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Religious Studies GCSEs > Judaism - Practices > Flashcards

Judaism - Practices Flashcards

(56 cards)

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1
Q

Why is the synagogue important in Judaism?

A

It’s a place for communal worship, Torah study, celebration of festivals, and social support. It helps Jews connect with God and community.

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2
Q

What are the key features inside a synagogue?

A

The Ark (holds Torah scrolls), Bimah (Torah reading platform), Ner Tamid (eternal light), and often separate seating in Orthodox synagogues.

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3
Q

How do Orthodox and Reform synagogues differ?

A

Orthodox: Hebrew services, men and women sit separately. Reform: May use English, mixed seating, and more modern interpretations.

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4
Q

What happens during daily services and prayer?

A

Jews pray 3 times daily. Men wear tallit and tefillin in morning prayers. Some prayers need a minyan (10 adults).

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5
Q

What happens during Shabbat in the synagogue?

A

Friday night and Saturday morning services. The Torah is read, prayers and blessings are said, and the community gathers.

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6
Q

How is Shabbat observed at home?

A

Candles are lit by the woman of the house, Kiddush is recited over wine, challah bread is eaten, and no work is done.

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7
Q

What is the purpose of Shabbat?

A

It’s a day of rest and spiritual focus, following the commandment to rest on the seventh day, as God did after creating the world.

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8
Q

How do Jews worship at home?

A

Through prayer, celebrating Shabbat and festivals, studying the Torah, and keeping food laws. Many rituals happen at home, not just in synagogue.

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9
Q

What is Brit Milah?

A

The circumcision of baby boys at 8 days old, performed by a mohel. It’s a sign of the covenant between God and Abraham.

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10
Q

What are Jewish birth ceremonies for boys and girls?

A

Boys: Brit Milah and naming. Girls: Naming often during a synagogue service when the Torah is read.

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11
Q

What happens during a Bar or Bat Mitzvah?

A

Bar (boys at 13) and Bat (girls at 12) Mitzvahs mark coming of age. The child may read from the Torah and lead prayers in the synagogue.

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12
Q

What happens during a Jewish marriage ceremony?

A

Takes place under a chuppah (canopy), includes the ring exchange, reading of the ketubah (marriage contract), and blessings.

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13
Q

How do Jews mourn the dead?

A

Mourning includes Shiva (7-day mourning at home), Kaddish prayers, and Yahrzeit (annual remembrance). The body is buried quickly, usually within 24 hours.

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14
Q

What is Pesach (Passover) and how is it celebrated?

A

Remembers the Exodus from Egypt. A special Seder meal is eaten, with matzah and symbolic foods. The story of the escape is retold.

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15
Q

What is Rosh Hashanah and how is it observed?

A

Jewish New Year – a time of reflection and judgment. The shofar is blown, and people eat apples dipped in honey for a sweet year.

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16
Q

What is Yom Kippur?

A

Day of Atonement – Jews fast for 25 hours, attend synagogue, and ask God and others for forgiveness. It ends the 10 Days of Awe after Rosh Hashanah.

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17
Q

What are Jewish food laws (kashrut)?

A

Only kosher food is eaten: no pork, no shellfish, animals must be slaughtered properly. Meat and dairy cannot be mixed. Utensils are often kept separate too.

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18
Q

What is a minyan and why is it important?

A

A minyan is a group of at least 10 Jewish adults (Orthodox: 10 men; Reform: men or women) required for certain prayers, like the Kaddish.

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19
Q

What is the Torah and how is it used in worship?

A

The Torah is the first five books of the Hebrew Bible. It is read weekly during synagogue services and followed strictly in Jewish life.

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20
Q

What is the Tallit and when is it worn?

A

A prayer shawl with fringes (tzitzit) worn during morning prayers to remind Jews of God’s commandments.

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21
Q

What is the Tefillin and what does it symbolise?

A

Small leather boxes with Torah scrolls inside, worn on the head and arm during weekday morning prayers to focus the mind and heart on God.

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22
Q

What is Havdalah and when is it performed?

A

A ceremony marking the end of Shabbat on Saturday evening. It involves a braided candle, wine, and spices.

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23
Q

What is the Seder plate and what’s on it?

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A

Used during Pesach (Passover), it includes symbolic foods: bitter herbs, charoset, parsley, shank bone, egg, and lettuce or horseradish.

24
Q

What is the significance of matzah during Pesach?

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A

Unleavened bread eaten during Passover to remember how the Israelites left Egypt in a hurry, without time for dough to rise.

