Worship: Practices In Britain And Elsewhere

Question 1

Aims of synagogues

Answer 1

• Although it is important for Jews to have a private relationship with God, worship must also unite teh community
• Joins with others in communal prayers - a minyan has to be present
• Communal responsibility when praying with others
• A more spiritual experience is created than people can have on their own

Question 2

Shabbat

Answer 2

The Shabbat service brings the community together each week
Many Jews attend synagogue services on Shabbat only
Fixed periods of prayer correspond with when sacrifices were offered in the temple
The Torah, heftorah are read, and the Shema, Amidah, and Kaddish are included
A kiddush is held after the service, where a blessing is recited
In a reform synagogue, the use of Hebrew is limited
Resurrection, messiah and angels are also left out, while there is an emphasis on music

Question 3

Prayer

Answer 3

Observant Jews have prayer as a key part of their everyday life
It is a chance to communicate with God, and is the bridge between humans on earth and God
There are no set prayers outlined in the holy scriptures, but over time, set prayers were established
Jews will pray before performing Mitzvot, seeing unusual things, when good or bad things happen, and before going to bed
There are also formal prayer services, which happen three times a day on weekdays, and on other holy days

Question 4

Forms of prayer

Answer 4

• Praising god (Adoration)
• Requests of God (Supplication)
• Thanksgiving

Question 5

The Amidah

Answer 5

The core of every Jewish worship service, and is referred to as ‘The Prayer’
People stand throughout the prayer to show they’re in God’s presence
Contains adoration, supplication and thanksgiving
‘May God who brings peace to the universe, bring peace to all of use, and all of the people, Israel. Amen’
Recited while taking three steps backwards, bowing, and taking three steps forward, formally retreating from God’s symbolic presence

Question 6

Worship in the Home

Answer 6

Continuity of values - where practices and values are reinforced
‘Its effects stay with us for a lifetime’
Prayers - It is a place of worship and prayers, the Shema is recited 3 times daily, some Orthodox Jews thank god for waking up in the morning
Mezuzah - A Parchment scroll on which is written the Shema, written on a Kosher animal. Shaddai is written on the back, meaning almighty, symbolises God’s protection of the house
Siddur - Guides Jews through daily prayers, and it is considered a gift like the Torah. If it falls it is holy and must be picked up and kissed ASAP

Question 7

Shabbat at home

Answer 7

Each family celebrates Shabbat slightly differently, starting a few minutes before sunset on a Friday night
The woman of the family lights two candles to bring in the presence of Shabbat
The father welcomes Shabbat in the synagogue and when he comes home the family have a special meal
A blessing will be taken over two loaves of bread, which symbolise the manna eaten by the Israelites in the desert
Kiddish is recited over a cup of wine, at the beginning, and the meal is a time of happiness and relaxation with as many of the family as possible
Shabbat continues as a day of rest until sunset the next day
Orthodox Jews walk to the synagogue as driving a car would be work
Nothing considered as work
A havdallah candle is lit, to symbolise the end of Shabbat

Question 8

Chief Rabbi’s Shabbat

Answer 8

Every ear there is a special Shabbat when Kew’s celebrate Shabbat regardless of their level of religious observance
It is a weekend of joy and festivities, for all Jews

Question 9

Items worn for worship

Answer 9

• Kippah
• Tallit
• Tefillin

Question 10

Kippah

Answer 10

A symbol of identity and a sign of respect for GOd
Shape and size can vary
Some wear it all the time, some only during worship

Question 11

Tallit

Answer 11

4 cornered garment that has tzizit attached, relating to the duty in Numbers to wear rfringes at the corners of clothes
The fringes represent the 613 Mitzvot

Question 12

Tallit Gadol

Answer 12

A large garment only worn during prayers
Sometimes wrapped around the body after death

Question 13

Tallit katan

Answer 13

Many observant Jewish males wear it under their everyday clothes

Question 14

Tefillin

Answer 14

Worn by Ortodox Jewish males at morning prayer every day
Leans towards the heart
Compartment that contains a scroll of the passages of the Shema
The wearer must serve god through his heart through acts of compassion