Judaism Practises

Question 1

Nature, feature and purpose of public worship

Answer 1

Avodat Hashem means ‘worship of God.’ After the destruction of the Temple in 586BC/70CE, prayers/worship in the synagogue were considered the most important acts of worship. Today, the most common form of worship is prayer.

Public worship is important and allows:

Individuals to spend regular time in praise, request and thanks to God.

Jews around the world to follow very similar services, which bring a sense of unity.

Question 2

Synagogue services

Answer 2

The main public acts of worship in the synagogue are Daily Prayer services, three times a day; Shabbat services; and festival services.

Question 3

Shabbat

Answer 3

Shabbat begins at dusk on Friday and ends on appearance of three stars on Saturday. There are Shabbat services on Friday evening, Saturday morning and afternoon.

Reform/Liberal tend to focus on- Shabbat and festival services than Daily Prayer services.

Prayers such as the Amidah and Aleinu praise God. The Amidah is adapted for Shabbat. It focuses on the gift of Shabbat. A longer reading of the Torah is given, and a sermon by the Rabbi. Whole family is encouraged to attend. It is an opportunity for families/community to gather together in public worship.

Question 4

Daily prayers

Answer 4

Jews can pray anywhere not only in the synagogue. If a minyan present then additional prayers of the Kaddish, kedusha or those prayers linked with the reading of the Torah can be recited.

Jews are expected to pray three times a day. There are prayers in the synagogue to coincide with these times. In Orthodox synagogues prayers are in Hebrew and Liberal/Reform there is balance between Hebrew/English.

Jews often stand to say prayers as a reminder of God’s presence

Prayers are usually silent when praying alone

The Siddur contains daily prayers which vary throughout the calendar.

Question 5

The importance of synagogue services

Answer 5

The services unite local community in prayer and study.

Jews pray towards Israel. In Israel they pray towards Jerusalem towards the site of the Holy Temple.

Private prayer consists of three elements: thanksgiving, praise and asking for things.

Jews believe God will take action and respond to their prayers.

A sermon by the Rabbi relates to how Jews should live their lives.

Question 6

Nature and purpose of the Tenakh

Answer 6

Tenakh is the Jewish Bible.

The name is formed from the first letters of each of the Tenakh’s three divisions:

Torah- Five books of Moses

Nevii’im-Prophets

Ketuvim- Writings (Books of Wisdom, Prophecy, History)

Question 7

What is the Torah

Answer 7

Torah is the most sacred object in Judaism. Its handwritten parchment scroll that is kept in the Ark in the synagogue. A printed copy is called a Chumash.

Question 8

What do Orthodox Jews believe about the Torah

Answer 8

Orthodox Jews regard the Torah as the literal word of God revealed to the Jewish people at Mount Sinai. Torah is divine and timeless.

Question 9

What do Reform Jews believe about the Torah

Answer 9

Reform believe the Torah is a human creation- written by ancestors and inspired by their understanding of themselves and the place of God in their lives.

Question 10

Nature and purpose of the Talmud

Answer 10

Talmud is the record of the Oral Tradition and literally means ‘instruction or learning.’

Orthodox say the instruction was also given to Moses at Mount Sinai as a teaching on how the Torah should be interpreted.

Reform see the Talmud as a human creation, reflecting the wisdom of the Jewish people for many generations.

The two parts of the Talmud are called the Mishnah (the core text) and Gemara

( Rabbi analysis)

It is divided into sections called tractates and is over 6,200 pages long.

It is the source of all Jewish legal teaching/decision

Mishnah ( 200CE) is written in Hebrew. Gemara (500CE) in Aramaic.

Talmud contains teaching and opinion of many early Rabbis on many topics including law, ethics, philosophy, customs and history.

Question 11

Importance of the use of the Talmud and Torah in daily life and worship

Answer 11

Orthodox and Reform are separated on their views on the Torah. However, the Torah being central, reading and study is common to all synagogues.

One scroll is taken from the Ark and sections are read four times a week in Orthodox synagogues. In Reform/Liberal once a week on Shabbat.

Over the course of the year, the whole Torah is read in sequence.

The Talmud is central to Orthodox Jewish life and all Jews are encouraged to study it.

Many Liberal/Reform Jews view the Talmud as a rich source of study and learning about Jewish values. Some Jews choose not to study the Talmud as they do not view it as important.

Question 12

Nature and purpose of Jewish food laws

Answer 12

Torah/Talmud provide Jews with laws and guidance on how to keep them. Kashrut is the term used for the laws relating to food.

Kosher(fit/acceptable) -food acceptable to Jews.

