practices Flashcards
synagogue
provides a space for Jews to meet and take part in a wide range of activities from and prayer to community meetings and social clubs
menorah
a many-branched candlestick
star of david
a six-pointed start that represents King David who ruled Israel in the tenth century BCE
different names for synagogue
house of prayer, house of study.
Orthodox Jews called it the ‘shul’ which means school
Reform Jews called it ‘the temple’ in reference to the temple in Jerusalem (an important centre of worship for early Jews)
worship and prayer
- provides a space for worship and communal prayer
- they believe it’s good to pray together in a group; certain prayers can only be said in the presence of a minyan (a group of at least ten adults)
- services are usually held in the synagogue for Jews to pray and worship together
importance of the synangogue
education
- synagogue helps to educate Jews of all ages on their faith
- some synagogues provide classes in Hebrew for young Jews to help them learn the language used in Jewish prayer
- they also have a library that helps older jews to continue improving their understanding of the faith and its scriptures
social activities
- most synagogues host a variety of activities for children, teenagers and adults in their social hall
- examples include youth clubs, music or drama groups and some groups for the elderly
- the synagogue provides a place to discuss matters that are important to the community
charitable events
- the synagogue helps Jews to donate their time and money to charity
- they often hold events to raise money for charity
- they collect money to be given to be distributed among the poor and needy
Aron Hakodesh
cabinet where the Torah scrolls are kept and is the holiest place in the synagogue
- located at the front of the synagogue facing Jerusalem
- two stone tablets placed above the Ark; the start of the Ten Commandments is written
- usually reached by climbing some steps; by climbing up the steps to reach the Ark, Jews are reminded that God is above his people and the sacred Torah is above humanity
- represents the Ark of the Covenant
- in early Judaism, the Temple was the focal point of Jewish worship
ner tamid
this is the ever burning light and is kept on at all times and sits above the aron hakodesh; it symbolises God’s prescence
- it is a reminder of the menorah that was lit every night in the Temple in Jerusalem
bimah
this is the reading platform where the Torah is read
- provides a focal point when the Torah is being read, making it easier for the congregation to see the see the reader and what is being said
- it isa reminder that the altar was the central feature of the courtyard in the Temple in Jerusalem
The Prayer Hall
- this is the room in the synagogue where Jews come together for communal worship and prayer
- rectangular shape with seats on three sides of the hall facing towards the bimah that is located in the centre
- the prayer hall can be decorated with patterns, Jewish symbols or extracts from scripture; images of God, prophets or other religious figures are not allowed as this goes against the second commandment
Orthodox Jews/Judaism
this is the traditional branch of Judaism
- they emphasise the importance of strictly following the law in the Torah
- they believe that the Torah was given to Moses by God and so should be followed as closely as possible
- they believe that men and women should have different roles
- Orthodox rabbis are male even though there are women within the tradition who are working towards greater equality
Reform Jews/Judaism
this is a type of progressive Judaism
- they emphasise the importance of individual choice in deciding how to worship and practise the faith
- they believe the Torah was inspired by God but written by humans so it can be adapted for modern times
- they believe that both men and women should be able to undertake the same roles
- this means women can take on roles traditionally reserved for men such as becoming a rabbi or being part of the minyan
