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Jewish Practices Flashcards

1
Q

What is the Shema?

A

The Shema is a declaration of faith, recited in the morning and evening, emphasizing the oneness of God.

Example: “Hear, O Israel, the Lord your God”

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2
Q

How many times a day is the Shema recited?

A

The Shema is recited three times a day: morning (Shacharit), afternoon (Minachah), and evening (Ma’ariv).

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3
Q

What is spontaneous prayer?

A

Spontaneous prayer is a personal prayer offered at any time, reflecting a personal and sincere connection with God.
(Some ultra-orthodox Jews discourage this as they believe that prayers should be serious and thought out)

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4
Q

What is a Mezuzah?

A

A Mezuzah is a container that holds a scroll with the Shemah prayer, placed on doorposts of Jewish homes.

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5
Q

What direction should one face when praying?

A

One should face Jerusalem when praying, as it is considered the holy city. (Temple was built there too)

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6
Q

What is the significance of keeping mitzvot in the home?

A

Keeping mitzvot in the home fosters a personal connection to faith and allows for informal worship.
Also because of persecution (400 years of slavery), they didn’t have access to public worship therefore had to worship privately.
Quote “talk about them when you sit at home”

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7
Q

What does the acronym C-A-T-S stand for in prayer?

A

C - Confession, A - Adoration, T - Thanksgiving, S - Supplication.

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8
Q

Quote from Shemah that commands parents to teach their children the prayer and the commandments.

A

“Impress them on your children”

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9
Q

What direction do synagogues face?

A

Synagogues are built facing Jerusalem.

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10
Q

What is another word for synagogue?

A

Shul, which literally means school.

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11
Q

Who was the first king of the Israelites?

A

David

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12
Q

When was the first temple built?

A

The first temple was built by Solomon, the son of David in 1000 BC

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13
Q

What significant event happened in 587 BC?

A

The Babylonian exile, when Jerusalem was conquered and the first temple was destroyed.

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14
Q

When was the second temple built?

A

The second temple was built in 516 BC.

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15
Q

What happened in 70 AD?

A

The Romans destroyed the second temple.

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16
Q

What is the Western Wall?

A

A remnant of the second temple, also known as the Wailing Wall.

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17
Q

What is the significance of images in the synagogue?

A

There are no images of God or people in the synagogue, following the commandment ‘do not make images or anything in heaven.’

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18
Q

What is a Bimah?

A

A raised platform where the Torah is read, representing the altar in the temple. (Symbolises that gods words are above them)

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19
Q

What is the Ark in a synagogue?

A

The Ark holds the Torah scrolls and is the centerpiece of the synagogue. “Construct an Ark of acacia wood” — “make it out of your purest gold”

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20
Q

What is a Mikveh?

A

A large bath used for Jewish purification rituals, where women are required to bathe before marriage. Also used for when converting into Judaism

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21
Q

What does the Ner Tamid represent?

A

The everlasting light above the Ark that symbolizes the omnipresence of God. “Let there be light”

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22
Q

What does the term ‘Minyan’ refer to?

A

Minimum amount of Jews required for a formal synagogue service (10) “how long will this evil assembly provide complaints against me”

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23
Q

List three Orthodox ‘practices’ in the synagogue

A

Any three from:
- only men can be rabbis
- three daily services all in Hebrew
- men and women sit separately to not get distracted
- only men over 13 years old can form a minyan
- only men can wear a kippah and Talit
- strict Shabbat rules
- married women are required to wear a shawl

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24
Q

State 3 Reform ‘practices’ in the synagogue

A

Any 3 from:
- women can be rabbis
- don’t usually have daily services
- all genders sit together
- men and women are counted towards the Minyan
- women can wear kippah and talit
- less strict with Shabbat rules
- service in local language AND Hebrew