Treifah(torn)- those animals which cannot be eaten.

Meat/Dairy should be avoided together.

Pigs in Israel carry a lot of disease so would be unwise to eat them.

Many keep the laws because they come from God.

Question 13

Quote on Jewish food laws

Answer 13

‘These are the animals you may eat: the ox, sheep and goat…you shall not eat…the camel, hare… they chew their cud but their hoof is not split…’(Deuteronomy 14)

Question 14

Jewish life today

Answer 14

Orthodox bbeleive these rules are important to keep.

Reform/Liberal believe they are outdated.

Many still refrain from pork even if they do not refrain from all dietary laws.

Certain combinations of food are prohibited: meat, dairy- there needs to be a 3 hour a gap.

Orthodox would have separate utensils for each. This creates challenges for Jews when eating out-not only food Kosher but the way food is cooked is important.

Suring the week of Passover, Jews do not eat anything containing yeast.

A deep clean of the house takes place.

Separate crockery/cutlery used to avoid contamination.

Some Reform Jews believe Kashrut laws are outdated.

There are some Jews, Reform/Orthodox, who observe ‘eco-kashrut- to bring modern ecological issues into consideration of what is fit to eat. E.G: Has a cow been raised in an ethical manner?

Question 15

Prayer in the home/ private prayer

Answer 15

As many Jews cannot attend the synagogue daily, they will pray at home. Jews are encouraged to clear their minds before prayer.

Question 16

Quote about private prayer

Answer 16

Psalm 4:5 ‘reflect in your hearts…’ Jews should forget the world around them and look into their hearts to connect with God.

Question 17

Shabbat prayer

Answer 17

On a Friday night, the Shabbat meal is prepared before candles are lit to welcome Shabbat. Prayers are recited before the meal begins. The Kiddush is a prayer of sanctification which celebrates God’s creation of the universe and remembers the release of their ancestors from slavery in Egypt. (Story of Moses)

After the Kiddush is recited over the wine and other blessings are made, the food is eaten. The connection of family, through prayer and thanksgiving is considered to be of great value.

Question 18

Why do Jews pray three times a day

Answer 18

‘Evening, morning and noon, I supplicate and moan; and He has heard my voice.’ (Psalm55.18)

Jews believe they are instructed to pray three times a day. These prayers keep God at the forefront. Many Jews recite the Shema at night. Upon waking Jews say Modeh ani which is a short prayer thanking God for the gift of life.

Question 19

When might prayer be used and why

Answer 19

Jews pray to praise, request and thank.

Praying in a group brings Jews together as a community.

The Torah commands Jews to join together to thank God.

Jews believe in constant prayer by acknowledging God in every dimension of their day.

Jews also say a blessing before and after they have eaten:

‘You will eat and you will be satisfied, and bless Hashem, your God, for the good land that He gave you.’ (Deuteronomy 8:10)

Question 20

Importance of having different forms of prayers

Answer 20

Daily prayer- allows regular prayer, sometimes connecting in faith as a family.

Individual prayer- personal reflection and solitary time with God.

Constant prayer-keeps God in heart and mind and allows opportunity for thanksgiving.

Shabbat prayer brings family/friends together in regular celebration.

Question 21

The Shema

Answer 21

The Shema

‘Hear, O, Israel: Hashem is our God, Hashem is the one and only.’ (Deuteronomy 6:4)

This is the opening of the Shema which is the most important prayer in Judaism.

It is recited twice a day in the morning and evening services in the synagogue.

It declares the fundamental belief for Jews: God is one.

Question 22

Tallit

Answer 22

worn by men and some boys over barmitzvah at every morning service. It is a fringed shawl and the fringe on the corner is a reminder of the commandments in the Torah. They are also used to cover the head when in prayer to help focus.

Question 23

Tefillin

Answer 23

These are two small black boxes with straps which contain four specific sets of verses from the Torah. Worn on the forehead and arm. They wear these because the Shema tells them to bind their prayers on their arms and foreheads which symbolically connects to the heart and mind.

Tefillin are only worn on weekday mornings. Women in Reform/Liberal synagogues can also wear them.

Question 24

Mezzuzah

Answer 24

a container found on the right-hand door post outside Jewish homes. In it is a small parchment of the Shema to remind Jews of God’s presence.

Question 25

The Amidah

Answer 25

is the core part of every Jewish worship service. It literally means ‘standing’ and refers to a series of blessings which are recited whilst standing up.

Question 26

Importance of morning prayer

Answer 26

Give thanks for the use of our bodies we are given. Psalms and selections from the Tenakh are chosen to help focus the mind on God.

