Practices Judaism Flashcards
What does Ner Tamid mean?
Eternal light
It is a lamp or light that is always on to show God’s everlasting presence.
What is the significance of Ner Tamid in Judaism?
It shows God’s everlasting presence
Jewish ancestors were instructed to keep a lamp burning ‘from evening to morning’ according to the Torah.
How do Jewish people ensure the Ner Tamid light is always shining?
They visit the synagogue to reflect upon God’s presence
This practice helps maintain the eternal light.
What are the Torah Scrolls?
Large scrolls handwritten by a scribe
They contain all 613 mitzvot rules which Jews follow.
What does the Torah consist of?
The five books of Moses
Examples include Genesis.
What is the importance of the mitzvot in Judaism?
They are the rules that Jews follow in their lives
There are 613 mitzvot in total.
What commandment is related to the observance of the Sabbath?
‘Keep the sabbath day holy’
This commandment is part of the Ten Commandments.
How do Orthodox Jewish people celebrate Shabbat?
By attending the synagogue every Friday
This community gathering commemorates the day God rested during creation.
What is a synagogue?
House of assembly. Building for Jewish public prayer, study, and assembly.
The synagogue serves as a central place for various Jewish community activities.
What is a minyan?
Traditionally, a group of ten men over the age of 13 who when praying together, will be in the presence of God.
The concept emphasizes communal worship in Judaism.
How are men and women seated in Orthodox synagogues?
Men and women are sat separately to avoid any distractions from worshipping God.
This seating arrangement is part of Orthodox Jewish practice.
Who can be part of the minyan in Orthodox Judaism?
Only men can be part of the minyan.
This reflects traditional gender roles within Orthodox communities.
Who leads the service in an Orthodox Jewish synagogue?
The service will be led by a male rabbi (a religious leader).
The rabbi plays a crucial role in guiding the congregation.
In what language does the service occur in an Orthodox synagogue?
The service will happen in Hebrew.
Hebrew is considered a sacred language in Jewish worship.
What is the policy on musical instruments in Orthodox synagogues?
There is singing but no musical instruments are used.
This practice expresses mourning for the loss of the Temple in Jerusalem.
What does the Torah say about the sanctuary?
“And let them make Me a sanctuary that I may dwell among them” - The Torah about the Temple.
This highlights the importance of a sacred space for worship.
How are men and women seated in Reform synagogues?
Men and women can sit together.
This reflects a more egalitarian approach within Reform Judaism.
Who can be part of the minyan in Reform Judaism?
The minyan can be 10 people of any gender for Reform Jews.
This inclusivity is a hallmark of Reform practice.
Who can be a rabbi in a Reform synagogue?
Rabbis can be male or female in a Reform synagogue.
This allows for greater representation and leadership diversity.
In what languages is the service conducted in Reform synagogues?
The service is said in both English and Hebrew.
This dual-language approach makes the service more accessible to congregants.
What is prayer?
A way of communicating with God through words and actions.
Where can Jewish people pray?
Anywhere, but it is seen as more meaningful to pray with the community at the synagogue.
What is the Shema prayer?
A prayer found in the Torah that shares a belief in one God.
What does the Shema prayer signify?
‘Listen, there is one God’.
When do Jewish people pray the Shema prayer?
Every morning and night.
What is the Amidah prayer?
One of the core three daily prayers said during synagogue services.
What is the posture of Jewish people when saying the Amidah prayer?
They stand and face Israel.
What does the Amidah prayer signify?
‘God most high’.
How do Orthodox Jews approach the Amidah prayer?
They make sure to attend the synagogue to pray as part of the Jewish community.
What is the significance of the Amidah prayer in relation to God?
They believe they are in the presence of God while saying this prayer.
What is the role of the synagogue as a place of study?
Many Jews use the synagogue to study. Young Jews attend lessons for basic religious teachings. Older Jews study the Torah throughout their lives, and most synagogues have libraries of sacred texts.
Synagogues serve as educational centers for both young and older members of the Jewish community.
What ceremonies are held in the synagogue as a place of celebration?
Ceremonies such as Bar Mitzvah, Jewish weddings, and funeral ceremonies.
These rites of passage are significant milestones in Jewish life.
What evidence from the Torah supports the synagogue’s role in marriage?
“Go forth and multiply” - Genesis in the Torah.
This quote emphasizes the importance of marriage within Jewish tradition.
What is one function of the synagogue as a place of community?
The synagogue serves as a place for social gatherings and activities.
It fosters community spirit and engagement among its members.
How does the synagogue act as a social welfare agency?
It collects and dispenses money and other items for the aid of the poor and needy within the community.
This reflects the Jewish value of helping those in need.
What evidence from the Torah illustrates the respect and dignity owed to all people?
“God made mankind in his image” - Genesis in the Torah.
This highlights the belief that every individual deserves respect.
What is the Brit Milah?
A welcoming ceremony for baby boys at 8 days old
Brit Milah is a significant Jewish ritual that marks the circumcision of male infants.
Where does the Brit Milah ceremony usually occur?
In the home
The ceremony is often an intimate family gathering.
What does the word ‘Brit’ mean?
