Judaism Beliefs & Practices Flashcards

Question

# ***7.8 Life after death*** Describe the beliefs surrouding **Gan Eden** & **Gehinnom**

Answer 1

- Many rabbis have taught that the sould of the totally righteous ascend to **Gan Eden** whereas the souls of ordinary people go to **Gehinnom**. - Some rabbis have tuaght that **Gehinnom** is more like the **Catholic purgatory** and that souls are pufified of their sins through **punishment**. - Some rabbis reach that totally eveil souls are **eternally damned** and so are punished in **Gehinnom** for ever. - Others teach that the souls of the truly wicked are **destroyed by God** and so cease to exist.

Answer 2

- It is the teaching of the Torah which **Orthodox Jews** believe is a direct communication from God that must be **believed.** - It is the teaching of the other books of the **Tenakh** which **Orthodox Jews** believe are inspired by God. - It is the teaching of the **Talmud** which most **Jews** try to follow. - It is one of the **13 Principles of Faith** which are **Jewish Creed**. - A life after death, in which people will be judged on how they live this life with the **good rewarded** and the evil punish provides purpose to Jews as they want to be **rewarded by God**.

Answer 3

**1.** The first occasions is **Shabbat.** **2.** The Second occasion is Daily Prayers **( Shema )**. **3.** The Thid occasion is for Festivals **( Yom Kippur )**.

Answer 4

- To give a Jewish person a sense of **belonging** to a whole community of Jewish believers. - It is a reminder that they are part of a community, a community chosen by the **Almighty.** - It provides the opportunity to take part in those prayers which can only be said in a **congregation**. - The rabbis taught that there is more merit in praying in a **group** than there is alone.

Answer 5

- On **Shabbat** morning is the main service of the week when the **Sefer Toarh** is taken out of the **Ark** and carried to the **bimah** for the rabbi to read the **sidra** and the rabbi gives a **sermon**. - On **Shabbat** afternoon, synagogues have afternoon prayers when the **Sefer Torah** is again taken out of the Ark and a short part of the **next week's sidra** is read. - **Synagogues** have special services for most of the festivals, especially **Rosh Hashanah**

Answer 6

**1.** Synagogue services unite the local community. They also remind Jews of their **global community.** **2.** Jews pray towards the sit of the **Holy Temple in Jerusalem, Israel.** **3.** Synagogue worship is needed for the Jewish community to celebrate Shabbat properly. **4.** A **sermon** will be given by a Rabbi, which may affect the way Jews live their lives.

Answer 7

- Orthodox synagogues keep men and women **separate** because they believe the Mitzvot are God's words. - **Liberal/Reform synagogues demonstrate** complete equality of the **sexes** because they believe the Torah was written by peole inspired by God rather than being **direct word from God**.

Answer 8

***A) The Tenakh*** - the **Psalms** are an essential part of daily prayers and of much synagogue worship - The **Torah and Nevi'im** are imporant in synagogue worship. - Portions of the **Ketuvim** form an important part of some **festivals** - Jewish people study and meditate on the books of the Tenakh to help their understanding of and thei **relation with God**. ***B) The Talmud*** - It explain the meaning of the **613 Mitzvot** - It explains how the **Mitzvot** should be applied in the daily lives of Jews - It is the basis of the **halakah**, which is the foundation of **Orthodox Jewish life today**. ## Footnote **Torah** - Most important and holy book for Jewish people, forms part of the **Tenakh** **Talmud** - Oral Law and contains information on how Torah's laws should be interpreted.

Answer 9

**1.** The Torah is used and read **four times a week** in Orthodox synagogues, once a week in Reform synagogues. **2.** Jews are encouraged to study the Talmud, Perkei Avot is a set of ethical teachings in the Mishnah, Chapter 2 says; - ***"If [a man] has acquired words of the Torah, he has attained afterlife"*** **3.** Daf Yomi **('a page a day')** is an **internation programme** where Jews study the **Torah** in unison.

Answer 10

A) These are the Jewish religious laws concerning the suitability of food. B) Something that is fitting or proper, according to Jewish laws. ( Usually about food ) C) Forbidden or unclean Opposite of Kosher D) Foods that are "neutral", and can be eaten with any meal e.g. vegetables.

Answer 11

- Pigs, camels and shellfish must **not** be eaten. - Animals must be salughtered by the **shecitah** method of **slitting the throat with a razor-sharp knife** and draining out the blood. - Kitchens should be in 2 halves, one of meat and one for **dairy**.