The Shema and Amidah with 19 blessings from God are also recited.

Question 27

Importance of afternoon prayer

Answer 27

Psalm 145 is always read during these prayers, followed by the Amidah and ending with the Aleinu.

Question 28

Importance of evening prayer

Answer 28

The Shema, Amidah and Aleinu are recited.

The Kaddish- a prayer of praise used after a Rabbi’s teaching.

Barkhu-The call to prayer at the start of the synagogue service by the prayer leader.

These different prayers are used in different circumstances and ways, allow Jews to connect with God in different ways: praising, thanking or simply communicating.

Question 29

Importance of rituals today

Answer 29

Rituals cover religious and daily life. Observance shows gratitude to God, provides a sense of Jewish identity and brings God into everyday life.

Important moments in the life of a Jew are marked by customs which go back to biblical times, oral law and local traditions

Question 30

Importance of Birth for Jews today

Answer 30

For Jews the life of the child begins when it is halfway emerged from the mother’s body. The child is then pure and free from sin.

Leviticus 12 ‘If she had a boy she may not touch anything sacred and she may not enter the Sanctuary.’ For 7 days + 33 days. This outlines rituals during Temple times for purification of the mother after birth. For girls you extended to 14 days plus 66 days because the mother was thought to take longer to recover after having a child as she created another creator.

Question 31

When will children be given their names

Answer 31

Today a mother will attend a Mikvah after she has stopped bleeding to have a bath of purification.

Children are always given a Hebrew name although they will have an English name too.

A girls name is officially given in the synagogue when the father takes an Aliyah (a reading from the Torah) after her birth.

A boys name is given during the Brit Milah (ritual circumcision)

Question 32

Importance of Brit Milah

Answer 32

Brit Milah or ‘covenant of circumcision’ is one of the most universally observed mitzvot. Even secular Jews observe these laws.

It is an outward physical sign of God’s everlasting covenant. Abraham was commanded to circumcise himself and his descendents. He kept his promise when his son, Isaac was born:

‘Abraham circumcised his son Isaac at the age of eight days as God had commanded him.’ (Genesis 21:4)

A Mohel must be the person to perform a circumcision as it is a religious ceremony.

‘Redemption of the son’ applies to the first-born male. Historically, the firstborn son would provide service to the Temple. The child is redeemed from that service by paying a small sum to a priest. This tradition continues today though not in reform synagogues.

Question 33

Bar and Bat Mitzvah

Answer 33

Bar-boys age 13

Bat-girls age 12

This is seen as the ‘coming of age.’ They are then able to take responsibility for their own actions and faith.

After Bar Mitzvah boy can lead a synagogue service or take an active part in the service and can be included as part of a minyan in Orthodox synagogues. (not girls)

Boys/girls are expected to study and prepare carefully. Boys will be called to read from the Torah scrolls in the synagogue on their Bar Mitzvah.

Girls will also do a variety of learning, volunteering and charitable tasks which may include baking challah bread for Shabbat.

Question 34

Importance of Marriage for Jews

Answer 34

The Torah has little teaching on marriage. However, the Talmud explains how to find a partner, the form the wedding ceremony should take and the nature of the marital relationship.

The Kiddushin/betrothal is a binding engagement and is the first part of the marriage.

Nisuin is the name for full marriage.

The couples stand under a huppah/canopy that represents the beginnings of a new home.

In Reforn ceremonies both exchange rings. In Orthodox , the metal ring is traditionally placed on the bride’s right forefinger , a marriage becomes official when the chatan (groom) gives an object of value to the bride/kallah.

Sheva Brechot/seven blessings- recited in the presence of guests or the Rabbi. In Orthodox two observant male witnesses are needed for the signing of the Ketubah/marriage contract.

Question 35

Orthodox funerals

Answer 35

Will make a tear in their clothes when hearing of the death of a loved one. (From the example of Jacob)

A blessing to God to show acceptance of God taking the person’s life.

Question 36

Reform/Liberal funerals

Answer 36

Wear a torn black ribbon or cut a tie.

A blessing to God to show acceptance of God taking the person’s life.

Question 37

5 periods of avelut

Answer 37

Aninut-from death to burial.

Shiva- the first 7 days of mourning; day of burial is day one.

Sheloshim- first 30 days from the day of burial. The complete mourning period for all, unless death of a parent.

Yud-bet chodesh- ‘year of mourning’ for a parent, for twelve months.

Yahrzeit- anniversary date of the date, according to Jewish calendar.