25
What are the 4 questions at the Seder?
Asked by the youngest child to highlight what’s different about Passover. E.g. "Why do we eat matzah tonight?"
26
Why is Yom Kippur the holiest day in the Jewish calendar?
It’s a day of repentance and atonement when Jews ask God to forgive their sins and are judged for the coming year.
27
What are the 10 Days of Awe?
The 10 days between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, used for reflection, repentance, and making amends.
28
What is the purpose of kosher laws?
To obey God’s commandments, show religious identity, and bring holiness into everyday life through food.
29
What animals are kosher?
Only animals that chew the cud and have split hooves (e.g. cows, sheep), fish with fins and scales, and certain birds.
30
What is Shechitah?
The kosher method of slaughter, done by a trained shochet. It must be quick and painless, and blood must be drained.
31
Why are meat and dairy kept separate in kosher homes?
Based on the Torah’s commandment "Do not boil a kid in its mother’s milk." Separate utensils, sinks, and fridges may be used.
32
What happens during Shiva?
The first 7 days of mourning after a funeral. Family stays at home, covers mirrors, sits low, and receives visitors.
33
What is the Kaddish prayer?
A mourner’s prayer praising God, said daily by mourners for 11 months after a parent’s death and on anniversaries (Yahrzeit).
34
What is the Ketubah and what does it include?
A Jewish marriage contract stating the groom’s responsibilities, including financial support and respect for the bride.
35
What is the significance of breaking the glass at a Jewish wedding?
It reminds guests of the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem and that even in joy, Jews remember sadness.
36
How is the Bat Mitzvah celebrated differently from the Bar Mitzvah?
Bat Mitzvah (girls) may not read the Torah in Orthodox synagogues, but often lead parts of the service in Reform. Celebration still marks religious maturity.
37
What is the Ner Tamid and what does it represent?
It's the eternal light above the Ark in a synagogue, symbolising God’s eternal presence and the menorah that burned in the Temple.
38
What is the Ark (Aron Hakodesh)?
A sacred cupboard where the Torah scrolls are kept. It's the holiest part of the synagogue, facing Jerusalem.
39
What is the bimah used for in the synagogue?
A raised platform where the Torah is read aloud during services to show its importance and help everyone hear.
40
Why do Jews face Jerusalem when praying?
To show spiritual connection to the Western Wall and the Temple that once stood there.
41
What is the Amidah prayer?
The central prayer in Jewish worship, said silently while standing. It includes praise, requests, and thanks.
42
What is the Shema and why is it important?
A declaration of faith in one God, found in the Torah. It’s recited daily and placed in mezuzahs and tefillin.
43
What is a mezuzah?
A small box on doorposts containing the Shema scroll, reminding Jews of God and His commandments when entering/leaving rooms.
44
Why do Jews observe Shabbat?
It’s a commandment from God ("Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy") and a time to rest, worship, and spend time with family.
45
What is forbidden on Shabbat?
Work, including using electronics, writing, cooking from scratch, and carrying items publicly (in Orthodox practice).
46
What is the Kiddush?
A blessing recited over wine to sanctify Shabbat or festivals, usually said before Friday night meals.
47
What is charoset and what does it symbolise at Passover?
A sweet paste (fruit, nuts, wine) symbolising the mortar used by Jewish slaves in Egypt.
48
What is the significance of bitter herbs at Passover?
They represent the bitterness of slavery in Egypt. Often horseradish is used.
49
What is the role of women in the home during Shabbat?
The woman of the house usually lights the candles, which begins Shabbat, and helps prepare the home in advance.
50
What is tashlich and when is it performed?
A ritual during Rosh Hashanah where Jews symbolically cast their sins into water, often a river or stream.
51
What is Kol Nidre and when is it said?
A solemn prayer said at the start of Yom Kippur, asking God to cancel unkept promises made unintentionally.
52
What is the Book of Life in Judaism?
A symbolic book God is said to write names into on Rosh Hashanah. Being “sealed” in it on Yom Kippur means a good year ahead.
53
How do Reform Jews view kashrut?
Many Reform Jews see keeping kosher as optional or symbolic, focusing on ethical values instead of strict food rules.
54
How do Jews prepare for Yom Kippur?
They fast, wear white, reflect on their sins, seek forgiveness from others, and attend long synagogue services.
55
What are some key themes of Jewish worship?
Unity, obedience, tradition, holiness, remembrance, and community. Worship reinforces covenant with God.
56
What is the role of a Rabbi?
A teacher and spiritual leader. Rabbis lead services, offer guidance, and teach Jewish law and traditions.

Religious Studies GCSEs (3 decks)

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