Judaism: Practises Flashcards
(27 cards)
What is the star of david
The symbol of judaism
What is the ark
Cupboard that houses the Torah scrolls – the most important feature in the synagogue
The bimah
Platform in the centre of the synagogue. The Torah scrolls are read from
here.
The menorah
A seven-branched candlestick – representing each day of God’s creation
New tamid
Eternal light. Always burning. It shows God is always present
Stained glass windows
Show important symbols of faith
The gallery
In Orthodox synagogues the seating area upstairs is just for women.
Worshipping in a synagogue (orthodox)
Daily services • Services in Hebrew • Rabbi has his back to the congregation • Men & women sit separately • Congregation may arrive late • Men always cover their heads • Singing is unaccompanied
Worshipping in a synagogue
Services only on Shabbat & festivals (not daily) • Services in Hebrew and English • Rabbi faces congregation • Men & women sit together • Shorter, structured services • Most men wear a kippah (and some women) • Singing is accompanied by music • Women perform all rituals ... can be a rabbi, publicly read the Torah etc
Importance of prayer
• Daily services • Celebration of
festivals
• Bar/Bat Mitzvahs,
marriages etc.
Importance of study
Learn Hebrew (used in prayer)
• Prepare for Bar/Bat Mitzvahs
• Library to improve knowledge of Jewish faith
Importance of charity
- Place to collect money/items for the poor
* Holds fundraising events e.g. for World Jewish Relief/natural disasters
Importance of socialising
- Youth clubs
- Senior citizen clubs
- Music and drama groups • Sports groups
What is the kippah
All Jewish men cover their heads when they pray as a sign of respect for God.
What is the talit
Woollen shawl. Shows the man is obeying God’s laws because each fringe (tzitzit) symbolises one of the 613 mitzvot given by God.
What is the tefillin
Two leather boxes. One is worn on the upper left arm and the other on the forehead. Each contains the Shema and wearing them shows that the person loves God with their heart and mind.
What is a minyan
Orthodox Jews pray three times a day - morning, afternoon and evening
• A minimum of ten adult males are required (Orthodox)
• Or a minimum of ten men and women (Reform tradition)
Format of jewish prayer services
1) opening prayers
2) shema
3) amidah
4) final prayers
What is the amidah
The Amidah is the central prayer of Jewish worship. Prayed in silence while standing and facing Jerusalem. Includes a series of blessings and thanksgiving.
What is the importance of prayers
Communicate with God
• Become closer to God
• Focus your heart, mind and soul on God
• Strengthen the sense of Jewish community
What is shabbat
The Jewish holy day – Sabbath. From sunset on Friday until sunset on Saturday every week
Shabbat in the sunagogue
- Every Friday evening there is a prayer service in the synagogue – often family friendly - stories, games, music
- A further service in the synagogue on Saturday morning includes a reading from the Torah.
- While the Torah is being read the congregation stand to remind them that the Israelites stood at the bottom of Mount Sinai when Moses returned with the Ten Commandments.
- The Torah scrolls are then paraded around the synagogue – giving people the opportunity to be close to God’s word.
- Many touch the Torah with their tzitzit (tassels on their tallit) and then touch their lips – showing that God’s words should be on their lips.
Shabbat in the home
The house and meal are prepared - clean clothes.
• Wine and two loaves of challah bread are placed on the table
• A female member of the family lights two candles before sunset
• She then welcomes in Shabbat by waving her arms around the candles and covers her eyes to say a blessing and prayer
• Many go to the evening service in the synagogue (see previous)
• Once home, there is a family meal - Kiddush blessings are said
• On Saturday morning the family may attend another service in the synagogue (see previous slide)
• Afterwards, time is spent as a family - Torah may be studied
• When 3 stars are seen in the sky Shabbat has finished
Worship in the home
Jews worship God whenever they can
• Their house reminds them to obey God’s
• The mezuzah - a small box containing verses from the Torah is fixed to a doorpost
