judaism: practices Flashcards
(112 cards)
1
Q
what is a synagogue?
A
-a building where Jews meet for worship, study, social activities, charitable events & festivals
-the centre of the Jewish religious community
2
Q
how are synagogues a centre of assembly?
A
their use of jewish symbols on the outside of the building
eg: a menorah or the star of david
3
Q
the importance of the synagogue (worship, prayer & services)
A
-a space for worship and communal prayer
-jews can pray anywhere, but they believe it is good to pray together in a group
-certain prayers can only be said in the presence of a minyan (group of at least 10 adults)
-services are regularly held in the synagogue for jews to pray and worship together
4
Q
the importance of the synagogue (education)
A
-the synagogue helps to educate jews of all ages in their faith
-may provide classes in hebrew for young Jews, to help them learn the language used in jewish prayer
-most synagogues have a library that helps older jews to continue improving their understanding of the faith
5
Q
the importance of the synagogue (social activities)
A
-variety of activities for children, teenagers and adults in their social hall (eg: youth clubs, music or drama groups, and groups for senior citizens)
-a place to discuss matters that are important to the community
6
Q
the importance of the synagogue (charitable events)
A
-often hold events to raise money for charity
-collect money or other items to be given to charity or the poor and needy
7
Q
the prayer hall
A
-room where jews come together for communal worship and prayer
-usually rectangular, with seats on three sides of the hall facing inwards towards the bimah, which is in the centre
-fourth side is where the ark is kept (focal point of the synagogue)
-prayer hall might be decorated with patterns, jewish symbols or extracts from scripture
-images of God, the prophets or other religious figures are not allowed
8
Q
the ark - description
A
-ornamental cabinet where the torah scrolls are kept
-at the front of the synagogue, usually set into the wall facing jerusalem
-usually reached by climbing up some steps
-usually two stone tablets are above the ark (start of each of the ten commands is written)
9
Q
the ark - significance
A
-holiest place in the synagogue
-represents the og ark of the covenant, was built to hold the ten commandments
-first ark was taken to jerusalem and placed in the temple built by king solomon
-today, when jews face the ark, they face the city where the temple once stood
-by climbing up steps to reach the ark, jews are reminded that God is above his people and the sacred torah is above humanity
10
Q
ner tamid - description
A
-light placed in front of and slightly above the ark
-traditionally an oil lamp, but now electric (with an emergency power source in case of a power cut)
11
Q
ner tamid - significance
A
-symbolises God’s presence, so it is never put out
-reminder of the menorah that was lit every night in the temple in jerusalem
12
Q
bimah - description
A
-raised platform in the centre of the prayer hall
-where torah is read from during services
13
Q
bimah - significance
A
-provides a focal point when the torah is being read, making it easier for the congregation to see the reader and hear what is being said
-reminder that the altar was the central feature of the courtyard in the temple in jerusalem
14
Q
orthodox judaism
A
-traditional branch of Judaism
-strictly follow the laws in the torah
-torah was given directly to moses by God, so should be followed as closely as possible
-men and women should have different roles
-all orthodox rabbis are male
15
Q
reform judaism
A
-progressive judaism
-reform jews emphasise the importance of individual choice in deciding how to worship and practise the faith
-torah was inspired by God but written by humans, so it can be adapted for modern times
-men and women should be able to undertake the same roles
-women in can be rabbis or part of the minyan
16
Q
do orthodox synagogues hold daily services?
A
yes, so jews can pray together
17
Q
what language are orthodox services in?
A
hebrew
18
Q
where does the person who leads the service face in an orthodox synagogue?
A
his back is to the congregation, he is facing the ark
19
Q
where do men and women sit in an orthodox synagogue?
A
apart
20
Q
is service rigid in orthodox churches?
A
no, some of the congregation may arrive late and catch up at their own pace
21
Q
what do men and women wear on their heads to the synagogue? (orthodox)
A
-men always wear a skull cap
-married women cover their heads by wearing a hat or scarf
-this shows respect for God, and a recognition that God is above humanity
22
Q
is singing accompanied in an orthodox synagogue?
A
no
23
Q
do reform synagogues hold daily services?
A
no, the focus is on celebrating shabbat and festivals
24
Q
what language are reform services in?
