HRT3M Judaism Unit Test

Covenant

A solemn agreement between human beings or between God and a human being in which mutual commitments are made.

Diaspora

the dispersion of the Jews outside Israel

Kosher

fit and proper

Tanakh

the Jewish scriptures which consist of three divisions--the Torah and the Prophets and the Writings

Talmud

A collection of authoritative Jewish writings that comment and interpret biblical laws.

Rabbi

A highly respected teacher of Jewish law or theology

Synagogue

the building where a Jewish assembly or congregation meets for religious worship and instruction.

Shema

a prayer from the Book of Deuteronomy reminding the Jewish people to love God with all their heart, soul, and strength

Mitzvoth

The term has a mix of meanings. It is often used to refer to duties (such as the 613 in the Torah) and good deeds.

Mohel

The person who performs the ritual of circumcision

Huppah

jewish bridal canopy which creates a special sacred place, bride and groom stand beneath it

Mezuzah

A scroll inscribed with verses of the Shema that many Jews fasten to their doorpost.

Kipah

a skullcap worn in public by Orthodox Jewish men or during prayer by other Jewish men

Shofar

a ram's-horn trumpet used by ancient Jews in religious ceremonies and as a battle signal, now sounded at Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.

Tallit

Hebrew prayer shawl worn by adult males

Tefillin

Two small black boxes fastened to leather straps, containing parts of the Torah and worn during morning prayer.

Ketubah

a special type of Jewish prenuptial agreement. It is considered an integral part of a traditional Jewish marriage, and outlines the rights and responsibilities of the groom, in relation to the bride.

Brit Milah (Bris)

The Jewish ceremony of male circumcision normally performed on the eighth day of life

Bar/Bat Mitzvah

the ritual celebration marking the coming of age of a Jewish child, at which time the person takes on the religious responsibilities of an adult

Bar Mitzvah

Jewish religious ritual for boys at age 13 that signifies the adolescents' new responsibilities with respect to Jewish beliefs

Bat Mitzvah

(Judaism) an initiation ceremony marking the 12th birthday of a Jewish girl and signifying the beginning of religious responsibility

Shiva (Judaism)

the week long mourning period in Judaism for first-degree relatives

Yom Kippur

Jewish Day of Atonement- fasting and reflecting on one's sins

Sabbath

a weekly day of worship and rest

Rosh Hashanah

Jewish New Year

Passover

(Judaism) a Jewish festival (traditionally 8 days) celebrating the exodus of the Israelites from Egypt

Matzo

flat bread without yeast to remind the Jews of how quickly they left Egypt

Prayer of Sanctification

A prayer to make something sacred

Kaddish

Jewish prayer for the dead

Kabbalah (Judaism)

"Received", "handed down"; the whole body of Jewish mystical literature

Abraham

Founder of Judaism who, according to the Bible, led his family from Ur to Canaan in obedience to God's command.

Sarah

The wife of Abraham and mother of Isaac

Moses

(Old Testament) the Hebrew prophet who led the Israelites from Egypt across the Red sea on a journey known as the Exodus

The Creation Story

2 versions in the book of Genesis

1st one- God made world in 6 days, humans made on 6th, rested on 7th and made it holy

2nd one- first man and woman adam and eve were banished by God from paradise after eating a forbidden fruit when a snake told them to, sin and violence gained foothold in God's good creation, humans became moral, know good from evil, must work, give birth in pain and die, evil and death are part of reality, we must overcome the temptation of evil

The Story of Abraham

Abram was asked by God to go to a land that God will show him (Canaan or the promised land)

he did so

then he and Sarai had a son named Isaac

God asked him to sacrifice Isaac

righteous

one who is just or in a right relationship with God

Why were Abram and Sarai 's names changed to Abraham and Sarah

to indicate his new calling

Jacob

Son of Isaac

named changed to Israel when he wrestled with someone whom he later identified as God

the heart of Jewish belief today

The covenant with Israel's ancestors-the bond that connects God with Israel and Israel with God

