Religious Life Flashcards
What is Aseret ha-D’ibrot?
The 10 Sayings - the first of the 613 mitzvot
What are the 10 Sayings?
- No other Gods
- Graven image
- Name in vain
- Sabbath
- Honour parents
- Murder
- Adultery
- Steal
- False witness
- Covet
What is the purpose of the 10 Sayings?
Foundation for all other mitzvot
What do the first 4 of the 10 Sayings set out?
Expectations regarding God
What do the final 6 of the 10 Sayings set out?
Relationships with other humans, which should take precedence as God never needs human help
What does tzedakah mean?
‘Justice’ - charity
What is tzedakah?
Basic requirement of providing for those unable to provide for themselves
What are 3 examples of tzedakah?
- giving a tithe out of income
- avoiding becoming in need of charity
- respecting the dignity of those one helps
What is Gemilut Hasadim?
‘Giving of loving kindness’ - doing good deeds
What is a pushke?
Collection box kept by families to receive tzedakah
How does the Purim festival relate to tzedakah?
Holds a feast to ensure everyone has enough food
What are 4 daily prayers in Judaism?
- Anit - evening
- Shacharit - morning
- Minchah - afternoon
- Amidah - standing
What action traditionally is done before prayer to symbolise entering into God’s presence?
Taking 3 steps backwards then forwards
What are the 3 sections of the Amidah?
- Shevah
- Bakashah
- Hoda’ah
What is Shevah?
Expression of praise for the patriarchs, the wonders of God and his holiness
What is Bakashah?
Request for both spiritual and physical needs to be met - self-petition
What is Hoda-ah?
3 blessings of thanksgiving concerning acceptance of worship, gratitude and blessings of peace
What is suggested was the original purpose of the Amidah prayer?
To identify heretics who would be unwilling to recite a blessing for their own downfall
What is tefillah?
Prayer
What is Avodah Shebalev?
‘service of the heart’ - the idea of prayer as a daily service to God
What does the siddur contain to aid prayer?
Set prayers and a timetable for devotion
How can the siddur be seen to undermine prayer?
Losing meaning and spirituality through dictation
What is Kavvanah?
Intention - mental concentration and devotion to God
What is Berakah?
Blessing - expression of praise to God