After the funeral, the mourners return home to eat ‘a meal of consoldation,’ traditionally a hard boiled egg and a beigel. (circular to represent the cycle of life.)

Question 38

Shiva

Answer 38

The next 7 days are called sitting shiva which means a period of intense mourning. Mourners:

Stay at home sitting on low stools.

Do not wear leather shoes, shave, cut hair, wear make up or work.

Don’t do things that bring comfort or pleasure.

Wear the clothes they wore to the funeral

Pray three times a day with friends/family to make up the minyan.

Question 39

Sheloshim/lesser

Answer 39

Sheloshim/lesser mourning begins for 30 days after the persons death. Normal life resumes but mourners do not attend parties, listen to music, shave or cut their hair. Male mourners will recite the Mourner’s Kaddish daily in the synagogue.

If a parent, lasts for another 11 months. On the anniversary a Yahrzeit candle is lit in remembrance of a loved one and men recite the Mourner’s Kaddish.

Question 40

The Funeral

Answer 40

Jews traditionally buried rather than cremated, ideally within 24 hours of death.

Candles are lit and the body is never left alone while awaiting burial as a sign of respect.

Body is washed/wrapped in a linen shroud. Men also wrapped in their tallit.

Plain coffins are used, to show equality in death.

Jews believe synagogues are a place for the living; funeral takes place entirely at the cemetery.

A short service of psalms, prayers and a eulogy takes place.

After the coffin is lowered, mourners shovel earth onto the coffin.

Everyone who attends washes their hands in a ritual outside the cemetery- symbolising leaving death behind.

Question 41

Shabbat

Answer 41

‘God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it because on it He abstained from all His work which God created to make.’ (Gen 2:3)

Jews believe God instructed them to observe the Sabbath and keep it holy. This includes worship in the synagogue and at home.

Begins- Friday evening at dusk.

Ends- when three stars appear in the sky on a Saturday.

Question 42

How Shabbat is celebrated at home

Answer 42

Home is cleaned and tidied and sometimes decorated with flowers.

Friday evening begins with a Kiddush blessing and a blessing over the challah bread.

End of Shabbat is marked on the Saturday with the Havdalah blessing over the wine, when a special candle is lit.

Question 43

How is Shabbat celebrated in the Synagogue

Answer 43

Amidah/standing prayer recited as the congregation face Jerusalem.

Torah is removed from the Ark as first of the Shema is recited.

From the bimah, a section of the Torah is chanted in Hebrew. A yad is used to follow the words.

Question 44

How is Shabbat important today?

Answer 44

-Observing Shabbat is a core part of the Jewish faith.

-It is one of the Ten Commandments given to Moses.

-Orthodox may turn off their phone. Others will not drive a car; meaning they will live in easy walking distance of a synagogue.

-Some Reform Jews would argue its more important to attend the synagogue than drive a car. Modern life involves compromise for some Jews.

-It is a day of enjoyment and a time to connect with family.

-Many attend synagogue services and will join Torah study groups.

-Youth groups meet on Shabbat afternoon to socialise.

-By observing Shabbat, Jews are following God’s commandment of resting and keeping the day holy.

Question 45

Nature and purpose of festivals

Answer 45

‘Everything has its season, and there is a time for everything under the heaven…a time to weep and a time to laugh…’(Ecclesiastes 3:1-4)

For Jews, there is a time for happiness (celebrations) and sadness (commemorations).

Festivals occur at set times within the Jewish calendar.

Most festivals are based on the history of the Jewish people.

Joyful events celebrate God’s involvement and intervention.

Question 46

Why festivals are important for Jews today

Answer 46

Festivals are important lessons in the history of Judaism.

Connecting with other Jewish people is important to develop faith.

Its important to remember the Passover which happened 3,000 years ago as well as modern events like the Holocaust.

Festivals are an opportunity for the community to come together.

Tradition is an important part of Jewish life.

Question 47

Rosh Hashanah

Answer 47

This means the ‘head of the year.’

It is the first day of the Jewish year and is used to remember the story of creation.

It is also the first of the ‘Days of Awe.’

Rosh Hashanah is considered the anniversary of creation. It is a time for Jews to evaluate their behaviour, reflect on the past year, make peace and ask forgiveness before the judgement of God is finalized on Yom Kippur.

Question 48

Yom Kippur

Answer 48

The second of the ‘Days of Awe,’ the ‘Day of Atonement’ is the holiest day in the year. It is a day to reflect on sins and to seek forgiveness from God, in order to become ‘at one’ with God.

In the ten days before Yom Kippur, beginning with Rosh Hashanah Jews seek forgiveness from others.