Why is Moses an important figure in Jewish history?

a leader

founding father of the Israelites

a prophet

a lawgiver

born in Egypt into the priestly tribe of Levi

was placed in a basket by mom because Pharaoh decreed that all newborn Hebrew boys were to be killed

pharaoh's daughter found him and named him

Moses family

Sister: Miriam-prophetess

Brother: Aaron- Israel's first priest

Out of anger, Moses

killed the Egyptian who was beating a Hebrew slave then fled for his life

went to midian, married and had two children

Moses showed the power of the Lord through a series of

10 plagues

the Passover meal

Seder meal

the angel of death passed over the homes of the Israelites

Mount Sinai

God made a covenant with Moses and gave him the 10 Commandements and the rest of the Law

Tabernacle

A tent that held the central object of Israel's worship the Ark of the Covenant

The Story of David

found in the books of Kings

Israel's second king, anointed by God to replace Saul

known for his dedication to God and fighting for his people

His son, Solomon, completed his dream of building a temple in Jerusalem

Orthodox branch of Judaism

In terms of practice, Orthodox Jews strictly follow the Written Torah and the Oral Law. From the time they get up in the morning until they go to bed at night, Orthodox Jews observe God's commandments concerning prayer, dress, food, sex, family relations, social behavior, the Sabbath day, holidays and more. torah is totally divine, no human interference

Conservative branch of Judaism

these Jews wish to conserve the traditional elements of Judaism while also allowing for reasonable modernization and rabbinical development. Zacharias Frankel (1801-75) is founder. Conservative Jews uphold the importance of Jewish nationalism

Reform Judaism

Modern Judaism with fewer rules and more room for individuality

Circumcision (Judaism)

takes place in a Jewish home, but sometimes in a synagogue performed by a mohel 8 days after a baby is born

symbolizes a covenant with God

What 2 schools do Jewish children attend? Why?

Regular day school and Hebrew school

Hebrew school

on Sunday and in the evenings after day school

learn about Jewish culture, history, religion and Hebrew language

Bar/Bat Mitzvah (Judaism)

One is obligated to perform the Jewish mitzvot (commandments). A ceremony marking the first performance of mitzvot such as being called up to the Torah to say the blessings (known as "getting an aliyah")

Traditionally, the father of the bar mitzvah gives thanks to God that he is no longer punished for the child's sins.

In addition to being considered accountable for their actions from a religious perspective, a thirteen-year-old male may be counted towards an Orthodox prayer quorum and may lead prayer and other religious services in the family and the community.

The bar or bat mitzvah ceremony is usually held on the first Shabbat after a boy's thirteenth and a girl's twelfth birthday (or thirteenth in Reform congregations).

has all the rights and obligations of a Jewish adult, including the commandments of the Torah. From that date, she takes her place in the Jewish community.

The Bat Mitzvah is an important link in a continuous chain of religious and spiritual experiences, and the most crucial aspect of this milestone is the impact and long term effect the experience will have on the young woman's Jewish identity. Your preparations should reflect this focus and not be dominated by less important matters.

The pre-Bat Mitzvah months are a good time to spend learning more about the mitzvahs, and the how's and why's of doing them. It's a time to develop your own personal relationship with Judaism and G‑d.

Of course, it's impossible to cover everything in a few months. The best preparation for a meaningful and fulfilling Jewish life is an education at a Jewish school, or an after-school program or Sunday Hebrew school.

A Bat Mitzvah marks the time when a girl becomes responsible for the fulfillment of hundreds of mitzvahs. The thought can be quite overwhelming! Many young women find it meaningful to choose one mitzvah to focus on. Of course, this doesn't preclude doing the rest of the mitzvahs. But choosing one for a "mitzvah project," researching it in depth and developing a personal connection with it can be a wonderful way to prepare for a Bat Mitzvah.