‘Covenant’
It signifies the agreement between God and the Jewish people.
What is the full translation of Brit Milah?
‘Covenant of circumcision’
This reflects the ritual’s significance in Jewish tradition.
What happens during the Brit Milah regarding the child’s Hebrew name?
The child receives their Hebrew name
This name will be used in all other religious rituals.
What does circumcision symbolize in the context of Brit Milah?
The sign of the covenant with Abraham
It is a physical representation of the Jewish faith.
Which biblical passage supports the practice of circumcision?
‘Every male child among you shall be circumcised’ - Genesis in the Torah
This commandment underscores the importance of the ritual.
Who has the honor of saying the blessing before the Torah reading during Brit Milah?
The father of the child
This is a special moment for the father, marking his child’s entry into the Jewish community.
What is the significance of the child after the Brit Milah ceremony?
The child is now a part of the Jewish community
This includes being raised with Jewish traditions and following the mitzvot rules.
How is the body treated before burial?
The body is treated with the utmost respect. It is washed and prepared for burial by the onan.
Onan refers to the person responsible for preparing the body in Jewish funerary practices.
When should the burial ideally take place?
Within 24 hours of death.
This timing is based on Jewish traditions regarding the treatment of the deceased.
What is the difference in burial practices between Reform and Orthodox Jews?
Reform Jews allow cremation, whereas Orthodox Jews bury their dead.
This reflects differing interpretations of Jewish law and tradition.
What type of coffin is used for burial?
A plain wooden coffin.
The simplicity of the coffin aligns with the values of humility and equality in death.
What is the purpose of the Kaddish blessing?
To help people feel closer to God.
The Kaddish is a prayer traditionally recited in memory of the deceased.
What does Shiva mean and how long does it last?
Shiva means ‘seven’ and it is a seven-day mourning ritual.
Shiva is observed by the immediate family of the deceased.
What blessing is said after burial?
“May God comfort you among all the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.”
This blessing is meant to provide solace to the bereaved.
What is the phrase associated with the cycle of life mentioned in the Torah?
“Dust to dust, ashes to ashes.”
This phrase signifies the return of the body to the earth.
What practices are observed during the seven days of Shiva?
- A candle is kept burning
- Mirrors in the house are covered
- Mourners stay at home
- They do not shave or cut their hair
- They sit on low stools
These practices emphasize mourning and reflection.
What is done on the anniversary of the person’s death?
A candle is lit to represent the person’s soul and the Kaddish blessing is said by family members.
This observance is known as Yahrzeit and is an important part of Jewish mourning customs.
What is the significance of the Bar and Bat Mitzvah ceremonies?
They mark the transition into adulthood for young Jews and show that the person can fully enter into the covenant relationship with God.
At what age does a boy become a Bar Mitzvah?
At age 13.
At what age does a girl become a Bat Mitzvah?
At age 12.
What does Bar Mitzvah mean?
Son of the commandment.
What does Bat Mitzvah mean?
Daughter of the commandment.
What is required of boys during the Bar Mitzvah ceremony?
They have to read from the Torah in Hebrew.
How do boys prepare for their Bar Mitzvah reading?
They often practice for weeks.
What is the purpose of following the mitzvot rules after becoming a Bar or Bat Mitzvah?
The child will now be responsible for following the mitzvot rules.
What happens to the child at Yom Kippur after becoming a Bar or Bat Mitzvah?
They will be written into the Book of Life or Book of Death.
Fill in the blank: A boy becomes Bar Mitzvah at age 13 and a girl becomes Bat Mitzvah at age _______.
12.
True or False: The Bar and Bat Mitzvah ceremonies are only for boys.
False.
What is the main text from which a boy reads during his Bar Mitzvah?
The Torah.
What phrase from the Torah emphasizes the importance of the mitzvot?
“To keep his commands.”
How do Bar and Bat Mitzvah ceremonies show a young person’s commitment?
They show that the young person wants to grow in their faith and be part of the Jewish community.
What is the Brit Milah?
A welcoming ceremony for baby boys at 8 days old
Brit Milah is a significant Jewish ritual that marks the circumcision of male infants.
Where does the Brit Milah ceremony usually occur?
In the home
The ceremony is often an intimate family gathering.
What does the word ‘Brit’ mean?
‘Covenant’
It signifies the agreement between God and the Jewish people.
What is the full translation of Brit Milah?
‘Covenant of circumcision’
This reflects the ritual’s significance in Jewish tradition.
What happens during the Brit Milah regarding the child’s Hebrew name?
The child receives their Hebrew name
This name will be used in all other religious rituals.
What does circumcision symbolize in the context of Brit Milah?
The sign of the covenant with Abraham
It is a physical representation of the Jewish faith.
Which biblical passage supports the practice of circumcision?
‘Every male child among you shall be circumcised’ - Genesis in the Torah
This commandment underscores the importance of the ritual.
Who has the honor of saying the blessing before the Torah reading during Brit Milah?
The father of the child
This is a special moment for the father, marking his child’s entry into the Jewish community.
What is the significance of the child after the Brit Milah ceremony?
The child is now a part of the Jewish community
This includes being raised with Jewish traditions and following the mitzvot rules.
