Judaism: practices

What is the Jewish place of worship?

The synagogue

What is the importance of the synagogue?

Worship & prayer → provides a sacred space for worship & communal prayer which strengthens Jews relationship with God, some prayers can only be said in the synagogue in the presence of a Minyan

Education → educates Jews on the faith & helps to deepen their understanding (e.g. Hebrew classes, reading & translating the Torah, library)

Social activities → many host a variety of activities (e.g. youth clubs, music groups) which helps unite the Jewish community

Charity events → often organises charity events & helps Jews to donate their time & money to those in need, this helps Jews live by the mitzvot

What is a Minyan?

A quorum of at least 10 adults

What are some of the key features of the synagogue?

Aron Hakodesh

Ner Tamid

Bimah

What is the Aron Hakodesh & its significance?

The holiest part of the synagogue where the Torah scrolls are kept

It represents the Ark that was in the temple of Jerusalem, holding the stone tablets engraved with the 10 commandments

It only opened during special prayers/services & Jews stand

When Jews face it, they are facing the direction of Jerusalem where the Temple once stood

What is the Ner Tamid & its significance?

The ever-burning light above the Aron Hakodesh

It means eternal light & it symbolises God’s everlasting Divine Presence

A reminder of the menorah that was lit every night in the temple of Jerusalem

Traditionally, it was an oil lamp but now it is often an LED

What is the Bimah & its significance?

The raised platform where the Torah is read

Comes from the Hebrew word ‘Bama’ meaning ‘high lace’

In most synagogues it is in the center of the prayer hall, providing a focal point for Jews during services

It reminds Jews of the altar that was a central feature of the Temple in Jerusalem

What are the 2 main denominations in Judaism?

Orthodox

Reform

What are the key differences between Orthodox & Reform Juddaism?

Orthodox → strictly follow the laws in the Torah since they believe it was directly given to Moses by God, prayers & readings in Hebrew, male leadership in synagogue, men & women sit separately in synagogue

Reform → adapt the laws in the Torah to suit modern society since they believe it was inspired by God, some prayers & readings in vernacular, male & female leadership in synagogue, men & women sit together in synagogue

What are the 3 daily prayers in Judaism?

Shacharit (morning prayer)

Minchah (afternoon prayer)

Maariv (evening prayer)

What is the Tallit & its significance?

A prayer shawl made from wool or silk

It reminds Jews that they are obeying God while they wear it

Tzitzit (tassels) are attatched to each corner to represent how God & the mitzvot are relevant everywhere

In Orthodox, only men wear the Tallit however in Reform some women do as well

What is the Tefillin & its significance?

A pair of small leather boxes, each containing 4 extracts from the Torah

One box is strapped to the forehead, in line with the mind

The other box is strapped around the right arm, in line with the heart

It reminds Jews to fully focus on God when they pray & that their prayers should come from the heart

Give 4 prayers in Judaism

Shema

Amidah

Kaddish

Aleinu

What is the Shema?

The fundamental belief & declaration of faith in Judaism

“Hear O Israel: the Lord is our God, the Lord is one”

What is the Amidah?

The ‘standing prayer’ that is the central prayer of Jewish worship

It is prayed in silence while standing & facing Jerusalem

It contains 19 blessings (first 3 praise God, middle 3 seek Gods guidance, final 3 thank God)

What is the Kaddish?

A hymn prayer that praises God and means ‘holy’

There are different types such as the mourner’s kaddish that reminds Jews that death is part of Gods greater plan

It is call & response & it can only be recited while standing in the presence of a minyan

What is the Aleinu?

The closing prayer of a synagogue service that gives praise & thanks to God

Jews recite it while bowing their knee toward the Aron Hakodesh as if they are bowing to God, marking their commitment & faith

Why is prayer important for Jews?

→ It is a mitzvot

→ Strengthens Jews relationship with God

→ Communal prayer unites the Jewish community

→ Displays Jewish devotion & faith to God

What is Shabbat?

The Jewish day of rest

It is also known as the Sabbath

When is Shabbat celebrated?