Some make sure to dedicate an hour or two (or more) to helping others.

Prayer

with a party, it is customary for her to prepare a speech.

The speech can be a thought from the weekly Torah portion, or any Torah idea that resonates particularly with her. Many girls choose to research an important woman from Jewish history and share some of the lessons from her life. The speech encourages the Bat Mitzvah girl in the Jewish tradition of sharing the Torah one has learned with others.

The speech is also the perfect opportunity to announce her "mitzvah project" and thank parents, family and friends.

books with religious or educational value, religious items, gift certificates, or money. Monetary gifts in multiples of 18 are considered to be particularly auspicious and have become very common for Bat Mitzvahs.

If a young woman is to begin lighting Shabbat candles after her Bat Mitzvah, her parents or grandparents will often buy her a pretty candlestick.

While the Bat Mitzvah itself is a tremendous milestone in the life of a Jewish girl, and obviously requires study and preparation, it should never be viewed as a "graduation" from Judaism, but rather as the bright beginning of a vibrant and fulfilling Jewish life. She hasn't finished observing the mitzvahs, she is just starting!

Jewish wedding ceremony

First, a ketubah is singed before a wedding, a contract and covenant between both parties

Bedecken, which means "checking to be certain," is a Jewish custom that, in weddings between a bride and a groom, involves the groom putting a wedding veil on the bride shortly before the ceremony. The groom gets to "verify" that the bride is in fact the person he means to marry.

In traditional Jewish weddings the entire wedding party processes down the aisle, with the rabbi going first or simply starting the ceremony waiting at the chuppah (wedding canopy).

In heterosexual weddings, the processional typically continues with the groomsmen walking single file, followed by the best man, and then the groom with parent(s) on either side of him. Then the bridesmaids walk single file, followed by the maid of honor, and then any other members of the wedding party (flower girls, ring bearer, etc.). Finally, the bride processes with parent(s) on either side. The bride traditionally stands on the groom's right, which is the reverse of traditional Christian weddings.

the bride walks slowly around the groom, circling him seven times. A popular variation on traditional circling is for each partner to circle the other three times, followed by a final, seventh circle that the couple does together. Circling symbolizes the creation of a new home and the intertwining of the lives of both partners.

The ceremony typically begins with a blessing of the first of two cups of wine (or grape juice). Wine represents joy in Judaism, and after reciting the blessing the rabbi invites the couple to sip from the cup. Then comes a second short blessing, called theshehecheyanu in Hebrew. This blessing gives thanks for the delight of reaching this wonderful moment.

showers blessings upon the couple. Rabbis or cantors traditionally sing seven blessings that give thanks for the joys of love, intimacy and marriage, for the creation of humanity and for the community's happiness. Most Jewish officiants sing the blessings in the original Hebrew and translate each blessing into English. These blessings are ancient, and a lot of contemporary couples prefer to use modern creative translations. Also, the original wording of the blessings refers only to heterosexual weddings. Creative Jewish liturgists have written modified versions of these blessings, in Hebrew and in English, which honor same-sex weddings.

At the end of the seven blessings, the rabbi blesses a second cup of wine and invites the couple to take a sip.

After the seven blessings, some rabbis will recite another set of traditional blessings over the couple. These words, known as the "priestly blessings," ask God to bless and protect, enlighten and give peace to the couple.

hey end with the smashing of a glass. In heterosexual weddings, it's usually the groom who stomps his foot down on a thin glass (wrapped in a cloth for safety), though some couples will do it together. To learn more about the meaning behind this ritual and see how it's done, check out this video. Many couples also want to have a kiss at the conclusion of their ceremony, which can fit nicely right before or after the smashing of the glass. And don't forget about the Siman Tov u'Mazel Tov, which is usually sung right after the glass smash.

