jewish practices and quotes needs updating about prayer/worship, everything from marriage onwards

rs gcse aqa

what is the synagogue?

place of worship and study (Shul: school)

what are the key interior features of the synagogue?

the Ark, the Bimah, Ner Tamid

what is the Ark?

holiest place in synagogue, where Torah scrolls are stored, represents original Ark of the covenant, built into Eastern wall to face Jerusalem, covered with Parochet (curtain symbolises curtain in the Temple)

what is the Bimah?

reading platform, centre of synagogue on raised platform, physically looking up to the Torah, read from centre of synagogue to show how teachings go to whole world

what is Ner Tamid and what does it represent?

ever burning light (lamp, candle etc), represents God’s eternal presence, Torah always having meaning and value, symbol of Israel (‘light of nations’)

what are some of the rules/rituals of public worship for Orthodox Jews?

men and women sit separately, leader faces Ark with back to congregation, no music, service in Hebrew, only men can become rabbis, be part of the minyan, and perform rituals in the synagogue, men cover their heads with a kippah as a sign of respect to God, married women cover their heads

what are some of the rules/rituals of public worship for Reform Jews?

different genders can sit together, women can be rabbis, may have music or singing, some prayers read in English, leader faces congregation with back to Ark

why is worship important in Judaism?

strengthens relationship with God, fulfills Abraham’s covenant with God, shows devotion, brings community together

what is a tallit?

prayer shall with tzitzit attached to each corner, tassels represent 613 mitzvot and four corners of the world, wrapping around yourself shows a desire to embrace God’s will

what is Shabbat?

day of rest (Saturday), reflects on God’s day of rest when creating the universe

why do Jews keep Shabbat?

part of their covenant with God, is a commandment, reminds them that God created the world, following God’s example with a day of rest, only ritual mentioned in the ten commandments

ten commandments shabbat quote

“Remember the Sabbath day, keep it holy”

what are the rules on working on Shabbat?

Talmud forbids 39 areas of work on Shabbat, e.g. cannot drive, cannot light fires or use electricity

what happens in the synagogue for Shabbat?

brief service on Friday evening, at end of service leader takes a cup of wine and recites Kiddush (thanks God for giving the Jews Shabbat), longer service on Saturday morning, same Torah section read in every synagogue across the world, usually includes sermon

how does the way Orthodox Jews take Shabbat differ to that of Reform Jews?

Orthodox Jews adhere to every law (e.g. will tear toilet paper the night before), Reform Jews will not follow laws that are too hard in modern life/base it on how they interpret each law

how is Shabbat celebrated at home?

two candles lit on Friday evening, mother traditionally covers her eyes and recites a blessing, kiddush said over wine and food blessed, finish with challah bread, on Saturday family shares another meal and spend the day playing games, bonding etc

quote for circumcision

“Every male among you shall be circumcised” Genesis 17:10

what is Brit Milah?

circumcision, boys circumcised at 8 days old by mohel, blessed by father, baby formally named

what is a Bar Mitzvah?

coming of age celebration for boys, 13th birthday

what is a Bat Mitzvah?

coming of age celebration for girls, 12th birthday

how is a Bar Mitzvah celebrated?

boys attend class to prepare Torah portion, called to read from Torah, wear a tallit, may lead service or say a short speech, father thanks God for bringing his son to adulthood, party or celebratory meal

what happens at a Bat Mitzvah?

more common in Reform Judaism, similar to Bar Mitzvah, sometimes marked by Orthodox Jews with a family meal and gifts as women cannot lead services, Orthodox Bar Mitzvah focuses on preparing girl for future role as wife keeping a Jewish home

what are the two steps of marriage?

betrothal (engagement period, around 12 months) and the wedding

quote for marriage

“a man leaves his father and mother and clings to his wife” Genesis 2:24