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25
What is a Kippah?
A Kippah is a cloth dome that sits on the crown of your head, symbolizing God being above us. Example: “David went up mount olives with his head covered.”
26
Who wears a Kippah in Orthodox Judaism?
In Orthodox Judaism, men wear a Kippah at all times from ages 13 and up.
27
Who can wear a Kippah in Reform Judaism?
In Reform Judaism, both women and men can wear a Kippah, but there are no fixed rules.
28
What is a Talit?
A Talit is a shawl worn around the shoulders while praying, literally meaning to cover.
29
What do the tassels on a Talit represent?
The tassels serve as reminders of the 613 Mitzvot and the obligation to God. Example: “Make tassels on your garments… they will serve as reminders.”
30
Who wears a Talit in Orthodox Judaism?
In Orthodox Judaism, all men over 13 wear a Talit during prayer.
31
Who wears a Talit in Reform Judaism?
In Reform Judaism, men are encouraged to wear a Talit, and women can wear it during prayer.
32
What is the Talmud?
The Talmud combines the Mishnah and the Gemara, providing explanations and interpretations of the Torah.
33
What does the Gemara do?
The Gemara is a commentary on the Mishnah that gives further discussions and interpretations.
34
What is the Tefillin?
2 small boxes worn on your forehead and left arm (contains scripture)
35
Why is the Tefillin worn on your forehead and your left arm?
God being closer to your brain (desicion making and always thinking about him) and god being close to your heart. “Tie them on your arms and wear them on your head”
36
Orthodox beliefs about tefillin
All men over 13 must wear for morning prayer
37
Reform beliefs about tefillin
Not mandatory, encourages to wear it during morning prayer (women too)
38
What is Shabbat?
A day of spiritual renewal and rest, beginning at sunset on Friday and ending at night fall on Saturday. “Remember the sabbath day and keep it holy”
39
What is the Oranodox view on Shabbat?
- Total ban on all work. - very strict rules - includes driving and carrying things - emphasises on prayer, family and study. - strict dietary laws - specific Shabbat meals
40
What is the Reform perspective on Shabbat?
- Focus on spiritual reflection - not as strict - ethical - creative rituals for the spirituality of Shabbat - connection to Jewish heritage
41
How is Shabbat celebrated in the home?
- house is deep cleaned (to get rid of any bread crumbs), food prepared, formal clothes - gather for evening meal at sunset - as the sun disappears the eldest woman of the house lights the candle (marks start of Shabbat) - cover their eyes while praying so that they wont get distracted - kiddush prayer is said “ you invested us with your holy Shabbat. - no electronics
42
What is prohibited on Shabbat?
Use of electronics and engaging in work.
43
What does the phrase 'God blessed the seventh day and made it holy' signify?
It emphasizes the sanctity of Shabbat.
44
How is shabbat at the synagogue?
Attend on either Friday night or Saturday morning. Special service called ‘Kabbalat-Shabbat’ (candle lighting ceremony)
45
What is the traditional bread eaten on Shabbat?
Challah (they have 2 loafs, one they purposely burn which symbolises the destruction of the temple. The other which is salted for the tears of the suffering)
46
On Shabbat how many customary meals are there?
3
47
What type of meat is commonly served during Shabbat meals?
Roast chicken or beef
48
What is Kashrut?
The body of Jewish law dealing with food. Food that is allowed is kosher (means “fit” or “proper”).
49
What is Treyfah?
Food that is not allowed (non-kosher/forbidden).
50
What are the requirements for kosher land animals?
Must have split hooves and chew the cud.
51
Give examples of kosher land animals.
Cows and sheep are kosher.
52
Why are pigs not considered kosher?
Pigs have split hooves but do not chew cud.
53
What are the requirements for kosher seafood?
Must have fins and scales.
54
Give examples of kosher seafood.
Tuna and salmon are kosher.
55
Why are shellfish and prawns not kosher?
They do not have fins and scales.
56
What type of birds are considered kosher?
Only non-predatory birds are kosher.
57
Give examples of kosher birds.
Chicken and duck are kosher.
58
Why are birds of prey not kosher?
They are considered predatory.
59
Who must slaughter the animals for kosher food?
A trained Jew (shochet) must perform the slaughter.