A
hebrew and the country’s own language (english in the UK)
25
where does the person who leads the service face in a reform synagogue?
the congregatiom
26
where do men and women sit in a reform synagogue?
together
27
is service rigid in reform services?
slightly, though shorter than orthodox ones, there is a set time and worshippers are usually present at the start
28
what do men and women wear to the synagogue? (reform)
most men wear a skull cap and some women do as well (or they might wear a hat instead)
29
is singing accompanied in an orthodox synagogue?
singing may be accompanied by musical instruments
30
how many times a day are jews expected to pray?
three
31
when are tallit and tefillin worn:
orthodox vs reform
orthodox:
morning prayers = men wear a tallit
weekdays = tefillin & tallit
reform:
some reform jewish men and women wear tallit and tefillin too
32
tallit - description
-prayer shawl made from wool or silk
-a long tassel is attached to each corner
33
tallit - significance
-shawl reminds jews they are obeying
God's word whenever they wear it
-tassels represent the mitzvot
34
tefillin - description
-a pair of small leather boxes containing extracts from the torah,
-one is fastened with leather straps to the centre of the forehead, the other is fastened around the upper arm in line with the heart
35
tefillin - significance
reminds Jews that their mind should be concentrating fully on God when they pray, and their prayers should come from the heart
36
the format of jewish service
1. opening prayers are said (praise and thank God)
2. shema, accompanied by blessings
3. the amidah ('standing prayer') the central prayer of Jewish worship, prayed in silence while standing and facing jerusalem
it consists of a series of blessings:
-first three blessings praise God and ask for his mercy
-middle thirteen blessings ask for God's help
-final three blessings thank God for the opportunity to serve him
4. amidah is sometimes followed by a reading from the torah
5. final prayers are said: include the closing aleinu prayer, which gives praise and thanks to God
37
why is prayer important to jews?
-it is a way to communicate with God
-it brings jews closer to God
-communal prayer strengthens the jewish community
-it helps jews to remember what their faith is all about
38
what is shabbat & when is it?
jewish holy day of the week, a day of rest and renewal, starting just before sunset on friday and continuing to sunset on saturday
39
shabbat is...
-a gift from God of a day of rest and renewal
-time to relax and rest, worship God, and enjoy family life
-time to celebrate that God has kept his covenant between God and the Jews
-a time to celebrate God's creation
40
shabbat services
friday evening = brief service in the
synagogue, shabbat is welcomed like a bride coming to meet her husband
-some synagogues hold a service during shabbat for families with children, which includes storytelling, games and music
-main service on saturday morning is longer than the weekday prayer services
41
what happens before the reading is given?
1. the congregation stands when the ark is opened: reminder of how the jews stood at the bottom of mt sinai when moses returned with the ten commandments
2. torah taken from ark & dressed with a cover and ornaments (eg: crown or belt): reminder of the vestments worn by priests in early judaism
3. torah held in front of the congregation while verses from scripture are chanted, it is then paraded round the synagogue:
represents the march through the wilderness, when jews carried the original ark from mt sinai to jerusalem
4. when the torah passes through the synagogue, many jews touch it with their prayer book or the tassels on their prayer shawl, and then touch their lips: recalls ezekiel 3:3, which tells jews that God's words should be on their lips, and sweet like honey
42
what happens after the reading in shabbat services?
-after the reading is finished, the torah scrolls are dressed and paraded around the synagogue again, before being placed back in the ark
-the rabbi or visiting speaker gives a sermon
(can be based on the reading or something important in the news)
43
shabbat preparations & significances
1. work is done & home is prepared before shabbat begins on friday evening (eg: cleaning the house, preparing the food, washing, and changing into smart clothes): work is not allowed during shabbat, jews try to make their homes neat and presentable to welcome in shabbat, which is seen as being like welcoming a special bride into the home
2. at least to candles on table: two candles represent the two commandments to
'remember' and 'observe shabbat
3. two loaves of challah bread are placed on the table: represent the food that God provided for the jews while they were wandering in the wilderness
4. wine or grape juice is placed on the table (drunk from the kiddush cup):
drinking Shabbat wine symbolises joy and celebration
44
how is shabbat is welcomed through the lighting of the candles?
