’ the houses of Jewish slaves

101
Q

What is the importance of Pesach?

A

-It celebrates their escape from slavery to create the birth of the Jewish nation when they were given the law making them God’s chosen people
-A time for Jews to give thanks to God for their redemption and feel empathy with those still living under oppression

102
Q

What is the preparation for Pesach?

A

-Remove leaven (yeast) from the home as it recalls how the Jews did not have time to let their bread rise when they escaped Egypt
-After cleansing the house, some parents or children hide bread crumbs to find and burn showing all leaven is gone
-Some firstborn males fast before Pesach in thanksgiving for their ancestors’ escape from death

103
Q

What is the Passover Seder?

A

A special meal that families celebrate on the first evening of Pesach

104
Q

What happens at the Passover Seder?

A

-The youngest member of the family asks 4 questions about the meaning of Pesach rituals
-In reply, the story of the escape from Egypt is told from a book called the Haggadah

105
Q

What 3 items are involved in the Passover Seder?

A

-Red wine
-Unleavened bread
-A seder plate with a green vegetable, 2 bitter herbs, charoset and an egg and a lamb bone

106
Q

What is the significance of Red wine in the Passover Seder?

A

-Reminder of the lamb’s blood Jews smeared on their doorposts to save the children from the final plague
-4 glasses of wine are blessed and shared during the meal to represent the 4 freedoms God promised in Exodus

107
Q

What is the significance of Unleavened bread in the Passover Seder?

A

-Fulfils God’s command to celebrate the escape from Egypt by eating unleavened bread for 7 days each year
-Some bread is hidden for children to hunt for later with the finder winning a small prize

108
Q

What is the significance of all of the items on the Seder plate?

A

-Green vegetable symbolises new life in the Promised Land
-Salt water represents tears shed in slavery
-Bitter herbs represent bitterness of slavery
-Sweet charoset symbolises the mortar Jews had to use when slaves and reminds Jews life is sweeter now
-Egg and lamb bone are reminders of the sacrifices made in the Temple of Jerusalem

GCSE RE (20 decks)

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