Public Worship

Question 1

What is public worship?

Answer 1

Formal worship with others, usually in synagogue.

Question 2

What are features of public worship?

Answer 2

Prayers from the siddur at synagogue, Shabbat services, and special services during festivals.

Minyan (group of 10 who pray together), Amidah is the basis of all prayer services - prayed in silence facing Jerusalem.

Question 3

What are the characteristics of Orthodox public worship?

Answer 3

Prayers always said in Hebrew, daily synagogue services, only men in minyan.

Question 4

What are the characteristics of Reform public worship?

Answer 4

Music can be used, women and men can be part of a minyan, prayer in vernacular.

Question 5

Why is public worship important?

Answer 5

It provides a sense of belonging to a worldwide community.

Rabbis teach there is an advantage to group prayer; some festivals require public worship (e.g., Yom Kippur).

Question 6

What is worship according to the text?

Answer 6

Worship is the way to repay God for his great goodness.

Question 7

What does Psalm 116 express about calling on the Lord?

Answer 7

I will… call on the name of the Lord. I will fulfil my vows to the Lord in the presence of all his people, in the courts of the house of the Lord.