Right after the glass smash, guests usually shout "Mazel Tov!" ("May you have good fortune!") and other congratulations. Some couples like to have music resume at this point, followed immediately by a recessional. The recessional can be deliberately "messy," with the couple heading off down the aisle and then everyone else simply mixing and mingling with the guests, or it can be structured and more formal.

There's a Jewish tradition called yichud, which means "alone time for the couple." Couples who include yichud in their wedding take a little time to be alone together in a private space immediately following the ceremony. The rabbi usually mentions, just before the glass smash, that the couple is going to do this, and may offer any other short practical instructions to guests at this point as well. Taking a little time to be alone together before returning to your celebrating guests can be rewarding and grounding.

Jewish death rituals

with the weeklong mourning period (or "shiva") that follows. Most notably, Judaism's structured period of mourning, which contains various stages for grieving, is considered extremely helpful, because each stage focuses on honoring and commemorating those who are gone, yet it gives appropriate time and ways to grieve and cope with loss.

death is not treated or considered a tragedy but rather as part of the cycle of life. A traditional viewpoint is that every life event, including death, happens for a reason even though it may be difficult at the time. Judaism's process and steps for caring for a body and the honor and respect afforded to the departed leads towards a celebration of the life of loved ones no longer with us following the grieving period.

Based on Jewish laws, traditions and customs, a Jewish funeral usually takes place within one day following the date of death, and these are solemn and reflective services followed by a gathering at the mourner's home, which marks the beginning of shiva. The first seven days following the funeral is known as shiva, and the mourners generally stay at home and receive guests to help them pray and reflect upon their loss.

on honoring the dead (kvod hamet in Hebrew). It is this honor that lies behind the Jewish tradition of burying the dead as soon as possible, often on the very day they die.

While the relatives and friends of the deceased are notified and are making their travel arrangements, the body is transferred to a Jewish funerary society, Hevra Kadisha (In Hebrew/Aramaic: "Holy Association"). These are non-profit organizations of religious Jews that, in the Diaspora, are supported by local Jewish communities. In Israel, Hevra Kadisha is financed by the government.

When greeting a Jew in mourning, the tradition is to say "May you suffer no more," "May the place console you" (an ancient rabbinic phrase of obscure origin), or simply "my condolences."

The mirrors are covered as a sign of rejection of vanity. The family traditionally sits in low seats, as another mark of mourning. They are also supposed to continue to wear torn clothing, and to avoid shaving, wearing leather shoes, working, studying Torah, and sex.

Family, friends, co-workers and neighbors come to console the bereaved, and customarily bring food for the family, to spare them the burden of cooking, and to share memories of the departed.

After the shiva, the family returns to the grave and recites psalms, the Kaddish and a prayer praising God for his mercifulness (El Maleh Rachamim).

The body must not be cremated. It must be buried in the earth. Coffins are not required, but if they are used, they must have holes drilled in them so the body comes in contact with the earth.

The body is never displayed at funerals; open casket ceremonies are forbidden by Jewish law. According to Jewish law, exposing a body is considered disrespectful, because it allows not only friends, but also enemies to view the dead, mocking their helpless state.

embrace life while accepting the inevitability of death. The emphasis of Judaism concerns how one's life should be lived and it does not specifically define an afterlife. However, it is implied that leading a praiseworthy life will prepare one for what comes after life.

Jewish burials are to take place as soon as possible. Exceptions are made when the family cannot be present in a short time and for other reasons of practicality. Jewish funerals emphasize simplicity to avoid embarrassment for the poor. It is traditional Jewish practice to perform a ritual washing of the body ("Tahara") and then to dress it in a plain burial shroud. Watchers ("Chevra Kadisha") remain with the body around-the-clock until the funeral.

According to traditional practices, the funeral is usually held in a synagogue or funeral home the day after the death. There is no visitation by friends in the presence of the body before the funeral. The body is placed in a simple wood coffin so as not to disturb its natural decomposition. An open casket or cremation is not generally accepted in the Jewish tradition. Male guests are expected to wear a jacket and tie with a yarmulke as a head covering, which is available at the funeral home or synagogue. Women wear conservative apparel, a skirt or dress of somber colors, but they are not expected to wear a head covering. They should dress modestly - nothing revealing - no short skirts, short sleeves or open-toed shoes.

