Judaism: Practices

Candidates should have considered:

Worship: Practices in Britain and elsewhere:•I can explain the nature and importance of Orthodox and Reform synagogue services; Shabbat service, the significance of prayer including the standing prayer (Amidah).•I can explain worship in the home; siddur, recitation of Shema and Modeh Ani, display of mezuzah. The importance of preparing for and celebrating Shabbat: Exodus 20:8-10.•I can explain items worn for worship; tallith, tefillin and kippah.

The Synagogue: •I can explain features of different synagogues in Britain: significance of the bimah, aron hakodesh, Torah scrolls, ner tamid, seating, minyan; Exodus 20:4-5.•I can explain worship, social and community functions of Orthodox and Reform synagogues serving Jewish communities in Britain.

Rituals:•I can explain the role and importance of the Brit Milah: Covenant, identity, features of the ceremony.•I can explain the Bar Mitzvah: Law and personal responsibility, features of the ceremony.•I can explain Orthodox and Reform views regarding Bat Mitzvah and Bat Chayil and features of the ceremonies.•I can explain Jewish marriage: Genesis 2: 24, features of the ceremony.•I can explain mourning rituals: onan, kaddish, sheva, yarzheit. Role of chevra kaddisha.

Daily Life:•I can explain the significance of use of the Tenakh and the Talmud in daily life;•I can explain the dietary laws: kosher/treyfah, parev, the prohibition of milk with meat, requirements of a kosher kitchen: Leviticus 11:1-23.•I can explain the benefits and challenges of keeping kosher in Britain.

Festivals: practices in Britain and elsewhere:•I can explain the origin, meaning and celebration of the following festivals among different Jewish communities in Britain.•I can explain Rosh Hashanah•I can explain Yom Kippur•I can explain Pesach: Exodus 12:14•I can explain Sukkot •I can explain the diversity of practice between different Jewish tradition

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Worship

You will need to know about: • the nature and importance of synagogue services;• The importance of prayer • the ways in which worship happens in the home; • items worn for worship.

• Services are held on Friday night (Shabbat eve) and late Shabbat afternoon (Saturday afternoon).

• The Shabbat morning service includes: • important prayers eg. Shema and Amidah.• The haftorah is read.• Rabbis deliver a weekly sermon.• After the service a Kiddush is held.• In the Reform Synagogue less Hebrew is used and instruments may be

played.• Shabbat services:

• Bring the Jewish community together• They are able to listen to the rabbi’s sermon which is based on the readings

of the week.• They are able to take part in communal prayers.

Jewish Prayer and Worship

Shabbat Services

Other important Jewish prayers

The Kaddish – The act of Santification, it praises G-d and asks for his blessing. It is said near the end of a service in the synagogue, and during Festivals and Rites of Passage ceremonies.

The Amidah – means ‘standing’. It is repeated silently facing the Ark in the synagogue.

Siddur – Jewish Prayer Book. It contains:

• Morning, afternoon and evening prayers

• Psalms

• Prayers for the New moon

• Kaddish

• Amidah

• Prayers for holy days

There are 3 periods of prayer: Early morning, afternoon and evening.

• All prayers are said facing Israel

• Each prayers consists of readings from the Torah and prayers praising G-d.

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The Amidah:• It is often called ‘the prayer’.• It is a prayer at the centre of every Jewish worship service.• Amidah means ‘standing’ and people stand throughout the prayer.• It has 19 blessings which forms 3 types of prayer:

1. Praise of God2. Requests of God3. Thanksgiving

• It is recited silently and then repeated by the rabbi or cantor.• The Amidah signifies being in God’s presence. • It is said standing to show this and at the end 3 steps are taken backwards, bowing to both

sides, and 3 steps taken forwards to formally show retreating from God’s symbolic presence. • It contains 3 types of prayer to communicate with God:

1. Praise2. Requests3. thanksgiving

Why do Jews pray?• It allows them to communicate with God.• Prayer can be said individually (eg. Morning prayer) or collectively (eg. Shabbat prayer)• Prayer is part of daily life eg. Observant Jews will pray before performing mitzvot, when

they wake up and when they go to bed at night.• There are 3 different types of prayer: praise, requests, thanksgiving• Some Jews will pray in English so that they fully understand the prayers that they say,

however other Jews will say them in Hebrew as it connects them with the worldwide Jewish community and is considered a holy language.

