Rituals and Ceremonies

Question 1

What does Bar Mitzvah mean?

Answer 1

‘Son of the Commandment’

Question 2

At what age does a boy celebrate Bar Mitzvah?

Answer 2

Age 13

Question 3

What is a key part of the Bar Mitzvah service?

Answer 3

Service in the synagogue

Question 4

What does the boy do during the Bar Mitzvah?

Answer 4

Reads the Torah in Hebrew

Question 5

What does the child do during the Bar Mitzvah ceremony?

Answer 5

Makes a speech to the whole congregation

Question 6

What prayers are recited during the Bar Mitzvah?

Answer 6

Prayers from Siddur

Question 7

What does the father do during the Bar Mitzvah?

Answer 7

Says a prayer to thank God

Question 8

What does Bat Mitzvah mean?

Answer 8

‘Daughter of the Commandment’

Question 9

At what age does a girl celebrate Bat Mitzvah?

Answer 9

Age 12

Question 10

How does the structure of Bat Mitzvah compare to Bar Mitzvah?

Answer 10

Same structure as Bar Mitzvah

Question 11

What is Bat Chayil?

Answer 11

A presentation by a girl about what she has learnt about Judaism

Question 12

What is the importance of coming-of-age ceremonies?

Answer 12

Considered an adult and takes on full responsibility for all rules

Question 13

What community role can one take on after a coming-of-age ceremony?

Answer 13

Can be part of a minyan - increased involvement in community

Question 14

What is a sign of entering the Mosaic covenant?

Answer 14

Coming-of-age ceremonies

Question 15

What is Brit Milah?

Answer 15

Circumcision at 8 days old for boys, where males of the community gather, blessings and prayers are said, and a drop of wine is placed on the baby’s tongue.

Question 16

What is Brit Bat?

Answer 16

A Reform ritual for girls that includes singing songs, saying blessings in Hebrew, Torah readings, and naming the child in front of the congregation.

Question 17

What is the Orthodox practice for girls?

Answer 17

Orthodox communities have a naming ceremony for girls.

Question 18

What is the importance of Brit Milah?

Answer 18

It is part of the Abrahamic covenant, marks the baby as Jewish, shows thankfulness and dedication to God, and links to tradition to pass on the faith.

Question 19

What is the TANAKH?

Answer 19

The TANAKH is the canonical collection of Jewish texts, which is also a significant part of the Christian Old Testament.

Question 20

What is the Talmud?

Answer 20

The Talmud is a central text of Rabbinic Judaism, consisting of a compilation of teachings, laws, and interpretations.

Question 21

What does the phrase ‘Wisdom and Authority’ refer to?

Answer 21

It refers to the teachings and legal authority found within the Talmud and TANAKH.

Question 22

What is the significance of circumcision in Judaism?

Answer 22

Circumcision is a religious rite performed on Jewish boys on the eighth day after birth, as commanded by God.

Example: ‘When his son Isaac was eight days old, Abraham circumcised him, as God commanded him.’ - Genesis

Question 23

What is a Bar Mitzvah?

Answer 23

A Bar Mitzvah is a coming-of-age ceremony for Jewish boys, marking their responsibility to observe Jewish commandments.

Example: ‘As soon as he becomes of age, Jewish fathers bring him into the synagogue and school in order that he may praise the name of God.’

Question 24

What is the mitzvah regarding marriage in Judaism?

Answer 24

All Jews should marry and have children.

Question 25

What do Orthodox Jews forbid regarding marriage?

Answer 25

Marriage to non-Jews.

Question 26

Where does the marriage ceremony take place?

Answer 26

Under a 'chuppah'.

Question 27

What does the groom sign during the marriage ceremony?

Answer 27

A contract (ketubah) to say that he will provide for his wife.

Question 28

How many blessings are given during the marriage ceremony?

Answer 28

Seven blessings are given.

Question 29

What is broken during the marriage ceremony and why?

Answer 29

A glass is broken to remember the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem.

Question 30

What do the couple do to symbolize blood and seal the covenant?

Answer 30

They share a drink from a goblet.

Question 31

What is the importance of mourning (Avelut)?

Answer 31

Honour for the dead is one of the greatest mitzvot. Rituals help the community come to terms with the death and start healing.

Question 32

What is Shiva?

Answer 32

Shiva is the first 7 days of mourning where the family sits on low chairs, does not leave the house, covers mirrors, and does not listen to music. For the next 3 weeks, male mourners go to the synagogue every day.

Question 33

What is Yahrzeit?

Answer 33

Yahrzeit is the anniversary of a death when a candle is lit for 24 hours, prayers are said, and charitable donations are made.

Question 34

What do people do when visiting the grave?

Answer 34

People place a rock or a pebble on top of the tombstone to honour the deceased.

Question 35

How long does Shiva last for Reform Jews?

Answer 35

Shiva only lasts 1 day for Reform Jews.

Question 36

What is the Tanakh?

Answer 36

The Tanakh is the canonical collection of Jewish texts, which is also a significant part of the Christian Old Testament.

Question 37

What does the Talmud represent?

Answer 37

The Talmud is a central text in Rabbinic Judaism, consisting of discussions and interpretations of the Torah.

Question 38

What does Genesis 2:24 state about marriage?

Answer 38

'Hence a man leaves his father and mother and clings to his wife, they become one flesh.'

Question 39

How long do people mourn according to the Tanakh?

Answer 39

People mourn for 7 days.

Question 40

What did Joseph do when his father died?

Answer 40

Joseph tore his clothes.

Question 41

What does the Talmud say about marriage?

Answer 41

'Any man who has no wife lives without joy, without blessing and without goodness.'

Question 42

What does the Talmud outline regarding mourning?

Answer 42

Specific mourning rituals are laid out in the Talmud.