Judaism: Practices

Question 1

What is Pesach?

Answer 1

Pesach is one of the most important festivals in the Jewish year. It is a spring festival that begins on the 15th day of Nisan, the first month of the Jewish calendar. The celebrations last for seven days.

Question 2

What is the importance of Pesach?

Answer 2

Pesach is important for Jews as 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. It is a time for Jews to gives thanks to God for their redemption, and to feel empathy with those who still live under oppression.

Question 3

Where does Pesach originate from?

Answer 3

Pesach celebrates the Jews’ escape from slavery in Egypt, after which they spent many years wandering in the desert before reaching the land of Canaan.

Question 4

Synagogue

Answer 4

Jewish place of worship

Question 5

Schul

Answer 5

Synagogue or school

Question 6

Beit T’filah

Answer 6

Literally “house of prayer,” another term for a synagogue.

Question 7

Beit K’nesset

Answer 7

Literally “house of assembly,” the Hebrew name for a synagogue.

Question 8

Minyan

Answer 8

An assembly with a minimum of ten adult Jews required for communal prayers.

Question 9

Menorah

Answer 9

A candle used in Jewish tradition, often refers to the seven-branched temple lamp.

Question 10

Star of David

Answer 10

A six-pointed star symbolising Jewish identity.

Question 11

Bimah

Answer 11

The raised platform in a synagogue which the Torah is read from.

Question 12

Yad

Answer 12

A pointer (shaped like a hand) used to read the Torah scroll without touching it.

Question 13

Ark (Aron Hakodesh)

Answer 13

The cabinet where Torah scrolls are kept in a synagogue.

Question 14

Ner Tamid

Answer 14

The “eternal light” that hangs above the Ark, symbolizing God’s constant presence

Question 15

Womens Gallery

Answer 15

A separate seating area for women in some traditional (Orthodox) synagogues.

Question 16

Rabbi

Answer 16

A teacher or leader in Judaism, responsible for spiritual guidance and interpreting Jewish law.

Question 17

Cantor

Answer 17

The person who leads the congregation in prayer and liturgical singing.

Question 18

Tallit and Tzitzit

Answer 18

A prayer shawl (tallit) with fringes (tzitzit) on the corners which represent the 613 mitzvot, worn during morning services.

Question 19

Teffilin

Answer 19

Small leather boxes containing biblical passages, worn on the arm and head during weekday morning prayers.

Question 20

Amidah

Answer 20

The central standing prayer in Jewish liturgy, recited silently and then repeated aloud.

Question 21

Shabbat

Answer 21

The Jewish Sabbath, a day of rest from Friday evening to Saturday evening.

Question 22

Torah

Answer 22

The first five books of the Hebrew Bible, the foundation of Jewish law and teaching.

Question 23

Mezuzah

Answer 23

A small case containing scriptural passages, affixed to the doorposts of Jewish homes.

Question 24

Talmud

Answer 24

A comprehensive collection of rabbinic discussions on Jewish law, ethics, and tradition.

Question 25

Brit Milah

Answer 25

The covenant of circumcision, performed on Jewish boys at eight days old.

Question 26

Bar and Bat Mitzvah

Answer 26

Coming-of-age ceremonies for Jewish girls (Bat Mitzvah) at 13, and for boys (Bar Mitzvah) at 13.

Question 27

Marriage: Erothal & Wedding

Answer 27

Erusin (betrothal) is the formal engagement, followed by the wedding ceremony (chuppah).

Question 28

Funerals: Mourning, Shiva & Kaddish

Answer 28

Shiva is the seven-day mourning period; Kaddish is a prayer recited by mourners.

Question 29

Kosher & Trefah

Answer 29

Kosher refers to food permitted by Jewish dietary laws; trefah is food that is not allowed.

Question 30

Rosh Hashanah

Answer 30

The Jewish New Year, marking the start of the High Holy Days.