Answer 12

- Eating **non-kosher** foods, or not keeping a kosher kitchen, means breaking many of the Mitzvot. - It gives a sense of **Jewish identity**. - It gives a bond with **fellow Jews.** - It makes them think about **God every time they decide to eat**.

Answer 13

- Build up their **relationship** with God. - Serve God with their hear, so obeying God's commandment: **'to love the Lord your God and to serve him with all your heart and with all you soul'**. - Take the opportunity to speak directly to God, knowing that God will listen and **respond to prayers**.

Answer 14

- When Jews wake up in the morning, they thank God for waking them before pouring water on their hands to **purify themselves** for the coming day. - The day should end, as it should beging by praising God by saying the **Shema**. - The mezuzah on each door of the house is a constant remind of **God's presence - Jewish** people tough the mezuzah and pray thanking God whenever they pass it. - Jewish people pray and bless God before eating food and bless him again when they have **finished eating**.

Answer 15

**1.** They have been instructed by God to do so: - ***"Evening, morning, and noon, i supplicate and moan; and He has hear my voice" ( Psalm 55:17 )*** - It is believed that listening to the will of God is the best way to live a **Jewish life.** **2.** This keeps God at the forefront of a Jew's mind. This is shown through prayers like the **Shema** and the **Modeh ani.** ## Footnote **Shema** - A prayer recited twice a day. **Modeh ani** - A prayer recited upon waking up to thank God for the gift of life.

Answer 16

**A)** Praying in **set forms** has been used for centuries has many advantages. It: - Stops prayers from being focused on **selfish concerns** - Gives the worshipper a sense of being part of **Jewish history**. - Gives the prayer a sense of **community** with Jews all over the world. - Gives order and purpose to people's **religious life**. **B)** Prayers in own words is importants because a relationship with God can only happen if they can: - Contact God **when they want** - Express their own thoughts and feelings rather than **other people's** - Ask for God's help.

Answer 17

**A) 3 features of the Shema are it emphasises the;** - It is said 3 times every day **( morning, evening and night )** - The first **2** paragraphs are written on the **mezuzah scroll**. - The first sentance is said whenever the Torah scroll is taken from the **Ark**. **B)** 3 Features of Amidah Prayer' - The Amidah contains **19 blessings** - The Amidah should be said **standing** - The Amidah should be said while facing **Jerusalem**.

Answer 18

**A) The Shema is important as;** - It is a prayer which praises expressed faith and trust in God. - It is also a **declaration of the main points of the Jeiwsh faith** that there is only one God and that the people should love God. - This belief is often called **'ethical monotheism'** **B) The Amidah is important as;** - It fulfils all the requirements of a prayer set out by the great rabbis **( Should begin with words of praise, then ask petitions and end with words of thanks )**. - In additions, people have 2 needs, the spiritual and physical needs. The **Amidah asks God to fulfilll spiritual needs** such as fogiveness and physical needs with food.

Answer 19

**A)** This is a **Prayer shawl** that is used as a reminder of the **Mitzvot.** **B)** These are **Black boxes** with leather straps, they connect the **heart and mind to God.** ***- ( Deuteronomy 6:8 )*** **C)** This is a **Container** attached to doorposts in Jewish homes, **containing the Shema.** They remind Jews of **God's presence.**

Answer 20

**1.** One Jewish prayer is the **Shema.** **2.** Another Jewish prayer is the **Amidah.** **3.** A third Jewish prayer is the **Modeh ani.**

Answer 21

**1.** Rituals are grounded in **Jewish laws ( Leviticus )**, so by performing the rituals they are honouring the **word of God.** **2.** Observance shows **gratitude to God**, a sense of Jewish identity, and brings the Almighty into **everyday life.** **3.** Important moments are marked by customs that go back to **biblical times.**

Answer 22

**1.** After giving birth the woman is unable to touch anything **sacred or attent the sanctuary.** Today she will attend **mikvah** once she has stopped bleeding. - ***"[the mother] may not touch anything sacred and she may not enter the Sanctuary" ( Leviticus 12:4 )*** **2.** Secondly, offerings would also been made **at the Temple**. - This would be in attempt of becoming **"purified"** as only purified souls can go to **Gan Eden**, the **home of the Almighty.**

Answer 23

***A) Bar Mitzvah ( Boys )*** **1.** One feature is that it happens at age **13.** **2.** Another feature is that they can **lead synagogue service** after this. **3.** A third feature is that they need to learn enough Hebrew to read from the Torah. ***B) Bat Mitzvah ( Girls )*** **1.** One feature is that it happens at age 12. **( 13 in Reform/Liberal Synagogues )** **2.** Another feature is that Ceremonies are only about **100 years old.** **3.** A third feature is that they will be taught to cook ***challah*** & other important preparations in the home. ## Footnote **Challah** - Plaited bread for Shabbat

Answer 24

- They are important as they give a **young jewish person** the opportunity to take upon themselves the **responsiblity** of being a Jew. Allowing them to take pride in being **God's chosen people.** - As **Midrash** said, as soon as he becomes of age **Jewish fathers** bring him into the synagogue in order he may **praise the name of God**. - Another reason they are important is that these events **ensure the continuity of the Jewish faith**. As those who come of age **( boys )** can then go onto hold there own **Bar Mitzvah** for others in the future.

