Rituals Flashcards
Describe the Importance of Rituals in Judaism
-A person’s relationship with God is established through each ritual. Sometimes this will be through a particular action.
-Jewish identity is reinforced through rituals in front of the Jewish community. They also affirm faith in God as each one includes prayers
-The traditions of Judaism are kept. These have historically been an important part of the faith.
-The lives of a Jews involve rituals from birth to death. This shows the continual relationship between the person and God.
-Rituals show the unity amongst Jewish people. Often the Jewish community will support in the preparation of a ritual.
Describe the Jewish Birth Ritual for Girls
-Girls are named at the first public reading of the Torah after their birth.
-The father is given the honour of reciting the blessing before and after a section of the Torah.
-The parents are honoured at Kiddush,
-Some Reform Jews may have a service at home called the Brit Bat.
Describe the Jewish Celebration of Brit Milah
-Brit Milah is the Hebrew term used to describe the religious
circumcision of boys. Circumcision involves the removal of the foreskin on the 8th day after birth.
-It is carried out by a Mohel (male) or in some Reform communities a Mohelet (female). It is performed in front of a minyan (meaning the Shekinah is present).
-The baby is placed on a cushion on an empty chair that is known as Elijah’s chair. This represents an ancient belief that the spirit of Elijah visits every circumcision.
-The child is then placed on the lap of the Sandek. A Sandek is someone chosen by the parents as a great honour. After the circumcision, the father receives a blessing.
Describe the Importance of Brit Milah
-Brit Milah shows a relationship with God as it is a sign of the covenant with Abraham.
-By getting circumcised, Jews are fulfilling the covenant found in Genesis, “Every male among you shall be circumcised.”
-Those who are not circumcised are not seen as Jewish as they have broken the covenant.
-It is so important that in Orthodox communities men converting must have a circumcision.
Describe how Brit Milah is a Sign of Identity and Tradition in Judaism
-During the ceremony, the boy will receive a Hebrew name to be used in public events such as at the synagogue.
-Identity is reinforced throughout the ceremony. Those not circumcised are cut off from the faith.
-Traditionally only men attended as a minyan is needed but most of the family attend too.
-Some argue it is against human rights as the child cannot give consent. However, Milah UK explain the reasons and practices of Jewish tradition.
-They argue parents make many decisions for their children such as vaccines and piercings.
Describe the Jewish Celebration of a Bar Mitzvah
-A bar mitzvah is held on the first Shabbat after a boy’s 13th birthday.
-Before a bar mitzvah, the boy is taught the importance of prayer and learns Hebrew so he can read his portion from the Torah.
-During the ceremony, the boy is called to the bimah for the first time, often to chant a portion of the Torah. Friends and relatives watch.
-His father then recites a statement in which he thanks God.
-After the boy’s first Aliyah (honour) many congregations shower the boy with sweets (symbolic of sweet blessings from above) while singing ‘Mazel Tov’.
Describe the Importance of a Bar Mitzvah
-Bar Mitvah means son of commandments. The boy is now believed to be responsible for their own faith and keeping the mitzvot.
-A bar mitzvah is a sign of entering into manhood and building a relationship with God.
-After a bar mitzvah, the boy can form part of a minyan.
-Some Jewish boys will start to wear tefillin for prayer.
-Boys often take on charitable acts after the celebration to show they have a more responsible duty within the Jewish community.
Describe the Jewish Celebration of a Bat Mitzvah
-A bat mitzvah is held around a girl’s 12th birthday.
-Before a bat mitzvah, the girl must study Jewish texts, important women and Shabbat at home e.g. how to make Challah bread.
-During the ceremony, the girl will chant a portion of the Torah. She may also chant Eishat Chayil- a poem in the Torah. Friends and relatives watch.
-After the girl’s presentation many congregations shower the girl with sweets (symbolic of sweet blessings from above) while singing ‘Mazel Tov’.
-Orthodox Jews do not have large ceremonies, instead, have a family meal at home and giving of gifts.
Describe the Importance of a Bat Mitzvah
-Jewish girls do not have the same adult responsibilities as boys and so their ceremonies are not as large or as important.
-Girls often take on charitable acts after the celebration to show they have a more responsible duty within the Jewish community.
-In Reform Judaism, after the bat mitzvah girls may be part of a minyan and read from the Torah scrolls.
Describe the Jewish Celebration of Bat Chayil
-A bat chayil ceremony is an Orthodox ceremony held at a date closest to a girl’s 12th birthday.
-Orthodox believe women should not take an active part in the synagogue but have an important role at home.
-The girl must observe laws to do with women and keeping a good home. She will learn prayers, about her faith and her role on Shabbat e.g. how to apply kosher dietary laws.
-During the service, their are prayers and a reading from the Torah to mark the event. The girl will give a presentation of her learning.
Describe the Importance of Bat Chayil
-Jewish girls do not have the same adult responsibilities as boys and so their ceremonies are not as large or as important.
-Bat Chayil allows the girl to take up her adult role in the community.
-Girls often take on charitable acts after the celebration to show they have a more responsible duty within the Jewish community.
Describe how Jews Celebrate Before a Wedding
-Before the wedding, the couple is treated like royalty.
-The bride sits on a ‘throne’ to receive her guests.
-The groom is surrounded by guests who sing and toast him.
-Some Jews break plates to show the seriousness of the commitment.
Describe the Importance of the Veil and Chuppah in a Jewish Marriage Ceremony
-The veil symbolises the idea of modesty and conveys the lesson- however attractive physical appearances may be, soul and character are most important.
-This is reminiscent of Genesis 24 when Rebecca covered her face before marrying Isaac.
-The ceremony will also take place under a chuppah. This is a canopy which is a symbol of the new home the couple will build together.
-It is open on all sides, like Abraham and Sarah’s tent, to welcome people in unconditional hospitality.
-Some Jews have their ceremony outside under the stars as a sign of the blessing given by God.
Describe the Role of Blessings in a Jewish Marriage Ceremony
-Two cups of wine are used during the ceremony. One accompanies the marriage blessings recited by the rabbi.
-After these are recited, the couple drinks from the cup.
-Seven blessings are later recited over the second cup of wine. These blessings praise God for creating the human race and bringing happiness to the couple.
-At the end of the blessings, the couple drink from the second cup.
Describe the Importance of the Ring and Ketubah in a Jewish Marriage Ceremony
-The marriage becomes official when the groom gives an object of value to the bride.
-The ring should be made of plain gold, without blemishes or ornamentation to show that the marriage will be of simple beauty.
-The groom places the ring on the bride’s index finger in front of two witnesses. This is the central part of the ceremony.
-The ketubah is the marriage contract. It outlines the groom’s responsibilities- to provide commodities and be attentive.
-It is read out during the ceremony then signed by two witnesses and is legally binding. It is property of the bride and is decorated and framed in the home.
