Judaism Practices Flashcards
(107 cards)
1
Q
What is a synagogue?
A
A synagogue is a building where Jews meet for worship, study, social activities and charitable events. It is also where Jews celebrate festivals and rites of passage.
2
Q
What is a prayer hall
A
Where jews come together for communal worship and prayer,rectangular shape,with seats on three sides,towards bimah.Fourth side is where ark is kept.Might be decorated with patterns,jewish symbols or extracts of scriptures,images of gods and other prophets
3
Q
What is the aaronhackodesh
A
Ornamental cabinet where torah scrolls are kept,situated at the front of the synagogue,reached by climbing steps,two stone tablets above
4
Q
What does the aaronhackodesh represent?
A
Holiest place in synagogue,represents the original ark covenant,first ark was taken to jerusalem and placed in the temple.When jews face the ark they face the temple where it once stood,God is above people,sacred torah above humanity
5
Q
What is a ner tamid
A
A Light placed above ark,traditionally an oil lamp.
6
Q
What does the ner tamid represent?
A
symbolises gods presence,reminder of the menorah that was lit every night in the temple in jerusalem
7
Q
What is the bimah(reading platform)
A
Raised platform,where torah is read during services
8
Q
What does the bimah represent
A
-provides focal point when torah is being red,reminder that the altar was central feature of courtyard
9
Q
What language do they speak in an orthodox churhc
A
Hebrew
10
Q
Whats the place where the women stay in an orthodox church
A
Womens gallery
11
Q
Exodus 20:8
A
“Remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy.” -
12
Q
What is the minyan
A
10 people to make the prayer official
13
Q
What is the tallit
A
A prayer shawl made from wool or silk.long tassel attached each corner.Shawl reminds jews they are obeying gods word.Tassels represent mitzvot.With zit zits at the end
14
Q
What is the tefillin
A
Pair of small leather boxes containing extracts from Torah.One is fastened with leather straps to forehead and other is around the upper arm in line with heart
15
Q
State the shema prayer
A
Here,O israel!The lord your God,is one God.You shall love the lord your God, with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.
16
Q
What is shabbat
A
The holy day for jews-saturday
17
Q
Describe shabbat
A
A gift from god of a day of rest and renewal,a time to relax and rest worship god and enjoy family life,described in jewish literatire and poetry as a bride or queen.A day that god has commanded jews to celebrate.A time to celebrate gods creation,time to celebrate that god has kept his promises in the covenant between god and jews
18
Q
Describe the shabbat services
A
Friday night (Kabbalat Shabbat)
Welcomes Shabbat
Singing psalms and prayers
Lighting candles at home (not in synagogue)
Begins with Kabbalat Shabbat and Maariv (evening prayer)
Saturday morning (Shacharit service)
Main synagogue service
Includes Torah reading and Haftarah
Sermon by the rabbi
Communal prayers and blessings
Saturday afternoon (Mincha)
Shorter service
Includes another Torah reading
Saturday night (Havdalah)
Ends Shabbat
Special ceremony using wine, spices, and a braided candle
19
Q
What is the amidah
A
The Amidah (standing prayer’) is said. This is the central prayer of Jewish worship, and on a
weekday it forms the core of all Jewish prayer services. It is prayed in silence while standing
and facing Jerusalem.
20
Q
What are the blessings in the amidah
A
- the first three blessings praise God and ask for his mercy
- the middle thirteen blessings ask for God’s help
- the final three blessings thank God for the opportunity to serve him and pray for peace,
goodness, kindness and compassion.
21
Q
What is the shema prayer?