Items worn for worship

Tefillin (phylacteries)• The Tefillin are two small black boxes, made from the leather of a kosher animal, which are strapped to the forehead and left arm, which is nearer the heart.• They are worn on the head and arm so God is constantly in their mind and in their heart. • The Tefillin is a physical reminder of the Torah. • Inside the Tefillin is the Shema. • By wearing the Tefillin, a Jewish man is fulfilling the command in the Shema: “…tie them on your arms and wear them on your foreheads as a reminder.”

Kippah (Yamulkah, Capel)•Jews cover their heads as a sign of respect for God. • A woman can wear any hat or scarf but a man usually puts on a small round cap called a Kippah, or Yamulkah.• Some Orthodox Jewish men and boys wear a Kippah throughout the day as a constant reminder that God is higher than they are.

Tallit (prayer shawl)• The tallit is a prayer shawl worn by Jews during weekday morning services, on the Sabbath, and on holidays. • The tallit is normally made of wool and has special twined and knotted fringes (tzizit) attached to each of its four corners. • The shawl is wrapped around a Jew to remind him that God surrounds him.

Tzizit (fringes)• The longer tassels are called the tzizit, they represent the 10 commandments.• When a Jewish man dies he is often buried with the tallit on and the fringes are cut to show that they no longer have to keep the commandments.

“Make tassels on the corners of your garments and put a blue cord on each

tassel. You are to do this for all time to come. The tassels will serve as

reminders, and each time you see them you will remember all my commands and

obey them”

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Worship at home

Keeping kosher-keeping Jewish laws regarding what is fit and proper things to eat and actions to take.

Preparing and celebrating for festivals-• Many festivals such as Pesach are

prepared for and celebrated in the home.

• Each week Shabbat is remembered and celebrated in the home reflecting the Commandment to remember and keep the 7th day- 10 Commandments Recitation of prayers-

• Prayers in the home are said.• Orthodox Jews on waking will often say

the Modeh Ani to thank God when they wake up.

• Many families will have a siddur (prayer book) which they use at home.

Displaying Mezuzot-• A mezuzah case is often on the doors (not

bathrooms). • Inside is a scroll containing the Shema.• For many Jews the mezuzah symbolises

God’s protection of the house and that the family should live according to the Shema.

Jewish values-• The home is where children learn

right/ wrong• Justice is shown through charity

collection- pushke tin

Shabbat

Shabbat or the Sabbath is one of the most important festivals in Judaism and it is celebrated at least 52 times a year.Shabbat lasts for 24 hours and begins 18 minutes before sunset each Friday and ends 42 minutes after sunset on Saturday.• The Sabbath remembers that once G-d had completed the creation of the world he rested on the 7th Day.• The 4th of the 10 Commandments is the instruction to remember the Sabbath Day and keep it holy.• The punishment in the Torah for not keeping the Sabbath is death.• Although, today no one is killed for breaking the Sabbath it still means a great deal to Jews because it is a commandment from G-d.•It is also believed that if every Jew completes Shabbat perfectly on two consecutive weeks that the Messiah will come.

The Tenakh and Siddur (Jewish prayer book) state 3 purposes of Shabbat:

1. Remembering the Hebrews freedom from slavery;

2. Remembering God's creations of the world and on the seventh day God rested

from his work;

3. A taste of the world in Messianic times

How do Jews celebrate Shabbat?1. Preparations are made in advance. Many will cook food in

advance and use large urns filled with water.

2. The wife or mother lights two candles 18 minutes before sunset – This is the last work that is done. The two candles are said to represent a man and woman.

