Key Terms - Judaism Practices

Question 1

Synagogue

Answer 1

Building for Jews public prayer, study and gathering.

Question 2

Minyan

Answer 2

Group of at least 10 adults, minimum number if Jews allowed in a Jewish service.

Question 3

Menorah

Answer 3

7-branched candlestick.

Question 4

Chanukah

Answer 4

9-branched candlestick.

Question 5

Star of David

Answer 5

Symbol of Judaism said to represent the shield go king David who ruled Israel.

Question 6

Torah Scrolls

Answer 6

5 books revealed by God to Moses. First section of the Tenakh and it is the Jewish written law. Key teachings of Judaism.

Question 7

Beit K’nesset

Answer 7

House of assembly.

Question 8

Shul

Answer 8

The prayer shawl.

Question 9

Bimah

Answer 9

Platfrom in the synagogue where the Torah is read.

Question 10

Aron Hakodesh (Ark)

Answer 10

Holiest part of the synagogue, where the Torah scrolls are kept.

Question 11

Ner Tamid

Answer 11

Eternal light; a light that is kept burning in the synagogue above the Ark.

Question 12

Tallit

Answer 12

A prayer shawl, Orthodox Jews wear them on weekdays and in Shabbat.

Question 13

Amidah

Answer 13

Standing prayer. Central prayer of Jewish worship.

Question 14

Shema

Answer 14

A jewish prayer affirming belief in God, found in the Torah.

Question 15

Shabbat

Answer 15

Jewish Holy part of the week; days of spiritual renewal starting shortly before sunset on Friday and continuing to sunset on Saturday

Question 16

Mezuzah

Answer 16

Small box that contains a handwritten scroll of verse from the Torah, which is fixed to the doorpost.

Question 17

Tenakh

Answer 17

24 books of Jewish scriptures.

Question 18

Nevi’im

Answer 18

Second section of the Tenakh - prophets.

Question 19

Ketuvim

Answer 19

Third part of the Tenakh - writings.

Question 20

Mishnah

Answer 20

First version written of Jewish Oral Law; part of the Talmud.

Question 21

Brit Malah

Answer 21

Celebration of circumcision.

Question 22

Circumcision

Answer 22

Removal of foreskin from the penis.

Question 23

Bar Mitzvah

Answer 23

Where the boy is first called to read at a synagogue service.

Question 24

Bat Mitzvah

Answer 24

Girl will receive gifts and have a family meal and will be allowed to read at Jewish reform synagogue services.

Question 25

Pesach

Answer 25

Jewish passover.

Question 26

Dietary Laws

Answer 26

Laws to do with the dietary requirements that all Jews must abide by. Kosher - Legal Trefah - Illegal

Question 27

Rosh Hashanah

Answer 27

Jewish new year, recalls creation story, anniversary of God creating humans and a day of judgement.

Question 28

Yom Kippur

Answer 28

Day of Atonement; day of fasting on the tenth day after Rosh Hashanah.

Question 29

Kosher and Kosher Foods

Answer 29

Food that meets the requirements of Jewish laws. Cows, sheep, goats, deer. Fish that has scales and fins (salmon, tuna) Kosher certified cheese. Fruit and veg (free of insects)

Question 30

Trefah and Trefah Foods

Answer 30

``` Foods that Jews are forbidden to eat; means 'torn' Pork, camel, rodents, reptiles. Seafood w/out fins (crabs, lobsters) Non-certfied kosher cheese Insects/amphibian ```

Question 31

Mourning

Answer 31

Period of time spent remembering a person who has died.

Question 32

Shiva

Answer 32

Intense 7 days of mourning that lasts for 7 days.

Question 33

Kaddish

Answer 33

A prayer said by Jewish mourners that praises God and asks for peace.

Question 34

Marriage

Answer 34

Legal union between a man and woman (or same sex in some countries/religions) as partners in a relationship.

Question 35

Rituals

Answer 35

Religious ceremonies that are performed according to a set pattern.

Question 36

Tzitzit

Answer 36

Long tassel coming off each corner of the tallit.

Question 37

Orthodox Jews

Answer 37

Emphasise the importance of following the laws and guidance of the Torah; they believe the Torahwas given directly by God to Moses, so shouldd be followed as closely as possible.

Question 38

Reform Jews

Answer 38

Believe the laws and guidance of the Torah can be adapted for modern times; they believe the Torah was inspired by God but written by humans, so can be interpreted according to the times

Question 39

Cantor (Chazzan)

Answer 39

Person who leads or chants prayers in the synagogue.

Question 40

Betrothal

Answer 40

A period of time, traditionally the 12 months before the wedding ceremony when the couple are engaged or promised to each other.