A
Recited and accompanied by blessings.About there belief in one god/monotheism
22
Q
State the importance of Prayer
A
Way to communicate with god,brings jews closer to god,communal prayer strenghtens jewish community,helps jews remember about their faith is about
23
Q
Reform synagogue services
A
Synagogues often do not hold dailt services,service is in hebrew and english(in the uk),men and women sit together,services are shorter then orthodox but tend to be more rigidly structured.most men wear skull cap and some women do aswell
24
Q
Orthodox synagogue services
A
Synagogues usually hold daily services
The service is in Hebrew
The person leading the service has his back to the congregation, so he is facing the Ark Men and women sit separately
Some of the congregation may arrive late and catch up at their own pace
Men always cover their heads by wearing a skull cap and married women cover their heads by wearing a hat or scarf.
This shows respect for God, and a recognition that God is above humanity
The singing in the service is unaccompanied
25
Numbers 18:15-16
but you shall have the first-born of man redeemed . . . Take as their redemption price,the money equivalent of five shekels' Numbers 18:15-16
26
Define Kohen
A descendant of the priests who used to work in the temple
27
Genesis 17:11
be the sign of the covenant between Me and
you'
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Format of Jewish services
* Opening prayers are said. These might consist of prayers and psalms that praise and thank God.
* The Shema is recited, and accompanied by blessings.
* The Amidah (standing prayer') is said.
After the torah is read
29
Exodus 31:14
"You shall keep the Sabbath, because it is holy for you."
30
Opening of many jewish blessings (berakhot)
"Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the Universe..."
31
Genesis 2:24
Hence a man leaves his father and
mother and clings to his wife, so that
they become one fles
32
Deuteronomy 12:23
But make sure that you do not
partake of the blood; for the blood is
the life, and you must not consume
the life with the flesh.
33
Genesis 37:34
"Jacob tore his clothes, put on sackcloth and mourned for his son many days."
34
What is the torah
The Torah is the first five books of the Hebrew Bible (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy), also called the Pentateuch. It is the most sacred text in Judaism, believed to be given by God to Moses at Mount Sinai.
35
How many teachings were in the torah
613 commandments
36
How are the mitzvot split
248,365
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What are the mitzvot about
laws, and teachings that guide Jewish life, ethics, and worship.
38
Process of shabbat-Shabbat Preparations
All rhe work is done and the home is prepared. This involves cleaning the house,preparing the food,washing,changing into smart clothes.At least 2 candles are placed on table.two loaves of challah bread placed on table.Wine or grape juice is placed on table.
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Process of Shabbat-Lighting the Candles
* A female member of the family (usually the wife) lights the two candles, shortly before sunset on Friday.
* She waves or beckons 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.
40
Process of Shabbat-The Friday meal
Before the meal, the parents bless their children, and the head of the household recites the Kiddush
blessings while holding up the Kiddush cup.
* To begin the meal, the bread is blessed and passed round so everyone has a piece.
* The meal might last for a few hours, giving the family time to relax and enjoy each other's company.
After each course, religious stories might be told to the children or songs might be sung.
* The meal ends with a prayer of thanksgiving for the food.
41
Process of shabbat-Saturday-the service
Congregation stands when ark is opened.Torah is taken from ark and dressed with cover.Torah is held in front of congregation while verses are chanted.Torah passes through synagogue and jews touch it with tassels on their prayer shawl
42
What is the orthodox judaism belief like
Traditional branch of judaism,emphasises importance of strictly following jewish laws.Believe the torah was directly given to Moses.Orthodox jews believe men and women should have different roles.All orthodox jews are rabbis.
43
What is the reform judaism belief like
Type of progressive judaism,reform jews emphasise importance of individual choice.Believe the torah was inspired by god and written by humans.believe men and women should have same roles.Means women in reform judaism can rake on roles preserved by men,
44
What is a shofar
A large rams horn which is blown on Roshanah
45
Main belief about the dietry laws
Dairy products and meat should be kept separate
46
Yom kippur festival origins
Day of atonement.Jews believe gods judgement is finalised on this day so its the last chance to repent for any sins
47
Rosh Hashanah festival origins
It remembers God's creation of the world and the day humans were created. Some Jews believe God judges each person’s actions from the past year on this day.