3. Many Jews will go to the Synagogue for a special service. Reform Jews traditionally go after their Sabbat meal, while Orthodox Jews go before.

4. A blessing is made over a class of wine called Kiddush. “Blessed are You, Hashem, our G-d, King of the universe, Who creates the fruit of the vine.”

5. 5. People wash their hands and then the Challah (Bread) is cut and another blessing is said “Blessed are You, Hashem, our G-d, King of the universe, who brings forth bread from the earth”

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Candles

Challah

Kiddush CupChallah cover

6. On the Saturday morning Jews will visit the synagogue for another service during which there will readings from the Torah, Hymn and Psalms sung. The Shema will be recited and more blessings will be made over wine and bread.

7. The family will return home for a traditional lunch and will spend a quiet afternoon together.

The 39 Melachot include:

Growing and preparing food.

Making clothing.

Leatherwork and writing.

Providing shelter.

Creating a fire.

Work completion.

Transporting goods.

Muktzeh -Work tools / money

Sh’vut- Jews should not ask someone to do something that is forbidden

Uvdin d’chol- Weekday things e.g work books or homework

• The Challah cloth is believed to represent the dew that fell in the desert.• The Cloth also represents a Bride.• The bread is also covered so they do

not see the wine being blessed first.

The Rules of Shabbat

The exception to the rules = Pikuakh NefeshThis means that any mitzvot can be broken in order to save a life.

How do Jews end Shabbat?

The ceremony that ends Shabbat is called Havdalah.

Havdalah means separation.

The purpose of this ceremony is to separate the Holy Sabbath from the normality of the rest of the week.

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Spice box

Havdalah Candle Kiddush Cup

1. The candle is lit and a blessing is said over a cup of wine.

2. The spice box is passed around so the sweetness of the Sabbath may remain for the whole week.

3. A blessing is said over the candle flame and a prayer.

4. Most of the wine is drunk and some is left to put the candle out.

5. People wish each other ‘Shavuah Tov’ meaning a good week

“Blessed are You, Hashem, our G-d, King of the universe, Who creates species of fragrance.”

“Blessed are You, Hashem our G-d, King of the universe, Who separates between holy and secular, between light and darkness, between Israel and the nations, between the seventh day and the six days of labour. Blessed are You,

Hashem, Who separates between holy and secular.

The significance of Shabbat for the Jews

1. To keep the Sabbath holy is a mitzvot – it is a sign that the Jews are keeping their part of the covenant.

2. Shabbat provides a weekly opportunity to think about G-d and worship him.

3. It is a chance to spend time with your family.

4. It provides structure and discipline.8

The Synagogue

The main place of Jewish worship is the home, however, the central place for community worship is the Synagogue.

The first place of worship was the Temple, however, once that was destroyed Jews met temporarily at the Beth Ha-Midrash to study the scriptures.

By the time of the second destruction of the Temple, most communities has a synagogue.

Now though, the only places available for worship were the Synagogues. As sacrifices could no longer be made they were replaces with prayer.

Words for Synagogue:

• Beth Ha-tefilla (House of Prayer)

• Beth Ha-Midrash (House of Study)

• Shul – School

• Assembly or gathering in Greek.Modern Synagogues combined the tradition

of teaching and worship.

They also contain the cheder (room), which is a religious school for children.

Synagogues are often plain buildings with the Magen David (Star of David) symbol to make

them recognisable.

According to the Talmud, the entrance to the synagogue should be

on the side of the building that faces

Jerusalem

Features of a Synagogue

Ner Tamid – The eternal light that hangs above the ark – it is a symbol of G-d’s eternal presence. It always burns and should never be put out.• It is a symbol of God’s presence.• Exodus 27:20-21: Jews were told ‘to cause a lamp to burn

continually’.• It is a symbol of the golden menorah which burned constantly in the

Temple.• The ner tamid is also considered to stand for the light of the

Torah, which it is placed over.

Menorah – a seven branched candle that is the symbol of Judaism.

