Judaism: Practices

Synagogue

A building for Jewish public prayer, study and gathering.

Minyan

A group of at least 10 adults; a minimum number of Jews required for a Jewish religious service.

Menorah

A many-branched candlestick that holds either seven or nine candles.

Star of David (Megan David)

A symbol of Judaism said to represent the shield of King David, who ruled Israel in the tenth century BCE.

Bimah

A platform in a synagogue form where the Torah is read.

Aron Hakodesh

The Ark- the holiest part of the synagogue, which contains the Torah scrolls.

Rabbi

A Jewish religious leader teacher.

Ner tamid

Eternal light; a light that is kept burning in the synagogue above the Ark.

Reform Jews

Jews who believe the laws and guidance in the Torah can be adapted for modern times; they believe the Torah was inspired byGod but written by humans, so can be interpreted according to the times.

Cantor (Chazzan)

A person who leads or chants prayers in the synagogue.

Tallit

A prayer shawl

Tefillin

Small leather boxes containing extracts form the Torah, strapped to the wearer's arm and forehead for morning prayers.

Amidah

Also known as the 'standing prayer', it is the central prayer of Jewish worship.

Shabbat

The Jewish holy day of the week; a day of spiritual renewal starting shortly before sunset on sunset on Saturday.

Tenakh

The 24 books of Jewish scriptures.

Talmud

A commentary by the rabbis on the Torah- it consists of the Mishnah and Gemara together in one collection.

Rituals

Religious ceremonies that are performed according to a set of pattern.

Brit Milah

Ceremony of male circumcision; the removal of the foreskin for religious reasons.

Bar Mitzvah

Celebration of a boy coming of age at 13; literally 'son of the commandment'.

Bat Mitzvah

Celebration of a girl coming of age at 12, in Reform synagogues; literally 'daughter of the commandment'.

Marriage

→before wedding: cleansing of sins

→bethrothal ceremony: bride joins groom under chuppah symbolising their home to come + ring

→marriage contract

→the marriage: bride circles groom 7 times, 7 blessings + rabbi, groom breaks glass under heel (regret for destruction of temple)

→after wedding: short private time as newly weds followed by wedding reception

Mourning

A period of time spent remembering a person who has died.

Shiva

An intense period of time mourning that lasts for seven days.

Kaddish

A prayer said by Jewish mourners that praises Go and asks for peace.

Dietary laws

Rules that deal with foods permitted to be eaten, food preparation, food combinations, and the utensils and dishes coming into contact with food.

Kosher

Food that meets the requirements of Jewish laws.

→ Keep milk + meat separate

→ “You shall not boil a kid in its mother’s milk” - Exodus

→ animals killed in certain way (sharp knife, conscious animal, blood drained)

Trefah

Food that Jews are forbidden to eat; mean 'torn'.

Rosh Hashanah

The Jewish new year, begins the 10 days of repentance, atonement, reconciliation

→ apples + honey for sweet ny

→anniversary day for human creation (adam and eve)

→rams horn blown (shofar)

Yom Kippur

The Day of Atonement; a day of fasting on the tenth day after Rosh Hashanah.

→ Leviticus “atonement shall be made for you to cleanse you of your sins”

→Fasting for 25 hours

Pesach (Passover)

Festival in remembrance of the Jewish exodus from Egypt that is celebrated in spring.