Component 3: Jewish Practices Key Questions Flashcards
How is Yom Kippur celebrated?
It is the Day of Atonement, which is the most solemn and holiest of days of the year/ On Yom Kippur God SEALS the book and His decision becomes final/ Some have a mikveh before yom kippur to prepare/ fasting for 25 hours/ 5 services at the Synagogue/ The Ark and reading desks are covered in white cloths showing God has taken away the sins of people who are sorry.
Give examples of how men worship
Men will sit in the prayer hall and they can also take part in a Minyan. Men will also wear specific items for worship such as a Kippah and Tallit. Many will also pray 3 times a day
Give examples of how women worship
In an Orthodox Synagogue women will sit separate from men in a Gallery and not be able to take part in a Minyan. Many Jewish women do not have to wear specific items of clothing for worship nor are they expected to pray 3 times a day as they are considered to be more spiritual.
How hard is it to keep Kosher in the UK?
It is difficult and expensive to get kosher food in Britain. / The expense and practical difficulties in having a kosher kitchen. / Reform Jews would argue that mitzvot should enrich people’s lives not hinder them/ With such as small Jewish community in the UK Kosher food is not readily avialble/ God gave Jews free will to act as they want in accordance with their own relationship with God
Why should Jews keep Kosher in the UK?
To be a true believer you have to expect inconveniences./ It is a mitzvot, so Kosher should be followed/ Jews could follow a vegetarian diet of parve food making it easy to follow in the UK/ Mitzvot were given by God for a reason, even if that is not known Jews should trust in God.
Impact of the covenants for Jews today
Passover
Piku nefesh
Brit Milah
Monotheism
Israel is the home of Judaism
Rosh Hashana
The New Year Festival, a day of judgement, ask for forgiveness, remembers the creation of the world. Eat apples dipped in honey (sweet new year), pomegranates (lots of seeds, many mitzvot). Will go to Synagogue, shofar is blown 100 times, tashlich - throw breadcrumbs, 10 days to make up for wrongdoings
Sukkot
Jewish harvest festival, 7 days, remembers 40 day travel to promised land. Remind jews how God protected them. Sukkot is a mitzvot. Eat, sleep, study Torah in Sukkahs. Some communities build Sukkahs together. Celebration in the home: Lulav, represents diversity in community. Etrog, represents the heart, loving God. Shake lulav and etrog in 6 directions
Passover
One of most important, Moses led jews out of slavery, celebration of freedom. Is a mitzvot, reminds jews of ancestry, spirit of God passed over homes. Burning bush, 10 plagues. Rid houses of chametz (yeast). Seder meal: salt water (sweat) charoset (mortar used in buildings) lamb bone (sacrificed lamb) bitter herbs (slavery) roasted egg (determination) parsley (new life). Haggadah is told throughout meal
