Worship and prayer

What is worship?

Giving praise, thanks, glory and honour to God 

Why is worship important? 

• It is a mitzvot 

• It is an important part of Jewish identity 

• It brings the Jewish community together 

• It keeps a person mindful of G-d's presence throughout the day 

• It forms a part of the Covenant with Abraham, so is a duty 

How many times should Jews pray daily?

3

What does Kavanah mean?

The mindset of prayer

What is a Kippah

Skull cap worn by Jewish men as a sign of respect by covering their head. 

What is a tallit?

A prayer shawl

What are tzit-tzit?

Fringes attached to the four corners of the Tallit and represent the mitzvot and the 4 corners of the Earth (relevant everywhere)

What is teffilin?

Two small boxes with straps worn on forehead. Contain passages.

Why is the tefillin important for prayer?

• Helps them focus on history

• Present duties of mitzvot

• Future identity. 

What is the siddur?

A prayer book to be read at any prayer time 

What is the meaning of Tefillah?

To judge oneself – prayer is a time of reflection 

What is the Shema prayer?

• Declaration of faith 

• 3 times daily 

• “Hear O Isreal the Lord our God the Lord is one” - beginning 

What is the Amidah prayer?

• Central to Jewish worship (blessings) 

• Recited silent and standing while facing Jerusalem 

What is the Kaddish prayer?

• Associated with death and remembrance 

• Recited aloud when standing 

• Call and response 

What is the Aleinu prayer?

• Closing prayer 

• Praise G-d, restate Jew’s dedication to G-d, reminder of G-d's eternal rule 

Why is prayer important?

• It is a mitzvot 

• Shows dedication to G-d 

• Shows desire to be close to G-d 

• Allows to think forward and get in the right frame of mind  

• Can prepare for the day and reflect on the day 

• Tradition 

• Links as community and to their history  

• Cleansing, gives sense of well-being 

• Communicating with G-d 

Is synagogue or home worship more important? 

Synagogue	Home
Prayer about communicating with other Jews as well as G-d	Many traditions mean women do not attend synagogue other than for Shabbat
Most important prayers require a minyan	G-d sees everything so it should be possible to pray anywhere at anytime
G-d always answers the prayer of the community	What matters is the sincerity of prayers
People can follow others and avoid mistakes in prayers	Could teach themselves incorrectly and offend G-d
Language of prayers is ‘we’ not ‘I’	Loss of meaning when too formal