AQA GCSE Religious Studies B: Judaism Practices

What names are sometimes used instead of “synagogue”?

• House of prayer

• House of study

• Shul

• Temple

What images can synagogues be identified by?

• Menorah

• Star of David

What is a minyan?

• A group of at least 10 adults

• Certain prayers can only be said in the presence of a minyan

• In Reform Judaism, this group can involve either men and women, but in Orthodox Judaism, this is limited to men

• In Judaism, “adult” refers to any person above the age of 13 (when somebody will have their Bar/Bat Mitzvah)

What four things do synagogues provide a space for? How?

• Worship and prayer- services are regularly held and praying together is encouraged, though not necessary

• Education- classes in Hebrew for young Jews are provided, as well as a library for older Jews to improve understanding

• Social activities- a variety of activities are hosted, strengthening the community, and matters important to the community can also be discussed

• Charitable events- events raising money for charity are often held, money and items are collected to help the poor and needy

Prayer Hall: Description and significance

• Seats on three sides of hall all face inwards toward the Bimah (reading platform from which the Torah is read) so everybody can hear and see

• Fourth wall is where Aron Hakodesh (Ark) is kept- this is the focal point of synagogue

• Room where Jews come together for communal worship and prayer

What is allowed and not allowed to decorate a prayer hall?

• Patterns, Jewish symbols, or extracts from scripture are allowed

• Images of God, prophets, and other religious figures are not allowed (2nd Commandment)

Aron Hakodesh (The Ark): Significance

• Represents the original Ark of the Covenant which housed the 10 Commandments inscribed in stone

• Facing the ark also means you are facing the city where the Temple once stood

• By climbing up the steps to reach the Ark, Jews are reminded that God is above His people

Bimah (Reading Platform): Significance

• Provides focal point for when Torah is read- easily seen and heard by congregation

• Reminder of altar in Temple in Jerusalem which was central feature

What are the three most significant differences between Orthodox and Reform Judaism?

• Orthodox Judaism is more traditional, while Reform Judaism is more progressive

• Orthodox Judaism emphasises strictly following the Torah, while Reform Judaism believes it is important for an individual to decide how to interpret the Torah and practise the faith

• Orthodox Judaism believes men and women should have different roles while Reform Judaism believes that there should be no distinction made on the basis of gender.

What are the differences between Orthodox and Reform services?

In Orthodox Judaism:

• services are held daily

• services are in Hebrew

• the person leading the congregation faces the Ark

• men and women sit separately

• services are less rigidly structured

• men cover their heads with a skull cap, and the women with a hat or a scarf

• singing is unaccompanied

In Reform Judaism:

• services are held on Shabbat and festivals

• services are in Hebrew and country’s language

• the person leading the congregation faces the people

• men and women sit together

• services are more rigidly structured

• most men wear a skull cap and some women may also cover their heads

• singing may be accompanied by instruments

Tallit: Description and significance

• Prayer shawl with a tassel attached to each corner

• Reminds Jews they are obeying God’s Word as tassels represent mitzvot (tzitzit is Hebrew for 600, there are 8 threads, and 5 sets of knots, totalling 613 which is the total number of mitzvot)

Tefillin: Description and significance

• Small leather boxes containing extracts from the Torah

• One is fastened around the upper arm in line with the heart

• One is fastened to the center of the forehead

• Reminds Jews that their mind should be concentrated fully on God and that their prayers should come from the heart

What five parts do Jewish services typically consist of?

• Opening prayers (focusing on praise and thanks to God)

• The Shema

• The Amidah

• Reading from the Torah

• Final prayers

What does the Amidah consist of?

A series of blessings:

• The first three focus on praising God and asking for mercy

• The middle thirteen ask for God’s help

• The final three thank God and pray for peace, goodness, kindness, compassion

Why is prayer important to Jews?

• Way to communicate with God

• Communal prayer strengthens Jewish community

• Brings Jews closer to God

• Helps Jews remember what their faith is all about

What is Shabbat a time to?

• Rest

• Enjoy family life

• Worship God

• Celebrate God keeping His promises

• Celebrate God’s Creation

Name each of the Shabbat services and their purposes.

• Friday evening service: brief, to welcome Shabbat as a groom welcomes a bride, occur at sunset in Orthodox churches, and at a set time in Reform churches

• Family service: includes storytelling, games and music, largely to engage children

• Saturday morning service: includes reading from the Torah, a sermon, prayers and blessings

What happens before a reading is given? And what is the significance of each action?

• Congregation stands after Aron Hakodesh (Ark) is opened- this is a reminder of how the Jews stood at the bottom of Mount Sinai when Moses returned with Commandments

• Torah is dressed with cover and ornaments- this resembles the vestments worn by priests in early Judaism

• Torah is paraded around the synagogue- this represents the march through the wilderness

• Torah is touched with prayer book/tassels on shawl which are then kissed- this references Ezekiel 3:3 which says God’s words should be ‘on their lips… sweet like honey”

Shabbat preparations: Action and significance

• All work is done (cleaning, washing, preparation of food) before beginning of Shabbat- this is not only because work is forbidden on Shabbat, but also because welcoming Shabbat is similar to welcoming a bride/queen in the home, the home needs to look presentable

• Two candles are placed on the table- these represent the two commandments to ‘remember’ and ‘observe’ Shabbat

• Two loaves of challah bread are placed on the table- these represent the food God provided for the Jews during march through wilderness

• Wine is placed on the table- this symbolises joy and celebration

How is Shabbat celebrated in the family?