48
What is a shofar
A rams horn use to wake people spiritually
49
What is the tenakh
Sacred jewish scriptures.collection of 24 books.
50
How is the tenakh split
Torah-fives books of moses
Nevi'im-eight books that continue to trace.
Ketuvim-eleven books thay contain a collection of poetry.
51
What is roshanah
Day of judgement/the new year
52
How long is roshanah
2 days
53
How long is yom kippur
1
54
Other names for rosh hashanah
Yom teruh-day of blowing
Yom hazikaro-day of rememberence
Yom hadin-day of judgement
55
What is the Ten Days of Penitence
Begin on Rosh Hashanah and end of on yom kippur. Throughout the 10 days they should put away evil and do good things. Penitential rights are said. And finally they should end disputes
and arguments and cancel debts
56
Rites of passage-Birth-What is the Naming ceremony
Boys and girls born into Orthodox Jewish families are blessed in the synagogue on the first Shabbat after birth. The father recites a Torah blessing, and the baby girl's name is announced. A boy is named at his circumcision on the eighth day. This ceremony introduces the baby to the Jewish community. In Reform Judaism, a similar ceremony is held, but not always on the first Shabbat.
57
Rites of Passage-Birth-what is Brit milah
The Brit Milah ceremony happens when a baby boy is 8 days old. A close friend or relative places the baby on a chair, and a trained circumciser places him on their knee. The father blesses the baby, and the baby is named. The boy is circumcised, and the family celebrates with a meal. The ceremony remembers the covenant with Abraham and reminds the boy he is one of God’s chosen people.
58
Rites of passage-Birth-What is the redemption of the first born son
The Redemption of the Firstborn Son happens 31 days after the birth of the firstborn son in some Orthodox Jewish families. The parents give five silver coins to a Kohen (a priest). Prayers are said, asking for the child to grow in Torah, marriage, and good deeds.
59
Significance of Bar and Bat mitzvah
A Jewish person is seen as an adult when they reach the age of 13 for boys and 12 for girls. At this age, they are expected to start strictly following Jewish law. Preparing for this moment brings them closer to God and the Jewish community. For boys, it’s also when they can join a minyan (a group of 10 for prayer).
60
Process of Celebrating a bar Mitzvah
Happens after a Jewish boy turns 13. He reads from the Torah, may lead part of the synagogue service, and gives a short speech.
Wears a tallit (prayer shawl) for the first time. The father thanks God and declares the boy responsible for his own actions.
A celebration or party with gifts often follows.
61
Process of celebrating a Bat mitzvah
Reform Jewish girls have similar ceremonies at age 12.
The girl reads from the Torah, gives a speech, and may help lead the service.
A celebration or party usually follows.
Orthodox Jews may mark it more simply with a family meal and religious gifts.
62
What is a betrothal
A period before the wedding when a couple is engaged; traditionally lasts 12 months.
63
Process of death
When Death is Announced:
Jews tear their clothes (like Jacob in Genesis 37:34) and say a blessing accepting God’s decision.
First Period of Mourning (Before Burial):
Burial usually happens within 24 hours. The soul is believed to stay near the body until burial. Close family members grieve privately and are excused from some Jewish laws.
Second Period – Shiva (7 Days After Burial):
Intense mourning at home, with prayers three times daily. Mourners don’t work, wear makeup, shave, or cut hair. They recite the Kaddish, a prayer praising God.
Third Period (30 Days After Death):
Mourners return to normal life but avoid parties, music, shaving, or cutting hair. Male mourners say Kaddish daily at the synagogue.
Final Period (11 Months):
Mourners avoid parties. Children say Kaddish for a parent during this time.
After the First Year:
Formal mourning ends. Children light a 24-hour candle annually. Sons may say Kaddish and give a Torah blessing.
64
Define the kaddish
The Kaddish is a prayer recited by Jewish mourners, often during the mourning periods
65
Define beit T'filah
Hebrew term for "house of prayer," often referring to a synagogue.