60
What is the method of slaughter for kosher animals?
A quick, painless cut to the neck.
61
What must be done with the blood of kosher animals?
It must be drained or salted out because 'life is in the blood' (Leviticus 17:11).
62
What is forbidden regarding meat and dairy?
Mixing meat and dairy is strictly forbidden: 'Do not boil a kid in its mother’s milk' (Exodus 23:19).
63
What is the rule regarding eating meat and dairy together?
They cannot be eaten together.
64
What practices are observed in kosher homes for meat and dairy?
Separate dishes, cutlery, and fridges are used.
65
What is the waiting time between eating meat and dairy?
It varies by tradition, typically 3–6 hours.
66
What are Parev foods?
Neutral foods like vegetables, fruit, and fish that can be eaten with either meat or dairy.
67
What special rules apply during Passover?
No chametz (leavened food) and must eat matzah (unleavened bread).
68
What must be done to the house before Passover?
The house is cleaned of all chametz before the festival.
69
Why do Jews follow dietary laws?
Obedience to God, holiness, identity, discipline, and spiritual health.
70
What do Orthodox Jews believe about dietary laws?
They strictly follow all dietary laws and only eat food prepared in a kosher kitchen.
71
What is the approach of Reform/Liberal Jews towards dietary laws?
They may be more flexible and some don’t keep kosher at all or just avoid pork and shellfish.
72
What does Leviticus 11 address?
It lists clean and unclean animals.
73
What does Exodus 23:19 state?
'Do not boil a kid in its mother’s milk.'
74
What does Deuteronomy 14 repeat?
It repeats food laws.
75
What’s the difference between the chamash Torah and the Sefer Torah
The Chamash Torah is a printed book containing the Five Books of Moses with commentary, while the Sefer Torah is a handwritten scroll of the same text used for worship in the synagogue.
76
What is a rite of passage
A rite of passage is a ceremony or event that marks an important stage or transition in a person’s life, such as birth, coming of age, marriage, or death.
77
What is private worship?
Worship given to G-d by one person (or family) while alone. Common ways include praying or reading the Torah.
78
What is public worship?
Worship as part of a community in the synagogue, some services require a Minyan to proceed.
79
What are Shacharit prayers?
Morning prayers literally meaning 'little morning', said each morning at home or in the synagogue.
80
What are Minchah prayers?
Afternoon prayers originally held at noon but can be any time in the afternoon.
81
What are Ma’ariv prayers?
Literally 'evening' prayers said after sundown.
82
What is Shabbat?
The Jewish Sabbath, a day of rest beginning at sunset on Friday and ending when three stars are visible on Saturday evening.
83
What is Kabbalat-Shabbat?
Special prayers and songs included on Friday night to welcome in Shabbat.
84
What is the Kiddush prayer?
Literally means 'sanctification', the blessing recited over the wine on all Jewish holy days and before celebratory meals.
85
What is the Challah prayer?
Blessing said over the bread (Challah = braided loaves).
86
What is Havdalah?
Ceremony or formal prayer marking the end of the Sabbath, literally means 'separation'.
87
What is the Havdalah candle?
This candle is extinguished to mark the end of Shabbat.
88
What is a synagogue?
Literally 'house of assembly', a Jewish place of worship.
89
What is a Torah procession?
When the Torah is taken from the Ark, there is a procession in which the Torah is carried around the synagogue.
90
What is a Chumash-Torah?
The Hebrew term for a Torah in printed form (i.e. book) as opposed to a sefer Torah, which is a scroll.
91
What is a Sefer-Torah?
A handwritten copy of the Torah, the holiest book in Judaism, used in the ritual of Torah reading.
92
What is the Talmud?
The source from which the code of Jewish Halakhah (law) is derived, made up of the Mishnah and the Gemara.
93
What is Rosh Hashanah?
Literally meaning the 'head [of] the year', it is the Jewish New Year and the first of the Jewish High Holy Days.
94
What is a shofar?
An ancient musical horn typically made of a ram's horn, used for Jewish religious purposes.
95
What is Teshuva?
Hebrew word translated as 'repentance'.
96
What is Tashlich?
A ritual performed at a large, natural body of flowing water on the afternoon of Rosh Hashanah, meaning 'to cast'.
97
What is Yom Kippur?