The service is conducted by the rabbi and begins with the cutting of a black ribbon to symbolize the individual breaking away from loved ones. If you arrive late, it's wise to wait for an opportune moment to enter, so as not to disturb the service. Cameras or tape recorders are discouraged. The rabbi leads the service and reads the eulogy. A "minyan" (at least 10 Jewish adults, traditionally males) is required to recite prayers.

At the cemetery, more prayers are read and the family members usually participate in placing dirt on the coffin before it is buried. This symbolizes their acceptance of the finality of death. Jewish funerals are often held entirely at grave side.

Flowers are not appropriate for most Jewish funerals. Rather, making a donation to a charity or Jewish organization is appreciated. Food, preferably kosher, is welcome.

For Jews, the initial mourning period lasts seven days and is called Shiva (Hebrew for seven). During this time, it is appropriate to visit the home of the bereaved. There, the family may practice traditions that may include: covering mirrors; burning memorial candles; or wearing the black ribbon that was cut. Men do not shave, women do not wear makeup, and couples refrain from intimacy. This break from daily routine symbolizes the disruption that death has brought to their lives and demonstrates grief through self-sacrifice.

Twice a day, the bereaved pray for their loved one. They usually return to work within a week but the mourning period may last as long as a year. On the first anniversary of the death, the bereaved attend a service and unveil the tombstone at grave side.

Candles are lit on the yearly anniversary of a death, known as Yahrzeit (YORtzait).

sheloshim, the first 30 days of mourning, during which mourners return to their normal routine but refrain from many customary pleasurable activities; and, for those who have lost a parent, 11 months of aveilut (mourning), during which Kaddish is recited daA tombstone may be erected or uncovered at any time; an "unveiling" is often done a year after the death. The anniversary of death, or yahrzeit, is observed each year, and the deceased is remembered four times annually during Yizkor services.

Jewish funerals often take place almost immediately after a death. Outside of Israel, it is not customary to send flowers, but charitable donations are a common and meaningful practice. A person paying a "shiva call" on a bereaved individual or family can easily learn the basic customs of this unusual yet comforting visit.ily.

Traditionally, cremation is forbidden because of the sanctity of the human body; similarly, autopsies are, with some exceptions, traditionally not permitted. Organ donation is permitted in order to save another individual's life. Law and custom mandate special cemeteries for Jews, but many contemporary Jewish cemeteries will arrange to bury non-Jewish spouses. Many converts to Judaism follow traditional mourning practices (including saying Kaddish) for their non-Jewish family members. And while Jewish tradition frowns on things which can be construed as mutilation of one's body, like tattoos and body piercing, none of these things represent a barrier to burial in even the most traditionally-run cemetery.

The Sabbath begins at nightfall on Friday and lasts until nightfall on Saturday. In practical terms the Sabbath starts a few minutes before sunset on Friday and runs until an hour after sunset on Saturday, so it lasts about 25 hours.

God commanded the Jewish People to observe the Sabbath and keep it holy as the fourth of the Ten Commandments.

The idea of a day of rest comes from the Bible story of the Creation: God rested from creating the universe on the seventh day of that first week, so Jews rest from work on the Sabbath.

Jews often call the day Shabbat, which is Hebrew for Sabbath, and which comes from the Hebrew word for rest.

The Sabbath is part of the deal between God and the Jewish People, so celebrating it is a reminder of the Covenant and an occasion to rejoice in God's kept promises.

Most Jewish people look forward to Shabbat all week. They see it as God's gift to his chosen people of a day when they take time out from everyday things to feel special.

Shabbat is a time with no television, no rushing to the demands of the telephone or a busy work schedule.