The Torah Scrolls – The holiest scrolls in Judaism that contain the Torah.• They are made from animal skins and hand written by a trained

scribe who will be learned in the Torah and Hebrew.• The scroll is attached in 2 staves known as the tree of life. • Each scroll is wrapped when not used and decorated in silver

or gold to show their importance.• The scrolls are carried to the bimah to be read.• A portion of the Torah scroll is used in each Shabbat service .• To show its importance it will be raised to show the

congregation. It is seen as an honour or mitzvah to be called up to read from the Torah.

The Aron Hakodesh – or Ark. It is a closet that holds the Torah scrolls.• During some prayers the doors and curtains of the ark may

be opened eg. Yom Kippur.• In Sephardic synagogues it is called the heikhal, and the

curtain is usually inside the doors of the ark.• It is the most important place in the synagogue as it

contains the Torah scrolls. This is reflected in the fact that it is placed in the wall facing Jerusalem.

• The opening and closing of the synagogue signifies important times eg. Opening it for 10 days between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.

• Its importance is shown by the ner tamid above it and when the ark doors are open the congregation usually stand.

10 Commandments – These are seen above the Ark and represent the Torah Scrolls.

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Bimah – A raised platform that the Torah scrolls are read from.• In Orthodox synagogues it is usually in the middle so

the rabbi faces the congregation.• In Reform synagogues the bimah is usually at the front

and combined with the ark.• It has central focus for the reading of the Torah

scrolls and the sermons preached.• This shows that the Torah should be central to life.

Seating – In an Orthodox synagogue men and women sit separately.• In Reform synagogues everyone sits together.• Ashkenazi synagogues have all worshippers facing the

same direction while Sephardi synagogues have the seats all around the walls.

• The seating is one of the main differences between Orthodox and Reform synagogues.

Minyan- Some prayers require a community of worshippers which is defined as ten people. Eg the Amidah and Kaddish

• Many Reform synagogues no longer have minyans or allow a mixed minyan of men and women.

• Most Orthodox synagogues only allow men after their bar mitzvah to form a minyan.

No synagogues will have any statues or representations of living beings as commanded by G-d in Exodus 20: 4-5 (The Ten Commandments)

Differences between Orthodox and Reform

The different ways in which the synagogue is used by the community

• Before a full service can take place a Minyan must be present.

• In an Orthodox Synagogue these 10 Jews can only be men. In a Reform Synagogue they can be men or women.

• Some of the social events include coffee mornings, mother and toddler groups and wedding receptions.

• Another name for the Synagogue is Shul, which means school, and gives a hint about its importance as a centre of learning and it holds the Scriptures.

• There are classes for children especially those studying for their Bar/Bat Mitzvahceremony.

• Jews can consult the Rabbi about problems concerning them on such issues as kosher food laws.

• Older synagogues may have a mikveh, ritual bath.12

The role of the Rabbi

•A rabbi is simply a teacher, a person sufficiently educated in halakhah (Jewish law) and tradition to instruct the community and to answer questions and resolve disputes regarding halakhah. •When a person has completed the necessary course of study, he is given a written document known as a semikhah, which confirms his authority to make such decisions. •Since the destruction of the Temple, the role of the kohanim has diminished, and rabbis have taken over the spiritual leadership of the Jewish community.• A Rabbi’s role includes ministering to the community, leading community religious services and dealing with many of the administrative matters related to the synagogue.

The Rabbi

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• The Members of the synagogue will take care of their local community, trying to ensure that people are not poor and hungry.

• This is shown at times of Festivals - Purim

• Weddings – Chuppah (welcomes everyone in)

• Funerals – Mourning period – shiva – Food is provided by the local community.

Influence of Belief:

• The Ritual dress is a visible sign of being Jewish – its what identifies them.

• The Ritual dress is a commandment.

• The Ritual dress acts as a constant reminder to remember G-d and keep his commandments

• The Synagogue is a reminder of Jewish history and what Temple worship used to be like.

• The synagogue develops a sense of community spirit.

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Orthodox Judaism Reform Judaism

Women and men usually sit separately

in synagogue services.

