judaism practices Flashcards
(91 cards)
What four features do all synagogues have?
Aron Hakodesh, Sefer Torah, Ner Tamid, Bimah
What is the Aron Hakodesh?
A large cupboard on the wall facing Jerusalem, holds the Sefer Torah, symbolises the ark that held the tablets God gave to Moses.
What is the Sefer Torah?
Scroll of the Torah, handwritten by a scribe, covered in a decorated cloth.
What is the Ner Tamid?
A light above the ark which never goes out, symbolises the menorah which was always alight in the Temple.
What is the Bimah?
Raised platform in a ready desk, where Torah is read.
What is the difference in placement of the Bimah between Progressive and Orthodox synagogues?
Orthodox synagogues have it in the centre of the synagogue while Progressive synagogues have it near the Aron Hakodesh.
What will you never find in a synagogue and why?
There are no pictures of God or people in synagogues because the second of the Ten Commandments forbids idolatry - worshipping people or objects.
What do Orthodox synagogues have that Progressive synagogues don’t?
Orthodox synagogues have separate places for men and women to sit while Progressive synagogues have mixed seating.
What do some Jews believe happens when they worship together?
They believe they can feel God’s presence together, experience Shechinah together
What is the siddur?
A prayer book used during services, it sets out the order of each prayer.
What is a minyan?
Ten people, for some prayers at least ten people must be present.
What is the difference between Orthodox and Progressive Judaism regarding minyans?
Orthodox Jews believe there must be 10 men to form a minyan, but Progressive Jews think it can be women as well.
Where do Jews face during prayer?
Jews face Jerusalem during prayer.
How many daily services are there in Orthodox synagogues?
Three.
What are the names of the three daily services in an Orthodox synagogue?
Shacharit(morning service), Minchah(afternoon service), Ma’ariv(evening service).
What is the Shema?
The Shema is a declaration of faith in only one God. It’s in three parts, taken from the Torah.
Give the bible quote that begins the Shema.
Deuteronomy 6:4 ‘Hear, O Israel; the Lord is our God, the Lord is one.’
Where in the house is the prayer of Shema kept?
On every doorpost in the house apart from the bathroom. It’s written on a tiny parchment scroll called a mezuzah.
What is the Amidah?
A set of 19 blessings, praises God, asks for justice, ends with thanksgiving and asking for peace. This prayer is said standing up.
What are Tefillin?
Tefillin are two boxes containing Torah passages. One is strapped to the upper arm, and one to the head. Reminds them to serve god with heart and head.
What is Shabbat?
Shabbat is a day of rest to commemorate the seventh day of creation. It’s a time of reflection and worship, away from the stress of daily life so you can focus on faith.
When is Shabbat?
Starts in the evening on Friday, ends in the evening on Saturday.
What happens on Friday Evening during Shabbat?
Kiddush is said during evening meal, Shabbat is welcomed with a set of hymns, psalms and prayers.
What happens on Saturday Morning during Shabbat?
During the morning, the main service of the week happens. There are Torah and Nevi’im readings + hymns and prayers about the importance of the Torah.