Public Acts of Worship

Question 1

What is the nature of public worship?

Answer 1

1. Homage or reverence paid to a God.
2. Happens with a congregation and Orthodox Jews would say at least 10 adult males (minyan)

Question 2

What is the purpose of public worship?

Answer 2

1. Gives them a sense of belonging to a whole community of believers.
2. It is important because rabbis taught there is more merit in praying in a group.
3. Fulfils the requirement to worship publicly in the Temple. The rabbis interpret this to mean Jewish people must worship in the home and in public.

Question 3

What are features of public worship?

Answer 3

1. Recites Kiddush, to thank God for shabbat.
2. The Sefer Torah is taken out of the Ark.
3. The rabbi gives a sermon.

Question 4

Why is synagogue worship important for the community?

Answer 4

1. Jewish people must worship God with all their heart. Requires people to be able to worship in a community.
2. It is needed for the community to celebrate Shabbat. Shabbat is a commandment.
3. Gives the community the opportunity to share in family celebrations.

Question 5

Why is public worship important for the individual Jew?

Answer 5

1. Gives a sense of belonging, make friends with others in the faith.
2. It also gives the opportunity to reflect on the serious side of life, relieve stress.
3. Discovers more about what it means to be a Jew, from the sermons the rabbi.

Question 6

Why do Jews worship in different ways?

Answer 6

1. Orthodox women place more importance on private worship, they do not attend daily prayers.
2. Orthodox keep women and men separate.
3. Liberal Jews often do not wear tefillin and tallit for worship.

Question 7

SOWAAs:

Answer 7

1. “I will fulfil my vows in the presence of all his people.”
2. “Serve him with all your heart.”