Women will usually not be allowed to

worship with the Sefer Torah

Men are expected to cover their

heads for worship with a kippah

Married women are expected to

cover their heads but unmarried

women do not need to

Only boys have a Bar Mitzvah girls

have a Bat Chayil

Only men wear the tallit and tefillin

for prayer

Only men are rabbis

Men and women sit together during

synagogue services

Women are allowed to worship with

the Sefer Torah

Women can wear a kippah during

worship

Married women are not expected to

cover their head

Boys and girls have the same coming

of age ceremony- Bar Mitzvah (boy)

Bat Mitzvah (girl)

Women can wear the tallit and tefillin

for prayer

Women are allowed to be rabbis

Men Only Women Only

Men should pray three times a day

Men should pray wearing tefillin

Shabbat prayers eg.Kaddish should

be said by a man

Baby boys are circumcised at 8 days

old

Women are obliged to light the

candles to bring Shabbat to the home

Being Jewish is passed through the

mother.

How do men and women in Judaism worship differently?

The Brit Milah Ceremony

• Kvatter or Kvatterin (Godparents)

• Sandek – The baby is placed on his lap while the circumcision is performed.

• Mohel (A specially trained doctor who performs the circumcision).

• A Rabbi will also be present to read the blessings.

Rituals • The RELATIONSHIP with God is established through each ritual- this could be

through a particular action eg. Circumcision or through performing a mitzvah stated in the Torah.

• Jewish IDENTITY is reinforced through the ritual in front of the Jewish community.• Jewish TRADITIONS are kept. The rituals have been a historically important part of

Judaism. Eg. The covenant between God and Abraham started the ritual of brit milah.• They create UNITY amongst Jews. Eg at burial everyone should be treated the same

to show there is no difference between rich and poor- often the Jewish community will support in the preparation of a ritual such as the burial society.

• Rituals AFFIRM faith in God from the individual as they often include prayers.• The LIFECYCLE of a Jew involves rituals from birth to death. This shows the

continual relationship between a Jew and God throughout life.

RelationshipIdentity

TraditionsUnity

AffirmingLifecycle

1. A tradition that dates back to the time of Abraham.2. Performed by a mohel (specially trained circumciser)3. Baby is male and 8 days old4. Firstly, the child is passed around family and friends.5. The father asks the Mohel to circumcise his son in accordance with Jewish

tradition.6. Baby is placed on the lap of the Sandek (usually grandparent). The Mohel will the

perform the circumcision.7. The spirit of Elijah (a prophet) looks down on the child to check the procedure

runs smoothly.8. Some Mohel’s will suck the wound because it is believed that saliva has healing

properties in it.

Jewish Circumcision – Brit Milah

9. The Rabbi will bless the child and place some wine on it’s lips – to numb the pain.10 The Child’s Hebrew name will be announced for the first time.11. It is a sign of the covenant made between Abraham and God.12. It makes you religiously Jewish because you are keeping the covenant of G-d, and

its a sign of being his people.13. Many circumcisions are performed at home.14. Women are traditionally not present for the Circumcision

Bar Mitzvah

• Means ‘Son of the commandment’• It is the ceremony to mark the point in a child’s life when they become responsible for keeping the Covenant.• In the Talmud it states: "At five years old a person should study the Scriptures, at ten years for the Mishnah, at thirteen for the commandments...“• The Talmud gives thirteen as the age at which a boy's vows are legally binding, and states that this is a result of his being a "man," as required in Numbers 6:2.

What Happens at a Bar Mitzvah?1. On the Sabbath after his 13th Birthday, the change is marked with a ceremony in

the synagogue.

2. Before the ceremony the boy will be given a portion of the Torah to learn. The

Rabbi will teach him Hebrew and about Jewish history and law.

3. At the ceremony the boy will stand at the Bimah and read his portion from the Torah for the first time in front

of family and friends.

4. The boy will then read a second reading call the Haftarah before the

Torah is returned to the Ark.

