The role of the family and Jewish home as foundational

Question 1

How is the importance of the home highlighted by the sages?

Answer 1

Sages referred to it as a small sanctuary

Question 2

‘God will dwell in the…”

Answer 2

“Holy spaces we create, for they are the Temple in miniature.”

Sinclair

Question 3

“The Jewish home is the place where children,…”

Answer 3

“Adolescents and even young adults receive their most important training in.”

Robinson

Question 4

What happens when a Jewish family moves into a new home?

Answer 4

The dwelling undergoes consecration and dedication. Because it is a place where people live according to the faith.

Question 5

What is Chanukat habayit?

Answer 5

The name given to the ceremony of dedication for the new home

Question 6

What is the central ritual of Chanukat habayit?

Answer 6

Central ritual is affixing of a mezuzah to the doorpost outside the house.

Question 7

What does prophet Ezekiel suggest?

Answer 7

God’s presence remains with the Jewish people in the home in whichever place they find themselves.

Question 8

How does the home carry out some traditions of the Temple?

Answer 8

• Shabbat, candles are lit which reflects the Temple menorah
• Dining table is representative of the altar

Question 9

What aspects of prayer and festival takes place within the home?

Answer 9

• at the beginning of Shabbat, kiddush is recited over wine prior to the evening meal

Question 10

What comes after meals in the home?

Answer 10

Grace follows meals in the form of Birkat Hamazon prayer. Eating becomes a holy event.

Question 11

What happens at home for Pesach?

Answer 11

• Haggadah is read at the Seder

- symbolic foods are prepared which recall slavery and exodus of the Israelites

Question 12

What do they do at home for the festival of Sukket?

Answer 12

They build a sukkah against the wall of the house to commemorate the trek of the Israelites through the desert.

Question 13

What is the most significant thing that happens within the home?

Answer 13

Family life is sanctified. Birth of a male child, festive meal takes place the Friday night after birth.

Question 14

What happens in the home following the death of a family member?

Answer 14

• visitors come to the house to pay respects

- this is where a minyan recites the morning and evening prayer

Question 15

What do children learn in the home?

Answer 15

• learn from examples set by their parents

- start practising traditions and carrying out the mitzvoth.

Question 16

“Teach a child how he should…”

Answer 16

“Live and he will remember it all his life.”

Proverbs 22

Question 17

“Teach your son a trade or you…”

Answer 17

“Teach him to become a robber.”

Talmud

Question 18

What are children expected to do in return to their parents?

Answer 18

• honour and respect their parents

- point out in a tactful way if their parents are doing something wrong

Question 19

What does Cohn-Sherbok suggest is the ideal of home life?

Answer 19

Domestic harmony

Question 20

What does domestic harmony depend upon?

Answer 20

• Compromise on part of all members of the family

- observance of Jewish rituals which serve to unify the family.

Question 21

What does Cohn-Sherbok suggest about the home when the family lives in accordance with God’s commandments?

Answer 21

The home is permeated with sanctity