Judaism P - Shabbat

Question 1

What is Shabbat chracterised as?

Answer 1

a time of relax, spending time with family and community, and worshipping at the synagogue

Question 2

When does Shabbat begin?

Answer 2

On Friday evening, until when the three stars appear on Saturday

Question 3

What is a quote to support the idea of Shabbat?

Answer 3

“on it (seventh day), He abstained from all His work which God created to make” Genesis

Question 4

What traditionally happens in the home on Shabbat?

Answer 4

- 3 meals are eaten
2 - Kiddush is said before evening meal
3- Challah break is baked
4- Havdalah blessing is said
5-  home is cleaned and candles will be lit around house

Question 5

What is Havdalah?

Answer 5

Closing ceremony of Shabbat; it means ‘separation’

Question 6

What happens in the synagogue during Shabbat?

Answer 6

1. Amidah is recited
2. Torah is removed from the ark when first part of Shema is recited
3. From the bimah (raised platform), a section of the Torah is chanted in Hebrew (english too for reform jews). A yad (pointer) is used to follow the words
4. Torah is returned to Ark
5. Rabbi delivers sermon
6. Shabbat service ends with Aleinu, praising God
7. The Kaddish follows
8. A hymn is sung. (Master of the World)

Question 7

Why is Shabbat important?

Answer 7

• One of the 10 commandments to observe Shabbat

Question 8

Why may Jews differ in beliefs about Shabbat?

Answer 8

Some orthodox Jews may count answering a phone and driving a car to be work whilst reform jews may say that it is more important to attend the synagogue than not drive a car. Living in a different country where Judaism is not the predominant faith means that they may not be able to observe all the strict laws of Shabbat too.