5. The boy’s father will then read a speech called baruch shepatrani thanking God for bringing the boy to maturity and declaring

him responsible for his own actions.

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6. The Rabbi will then ask God for his blessing upon the boy and will explain to

him his new responsibilities.

Bat Mitzvah

• Bat mitzvah means ‘daughter of the commandment’.• A girl becomes Bat Mitzvah at 12 since Judaism recognises that girls mature

before boys. • These are only found in the Progressive communities. The ceremony is very

similar to that for a boy.

Bat Chayil - Daughter of Excellence • Orthodox communities have a ceremony for 12 year old girls called Bat Chayil

(Daughter of Excellence). • Girls prepare by studying their responsibilities as women - the laws of Shabbat,

festivals and kashrut (food laws) as well as Jewish history, prayers and blessings.

• Bat Chayil usually happens on a Sunday. Synagogues are decorated and family and friends join in the celebrations. The girl often makes a short speech and reads a passage in Hebrew. She is often presented with a siddur (prayer book).

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Kiddushin The marriage ceremony

• The wedding day is the happiest and holiest day of one’s life. • This day is considered a personal Yom Kippur for the chatan (groom) and kallah(bride), for on this day all their past mistakes are forgiven as they merge into a new and complete soul.

Key people at the WeddingChatan: Groom Challah: BrideRabbi: performs the ceremonyEdin: witnesses, ensure the Jewish ceremony is carried out correctly

Kiddushin – The Wedding Ceremony

1. Tish – Chatan’s (Groom) reception where the Ketubah is signed in front of 2 witnesses.

2. Kabbalat Panim – Bride’s reception where prayers are said.

3. Bedeken – Lifting of the veil to check the Groom has the right Bride.

4. The Bride and Groom then walk and stand under a canopy called a Chuppah.5. The Jewish wedding ceremony combines two formerly separate ceremonies: Erusin

(betrothal) and Nissuin (marriage).6. Erusin (betrothal) - The Rabbi makes two blessings over two glasses of wine. One

blessing the wine and the other blessing the couple and forbidding adultery.7. The chatan now takes the wedding ring in his hand, and in clear view of two

witnesses, declares to the Challah, “Behold, you are betrothed unto me with this ring, according to the law of Moses and Israel.” Rings are placed on the right hand.

8. The Ketubah is read out.9. Nissuin (marriage) – Rabbi recites of seven blessings, called the sheva

berakhot.10. The Groom smashes a glass.11. The civil signing of the register.12. Yihud – Bride and Groom have private seclusion.13. Seudat Mitzvah – Meal and party to celebrate the wedding.

Why is Marriage so important to Jews?

• Marriage is both physically and spiritually important.• Kiddushin - Hebrew word for Marriage, meaning Holiness.

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Why is marriage so important to the Jews?K – Kids – ‘Go forth and multiply’ The commandment in Genesis is to have children, Jews believe marriage is the right place to raise children.I – It’s not good to be alone. ‘“...a man will leave his own father and mother. He marries a woman, and the two of them become like one person” D – Delays of Marriage should only happen if you are studying the Torah. 18 was the ideal age to get married.D – Develops the individual within a special, committed relationship.U – underpins society and promotes the continuation of Judaism.S – Sins are forgiven when someone gets married.H – Happiness. In the Talmud it says that an unmarried man lives without joy, without blessing and without good.I – Increases stability in a troubled and changing world.N – Natural state for all, including Rabbi’s. The only people who should delay being marriage are those who study in the Yeshiva, College for study of the Torah.

