RE for Term 4

Question 1

What is a Synagogue?

Answer 1

A Jewish place of worship, prayer, a place of study and sometimes a community centre. A Synagogue is the Jewish Religion equivalent of a church.

Question 2

Who is a rabbi?

Answer 2

A rabbi is a teacher of the Jewish religion And the Jewish religions equivalent of a priest.

Question 3

What is a prayer hall?

Answer 3

The main prayers in the synagogue happen in the prayer hall, which is usually rectangular in shape with seats on three sides facing inwards.

Question 4

What is the star of David?

Answer 4

Known as the shield of David, this is a well-known symbol of Judaism. The Star of David is a star which has six points, each representing a different aspect of something important in the Jewish beliefs.

Question 5

What is a menorah?

Answer 5

The menorah is a nine branched candle lit during the eight-day holiday of Hanukkah. The Menorah is a special candle with eight branches used in Jewish festivals and celebrations.

Question 6

What is the Torah scrolls?

Answer 6

Sacred scrolls that contain the first five books of the Old Testament. They are treated with great respect and reverence. They contain the Ten Commandments which are very sacred and special to Jewish people.

Question 7

What is Ner Tamid /
eternal light?

Answer 7

This hangs above the Ark, which is located at the front of the synagogue and is always lit to remind everyone that God is always with them

Question 8

What is a Bimah?

Answer 8

It’s like a small raised platform that is usually found at the front of the synagogue, kind of like a stage where special things happen during a religious service.

Question 9

what is a Cantor?

Answer 9

cantor is the person who leads the prayers and songs. They have a beautiful and powerful voice.

Question 10

what is a Siddur?

Answer 10

A siddur is a bit like a guidebook for Jewish prayers. When people go to the synagogue for a religious service, they use the siddur to help them know what to say and when to say it.

Question 11

what is the ark?

Answer 11

the ark is like a cabinet where you can find the Torah scrolls. it is located in the at the front of the synagogue to symbolize the importance of the Torah in Jewish religious practice.

Question 12

what is Hebrew and how is it performed in the Jewish religion?

Answer 12

Hebrew is the main language spoken by Jews in a synagogue.

Question 13

what is the kippah?

Answer 13

The kippah is a cap that men and boys wear on their heads to show devotion to God.

Question 14

what is the tallit?

Answer 14

The Tallit is worn on top of your clothes in the synagogue, especially during Sabbath. A tallit is a prayer shawl with a tassel fringe. The tassels remind the person wearing it of all the commandments they should live by.

Question 15

what is the Mezuzah?

Answer 15

The Mezuzah is a scroll which Jewish people keep inside a case. The Mezuzah is placed on doorframes in their houses and synagogues to constantly remind Jewish people of God’s presence. Whenever a Jewish person goes through the doorway, they touch the Mezuzah to remind themselves that God is there.

Question 16

what is the Shema?

Answer 16

Shema is one of the most important Jewish prayers.
It is one of the first prayers learnt by Jewish children.
It is said three times every day by Jewish people, and it is located inside of the Mezuzah.

Question 17

what is the Yad?

Answer 17

The yad is typically a small, decorative pointer, often made of silver, wood, or other materials. When someone reads from the Torah, they use the yad to follow along and so they don’t touch the Torah directly.

Question 18

what is Shabbat?

Answer 18

It is a day of rest and is often used for prayer. begins with the lighting of candles 18 minutes before sundown on Friday night. They say blessing and prayers and eat special food during Shabbat. Shabbat finishes on the Saturday night. In Shabbat it is important not to go to work and to not be on electric devices but spend more time with family members and close relatives.

Question 19

what is the Challah?

Answer 19

Challah is a delicious sweet, braided bread. Often dipped in salt. The practice of braiding Challah is said to be mentioned in the Torah, specifically in the portion of the Torah that describes the manna that fell from heaven to feed the Israelites during their journey in the desert.

Question 20

what is kiddish?

Answer 20

The blessing over the wine/grape juice (Kiddush). It reminds Jews of their special relationship with God and their commitment to honour Shabbat.

Question 21

what is Havdalah?

Answer 21

Havdalah is the end of Shabbat. A special braided candle is lit and prayers are read. Havdalah is a beautiful and meaningful ceremony that helps Jews transition from the restful, sacred atmosphere of Shabbat back into their everyday lives, reminding them of the importance of sanctifying time and appreciating the unique blessings of each day.

Question 22

what is the Shema?

Answer 22

Shema is one of the most important Jewish prayers. It is one of the first prayers learnt by Jewish children. It is said three times every day by Jewish people. The Shema can be located in the Torah.

Question 23

what is a Tefillin?

Answer 23

Tefillin are like special accessories that Jewish people wear during their prayers. They consist of two small boxes, one for the head and one for the arm, connected by straps. Inside these boxes are pieces of parchment with verses from the Torah, which is the holy book of Judaism. Wearing tefillin is important to Jewish people because it helps them focus their mind and heart on their prayers.