-a female member of the family lights the two candles, shortly before sunset on friday
-she waves with her arms around the candles, then covers her eyes to say a blessing
-she also says a prayer asking God to bless the family
45
the special meal after the friday evening service in the synagogue:
1) before the meal, the parents bless their children, and the head of the household recites the kiddush blessings while holding up the kiddush cup
2) to begin the meal, the bread is blessed and passed round so everyone has a piece
3) the meal might last for a few hours, giving the family time to relax and enjoy each other's company
4) after each course, religious stories might be told to the children or songs might be sung
5) the meal ends with a prayer of thanksgiving for the food
46
special meal after the saturday morning service in the synagogue:
-during the afternoon, parents may spend time with their children and study the torah
-end of shabbat is marked by the havdalah service (performed at home after the sun has set)
-blessings are performed over a cup of wine, sweet smelling spices & a candle with several wicks
-the spices and candle are believed to soothe and bring light to the house after shabbat has ended
47
where can jews fulfil their 3x a day prayer?
at home or in the synagogue
48
how do jews usually pray?
stood up, silently & alone
49
mezuzah
-small box that contains a handwritten scroll of verses from the torah
-attached to a doorpost
-jews touch the mezuzah as a sign of respect to God and a reminder to obey his laws
50
kitchens in orthodox homes
the layout of the kitchen will also remind jews of God and the need to obey the dietary laws
51
what is the tenakh?
-the jewish sacred scriptures
-a collection of 24 books (all found in the OT in the christian bible)
52
what is in the tenakh?
three main parts:
1. the torah (five books of Moses, which form the basis of jewish law)
2. the nevi’im (eight books that trace jewish history & expand on the laws in the torah)
3. the ketuvim (eleven books that contain a collection of poetry, stories, advice, historical accounts and more
53
what is the talmud?
-a commentary by the early rabbis on the torah
-contains a collection of discussions and teachings about how to interpret the torah and apply its laws to everyday life
54
what is in the talmud?
two main parts:
1. the mishnah (a commentary on the torah compiled by a rabbi in 200E, he wrote down the oral law: early teachings about how to interpret the torah, passed down by word of mouth I there was a danger these teachings would be altered/misinterpreted without a written record of them, so the rabbi compiled the mishnah to stop this from happening)
2. the gemara (a collection of discussions on the mishnah, written down in 500 CE)
55
why & how are the torah &
talmud studied by orthodox jews?
-it’s the source of all jewish laws, legal teachings and decisions that affect their daily lives
-orthodox Jews, may attend classes and lectures to develop their understanding
56
why don't reform jews study the torah and talmud as much?
they do not regard them with the same absolute authority and may not study them as much
57
what does the naming ceremony involve?
-the father recites the torah blessing, and asks God for the good health of his wife and baby
-a baby girl's name will be announced at this point
-a boy will be named later at his circumcision
-in reform synagogues, both parents will take part in the naming ceremony, which may not always be held on the first shabbat after the child's birth
58
significance of the naming ceremony:
formally introduces the baby to the community and God
59
what does brit milah involve?
-happens when a baby boy is eight days old
-close friend or relative places the baby on an empty chair that symbolises the presence of the prophet elijah
-a trained circumciser picks up the baby and places him on the knee of the person who has been given the role of being 'the companion of the child'
-the baby's father blesses his son
-a blessing is said over wine and the baby is formally named
-the baby is circumcised in a simple operation that quickly heals
-family and guests then enjoy a festive meal to celebrate
60
significance of brit milah:
-recalls the covenant God made with abraham
-lifelong reminder to a male jew that they are one of God's chosen people
61
what does the redemption of the first born son include?
-some orthodox jews give a small amount of money 31 days after the birth of their firstborn son, to 'redeem' him from temple service
-five silver coins are given to a kohen (a descendent of the priests who used to work in the temple
-prayers are also said, asking that the child may enter into torah, into marriage, and into good deeds
62
where does the redemption of the first born son come from?
comes from the following command in numbers 18: 'have the firstborn of man redeemed ... redemption price ... five shekels'
63
what is bar mitzvah?
-boys celebrate coming of age at 13 with a bar mitzvah ceremony
-become a son of the commandment, -considered old enough to take full responsibility for practising their faith
64
what is bat mitzvah? (reform)
-girls celebrate coming of age at 12 -become a daughter of the commandment
-considered to be old enough to take full responsibility for practising their faith
65
bat or bat mitzvah is significant because...
-it is when a jew is seen to become an adult
-preparing carefully for it brings jews closer to God and the jewish community
-it's when a jew is expected to start strictly following jewish law, and take full responsibility for doing so
-it is when a jewish boy is allowed to become part of the minyan (bar)
66
celebrating a bar mitzvah:
-at the first opportunity after his thirteenth birthday (usually the first shabbat), the boy reads from the torah at the normal service in the synagogue, many synagogues hold classes to prepare boys for this occasion
-the boy wears a tallit for the first time, may lead part of the service
-the boy makes a short speech
-the boy's father thanks God for bringing his son to maturity, and declares he is now responsible for his own actions
-after the service there is often a celebratory meal or party, where the boy receives gifts
67
celebrating a bat mitzvah:
-reform jewish girls often have a bat mitzvah ceremony and celebrations that are very similar to a bar mitzvah
-the girl reads from the Torah, gives a short speech, and may lead part of the service in the synagogue
-this is often followed by a celebratory meal or party
-orthodox jews sometimes mark a girl's bat mitzvah with a family meal and small religious gifts
68
what are the two steps of a jewish wedding?