Friday sunset until Saturday evening every week

What are Muktzeh?

Things that are forbidden to Jews during Shabbat

(e.g. handling money, preparing food, cleaning, doing work, driving)

How do Jews prepare for Shabbat?

→ All work is completed, food is prepared & the house is cleaned before Friday evening to welcome Shabbat into an organised & presentable home

→ 2 candles are placed on the table ready to be lit, symbolising the 2 commandments to remember & observe Shabbat

→ 2 loaves of Challah bread are placed on the table to represent the food God provided for Jews whilst they traveled from Mount Sinai to Jerusalem

→ Wine & grape juice is placed on the table to be drunk from the kiddish cup to symbolise joy & celebration

What happens on the special Shabbat meal on Friday evening?

→ Before the meal, parents bless their children & the head of the household recites the kiddush blessing while holding the kiddush cup

→ The challah bread is blessed & passed around the table

→ The meal usually lasts for a few hours, allowing the family to relax & enjoy each others company while also sharing Jewish stories/songs

→ The meal ends with thanksgiving to God for the food

What happens on the Shabbat Saturday morning service?

→ Jews stand when the Torah is taken from the Aron Hakodesh

→ The Torah is dressed & held out while verses are chanted

→ The Torah is paraded around the synagogue, symbolising how Jews marched from Mount Sinai to Jerusalem carrying the original Ark

→ Many Jews touch the Torah with tzitzit which they then bring to their lips, recalling how God’s words should be on their lips

→ After the reading is finished, this is repeated before the Torah is returned to the Aron Hakodesh

→ The rabbi ends the service with a sermon

What marks the end of Shabbat?

The Havdalah service

What happens on the Havdalah service?

→ The service is performed at home after sunset on Saturday

→ Blessings are said over a cup of wine, sweet smelling spices & a candle

→ The sweet spices & candle are believed to soothe & bring light to the house after Shabbat has ended

What is a mezuzah?

A small box containing handwritten scrolls of Torah verses that Jews attach to their doorpost

Jews touch the mezuzah as a symbol of respect to God & a reminder to obey Gods laws

What is the Tenak?

The Jewish sacred scriptures

(consisting of a collection of 24 books)

What are the 3 main parts of the Tenak?

Torah → 5 books of Moses which form the foundation of Jewish law

Nevi’im → 8 books about the Jewish prophets & their teachings after Moses

Ketuvim → 11 books consisting of a range of Jewish literature (e.g. poetry, stories, advice, historical accounts…)

What is the Talmud?

A commentary on the Torah from early rabbis

It contains a collection of discussions & teachings on how to interpret the Torah & apply the laws to everyday life

What are the 2 parts of the Talmud?

Mishnah

Gemara

Why is the Talmud important in Judaism?

→ Helps Jews to correctly interpret & follow God’s laws, thus strengthening their relationship with God

→ Allows Jews to deepen their knowledge of the Torah, which makes up part of fulfilling the covenant

→ Gives Jews advice on how to apply God’s laws to everyday modern life

What are the Jewish ceremonies associated with birth?

Naming ceremony

Brit Milah

Redemption of the firstborn son

What is the naming ceremony?

The ceremony that formally introduces a Jewish baby to the community & God

What does the naming ceremony involve?

Orthodox → the baby is blessed in the synagogue of the first Shabbat after birth, the father recites a blessing from the Torah & asks God for the good wealth of the baby & mother, baby girls are named, boys are named at Brit Milah

Reform → both parents take part in the ceremony, it may not necessarily be held on the first Shabbat after birth

What is Brit Milah?

The ceremony of circumcision

(circumcision = the removing of male foreskin)

What does Brit Milah involve?

→ The ceremony takes place 8 days after the baby boys birth

→ A close friend or relative places the baby on an empty chair to symbolise the presence of Prophet Elijah

→ A trained circumciser places the baby on the knee of the ‘companion of the child’

→ The father blesses the baby over wine & the boy is formally named

→ The baby is circumcised in a simple operation

→ Family & guests enjoy a meal to celebrate

Why is Brit Milah important?