66
Define Beit K'nesset
Hebrew term for "house of assembly," another name for a synagogue.
67
What is the star of david
A six-pointed star symbol of Jewish identity and Judaism.
68
What is a Yad
A pointer used to follow the text during Torah reading without touching it.
69
What is the cantor
A trained singer who leads the congregation in prayer.
70
What is the mezuzah
A parchment inscribed with Torah verses placed on doorposts of Jewish homes.
71
What is the talmud
A central text made by the rabbis
72
Origins of Pesach
Celebrates the jews escape from slavery in egypt.Pesach remembers the final plagie that god sent to Egypt to persuade the Pharaoh to release the jews.This killed the first born children of the Egyptians but passed over jewish slaves.
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Preperations for pesach
Removing Leaven: Most important preparation; remove leaven from home to recall Jews' escape from Egypt with no time for bread to rise.
Hiding Bread Crumbs: Parents or children hide bread crumbs to find and burn, showing all leaven is removed.
Firstborn Males Fasting: Some firstborn males fast before Pesach starts as thanksgiving for ancestors' escape from death.
74
Importance of Pesach
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 give thanks to God for their redemption and to feel empathy with those who still live under oppression.
75
How the passover seder goes
First evening-families celebrate with a special meal.During the meal the youngest member of the family asks four questions about the meaning of Pesach rituals.In reply they read the story of the escape.
76
What is the significance of red wine, unleavened bread in the Passover celebration?
Red Wine: Reminder of lambs' blood smeared on doors; four glasses blessed and shared.
Unleavened Bread: Fulfills God's command to celebrate the escape from Egypt by eating unleavened bread for seven days each year; some hidden for children to find.
77
What is the significance of the items on the Seder plate in the Passover celebration?
Seder Plate - Green Vegetable: Symbolizes new life; dipped in salt water to represent tears.
Seder Plate - Two Bitter Herbs (e.g., Horseradish): Represents the bitterness of slavery.
Seder Plate - Charoset: Reminds Jews that life is now sweeter.
Seder Plate - Egg and Lamb Bone: Reminders of sacrifices made in the Temple of Jerusalem.
78
Describe the key practices and features in Jewish homes that remind Jews of God and their faith.
Expected to pray 3 times a day.Traditionally stand to pray and if they are alone in silence.Reminded of God in the home in other ways.Many jewish homes have one or more mezuzvot.
A mezuzah is a small box that contains a handwritten scroll or verses which is attached to door.
Layout of kitchen will remind jews of god and dietary laws
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How is it Celebrating Rosh Hashanah Festival in Britian today
Synagogue Services: Jews attend synagogue and hear the shofar (ram’s horn) blown.
Festive Meals: Families eat symbolic foods, like apples dipped in honey, for a sweet new year.
Reflection and Forgiveness: Jews reflect on the past year, apologise, and seek forgiveness.
Tashlich Ritual: Some perform Tashlich, casting bread into water to symbolise removing sins
80
How is it Celebrating Yom Kippur in Britian today
Synagogue Services: Jews spend most of the day in synagogue praying and reflecting.
Fasting: They fast for 25 hours to focus on repentance and avoid distractions.
Special Prayers: Services include confession prayers and seeking God’s forgiveness.
Conclusion: The day ends with a final shofar blast and a family meal after the fast.
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Orthodox jewish belief on the dietry laws
Follow these laws strictly,they believe the laws come from god to test them
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Reform belief on the dietry laws
They think the laws are outdated and its there own choice wether to follow
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Requirements of Kosher butchers
The animal must be slaughtered with a very sharp knife,the animal has to be conscious when its killed,blood is drained from the animal as jews are not permitted to consume food containing blood.
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Requirements of Jewish kitchens
Many orthodox homes have kitchens with two sinks and two food preparation areas to keep milk and meat separate.Jews may also colour code utensils,cutlery and crockery for both meat and dairy products.Synagogues have kosher kitchens.
