T4: Judaism Practices Flashcards
Synagogue
The Jewish place of Worship.
Synagogues are where Jews gather for prayer, study, and community events.
Minyan
Group of 10 men required for traditional Jewish public worship.
A minyan is necessary for certain prayers and rituals in Judaism.
Menorah
A candle stick with 7 or 9 candle branches
The menorah is a symbol of light and represents the burning bush seen by Moses.
Merciful
Showing or exercising mercy
Jews believe in a merciful God who shows compassion and forgiveness.
Star of David
The symbol of Judaism.
The Star of David is a six-pointed star that is widely recognized as a symbol of Jewish identity.
Torah
The written laws from God. (First 5 books)
The Torah is considered the central reference of Jewish law and tradition.
Kosher
Food Jews are allowed to eat.
Kosher dietary laws dictate what is permissible for Jews to consume.
Dietary laws
Any of the rules/customs concerning what may be eaten.
Dietary laws play a significant role in Jewish observance and identity.
Shul
Another name for a synagogue.
Shul is a Yiddish term commonly used to refer to a Jewish place of worship.
Bimah
A platform in a synagogue where the Torah is read.
The bimah is elevated to symbolize the importance of the Torah in Jewish life.
Aron Hakodesh (The Ark)
Cupboard in which the Torah scripts are kept.
The Ark is located in the front of the synagogue and holds the Torah scrolls.
Ner tamid
A light that is eternally burnt in the synagogue above the ark.
The ner tamid symbolizes the eternal presence of God and the light of the Torah.
Cantor (Chazzan)
An official who sings liturgical music and leads prayers.
Cantors play a key role in leading the congregation in prayer and song.
Tallit
Woolen shawl - reminds the person of God’s laws.
The tallit is worn during prayer services as a reminder of the commandments.
Tefillin
Two leather boxes worn on the upper left arm and forehead.
Tefillin contain verses from the Torah and are worn as a sign of devotion.
Tzitzit
The 613 fringes on the Tallit symbolising the 613 mitzvot.
Tzitzit serve as a reminder of the commandments and obligations of Jewish life.
Amidah
Daily prayer service consisting of core prayer of all services. “Whenever 10 are gathered for prayer, the Shekhinah are there”
The Amidah is a central prayer in Jewish liturgy that is recited multiple times a day.
Shema
Jewish prayer which affirms the belief in one God.
The Shema is considered one of the most important prayers in Judaism.
Shabbat
The Jewish holy day. (From sunset Friday till sunset Saturday)
Shabbat is a day of rest and spiritual enrichment in Jewish tradition.
Kiddush
Ceremony of prayer and blessing on friday night (Shabbat)
Kiddush sanctifies the Shabbat and involves blessings over wine and bread.
Resurrection
The rising of the dead at the last judgement.
The concept of resurrection is a fundamental belief in Jewish eschatology.
Challah Bread
Bread usually braided and eaten on ceremonial occassions.
Challah bread is a staple of Jewish cuisine and is often enjoyed on Shabbat and holidays.
Mezuzah
Small box containing verses from the Torah fixed to doorpost.
Mezuzahs are placed on doorframes as a reminder of God’s presence and protection.
Tenakh
The Jewish Bible.
The Tenakh consists of the Torah, Prophets, and Writings and is the foundational text of Judaism.
Rosh Hasanah
The Jewish New Year period
Rosh Hashanah is a time of reflection, repentance, and renewal in the Jewish calendar.
Yom Kippur
The last day of Rosh Hashanah. (10th Day)
Yom Kippur is the Day of Atonement and the holiest day in the Jewish year.
Pesach
Passover. Commemorates the escape of Israelites from slavery.
Pesach is a major Jewish festival that celebrates freedom and redemption.
Mishnah
First major written collection of the Jewish oral tradition.
The Mishnah is a foundational text of Jewish law and ethics.
Talmud
Explanation/interpretations of the Torah written by Rabbis.
The Talmud is a central text in Judaism that includes discussions on law, ethics, and tradition.
Naming Ceremony
For Jewish baby girls. Orthodox - First Shabbat. Reform - Any
Naming ceremonies welcome Jewish baby girls into the community and often involve giving a Hebrew name.
Brit Milah
For Jewish boys. Circumsision takes place at 8 days old.