People don't think about work or other stressful things.

It's an oasis of calm, a time of stillness in life.

The traditional Sabbath greetings are Shabbat Shalom (Hebrew), or Gut Shabbos (Yiddish).

Shabbat is very much a time when families come together in the presence of God in their own home.

Singles, or others with no family around may form a group to celebrate Shabbat together.

In order to avoid work and to ensure that the Sabbath is special, all chores like shopping, cleaning, and cooking for the Sabbath must be finished before sunset on Friday.

People dress up for Shabbat and go to considerable trouble to ensure that everything is organised to obey the commandment to make the Sabbath a delight.

Sabbath candles are lit at sunset on a Friday. The woman of the house usually performs this ritual. It is an integral part of Jewish custom and ceremony.

The candles are placed in candlesticks. They mark the beginning of each Sabbath and represent the two commandments Zachor (to remember the Sabbath) and Shamor (to observe the Sabbath).

After the candles are lit, Jewish families will drink wine. Sabbath wine is sweet and is usually drunk from a special goblet known as the Kiddush Cup. The drinking of wine on the Sabbath symbolises joy and celebration.

It is also traditional to eat challah, a soft rich eggy bread in the shape of a braid. Challah is a eaten on the Sabbath and Jewish holidays except for the Passover when leavened bread is not permitted.

Under Jewish law, every Jew must eat three meals on the Sabbath. One of the meals must include bread. Observant Jews will usually eat challah at the beginning of a Sabbath meal.

Before the challah is eaten, the following prayer is recited:

Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melech ha'olam, hamotzi lechem min ha'aretz.

This means:

Blessed are you, Lord our God, King of the universe, who brings forth bread from the earth.

Other blessings, prayers, songs and readings may also be used.

It is traditional, too, for parents to bless their children on Shabbat.

The blessing for daughters asks that they become like the four matriarchs, Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel and Leah, while sons are blessed to grow up like Ephraim and Menasheh, two brothers who lived in harmony.

Some of the family will have been to synagogue before the Sabbath meal, and it is likely that the whole family will go on Saturday.

No work, just rest

Worship in Judaism

- Daily prayer is central to Jewish life

- Observant Jews attend three prayer services each day; Ma'ariv (evening prayer service), Shachant (morning prayer service), and Minchah (afternoon prayer service)

- The Jewish day runs from sundown to sundown (ex. Sabbath runs from Friday sundown to Saturday sundown)

- Important prayers include the Shema (oldest) and the Shemoneh Esrel (refers to the 18 blessings which are the center of Jewish service; first group of blessings praises God, second group makes 13 requests for salvation, third expresses gratitude)

- Jews attend worship in a synagogue

- The entire Torah is read over the span of a year

- The composition of each service is determined by the time of day and day of week

The synagogue is the Jewish place of worship, but is also used as a place to study, and often as a community centre as well.

Orthodox Jews often use the Yiddish word shul (pronounced shool) to refer to their synagogue. In the USA, synagogues are often called temples.

Segregation

In Orthodox synagogues men and women sit separately, and everyone (except young girls) has their head covered. In a Reform synagogue men and women can sit together.

The service

Synagogue services can be led by a rabbi, a cantor or a member of the congregation.

Traditional Jewish worship requires a minyan (a quorum of ten adult males) to take place.

In an Orthodox synagogue the service will be conducted in ancient Hebrew, and the singing will be unaccompanied.

Few British synagogues now have a choir, but they are more common in the USA.

In a progressive (Reform, Liberal) synagogue the service will be at least partly in English, there may a choir and instruments, and men and women can sit together.

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Clothing during worship

Hats and prayer shawls

Everyone except unmarried women wears a hat in synagogue in order to show reverence to God. (And once unmarried women pass a certain age they usually wear a hat too.)

Jewish men always wear hats when they are saying prayers which mention God's name.

Observant Jewish men wear a hat almost all the time.