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What is the meaning of trefah in Judaism?
Trefah refers to food that is not kosher and is forbidden for Jews to eat according to Jewish dietary laws
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Two main parts of talmud
The Gemara,The mishnah
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What is the mishnah
Commentary on the Torah, compiled by Rabbi Judah Ha’Nasi in 200 CE, recording oral laws to prevent misinterpretation.
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What is the gemara
Discussions on the Mishnah, written down in 500 CE.
89
Leviticus 16:29–31
and you shall do no manner of work...For
on this day atone-ment shall be made
for you to cleanse of all your sins...It shall
be a Sabbath of com-plete rest for you, and
you shall practice self-denial; it is a law for
all time
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What are Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur
The high holy days
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What is the The 10th of Tishri
the day when Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the two new tablets of stone to replace the ones he had smashed when the
Israelites made the Golden Calf.
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5 prayer services of Yom Kippur
Prayers to remove all promises and vows
• Prayers of confession
• Lessons on justice
• The reading of the Book of Jonah
• The final service symbolizes the closing of judgment for the year, and prayers are said for a good year and good fortune for the year ahead.
93
Practise of clothes on Rosh Hanah
Clothes worn on these days are different to those worn at other times,
Some people wear white to symbolise purity. Some Jewish men wear a white
kittel (gown) because it is usually worn as a shroud and is a symbol of extreme
repentance.
94
What are some other customs on rosh Hanah
Cards and Greetings: Friends and family send cards hoping for inscription in the Book of Life and greet each other with “L’shana Tovah” (a good year).
Symbolic Foods: Sweet foods like apples dipped in honey are eaten for a sweet year; pomegranates for abundant blessings.
Round Challah: Round loaves (chalot) are eaten instead of plaited ones to symbolise the cycle of the year.
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What is tashlich(orthodox custom)
Ceremony on Roshhasnah
• Prayers are said next to a stream or river – running water symbolises water taking away the sins of the community; fish are thought to protect against the evil eye.
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Yom kippur practices
To atone for sins committed, no food is eaten or
liquid drunk on the Day of Atonement.
• Jews fast from sunset the evening before the festival to sunset that day, a total of 25 hours.
97
4 stages of Shabbat
Shabbat preparation
Lighting the candles
The friday meal
The saturday ceremonys
98
Process of a wedding
Before the Wedding: The couple may fast for spiritual preparation.
Betrothal Ceremony: Held under a chuppah (symbolizing their home). Two blessings are said over wine. In Orthodox weddings, the groom gives the bride a ring (Reform couples may exchange rings).
Marriage Contract (Ketubah): Signed, read aloud, and given to the bride. Orthodox ketubahs outline the husband’s duties, inheritance, and divorce terms; Reform ketubahs focus on shared hopes and values.
The Marriage: Seven blessings are recited. The rabbi gives a speech and blesses the couple. The groom breaks a glass to recall the Temple’s destruction. The congregation shouts a blessing for good luck.
Reception: The couple spends private time together, followed by a celebration with food, music, and dancing.
99
What does a jewish wedding include
Bethrotahl ceremony,marriage contract,wedding ceremony,reception
100
What is the kiddush
A prayer recited over wine to bless and sanctify Shabbat or Jewish holidays.
101
What is rhe 7 day morning period after a death
Shiva
102
Deuteronomy 24:5
When a man takes a wife... he shall not go out with the army or be liable for any other public duty. He shall be free at home one year to be happy with his wife.”
103
Another way of saying the marriage contract
Ketubah
104
Habakkuk 2:20
"The Lord is in His holy temple; let all the earth be silent before Him"
105
Two symbols of a jewish marriage
The glass,chuppah
106
What does the chuppah represent?
symbolises the home that the couple will build together in their married life
107
What does the glass represent
Breaking of the glass represents good luck and congratulations
