Unit 8 - Jewish Practices Flashcards

Question

What is done in evening prayer

Answer 1

Shema, Amidah and Aleinu are recited | Also Kaddish and Barkhu are said

Answer 2

Prayer of praise usually used after a Rabbi’s teaching

Answer 3

Call to prayer at start of synagogue service by prayer leader

Answer 4

Marks important moments in life of Jews Follows mitzvots Follows tradition and Rabbinic laws

Answer 5

Life starts when halfway emerged from the mother’s body Born free of sin Mother mustn’t touch anything sacred for a period of time after (Leviticus 12:3) Mother has to be purified afterwards by attending mikvah

Answer 6

7 + 33 days for boys | 14 + 66 days for boys

Answer 7

Child is always given Hebrew name + English name to use in outside world Girl’s name is officially given in synagogue when father takes an aliyah (reading from Torah) Reform daughter might have Simchat Bat (“rejoicing for a daughter” celebration”) Boy’s name is given during Brit Milah

Answer 8

“covenant of circumcision” physical sign of God’s covenant must be done by a mohel firstborn son may provide service to Temple until a small sum of money is paid to a kohein (priest descendant of Aaron)

Answer 9

13 for boys 12 for girls (13 in Reform) coming of age when young people take responsibility for actions and faith boy (and girl in Reform) can take active part in service or be in minyan Liberal have Kabbalat Torah (age 15) to confirm acceptance of Jewish way of life young boys prepare by studying tests girls also bake challah bread and volunteer

Answer 10

Kiddushin (betrothal) is binding engagement and first part of marriage Nisuin (full name of marriage) Couple stand under huppah (canopy symbolising beginning of a new home) Both exchange rings in Reform Groom gives bride plain metal ring placed on right forefinger Marriage becomes official when groom gives bride valuable object Sheva Brechot (“seven blessings”) recited in presence of guests 2 religious males sign marriage contract in Orthodox 2 people sign marriage contract in Reform Groom stamps on small glass to represent destruction of Temple

Answer 11

Helps bereaved to return to normal life avelut “mourning” Orthodox will make tear in clothes when hearing someone has died Reform might wear black ribbon or cut tie Both will make blessing to God referring to him as true judge

Answer 12

Aninut: death to burial Shiva: first seven days of mourning Shelashim: 30 days after burial (complete mourning period for all except when for a parent Yud-bet chodesh: “year of mourning” for a parent twelve Hebrew months after death Yahrzeit: anniversary date of death according to Jewish calendar

Answer 13

Dead person is buried After funeral, mourners have meal of consolation (hard-boiled egg and beigel (circular roll)) to symbolise circle of life

Answer 14

stay at home, sitting on low stalls or floor don’t wear leather shoes, shave / cut hair, wear cosmetics, work wear the clothes they wore to funeral don’t do things to bring comfort or pleasure pray 3 times daily with friends, family and neighbours to make minyan

Answer 15

Normal life resumes Don’t attend parties, listen to music or shave / cut hair Male mourners recite Mourner’s Kaddish daily in synagogue

Answer 16

Mourning continues like in Sheloshim | On anniversary, Yahzreit candle is lit and men (and women in Reform) recite Mourner’s Kaddish

Answer 17

Body is washed and wrapped in linen Dead men are wrapped in tallit, and tassels are cut off Plain coffins used to resemble equality of death between rich and poor

Answer 18

3 meals at home Friday evening meal begins with Kiddush End of Shabbat is marked by havdalah blessing over wine on Saturday Home is cleaned ready for Shabbat Special activities like lightning candles before Shabbat starts are done to conform to Shabbat rules

Answer 19

Shabbat service: Amidah is said Torah is remover from Ark as first part of Shema is recited Section of Torah is changed from bimah Torah is retuned to Ark after reading Rabin gives sermon Shabbat service ends with prayers e.g. Aleinu Kaddish prayer is said Hymn of Adon Olam (“Master of the World”) is said

Answer 20

One of Ten Commandments Difficult in some countries Rabbinical study helps modern Jews tackle modern problems with Shabbat Modern Jews have to compromise to follow Shabbat rules Day of enjoyment and time to connect with family for modern Jews

Answer 21

Occur at set times in Jewish and lunar calendar Most are based on history of Jewish people Joyful events celebrate God’s involvement on their behalf Some focus on God as creator Others on relationships with God Usually celebrated at home and in synagogue, with family and community

Answer 22

Important lessons in Jewish history Unites local and universal Jewish community Part of tradition, important for Orthodox May have modern twist for Reform

Answer 23

“head of the year” - first day of the year Anniversary of creation Celebrated over 2 days for Orthodox (1 for Reform) Time for Jews to ask for forgiveness of others before God’s judgement on Yom Kippur Fruit is eaten in festive meal to symbolise renewal Tashlikh ceremony when families visit stream, recite prayers and empty pockets to represent casting off of sins

Answer 24

“Day of Atonement” Day to reflect on sins and seek forgiveness from God Jews fast for 25 hours (Leviticus 16) Kol Nidre (“All Vows”) where Jews cancel vows they cannot keep Wear white to symbolise purity and avoid leather shoes which suggests luxury

Answer 25

Celebrates liberation of Jews from Egypt Reminder of God’s love for oppressed and weak Home must be cleaned throughly No chametz (“leaven”) is eaten for 7 days 8 days for Orthodox, 7 days for Reform Seder meal is eaten 4 cups of wine drunk as 4 symbols of freedom 5th cup of wine left for Elias

Answer 26

Zeroa and Baytzah (shank bone and roasted egg) - reminders of sacrifices used to be done at Temple Karpas (green, leafy vegetable dipped in salt water) - represents tears Maror and Chasoret (bitter herbs dipped in sweet apple, cinnamon, nut and wine mix) - represents bitterness of slavery and sweetness of freedom Chazaret (grated fresh horseradish) - another type of Maror

Answer 27

Celebrates giving of Law on amount Sinai Jews take time to explore texts as a community Several customs e.g. eat dairy or decorate synagogue in greenery

Answer 28

Feast of the Booths Reminder of dwellings during time in wilderness Celebrated for 8 days Time of particular hospitality to others

Answer 29

“bringing of people” encouraged to worship as community (Proverbs 14:28) sometimes called shul (“school”) identified by Star of David or menorah outside Should face Jerusalem

Answer 30

Ark Ner tamid Bimah

Answer 31

Aron Kodesh Where Torah scrolls are kept In honour of Holy of Holies in Temple which contained Ark of the Covenant Doors and curtains only opened when Torah isn’t inside

Answer 32

“Eternal light” Kept burning in front or above of Ark Requirement as said in Exodus 27:20-21 Reflects God’s eternal nature

Answer 33

Reflects design of ancient Temple Service is lead from bimah Torah is read from bimah with a yad

Answer 34

Place of worship and education Community centre Celebration of festivals

Answer 35

Men and women sit together in Reform (not in Orthodox) Married women cover head in Orthodox Women encouraged to wear tallit and kippah as sign of equal obligation Musical instruments in Reform (not Orthodox) Women have active part in Reform (not Orthodox)