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Funerals

What happens when someone has died? 1. Kriah - Tearing of the clothes – represents the sadness that they feel upon hearing that a loved one has died. It also mirrors the actions of characters in the Tenakh. Example of Jacob who tore his clothes when he thought Joseph had died.2. 7 family members are obligated to perform this ritual, son, daughter, mother, father, sister, brother and spouse.3. A candle is lit near the head of the deceased to represent that the soul of the person.4. Tahara - The body is washed and placed in plain white garments, called takhrikin, to show respect and5. The body will be placed in a plain wooden coffin (called an aron) so that the body doesn’t decompose before the coffin. 6. This is in keeping with the commandment, “unto dust shalt thou return” (Genesis 3:19). This links in with the modesty laws. It means that rich and poor alike are equal in death.7. Earth from Israel may also be placed in the coffin to show that the connection between Jews and Israel and the worldwide community.8. The Coffin will not be open and flowers will not be placed on the grave, as these actions could mask the reality of death.9. A Shomer (Guardian) is always with the body until burial. This is done as a sign of respect for the deceased. Prayers are read during this time to thank God for the gift of life.10. Funerals generally take place in a funeral home, although they sometimes take place in the Chapel. The burial must take place as soon as possible, ideally with 24 hours of death. This is done also as a sign of respect to the deceased.11. At a Funeral, readings will be made from the book of Psalms. The Kaddish prayer is said, as well as prayers.

Mourning RitualsRabbi’s recognised that individuals go through certain stages of mourning, and so developed a certain rituals to help mourners express their grief.

Stage 1:Aninut (Deep sorrow or distress)This is the time from death until burial. During this time the mourners are not obliged to carry out mitzvots, as they will be consumed with funeral arrangements.

Stage 2: ShivaFocus is the mourners: Parent, child, spouse or sibling7 Day period of mourning that takes place in the house of the deceased.

After leaving funeral, hands are washed 3 times for each hand to symbolise life.

Family have condolence meal in silence. The meal is provided by the Jewish community and contains food that is round to symbolise the cycle of life.

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A memorial candle will burn 24 hours a day for the duration of Shiva. This represents the soul of the deceased - “the soul of man is the lamp

of the Lord” – Proverbs 20:27.

Also, during this time mourners will sit on low chairs as a sign of mourning and depression.

Mirrors are also turned over or covered as the focus is on your loss, not on vanity.

Stage 3: Shloshim• Means a period of 30 days. Many of the restrictions are not lifted.• Mourners can now leave their house and go to work, however they should keep social engagements to a minimum.• Mourners do not shave or cut their hair during this time. They will also not use any unnecessary products to make themselves beautiful.

Stage 4: Yizkor

• Yizkor means "remembrance" and is marked with a special service held in the synagogue on significant holidays.

• The connection to generations past and loved ones gone is made at Yizkor.

• A yartzeit candle is lit at home in memory of the loved one. These candles burn continuously for approximately 24 hours

YARTZEIT – One year anniversaryEach year on the anniversary of the death, mourners will:• Light a yartzeit candle at home the night before, because the Jewish day begins in the evening. • Give tzedakah (charity) in your loved one's memory. • Learn Torah that day. Read from a book about Judaism or Torah ideas, or arrange to learn with someone from the community. • Recite Kaddish. If you cannot, arrange for someone to recite it on your behalf. Sponsor a kiddush in synagogue on that day, or on the Shabbat that falls at the end of that week. • Fast from sunrise to sunset.

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What is the significance of these events for Jews?

• Many of the Rites of Passage ceremonies are mitzvots (commandments) so Jews want to carry them out.• Many of the customs link back to their history, for example the practice of circumcision dates back to Abraham and the lifting the veil of the Bride links backs to Jacob.• The Brit Milah ceremony welcomes the child into the Jewish faith and Tradition.• The Bar Mitzvah ceremony is important because before this the boy is now responsible and accountable for keeping the mitzvots himself.• The rituals of the afterlife are for the relatives left behind and a specifically designed to help families to grieve and mourn.

Daily Life: Sacred Writings

Candidates should have explored the nature of the Tenakh• Torah (Law), • Nevi’im (Prophets) and• Ketuvim (Writings); • and of the Talmud (learning, commentary on the Torah), and their importance for

Jews.• There should be a consideration of the reasons why the Tenakh is a sacred text for

Jews, the ways in which it is shown respect by Jews, and the ways in which it is used in private and public worship.