• A female member of the family lights two candles- saying blessings and prayers

• A special meal is shared by the family after the Friday service- prayers are said, songs sung, stories told, and blessings made

• In the afternoon, parents spend time with their children and study the Torah

• The end of Shabbat is marked by the havdalah service: blessings are perfomed over a cup of wine, sweet smelling spices and a candle, to soothe and bring light to the house.

How are Jews reminded of God in the home?

• Mezuzot (small boxes containing verses from the Torah) are attached to doorposts and touched each time somebody enters/leaves a room.

• Jews are expected to pray thrice a day

• For Orthodox Jews, the layout of a kitchen is a reminder of God and his laws (two of everything)

What is the Tenakh and its contents?

• Jewish sacred scriptures

  Consists of:

• The Torah (Jewish law)

• The Nevi’im (the Prophets- Jewish history and expansions on Law)

• The Ketuvim (the Writings)- poetry, stories, advice etc

What is the Talmud and its contents?

• A commentary by the early rabbis on the Torah

• Contains a collection of discussions and teachings about how to interpret the Torah and apply its laws to everyday life

  Consists of:

• the Mishnah - a commentary on the Torah written by Ha’Nasi

• the Gemara- a collection of discussions on the Mishnah

Naming ceremony: What it involves and significance

For Orthodox Jews:

• Boys and girls are blessed in the synagogue on the first Shabbat after their birth- here, the father recites a Torah blessing and asks God for the health of his wife and child

• Girls are named at this point but boys are named at their circumcision

For Reform Jews:

• Both parents will participate in naming ceremony which may be held anytime

Significance

• Baby is formally introduced to community and God

Brit Milah: What it involves and significance

• Happens when a boy is eight days old

• A close friend places baby on empty chair- symbolising presence of prophet Elijah

• Circumciser places baby on knee of person given honoured role of being ‘companion of child’

• Baby’s father blesses his son

• Blessing is said over wine and the baby is formally named

• The baby is finally circumcised

• A festive meal is enjoyed

Significance

• Sign of covenant God made with Abraham

• Provides lifelong reminder for Jew that they are one of God’s chosen people

Redemption of firstborn son: What it involves and significance

• A small amount of money is given to the child 31 days post-birth to ‘redeem him’ from temple service, a duty which no longer exists

• Five silver coins are given to a kohen (a descendent of priests working in the Temple)

• Prayers are said asking that the child may ‘enter into Torah, into marriage and into good deeds’

  Significance

• Ancient tradition, honours history of Jews

Why is the Bar/Bat Mitzvah significant?

• When a Jew becomes an adult

• When a Jew is expected to start strictly following Jewish law

• When a Jewish boy is allowed to become a part of the Minyan (in Orthodox Judaism- in Reform Judaism, either gender can participate)

• Preparation brings Jews closer to God and the Jewish community

Celebrating a Bar/Bat Mitzvah: What happens

• This is celebrated on the first Shabbat after a girl’s twelfth birthday and the first Shabbat after a boy’s thirteenth

• The boy wears a tallit for the first time, may lead part of the service and makes a short speech

• The boy’s father thanks God and abdicates responsibility to his son who is now brought to maturity

• Girls equally, lead part of the service and make a short speech

• A celebratory meal or party is held after the service with gifts

• In Orthodox Judaism, celebrations and gifts are much smaller for a girl’s Bat Mitzvah

Marriage: What is betrothal?

• A twelve month period before the wedding in which the couple are promised to one another

• Has legal status in Jewish law, can only be broken by divorce or death

Why do Jewish couples fast before a wedding?

So that they are cleansed of sin and come to the ceremony with the right attitude

What happens in a betrothal ceremony?

• The bride joins the groom underneath a chuppah- a canopy that symbolises the couple’s home

• The bride and groom recite two blessings over wine

• In Orthodox Judaism, the groom places a ring on the bride’s finger, but in Reform Judaism, couples exchange rings

What is involved in the marriage contract?

• This is signed in the presence of witnesses and read out before given to the bride

• For Orthodox Jews, this covers aspects such as the husband’s duties to his wife, inheritance, and how he will provide for the wife in case of divorce

• For Reform Jews, the marriage contract focuses more on spiritual aspirations and mutual hopes- which are equal for man and woman

What happens during the wedding itself?

• Seven blessings are recited

• The rabbi makes a speech and blesses the couple

• The groom breaks a glass under his heel to show regret for destruction of the Temple- a reminder that hardship comes hand-in-hand with joy

• The congregation wishes the couple good luck

What is involved in the wedding reception?