-betrothal (usually a year)
-the marriage
69
what does marriage do for jews?
creates a spiritual bond between a couple and helps them to experience holiness in their everyday lives
70
betrothal
-the period of time before the wedding ceremony when the couple are engaged or promised to each other
-lasts for 12 months
-betrothal has legal status in jewish law & can only be broken by death or divorce
-during the year of betrothal, the couple do not live together, but they prepare for their future lives together
71
where & when do jewish weddings take place?
in the synagogue or in a venue such as a hotel, on any day except shabbat or a festival
72
what events does a typical jewish wedding include?
-the betrothal ceremony
-the signing
-reading of the marriage contract
-the marriage itself
73
steps of a jewish wedding
1. fasting
2. betrothal ceremony
3. the marriage contract
4. the marriage itself
5. the wedding reception
74
what happens before the wedding?
the couple may fast before the wedding to cleanse themselves of sin and come to the ceremony with the right attitude
75
what happens in the betrothal ceremony?
-the bride joins the groom underneath the chuppah (a canopy that symbolises the couple's home)
-the bride and groom recite two blessings over wine, and in orthodox weddings the groom places a plain ring on the bride's finger (reform couples usually exchange rings)
76
what happens at the marriage contract?
-signed in the presence of witnesses, then read out and given to the bride
-for orthodox jews this covers aspects such as the husband's duties to his wife, the conditions of inheritance upon his death, and how he will provide for his wife if they get divorced
-for reform Jews, the marriage contract usually focuses on spiritual aspirations rather than legal rights, it often describes mutual hopes for the marriage
77
what happens at the marriage itself?
-seven wedding blessings are recited
-the rabbi makes a short speech and blesses the couple in front of the congregation
-the groom breaks a glass under his heel to show regret for the destruction of the temple in jerusalem - a reminder that life involves hardship as well as joy
-the congregation wishes the couple good luck
78
what happens at the wedding reception?
-the couple spend a short time together in a private room to symbolise their new status as a married couple
-a wedding reception follows that includes music and dancing
79
when the death is announced:
(mourning)
-family members they make a small tear in their clothes, to follow the example of jacob, as described in genesis
-jews also say a blessing that refers to God as the true judge, which shows they accept God's decision to take the person's life
80
the first period of mourning:
-most jews are buried as soon after death as possible, usually within the first 24 hours
-until then, jews believe the deceased's soul should be comforted and supported by family members, because it does not fully leave the person until they are buried
-close family are left to grieve without having to follow certain jewish laws
81
the second period of mourning:
(shiva)
-an intense period of mourning that lasts for seven days, starting on the day of the burial
-mourners do not work but stay at home and hold prayer services three times a day
-one of the prayers said is the kaddish, which praises God and asks for peace
-mourners do not wear make-Up, shave or cut their hair; mirrors are covered over so mourners can't focus on their appearance
82
the third period of mourning:
-begins after shiva and lasts until 30 days after the person's death
-normal life resumes but mourners do not listen to music, go to parties, shave or cut their hair
-male mourners say the kaddish daily in the synagogue
83
the final period of mourning:
-lasts for eleven months
-mourners do not attend parties
-children continue to say the kaddish for a parent who has died
84
after the first year of mourning:
-formal mourning ends after a year
-children continue to mark the anniversary of a parent's death by lighting a candle each year that burns for 24 hours
-sons also recite the kaddish and, if possible, make a torah blessing
85
what happens at the funeral?
-before the funeral, the body is carefully washed and wrapped in a plain linen cloth, as well as a tallit for men
-it is placed in a simple coffin to show that everyone is equal in death.
-funerals do not usually take place in the synagogue as this is considered to be a place for the living
-the body is taken straight to the cemetery
-funeral service includes prayers, psalms, readings from scripture, and a short speech by the rabbi
-after the funeral, everyone washes their hands to show they are leaving death behind
-jewish law states a tombstone must be placed on the grave so the person is remembered
86
acceptable food
kosher
87
unacceptable food
trefah
88
how & why do orthodox jews follow dietary laws?
