Shema and Amidah

Question 1

What is the shema and its main elements?

Answer 1

It is the fundamental declaration of Judaism:
1.”the Lord is one”
2. “Love the Lord with all your heart…soul…might”
3. “you shall teach them thoroughly”
4.”write them upon the doorpost”
5.”bind them as a sign upon your hand”

Question 2

When is the shema said?

Answer 2

1. x1 in the morning
2. x1 in the evening
3. x1 before they go to sleep

Question 3

Why is the shema said?

Answer 3

1. There is only one God
2. People should love God.
3. Those who serve God will receive his blessings.
4. There is only one God who demands moral obedience- ethical monotheism.

Question 4

What is the amidah and its blessings?

Answer 4

The second most important prayer also known as ‘the prayer’
1. Praise God: for being the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, for his power and for his holiness
2. Personal requests: wisdom, forgiveness of sins, heal the sick and bless the produce of the earth.
3. Requests of the Israelites: bring the Messiah, rebuild the temple and support the righteous.
4. Ask God to accept prayers, ask God for mercy and thank God for the opportunity to serve God.

Question 5

When and how should the amidah be said?

Answer 5

1. Should be recited standing.
2. Divided of praise, petitions and thanks.
3. Three steps back then forward to symbolise entering God’s presence.
4. Reciting amen after each blessing.

Question 6

Why is the amidah said?

Answer 6

It fulfils all the requirements of of a prayer which has been determined by great rabbis.

Question 7

Why is the amidah important?

Answer 7

1. Fulfils the requirement for prayer.
2. Asks God to fulfil spiritual needs.
3. Asks God to fulfil physical needs.
4. It is a major prayer in the Siddur.
5. It helps Jews to fulfil their service with God.

Question 8

What are similarities between Jewish and Christian worship?

Answer 8

1. Includes readings from scriptures.
2. Weekly worship.
3. Involve praying for others.
4. Includes reading a sermon.

Question 9

What are differences between Jewish and Christian worship?

Answer 9

1. Jews face Jerusalem but Christians face any direction.
2. Orthodox Jews worship in Hebrew but Christians worship in their native language.
3. In Orthodox men and women are separate, Christians are together.
4. Jewish day is Saturday but for Christians it is Sunday.

Question 10

What are the features of the amidah?

Answer 10

1. It contains 19 blessings
2. All end in blessed are you O Lord
3. Contains praise,petition and thanks.