The Day of Atonement, the holiest day of the year in Judaism, focusing on atonement and repentance.
98
What is Kapparah?
A ritual performed by some Orthodox Jews before Yom Kippur involving swinging a rooster or hen around the head.
99
What is Ne’ilah?
The concluding service held only on Yom Kippur, when final prayers of repentance are recited.
100
What are the pilgrim festivals?
Three major festivals in Judaism: Pesach (Passover), Shavuot (Weeks), and Sukkot (Tabernacles).
101
What is Pesach?
Passover, a major Jewish holiday commemorating liberation from slavery in Egypt.
102
What is Chametz?
Leaven or food mixed with leaven, prohibited during Passover.
103
What is a Seder plate?
A special plate containing symbolic foods eaten or displayed at the Passover Seder.
104
What is Sukkot?
A major Jewish festival held in autumn to commemorate the sheltering of the Israelites in the wilderness.
105
What is a Sukkah shelter?
A temporary hut constructed for use during the festival of Sukkot.
106
What is Shavuot?
A major Jewish festival held fifty days after Passover, commemorating the giving of the Law (the Torah).
107
What is Hanukkah?
An eight-day Jewish festival commemorating the rededication of the Temple in 165 BC by the Maccabees.
108
What is a Menorah?
A candelabrum with seven branches, symbolizing the 7 days of creation.
109
What is a Hanukiah?
A nine-branched candelabrum lit during Hanukkah.
110
What is a rite of passage?
A ceremony marking an important stage in someone's life, such as birth, adulthood, marriage, and death.
111
What is a naming ceremony?
A ceremony where a baby is given a traditional Jewish name, marking their identity.
112
What is Brit milah?
A male circumcision ceremony performed on the eighth day of the infant's life.
113
What is a Sandek?
A person honored at a brit milah ceremony, traditionally holding the baby while the mohel performs the circumcision.
114
What is a Bar mitzvah?
The initiation ceremony of a Jewish boy at age 13, marking readiness to observe religious precepts.
115
What is a Bat mitzvah?
A religious initiation ceremony for a Jewish girl aged twelve years and one day.
116
What is Kiddushin?
Commonly translated as betrothal, it makes the bride and groom husband and wife.
117
What is a Huppah canopy?
A canopy under which a Jewish couple stands during their wedding ceremony.
118
What is a Ketubah contract?
A special type of Jewish prenuptial agreement outlining the rights and responsibilities of the groom.
119
What is Hevrah kadishah?
An organization that prepares deceased Jews for burial according to Jewish tradition.
120
What is Keri’ah?
Rending or tearing of garments as a sign of grief.
121
What is El Malei Rachamim?
A Jewish prayer for the soul of a deceased person, recited at graveside and memorial services.
122
What is Se’udat havra’ah?
The first meal served to mourners in the house of mourning after returning from the cemetery.
123
What is Kashrut?
A set of Jewish religious dietary laws.
124
What is kosher?
Food satisfying the requirements of Jewish law.
125
What is Terefah?
Food or product that is not ritually clean or prepared according to Jewish law.
126
What is Shechitah?
Humane method of slaughtering permitted animals and poultry for food.
127
What is liturgical worship?
Worship following a set pattern or structure.
128
What is the Ark of the Covenant?
Gold-covered wooden chest described in the Book of Exodus as containing the two stone tablets of the Ten Commandments.
129
What is the Ark in the synagogue?
The special cupboard used to safely store the Sefer Torah.
130
What is the Ner Tamid lamp?
A light that hangs in front of and above the ark in the synagogue, symbolizing the light of truth.
131
What is a Chazzan?
A Jewish musician trained in the vocal arts who helps lead the congregation in songful prayer.
132
What does the term 'Amidah' mean?
'Amidah' literally means 'standing' and refers to a series of blessings recited while standing.
133
What are the three central sections of the Amidah prayer?
The Amidah prayer is divided into three central sections: praise, petitions, and thanks.
134
What is a 'Yad'?
'Yad' literally means 'hand' and is a Jewish ritual pointer used during Torah reading.
135
What is the purpose of a Yad?
The Yad is used by the reader to follow the text during the Torah reading from the parchment Torah scrolls.

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