• The couple spend a short time together in a private room to symbolise their new status as a married couple

• There is music and dancing

What must be done when a death of a loved one is announced?

• A small tear is made in clothes- to follow the example of Jacob

• A blessing is said referring to God as the judge- showing they accept God’s decision to take their life

What must be done during the first period of mourning?

• This is in the first 24 hours post-death

• Jews are buried within the first 24 hours but before this, the deceased’s soul is comforted by family members’ prayers

• Close family are left to grieve and not observe certain Jewish laws

What must be done in the second period of mourning (shiva)?

• This lasts for seven days- starting on the day of the burial

• Mourners do not work but stay at home and hold prayer services thrice a day

• One of the prayers said is the kaddish which praises God and asks for peace

• Mourners do not wear makeup, shave or cut their hair, mirrors are covered

What must be done during the third period of mourning?

• This begins after shiva and lasts until 30 days after the person’s death

• Normal life resumes but mourners do not listen to music, go to parties, shave or cut their hair

• Male mourners say the kaddish each day in the synagogue

What must be done in the final period of mourning?

• This lasts for eleven months

• Mourners do not attend parties

• Children continue to say the kaddish prayer for a parent who has passed

What happens after the first year after a person has passed?

• Children mark the anniversary of a parent’s death by lighting a candle each year that burns for 24 hours

• Sons recite the kaddish prayer and make a Torah blessing if possible

What two things can food be categorised by according to dietary laws?

• Kosher which means “acceptable”

• Trefah which means “unacceptable”

How do Orthodox and Reform Jews’ beliefs on dietary laws differ?

• Orthodox Jews follow dietary laws strictly- they believe that laws have come from God to test their obedience and help them develop self-control

• Reform Jews believe that laws are outdated in modern society and it is up to the individual whether they must follow them or not

How must animals be killed?

• Slaughtered with a very sharp knife and by a trained Jew

• They must be conscious when killed

• Blood is drained from the animal as Jews cannot consume food containing blood

How do Orthodox Jews try to observe dietary laws?

• Homes have kitchens with two sinks and two food preparation areas

• Utensils, cutlery and crockery may be colour coded- one colour for dairy products and another for meat dishes

• Synagogues have kosher kitchens

Which quotes support Jewish dietary laws? (Not consuming food containing blood and keeping meat and milk separate)

• “For the blood is the life and you must not consume the life with the flesh” Deutoronomy 12:23

• “You shall not boil a kid in its mother’s milk” Exodus 23:19

Rosh Hashanah: What are its origins and meaning?

• It is the anniversary of the day on which God created humans

• On this day, God weighs up and judges a person’s actions over the past year, deciding their fortune for the year to come

• Therefore it is a day of judgement and remembers God’s creation of the world

Rosh Hashanah: Observance

• Jews take actions that will improve God’s judgement- praying, doing charity work, atoning for sin

• Jews celebrate the day by sharing a festive meal- dipping apples in honey to symbolise a sweet new year

• Jews attend services in the synagogue- in the evening, prayers are said asking God to continue being the king of the world and in the morning, a shofar (ram’s horn) is blown 100 times, followed by a long service with special prayers

Yom Kippur: What are its origins and meaning?

• Stems from Leviticus 16:30: “atonement shall be made to cleanse you of all your sins”

• Jews believe God’s judgement is finalised on this day so it is the last chance to repent for any sins

• This is therefore the Day of Atonement

Yom Kippur: Observance

• Jews attend services in the synagogue- God is asked to forgive their sins to help restore their relationship, sins are confsessed, and the doors of the Ark are closed to represent God’s judgement being sealed

• Jews observe other rituals- this includes fasting for 25 hours, wearing white, abstaining from work, sex and leather shoes.

Pesach: what are its origins and importance?

• It celebrated the Jews’ escape from slavery in Egypt- in specific, the final plague killing all the firstborn sons of Egypt but passing over the houses of the Jewish slaves

• Celebrates birth of the Jewish nation and allows them to give thanks to God for redemption and sympathise with those who live under oppression

How do Jews prepare for Pesach?

• Removing leaven (yeast) from the home

• First born sons fast in thanksgiving for their ancestors’ escape from death

What happens during the Passover Seder?

• The youngest member of the family asks four questions about the meaning of Pesach rituals

• The story of the escape from Egypt is told from the Haggadach (storybook) in reply

What items are served in the Passover Seder alongside the plate?

• Four glasses of red wine- reminder of lambs’ blood the Jews smeared on their doorposts for protection, to represent four freedoms God promised to Moses (Exodus)

• Unleavened bread- to fulfil God’s command to celebrate escape from Egypt by eating unleavened bread for seven days a year (Exodus)

What is on the Seder plate?

• A green vegetable- symbolising new life in the Promised Land

• Salt water- to represent the tears shed in slavery

• Two bitter herbs- to represent the bitterness of slavery

• Sweet charoset paste- to symbolise mortar Jews used and reminds Jews of the sweetness of life post-slavery

• Egg and lamb bone- examples of sacrifices made in the Temple of Jerusalem