Question 31

Yom Kippur

Answer 31

The Day of Atonement, the holiest day in Judaism, observed with fasting and repentance.

Question 32

Pesach & Seder Meal

Answer 32

Passover, commemorating the Exodus from Egypt; the Seder is a ritual meal held on the first nights of Pesach.

Question 33

What are the preparations for Pesach ?

Answer 33

The most important preparation is to remove leaven (yeast) from the home. Removing leaven recalls how the Jews did not have time to let their bread rise when they escaped from Egypt.

Question 34

What is the festival of Rosh Hashanah and what does it celebrate?

Answer 34

Rosh Hashanah remembers God's creation of the world, and is also a day of judgement. Rosh Hashanah is a festival that marks the start of the Jewish new year. Many Jews believe that during Rosh Hashanah, God judges their actions over the past year and decides their fortune for the coming year.

Question 35

What is the festival of Yom Kippur and what does it celebrate?

Answer 35

Yom Kippur is the holiest and most important day in the year as its when God's judgement from Rosh Hashanah is finalised. Its origins stem from Leviticus 16:30, which tells Jews that on Yom Kippur, 'atonement shall be made for you to cleanse you of all your sins'.

Question 36

How is Rosh Hashanah celebrated in Britain today?

Answer 36

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.

Question 37

How is Yom Kippur celebrated in Britain today?

Answer 37

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. 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.

Question 38

Jewish Dietary Laws

Answer 38

The laws categorise food as being acceptable (kosher) or unacceptable (trefah). Orthodox Jews follow the 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, and mark out Jewish people as different from others. Many Reform Jews think the laws are outdated in modern British society, and it is up to an individual whether to follow them or not.

Question 39

Jewish Kosher Butchers

Answer 39

Kosher animals must be killed in a certain way. The animal must be slaughtered with a very sharp knife by a trained jew. The animal has to be conscious when it is killed and the blood has to be drained from the animal as Jews are not permitted to consume food containing blood. Jews must also be careful to keep milk and meat separate. Dairy products and meat are not allowed to be eaten at the same time.

Question 40

Jewish Kitchens

Answer 40

Many Orthodox homes have 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 used for meat dishes and another set is used for dairy products. Most synagogues have kosher kitchens, so they can prepare food for events without breaking dietary laws.

Question 41

What are the three main parts of the Tenakh?

Answer 41

Torah: the five books of Moses, which form the basis of Jewish law. Nevi'im (the Prophets): eight books that continue to trace Jewish history and expand on the laws in the Torah. Ketuvim (the Writings): eleven books that contain a collection of poetry, stories, advice, historical accounts.

Question 42

What is the Tenakh?

Answer 42

The Jewish sacred scriptures. A collection of 24 books which can all be found in the Old Testament in the Christian Bible.

Question 43

What happens at a Bar Mitzvah?

Answer 43

On a boys thirteenth birthday, he reads from the Torah at the normal service in the synagogue. The boy wears a tallit for the first time and may lead part of the service while reading from the Torah or saying prayers.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.

Question 44

What happens at a Bat Mitzvah?

Answer 44

On a girls thirteenth birthday, she reads from the Torah 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.

Question 45

What are the three ceremonies at Birth in Judaism?

Answer 45

Three Jewish ceremonies associated with birth are the naming ceremony (when the baby is formally named), Brit Milah (when a boy is circumcised), The redemption of the firstborn son (when the firstborn son is 'redeemed' from Temple service). Some Orthodox Jews give a small amount of money 31 days after the birth of their firstborn son, to redeem him from Temple service.

Question 46

Why is a synagogue important to Jews?

Answer 46

The synagogue is important to Jews as it provided a space for the community to come together for activities. Including, Worship and Prayer Education Social Activities Charitable Events

Question 47

What is a Synagogue?

Answer 47

A building where Jews meet for worship, study, social activities and charitable events. It is also where Jews celebrate festivals and rites of passage.