The most common hat for men in the synagogue is a small round cap called a yarmulke (Yiddish) or a kippah (Hebrew), but an ordinary homburg or street hat will be accepted.

Hats are always available for visitors, but a hair grip comes in handy to keep a kippah on.

Adult men (i.e. those over the age of 13) often wear a Tallit or prayer shawl for morning prayer. A Tallit has fringes (called tzitzit) on the edges to remind the wearer to observe God's commandments - as commanded by God in the Bible.

Throughout the generations to come you are to make tassels on the corners of your garments, with a blue cord on each tassel.

You will have these tassels to look at and so you will remember all the commands of the LORD, that you may obey them and not prostitute yourselves by going after the lusts of your own hearts and eyes.

Then you will remember to obey all my commands and will be consecrated to your God.

Numbers 15:38-40

There are several times in synagogue services when people kiss these fringes - for example when the tzitzit are mentioned.

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Sacred items and ceremonies

The Ark and the Torah

Every synagogue contains an Ark, which is a cupboard where the Torah Scrolls, which contain the text of the Hebrew Bible, are kept, and a desk from which to read the Torah.

The Hebrew words of the Ten Commandments are usually written somewhere above the ark.

The Ark is named after the wooden chest which held the stone tablets of the Covenant that God gave to Moses on Mount Sinai.

The search for that original Ark formed the plot of the movie Raiders Of The Lost Ark.

The Eternal Light

An Eternal Light (called Ner Tamid) hangs above the Ark.

This light is always burning, as a symbol of God's presence.

It also represents the pillar of fire that guided the Jewish people on their early journey.

Reading from the Torah

The platform and the desk for Torah readings are called the Bimah (pronounced beemar), and in an Orthodox synagogue are in the centre of the building. (In a Reform synagogue, the Bimah is usually close to the Ark.)

At the proper moment in the service the Ark is ceremonially opened, and the Torah scroll is carried in procession to the reading desk, unrolled to the reading chosen for the day and laid on the reading desk.

It is normal for everyone to stand whenever the doors of the ark are open.

Setting your cell phone or beeper to vibrate or turning it off.

Not taking pictures. Many families hire photographers or videographers and would be pleased to take your order for a photo or video memento. In traditional settings, photography is strictly forbidden on Shabbat.

Not smoking in the sanctuary, inside the building, or even on the synagogue grounds.

Not writing.

Not speaking during services. While you may see others around you chatting quietly-or even loudly-be aware that some synagogues consider this a breach of decorum.

"Rabbi" means teacher. The major function of a rabbi is to instruct and guide in the study and practice of Judaism. A rabbi's authority is based solely on learning.

The Cantor

A cantor has undergone years of study and training in liturgy and sacred music. The cantor leads the congregation in Hebrew prayer.

The "Emissary of the Congregation" (Shaliach Tzibbur)

The shaliach tzibbur is the leader of congregational prayers, be it the cantor or another congregant. Every Jewish prayer service, whether on a weekday, Shabbat, or festival, is chanted in a special musical mode and pattern. The shaliach tzibbur must be skilled in these traditional musical modes and familiar with the prayers. Any member of the congregation above the age of bar/bat mitzvah who is familiar with the prayers and melodies may serve as shaliach tzibbur.

The Gabbai

The gabbai, or sexton, attends to the details of organizing the worship service. The gabbai finds a shaliach tzibbur, assigns aliyot, and ensures that the Torah is read correctly.

The Lay Leaders

Members of the congregation may participate in all synagogue functions and leadership roles. Any knowledgeable Jew is permitted and encouraged to lead the prayers, be called up to say a blessing over the Torah (called "receiving an aliyah"), read from the Torah, and chant the Haftarah.

