Public and Private Worship in the synagogue

Question 1

what is the minyan

Answer 1

this is a quorum of 10 men (adults in reform) required for a service to take place

Question 2

where does the minyan meet

Answer 2

they can meet anywhere but usually meet at the synagogue

Question 3

why is the minyan restricted to what it is

Answer 3

the number ten was established in the Talmud
Jews believe that only when they are 10 or more in prayer God is among them(personally i wouldnt use this one)
it is believed that coming together in a group strengthens prayer and makes it more meaningful

Question 4

when does Shabbat start and end

Answer 4

Friday evening to Saturday evening

Question 5

describe Shabbat in the synagogue

Answer 5

there are three services:

• Friday evening:they welcome it like a queen or a bride with music led by the cantor but with no instruments
• saturday morning(main service of the week): the Rabbi will read from the Torah Scrolls and give a sermon. seven men are called to read or recite a blessing and an eighth will read a portion from the Nevi’im ( in orthodox females take little part and sit separately
• saturday evening:this service includes a reading from the Torah, and three special prayers.

Question 6

describe Shabbat preparation in the home

Answer 6

the house is cleaned and tidied , all the food to be eaten during Shabbat is cooked, family members bath or shower

Question 7

describe shabbat in the home

Answer 7

at dusk the mother of the family will light two candles and welcome shabbat by saying a blessing and gesturing with her hands, at the start of the Shabbat meal a sanctifying ceremony called kiddush take place it includes the reciting of Genesis 2:1-3, wine is used to symbolise the sweetness and joy of shabbat.

• Challot are eaten: these are plaited loaves which commemorate the double portion f manna which God provided for the Jews
• after the father blesses his children the Shabbat meal is eaten
• the Havdalah ceremony marks the end of Shabbat and blessings are said over sweet smelling spices and a cup of wine and over a special plaited candle

Question 8

explain the importances of daily prayers

Answer 8

they strengthen relations with God, the Jews are acknowledge the presence of God in their lives, the Jews acknowledge the faithfulness of God in their lives

Question 9

name the artefacts used during worship

Answer 9

havdalah

Question 10

describe morning prayers

Answer 10

because this is the most important prayer out of the daily prayers Jews wear both the tefillin and the tallit.the recite the shema and the amidah. Jews lower their heads in supplication as they ask God for forgiveness.A Torah reading follows ending with the Aleinu prayer(a reminder of the struggles and responsibilities Jews have as the chosen nation.

Question 11

describe afternoon prayers

Answer 11

during afternoon prayers a tallit is worn.usually only prayers are done but during shabbat the Torah is read.they read psalm 145. Prayers end with the Aleinu prayer.

Question 12

escribe evening prayers

Answer 12

they wear a tallit. They recite the Shema, Amidah and the Aleinu.

Question 13

why are morning prayers the most important of the day

Answer 13

they are the most important because as Jews wake they thank God for another day.