Judaism: Synagogue and Worship Flashcards
(23 cards)
synagogue
building where Jews meet for worship, study, social activities and charitable events
menorah
many-branched candlestick
Star of David
six-pointed star that represents King David
minyan
group of at least 10 adults
Aron Hakodesh
cabinet where the Torah scrolls are kept, holiest place in the synagogue
ner tamid
light that is kept on at all times, sit above the Ark, symbolises God’s presence
bimah
raised platform from where the Torah is read
Orthodox Judaism
more traditional
Reform Judaism
more progressive
tallit
prayer shawl
tefillin
small leather boxes containing extracts from the Torah
Amidah
standing prayer- central prayer in Jewish worship
Shabbat
Jewish holy day of the week, day of rest and renewal- starts Friday sunset till Saturday sunset
Tenakh
main Jewish sacred text and contains written law
Talmud
commentary which helps Jews to put laws in the Tenakh into practice
Torah
5 books of Moses- form basis of Jewish law
Nevi’im
Prophets- 8 books which trace Jewish history and expand on the laws in the Torah
Ketuvim
writings- 11 books that contain a collection of poetry, stories, advice, historical accounts and more
Mishnah
commentary on Torah compiled by Rabbi Judah Ha’Nasi in 200CE
Gemara
collection of discussions on the Mishnah, written down in 500CE
dietary laws
strict rules about what can and cannot be eaten, and how food should be prepared
kosher
food that is acceptable to eat
trefah
food that is unacceptable to eat
