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.