Religious Practices that Shape Religious Identity Flashcards
What is the Aron Kodesh?
The Holy Ark
What was the origin of the Aron Kodesh?
It housed the stone tablets of Moses and was kept in an inner chamber of the Temple
What may the Aron Kodesh symbolise?
The mighty presence of Yahweh
How is the Aron Kodesh treated?
It is always placed in the direction of Jerusalem, it cannot be sold, destroyed or used in a secular way
Why is the synagogue so important in festivals?
The reading of the Torah can only take place in the synagogue
How is the synagogue used in Rosh Hashanah?
There is a 4-6 hour morning service
How is the synagogue used in Yom Kippur?
Only day when 5 services are held
What is Simchat Torah?
The celebration of the completion of the annual reading of the Torah within Orthodox synagogue - scrolls are paraded around
What is Simchat Torah a reminder of?
The cyclical nature of the Torah
What are 2 alternative names for the synagogue?
Bet K’nesset or bet midrash
What does Bet K’nesset mean?
House of meeting
How is the synagogue a house of meeting?
Contains meeting rooms acting as a venue for a variety of events
What does Bet Midrash mean?
House of study
How is the synagogue a house of study?
Teaches Hebrew classes and how to read the Torah
What is Bet din?
A rabbinical court
What is the purpose of the bet din?
Makes judgements on civil disputes using Jewish law and rules on religious matters
What is the dayanim?
The panel of 3 judges in the bet din, experienced rabbis
What are some example actions of the bet din? (4)
- settle business disputes
- issue divorce certificates
- declares food kosher
- tests people for conversion
What does mikveh mean?
‘A place where water has gathered’
What is the mikveh?
A special pool where Jews may immerse to purify themselves - private and attached to the synagogue
When do Orthodox women use the mikveh?
After their period or childbirth so to resume sexual relations with their husbands
When do all Jews use the mikveh?
The day before Yom Kippur as a sign of repentance
When are utensils immersed in the mikveh?
To cleanse them is they have been in contact with non-kosher food
What does Bet tefillah mean?
House of prayer