→ It is a mitzvot

→ An important sign of Jewish identity

→ Recalls the covenant with Abraham

→ Provides a lifelong reminder to Jewish males that they are one of Gods chosen people

What is the redemption of the firstborn son?

The ceremony where Jews give 5 silver coins to a kohen 31 days after the birth of the firstborn son

This ‘redeems’ him from Temple service

What is Bat Mitzvah?

A celebration that recognises when a Jewish girl has come of age (12 years) & is responsible for her religious acts

Bat Mitzvah = daughter of commandments

How is Bat Mitzvah celebrated?

What is Bar Mitzvah?

A celebration that recognises when a Jewish boy has come of age (13 years) & is responsible for his religious acts

Bar Mitzvah = son of commandments

How is Bar Mitzvah celebrated?

→ The boy reads from the Torah at a synagogue service (usually the first Shabbat after his 13th birthday) - many synagogues hold classes to prepare boys for this occasion

→ The boy wears a tallit for the first time

→ The father thanks God for bringing his son to maturity & declares that he is now responsible for his own actions

→ After the service there is often a celebratory meal or party where the boy receives gifts

Why is Bat Mitzvah & Bar Mitzvah important?

→ An important sign of Jewish identity

→ Strengthens Jews relationship with God

→ Marks when a Jew is expected to take full responsibility for following Jewish law

→ Celebrates when Jews enter adulthood / maturity

What are the 2 steps of Jewish marriage?

The betrothal

The wedding

What is the betrothal?

The period of time before the wedding when the couple are engaged or promised to each other, typically lasting for a year

It has legal status in Jewish law & so it can only be broken by death or divorce

Where do Jewish weddings take place?

In a synagogue or in a venue (e.g. hotel)

When do Jewish weddings take place?

On any day except Shabbat or another Jewish festival

What are the key points of a Jewish wedding?

Before the wedding

The betrothal ceremony

The marriage contract

The marriage itself

The wedding reception

What happens before the wedding?

→ Some Jewish couples fast to cleanse themselves of sin & so they come to the ceremony with the right attitude

→ Some couples may not see each other a week before the wedding

What happens at the betrothal ceremony?

→ The groom lowers the brides veil himself to confirm her identity, reminding the story of Jacob who mistakenly marries Layer instead of Rachel

→ The bride & groom go underneath the chuppah which is a canopy that symbolises the home the couple will create with generosity, openness & harmony

→ The bride & groom recite 2 blessing over wine

→ In Orthodox weddings the groom gives the bride a plain ring, whereas in Reform weddings the couple exchange rings

What happens in the marriage contract?

→ The marriage contract is signed in the presence of witnesses & then read out & given to the bride

→ In Orthodox, this covers aspects including the husband’s duties to his wife, the inheritance upon his death & how he will provide for his wife if they get divorced

→ In Reform, this covers spiritual aspirations & the couples mutual hopes rather than legal rights

What happens is the marriage itself?

→ The bride circles the groom 7 times & 7 blessing are recited

→ The rabbi gives a short speech & blesses the couple in front of the congregation

→ The groom breaks a glass under his heel to show regret for the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem, reminding that life involves hardship as well as joy

→ The congregation wishes the couple good luck

What happens at the wedding reception?

→ The couple spend a short time together in a private room after the ceremony to symbolise their new status as a married couple

→ At the wedding reception there is music & dancing

→ The male & female guests no longer stay separated

What does marriage symbolise in Judaism?

A spiritual bond between a couple where 2 souls are fused to become one

“Hence a man leaves his mother & father & clings to his wife, so that they become one flesh”

What happens at Jewish funerals?

→ The body is washed & wrapped in a plain linen cloth as well as tallit for males

→ The the body is placed in a simple coffin, symbolising that everyone is equal in death

→ Synangoues are considered to be a place of life, so the funeral usually takes place at the cemetery

→ The service includes prayers, readings & a short speech from the rabbi

→ After the funeral, everyone washes their hands to show that they are leaving death behind

→ Jewish law states that everyone must have a grave as a sign of permanent remembrance

What are the different periods of mourning in Judaism?