-strictly, they believe the laws have come from God to test their obedience and help develop their self-control
-the laws remind people daily of their faith
-the laws mark out jewish people as different from others
89
how do reform jews follow dietary laws?
they think the laws are outdated in modern british society, and it is up to an individual whether to follow them or not
90
how must kosher animals be killed?
-with a very sharp knife by a trained jew
-the animal has to be conscious when it is killed
-blood is drained from the animal as jews aren't allowed to eat food containing blood
91
dietary laws about meat and dairy:
-milk and meat must be separate
-dairy products and meat are not allowed to be eaten at the same time, several hours must pass between eating meat and anything containing milk
92
where do the dietary laws about meat and dairy come from?
'you shall not boil a kid in its mother's milk' (exodus 23:19)
93
orthodox kitchen layout:
-kitchens with two sinks and two food preparation areas, to keep milk and meat separate
-jews may also colour-code their utensils/ cutlery so one set is for meat and another for dairy products
94
kitchens in synagogues
most synagogues have kosher kitchens, so they can prepare food for events without breaking dietary laws
95
why do most jews find it difficult to eat out?
it's is hard to make sure their food is prepared correctly
96
what is rosh hashanah?
-jewish new year
-remembers God's creation of the world, and is also a day of judgement
-considered as the anniversary of the day on which God created humans
-on this day, God weighs up and judges a person's actions over the past year deciding what their fortune will be like in the year to come
97
rosh hashanah: improving God's judgement
-jews believe God's judgement can be influenced by their behaviour during the festival, so they try to take actions that will improve God's judgement
-eg: praying, doing charity work, and atoning
98
rosh hashanah: celebrating at home
-the day before rosh hashanah, preparations are made similar to those made for shabbat
-the evening rosh hashanah starts, families share a festive meal with symbolic foods
-eg: apples dipped in honey symbolise hope for a sweet new year
99
rosh hashanah: attending services in the synagogue
-at the evening service in the synagogue, prayers are said asking God to continue to be the king of the world for the coming year
-next morning at the synagogue a ram's horn is blown 100 times
-this is followed by a service which is longer than usual, with special prayers
100
what is yom kippur?
the day of atonement & the holiest day in the jewish calendar
-origins stem from leviticus, which tells jews that on yom kippur, 'atonement shall be made for you to cleanse you of all your sins'
-God's judgement is finalised on this day, so it is the last chance to repent for any Sins
101
yom kippur: attending service in the synagogue
-many jews spend much of yom kippur in the synagogue
-they focus on asking God to forgive their sins, to help restore their relationship with him
-jews take part in a general confession of sins as a community
-during the final service, jews are given one last chance to confess their sins, the doors of the ark are then closed, showing that God's judgement is now sealed
102
yom kippur: observing other rituals
-jews fast for 25 hours and do no work
-wear white as a symbol of purity
-bathing, wearing leather shoes, and having sex are forbidden
103
what is pesach/passover?
-a festival that lasts for seven or eight days & celebrates the jews' escape from slavery in egypt
-in particular, peach remembers the final plague that God sent to egypt which killed the firstborn children of the egyptians but passed over' the houses of the jewish slaves
104
why is pesach important for jews?
it celebrates their escape from slavery to create the birth of the jewish nation, when they were given the law that made them God's chosen people
105
what is the most important preparation for pesach?
to remove leaven (yeast) from the home as it recalls how the Jews didn't have time to let their bread rise when they escaped from egypt
106
what do some parents or children do after cleaning the house?
hide bread crumbs to find and burn, to show all leaven has been removed
107
why do some firstborn males fast before pesach starts?
in thanksgiving for their ancestors' escape from death
108
when do families celebrate with the passover seder?
on the first evening of pesach
109
what happens to the youngest member of the family during the passover seder?
-they asks four questions about the meaning of pesach rituals
-in reply, the story of the escape from egypt is told from a book called the haggadah
110
significance of red wine (passover seder)
-reminder of the lambs' blood the jews smeared on their doorposts to save their children from the final plague
-during the meal, four glasses of wine are blessed and shared to represent the four freedoms God promised in exodus
111
significance of unleavened bread (passover seder)
-fulfils God's command to celebrate the escape from egypt by eating unleavened bread for seven days each year
-some of the bread is hidden for children to hunt for later - the finder receives a small prize
112
what is on a seder plate?
-beitzah/egg
- lamb/shank bone
2 bitter herbs:
(eg:) maror/horseradish & chazaret/lettuce
-charoset
-a green vegetable, often parsley, to dip in salt water