Brit Milah is a ritual circumcision ceremony that marks a Jewish boy’s entrance into the covenant.
Circumcision
Surgery removing the foreskin from the penis.
Circumcision is a physical sign of the covenant between God and the Jewish people.
What is Bar Mitzvah and why is it important?
Celebration of a boy coming of age (13). Boy reads the Torah, wears a tallit for the first time and may lead part of the prayer service.
Bar Mitzvah marks the transition from childhood to adulthood in Jewish tradition. They can become part of a Minyan.
Bat Mitzvah
Celebration of a girl coming of age (12). (Reform Jews Only) Will lead part of the service, read the Torah and may lead the prayer service.
Bat Mitzvah is a modern ritual that marks a girl’s entry into Jewish adulthood and responsibility.
Rabbi
Religious teacher in Judaism.
Rabbis are spiritual leaders who provide guidance, teaching, and support to the Jewish community.
Mourning
Expressing sorrow for someones death.
Mourning practices in Judaism include specific rituals and traditions to honor the deceased.
Shiva
Week long period of intense mourning.
Shiva is a time of mourning observed by close relatives of the deceased.
Trefah
Food Jews are not allowed to eat.
Trefah refers to non-kosher food that is prohibited by Jewish dietary laws.
What are the importance of Synagogues?
PRAYER
Prayer
* Daily services
* Celebrating festivals
* Holding Bar Mitzvah
What are the importance of Synagogues?
STUDY
Study
* Teaching Hebrew
* Preparing for sacred ceremonies
* Improve knowledge of Jewish History
What are the importance of Synagogues?
CHARITY
Charity
* Hold fundraising events
* Collecting money for the poor
* Food bank collections
What are the importance of Synagogues?
SOCIALISING
Socialising
* Youth Clubs
* Music and drama groups
* Sport groups
What are the aims for Jewish mourning?
- Show respect for the dead person
- Offer comfort to loved ones
What does the 1st period of mourning include?
Jews believe that the soul of the dead person doesn’t leave the person until burial (24hr) so people stay with the person so their soul is comforted and supported.
24 Hours long
What does the 2nd period of mourning include?
Week long period of intense mourning where no work is done, mirrors are covered (so people aren’t distracted by their appearance), prayer services (3x per day) and the Kaddish prayer is recited.
(Shiva) 7 days long
What does the 3rd period of mourning include?
Normal life resumes however parties, concerts or any activities that don’t reflect the spirit of mourning are avoided.
30 days long
What does the 4th period of mourning include?
Normal life continues but parties are not allowed.
11 months
How do Jews celebrate Pesach?
- God commanded Jews to celebrate Pesach over an 8 day period.
- To prepare, Jews would remove all leavened bread (bread with raising agent) and hide crumbs for children to find. Unleavened bread is then prepared.
- This affirms the belief that they are God’s chosen people.
Why is marriage important to Jews?
- Jews believe that marriage creates a spiritual bond, between the couple “A man should leave his Father and mother and Cling to his wife so the two Become One flesh”
What is Rosh Hashanah and why is it important to Jews?
- It is the new year period (late September) and lasts for 10 days ending with Yom Kippur
- It is where God judges the actions of people over the past year, God decides what the year ahead will be like and where Jewish people can make up for their wrong doings over the past year (atonement) because it also influences God’s judgement.
How do Jews celebrate Rosh Hashanah?
- There is a special meal at home
- Special prayers are said at the meal
- There is a special synagogue service
- “You shall practice self denial”
How is Yom Kippur observed?
- No work is done
- No food is allowed
- No bathing, sex or wearing leather shoes
- White is often worn as a symbol of purity
What do Jews eat on Rosh Hassanah?
- Apples dipped in honey: a sweet new year
- A fish head: Desire for good deeds
- Pomegranates: Seeds represent the 613 commandments.
What do Jews eat on Rosh Hassanah?
- Apples dipped in honey: a sweet new year
- A fish head: Desire for good deeds
- Pomegranates: Seeds represent the 613 commandments.
What are some Jewish food laws?
- Animals can only be eaten if they have a split hoof and eat grass
- Fish/sea creatures must have fins and scales
- Birds/poultry must not be a bird of prey and must eat grain
- Animals must have its throat slit and blood drained
- “You shall not boil a kid in its mother’s milk.” - Have meat and dairy products.