1st period of mourning → lasts until burial (which is very soon after death - usually within 24hrs), close family members grieve without having to follow certain Jewish laws

2nd period of morning → lasts for 7 days after burial, intense mourning period known as shiva, mourners do not work, kaddish prayer is recited, mirrors are covered to avoid focus on appearance

3rd period of mourning → lasts until 30 days after death, normal life resumes although music, parties & cutting hair are forbidden

Last period of mourning → lasts for 11 months, mourners do not attend parties, children continue to say kaddish prayer if it is their parent who had died

What do Jews do when a death is announced?

→ Close family members make a small tear in their clothes, following the example of Jacob

→ Jews pray to God to show that they accept God’s decision to end the persons life

What are Kashrut?

Jewish food laws

What is Kosher?

Foods that can be eaten according to Jewish food laws

What is Trefah?

Foods that can’t be eaten according to Jewish food laws

What are some of the Jewish food laws?

→ Meat & dairy must not be mixed

→ Animals must be slaughtered in a way that drain all the blood

→ Meat must be cleansed in salt water to ensure all blood is removed

→ Do not eat anything that has dies naturally or been killed by another animal

→ Only eat fish with fins & scales

→ Do not eat birds of prey & scavengers

Why are Jewish Food laws important?

→ It is a mitzvot

→ An important sign of Jewish identity

→ Strengthens Jews relationship with God

What is Rosh Hashhanah?

The festival that marks the start of the Jewish new year

It is known as the day of judgement

How is Rosh Hashanah celebrated?

→ Jews take actions to improve God’s judgement (e.g. charity work, prayer)

→ The evening Rosh Hashanah starts, Jewish families share special meal with symbolic foods (e.g. apples in honey in hope for a sweet new year)

→ Tashlikh (breadcrumbs) are thrown over water to symbolise the casting away of sins

→ At the evening service in synagogue Jews ask God to continue being king of the world for the upcoming year

→ At the morning service in synagogue, the shofar (rams horn) is blown 100 times s a sign of God’s judgement

What is Yom Kippur?

The holiest & most important day of the Jewish calendar when God’s judgement is finalised

It is known as the day of atonement

How is Yom Kippur celebrated?

→ Jews prepare for Yom Kippur by ritual bathing to symbolise cleansing sin

→ During Yom Kippur Jews fast for 25 hours, do not work & wear white to represent purity

→ Most Jews spend much of Yom Kippur in the synagogue where they take part in a general confession of sins as a community

→ After the synagogue service the doors of the Ark are closed to symbolise that God’s judgement is now sealed

What is Pesach?

The festival that celebrates the Jews escape from slavery in Egypt

It is also known as Passover

How is Pesach celebrated?

→ All chametz (leavened food) is removed from the house, symbolising how Jews did not have time for their bread to rise when they escaped Egypt

→ Some Jews hide breadcrumbs in their home to find & burn, showing how all chametz has been removed

→ On the first evening of Pesach, Jewish families share a special meal called the Passover Seder which includes red wine, unleavened bread & the Seder plate

What is on the Seder plate & its signficance?

Green vegetables dipped in salt water → symbolises new life in the Promised land & the tears shed in slavery

2 bitter herbs → often horseradish & romaine lettuce, symbolises the bitterness of slavery

Charoset → a sweet paste, symbolises the mortar the slaves had to use & reminds Jews that life is now sweeter

An egg & lamb bone → symbolises the sacrifices made in the Temple of Jerusalem

Unleaved bread → symbolises how Jews did not have time for their bread to rise when they escaped Egypt

Red wine → symbolises the lambs blood Jesus smeared on the slves doorposts to save Jewish children from the final plague

Why is Pesach important?

→ It is a mitzvot

→ An important sign of Jewish identity

→ Commemorates the story of the Exodus which lead to the birth of the Jewish nation