Bar/Bat Mitzvah and Family

If a bar or bat mitzvah is taking place at services, the bar/bat mitzvah child will participate in a variety of ways, depending on the congregation's customs. The bar/bat mitzvah may do some or all of the following: lead services, read (often chanting) from the Torah and/or Haftarah, deliver a dvar Torah — a speech about the Torah portion read that day. Family members are usually honored by being called up to say a blessing over (or read from) the Torah, and the bar/bat mitzvah child's parents often deliver a speech.

Importance of Rosh Hashanah

the Jewish New Year, when Jews believe God decides what will happen in the year ahead. The synagogue services for this festival emphasise God's kingship and include the blowing of the shofar, a ram's horn trumpet.

This is also God's time for judgement. Jews believe God balances a person's good deeds over the last year against their bad deeds and decides their fate accordingly.

The 10 days beginning with Rosh Hashanah are known as the Days of Awe, during which Jews are expected to find all the people they have hurt during the previous year and apologise to them. They have until Yom Kippur to do this.

Importance of Yom Kippur

The Day of Atonement is regarded as a sacred and solemn occasion, on which synagogue attendance is particularly important. On Yom Kippur Jews believe God makes the final decision on who will live, die, prosper and fail during the next year, and seals his judgement in the Book of Life.

It is a day of fasting. Worship includes the confession of sins and asking for forgiveness, which is done aloud by the entire congregation.

Importance of Sukkot

The years spent wandering the desert (Israelites journey to promised land), living in makeshift dwellings.

For the duration of the festival Jewish families live in temporary huts called sukkot (singular: sukkah) that they build out of branches and leaves.

Each day they hold celebrations with four types of plant: branches of palm, myrtle and willow and a citrus fruit called an etrog. Sukkot is intended to be a joyful festival that lets Jews live close to nature and know that God is taking care of them.

Importance of Hanukkah

The story of Hanukkah is that of the "miracle of the oil". In 164 BC a group of Jews called the Maccabees recaptured Jerusalem from the occupying Syrian Greeks. When they came to rededicate the temple, they had only enough sacred oil to light the menorah (seven-branched candlestick) for one day.

It is said that the candles stayed lit for eight days despite this. During the eight days of Hanukkah, Jews light one extra candle on a special nine-branched menorah, called chanukkiya, each night.

They say prayers and eat fried foods to remind them of the oil. Some gifts are exchanged, including chocolate money and special spinning tops called dreidels.

Purim

celebrates the events told in the Book of Esther, in which a wicked Persian nobleman named Haman plotted to murder all the Jews in the land.

The Jewish heroine Esther, wife of the king Ahasuerus, persuaded her husband to prevent the massacre and execute Haman. Because Esther fasted before going to the king, Purim is preceded by a fast. On Purim itself, however, Jews are commanded to eat, drink a lot and celebrate.

Almsgiving is also a very important Purim tradition. The Book of Esther is read in the synagogue and the congregation use rattles, cymbals and boos to drown out Haman's name whenever it appears.

The Passover

During Passover, Jews remember the story of the Israelites liberation from slavery in Egypt.

God unleashed ten plagues on the Egyptians, culminating in the death of every family's eldest son. God told the Israelites to sacrifice lambs and mark their doors with the blood to escape this fate. They ate the lambs with bitter herbs and unleavened bread (unrisen bread without yeast).

These form three of the components of the family meal, called the seder, eaten by Jews on the first two nights of Passover.

There are blessings, songs and other ingredients to symbolise parts of the story. During the meal the adults explain the symbolism to the children.

Shavout

or the festival of Weeks, is a harvest festival. Historically, at this time of year the first fruits of the harvest were brought to the temples.

Shavuot also marks the time that the Jews were given the Torah on Mount Sinai.

Shavuot is marked by prayers of thanks for the Holy Book and study of its scriptures. Customs include decorating synagogues with flowers and eating dairy foods.

3 parts of the Tanakh

Torah (law)- Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy

Nevi'im (prophets)-Joshua, Isaiah, Samuel

Ketuvim (writings)-Psalms, Proverbs, Jobs