Answer 25

- It brings baby boys into the community of Jusdaism. The Torah records that God said to Abraham, **'This is my covenant with you and your descendants after you, the covenant you are to keep. Every male among you shall be circumcised'** - They also give parents the **promise of support** from the Jewish community in bringing up new life in the Jewish faith. **reminding Jews** of the local community they are apart of. - Circumcision is one of the most **universally observed Mitzvot**. It is an outward sign of the **everlasting Abrahamic covenant** with the Almighty.

Answer 26

**A) Jewish wedding ceremony features;** - One is that the marriage ceremony takes place under a canopy called a **huppah** - A second is that the couple must sign the **ketubah** or marriage contract. - A third is that the rabbi will recite **7 blessings** over a glass of wine for the **couple**. **B) Jewish funeral ritual features;** - One feature is that as soon as they hear of a death, close relatives make a tear in their clothes to **fulfil the mitzvah.** - Another feature is that the **chevra kaddisha** helps to prepare the body for burial - A third feature is that there is a period of mourning called **avelut**.

Answer 27

- They bring 2 people together in the Jewish faith, reminding them of the mitzvah that all jews should marry and have children. **Genesis 2:23-24 "A man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife & will become 1 flesh."** - They also provide the opportunity for a new Jewish family to **develop and continue** the Jewish faith. This ensures God will always stay relevant **within Jewish faith**.

Answer 28

- They are important as the death of a family member is a time of **great grief** but the rituals of the faith provide **comfort** to the Jewish community, helping them to cope as they follow the example of **Jacob** when Joseph died **"Then Jacob tore his clothes, put on sakcloth and mourned his son for many days."** - The rituals also remind them of the **Jewish belief** that death is not the end and there is still a hope for the future. Ensuring that Jews know that a **death of a loved one** isn't the end for that person.

Answer 29

**1.** On **Shabbat** morning families go to synagogue for the morning prayer, which is the main service of the week. - One feature is when the **Sefer Torah** is taken out of the Ark. - Another feature is that the tabbi will read the sidra **( passage from Torah )** - A third feature is that after the Sefer Torah has ben put back, the rabbi gives a **sermon**. **2.** Liberal synagogues have differences in their services; - Prayers are said in English, not **Hebrew** - **Women** sit with the men - The rabbi may aswell be a **women**.

Answer 30

**1.** The father of the home will bless the children while saying **kiddush** over the wine & he will bless **challot** bread. - Wine symbolises the **sweetness** and joy of the day; the **challot** remind the family of the time when God gave **2** lots of **manna** on **shabbat** **2.** When night falls the **havdalah** ceremony takes place. The father says a blessing over a cup of wine, **havdalah** spice box and a **lighted candle**.

Answer 31

**A)** Important for Jewish people: - Obervance of Shabbat is a core part of the Jewish faith. - It is one of the **Ten commandments.** - It gives Jewish people a chance to renew **themselves** as they rest from work and concntrate on religion. - It provides time for a person to think about **God** and find out more about their faith. - By observing Shabbat, Jews are following **God's commandment** of resting and keeping the **day holy.** - It remains a day of enjoyment and a time to **connect to family.** **B)** Important for Jewish community: - It is the oldest Jewish festival, making it important for the **community** to keep it going - It's God's gift to the Jewish people wich **binds** them together, only Jewish people celebrate **Shabbat** - Offers families the chance to grow together in their **jewish** faith.