Many Jews undertake 25 hours of fasting following the instruction to ‘deny themselves.’ (Leviticus 16) Some believe this builds self-control, some believe it helps focus their mind on prayer and others fast simply because it is a mitzvah.

Yom Kippur is a joyful experience, repairing the relationship with God.

The services begin in the evening with Kol Nidre or ‘All Vows’ when Jews cancel any vows they have made to God they cannot keep.

Jews wear white as a symbol of purity.

Jews will spend a lot of time in prayer/reflection at the synagogue.

The doors of the Ark are opened for most of the final service of the day and are closed; a single blast of the shofar is sounded, almost as a finale and the congregation say ‘Next Year in Jerusalem rebuilt.’

Question 49

What are the three pilgrim festivals

Answer 49

There are three pilgrim festivals-Pesach, Shavuot and Sukkot-this is when would have visited the Temple in Jerusalem to bring gifts, as commanded in the Torah. These festivals all have agricultural and historical significance.

Question 50

Pesach

Answer 50

Pesach is referred to as the Passover- remembering when God ‘passed over’ Egypt killing every firstborn male. It celebrates the liberation of the Jews from years of slavery in Egypt.

It is a reminder of God’s love for oppressed/weak.

Question 51

What do the foods of Pesach represent

Answer 51

Shank bone Zeroa and roasted egg Baytzah- reminders of sacrifices Jews used to make at the Temple.

Celary/parsley/lettuce Karpas dipped in salt water to represent tears.

Bitter herbs Maror for the bitterness of slavery & sweet apple, cinnamon, nut & wine mix Charoset to symbolize the mortar used in buildings by slaves. The sweetness represents freedom.

Everything on the Seder plate is symbolic.

The seder service is a reflection on the banquets of free men in the ancient world. Freed from slavery, Jews celebrate in the way free men would.

Question 52

Shauvot

Answer 52

is the second pilgrim festival.

It celebrates the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai. Also marked the wheat harvest.

It marks the 7 week counting period between Passover and Shavuot.

To celebrate the gift of the Torah, Jews will explore texts in community learning programmes.

Some will eat dairy and the synagogue will be decorated in greenery.

Question 53

Sukkot

Answer 53

is the third pilgrim festival.

IT begins four days after Yom Kippur.

It marks the end of summer and welcomes in autumn fruit harvest.

Also known as the Feast of the Tabernacles.

It is a reminder of the huts Jews lived in during the wilderness years.

It is celebrated for eight days and this is seen as a holiday period for Jews observing it and a time of hospitality to others.

Question 54

Nature and history of the Synagogue

Answer 54

Synagogue means ‘bringing together.’

A minyan is the smallest number for public prayer. The greater the number involved, the more honour to God.

Synagogue design is focussed on worship together as a whole people. The bimah is in the centre where the Torah is read from.

Synagogue is sometimes called Shul meaning school. It reflects the role of education in the lives of Jews.

A Star of David or Menorah can be seen outside a synagogue.

Question 55

Synagogue design

Answer 55

In both Orthodox and Reform synagogues there will always be a bimah and an Ark.

In Orthodox there may be a separate balcony area for women.

Seating always towards the bimah and the ark.

The synagogue should face towards Jerusalem. Those in the UK face east.

Question 56

The Ark - Aron Kodesh

Answer 56

This is the most important element of the prayer hall and is set in the wall which faces Jerusalem.

This is where the Torah scrolls are kept.

The doors/curtains are only opened when the Torah Scrolls are taken out during worship.

Question 57

Ner Tamid

Answer 57

It means ‘eternal light.’ It is kept burning at all times in front of or above the Ark. This light reflects God’s eternal nature. The menorah was always kept burning in the Temple.

Question 58

Bimah

Answer 58

Synagogue design, a reflection of the design of the ancient Temple. The Bimah represents the Temple altar.

Rabbi leads the service from the bimah.

Torah scrolls are removed from the Ark and placed on the bimah.

The words of the Torah are read, using a yad as the Torah should not be touched directly by hands to give respect to sacred scripture.

Question 59

Synagogue within the community

Answer 59

Synagogue also serves as a community centre.

There are Hebrew classes, adult education, youth clubs and charity events.

Question 60

Traditions within synagogues

Answer 60

Men and women sit together in Reform synagogues but separately in Orthodox.

Married women will cover their heads in Orthodox synagogues for modesty.

In Liberal and Reform, women are encouraged to wear a tallit and kippah as a sign of equal obligation.

Musical instruments can be played in Liberal and Reform but not Orthodox.

Women take an active part in Liberal and Reform services but not Orthodox.