Answer 32

**A) Features;** - One feature is that **Rosh Hashanah** marks the beginning of Jewish New Year. - Another feature is that **Rosh Hashanah** has been celeberated since biblical times - A third feature is it remembers the time when Moses went up Mount sinai to recieve the **10 commandments**. **B) Importance;** - It is the start of the **Jewish New Year** which means its a time for Jews to rest and reevaluate their lives, this can be seen in the SOWA ‘you shall observe complete rest,’ **( Leviticus 23:24 )** - Rosh Hashanah is seen as a time of **judgement** , Some Jews believe the **Almighty weighs up their good and bad deeds** to make a **decision** about their next year

Answer 33

**A) Features;** - One feature is that Yom Kippur occurs **10 days** after **Rosh Hashanah** - Another features is that Yom Kippure involves a reflection on past sins and what they promised on Rosh Hashanah. - A third feature is that no jewellery or leather clothes can be worn, as forbidden in **Leviticus** **B) Importance;** - The **mitzvot** say that those who do not fast **Yom Kippur** must be cut off from the people, meaning they will be removed from the **Jewish community**. - It releases people from **guilt about sins of the past** - Fasting helps people to feel compassion for those in poverty, allowing Jews to be reminded of their **Jewish community**.

Answer 34

**A) Features;** - One feature is that Sukkot happens **4** days after **Yom Kippur.** - Another feature is that It marks the end of summer and the start of the **autumn fruit harvest.** - A third feature is that families will live in a **temporary home** built for the 7 days of the festival **B) Importance;** - It **encourages family harmony** by living in a **sukkah**, this allows Jews to be reminded of the community they belong to. - It is a link with their ancestors **( Israelites )** who had escaped from Egypts, allowing Jews to relive their **faith and culture**. - The **etrog** stands for people who both know the **Torah** and do good deeds, the **lulav** stands for those who learned the Torah but do no good deeds.

Answer 35

**A) Features;** - One feature is that Pesach is also called Passover after the night that God **'passed over'** Egypt killing first-born males. - Another feature is that unleavened bread is eaten for **7 days**. - A third feature is there is a **havadalah** ceremony after this. **B) Importance;** - It celeberates God's power and control of history, without the **Passover and Exodus** there would be no Jewish people. - It celeberates the birthday of the Jewish nation, reminding them of their **Jewish community**. - It celeberates Jewish history and the way God has **preserved his chosen people**, strengthing Jewish faith in God. ## Footnote Chametz -

Answer 36

**A) Features;** - One feature is that candles are lit to bring in the **festival.** - Another feature is that many people stay up to read the **Torah** on the first night. - A third feature is that the **Book of Ruth** is read. **B) Importance;** - It celeberates the **gift of the Torah**, which is the most important thing in Jewish history. The **613 mitzvot** provide a basis for **Jewish faith and action**. - Shavuot celeberates the spiritual freedom brought by the **Mitzvot**, reminding Jews that by following the laws of **God** they will always be **liberated and saved** by God.

Answer 37

**1. Charoset:** nut and apple paste, to **symbolise the mortar** used for making bricks. **2. Lamb bone:** represents the lamb that was sacrificed. **3. Green herbs:** dipped in salt water, to represent the tears shed by Hebrew slaves. **4. Maror & Chazeret:** both can be bitter and represent the bitterness of slavery. **5. Roasted egg:** represents the new life that Jews had after their **escape from Egypt.**

Answer 38

***A) Orthdox Synagogues*** **1.** Seating on **3** sides facing the bimah **2.** Synagogue prayers in Hebrew **3.** Men & women **sit separately.** **4.** No musical instruments played on **shabbat** as that would be work. **5.** Rabbi and cantor will always be men. + Only men carry scrolls. ***B) Reform/Liberal Synagogues*** **1.** Seating may be the same as Orthodox's - Or bimah may be at the front seating facing Ark **2.** Men and women may **sit together** **3.** Women may wear a **tallit, or kippah** **4.** Musical instruments **may be used.** **5.** Women may take active role in services.

Answer 39

**1. Ark** - **What it is?** Area to store Torah scrolls. - **How is it used?** Door or curtain opened when scrolls are in use. - **Why is it used?** Reminder of the **Holy of Holies** in the Temple; to keep scrolls safe. **2. Ner tamid** - **What it is?** 'Eternal light' above the Ark. - **How is it used?** Light burns at all times as reminder of God's eternal nature. - **Why is it used?** Requirement in ***Exodus 27:20-21*** **3. Menorah** - **What it is?** Seven-branched candlestick. - **How is it used?** Used in the Temple as the eternal light. - **Why is it used?** Requirement in ***Exodus 25:31-40*** **4. Bimah** - **What it is?** Reading platform. - **How is it used?** Rabbi leads service from here; Torah read from here. - **Why is it used?** Represents Temple altar; makes Torah main focus. **5. Yad** - **What it is?** Reading stick. - **How is it used?** As a point while reading from the Torah. - **Why is it used?** So as not to touch the sacred Torah.

Judaism Beliefs & Practices Flashcards

(63 cards)