The Jewish Bible

• It is written in Hebrew.• In Hebrew it is called the Tenakh.• It is often written: TeNaKh to highlight its 3 sections.

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Torah

• When this section of the Tenakh is written and kept in the form of a scroll it is called the Sefer Torah.

• Key word: Sefer Torah – The scroll of the Torah used in the synagogue.

Why is the Tenakh a sacred text for Jews?

• The 24 books of the Tenakh give a history of the first 3, 500 years from creation to the building of the 2nd Temple in Jerusalem.

• The practice of Judaism links back to its history and following the Law (Tenakh)!!

• The Tenakh also provides G-d’s plan for humanity and the rest of the world.

Deuteronomy 10:12-13“People of Israel, what does the LORD your God want from you? The LORD wants you

to respect and follow him, to love and serve him with all your heart and soul, and to obey his laws and teachings that I am giving you today. Do this, and all will

go well for you.”

• It is kept in the Aron Kodesh (Holy Ark) in the Synagogue.• It is handwritten on animal skin (parchment) and placed on large rollers• It is copied by a specially trained scribe.• It is written in Hebrew and read from left to right.• When the Torah is being read from it is not touched, instead a pointer called a yad is used.

• The Hebrew word for Torah means Law or teaching.

• It is at the centre of Judaism because it is believe to contain G-d’s words.

• It is believed its words were given to Moses on Mount Sinai when the Israelites were wandering in the desert.

• This means the Jews can live in the way that G-d wants them too.

The Oral Torah

• In Judaism: There are two Torahs: The written Torah and the Oral Torah.

• Both of these were given to Moses and were taught to the Israelites while wandering the desert.

• The Oral Torah is sometimes said to ‘fill the gaps’ in the Written Torah. 23

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The Mishnah Berurah is the first major Rabbianic writing. It is the

outline of the Oral Torah.

Mitzvot to wear tefillin:

• “Bind them as a sign upon your arm and let them be ornaments between your eyes” Deuteronomy 6:8.

Mitzvot to slaughter animals for food:

• “...You may slaughter from your cattle and your flocks that G-d has given you...”

Deuteronomy 12:21

Written Torah Oral Torah

• How to wear Tefillin? Oral Torah!

• How to slaughter animals for food?

Oral Torah!

Mishnah

• Up until the Roman persecution of the Jews 1,700 years ago the Oral Torah had been passed around by word of mouth.

• It was feared the oral Tradition may be lost, so..

• A man called Rabbi Yehuda Hanasi (Rabbi Judah the Prince) wrote down the outline of the Oral Torah is a book called the Misnah.

The Mishnah Berurah is the first major Rabbianic writing

The Mishnah is divided into 62 sections, which them come under 6 main categories:• Seeds – agricultral laws, prayer, crops, tithes• Festivals – Laws of Shabbat, forbidden work• Women – Marriage, family, Divorce• Damages – Civil and criminal law, court system• Holy Matters – The Temple and Sacrifices.• Purities – Laws of ritual purities.

Why is it important to some Jews?• Is provides a basis for dicussion on Jewish life and belief.• It provides guidance on the issues of law and practical rulings. (Halakhah)• It provides guidance on preaching and the spiritual aspect of the law

(Haggadah).

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Midrash• Rabbinic commentary and Interpretation of the Scriptures.

Contains teachings on Laws

• Morality

• Religious life based on the Torah.

• Oldest collection of Jewish stories and legends, dating from 200ce.

The Talmud

Mishnah: Judaism's Oral

Law.

Talmud

• During the 2nd and 3rd centuries CE the Jews continued to be persecuted and so the Rabbi’s of Babylon created a more detailed version called the Gemara.• Together the Mishnah and the Gemara from the Talmud (Teachings).• The Talmud is Rabbinic discussions about Jewish law, ethics, customs and history.

Gemara: a discussion of the Mishnah and other

Rabbinic writings on other subjects and the

Tenakh.

What is the importance of the sacred texts for Jews?

• Torah: Early history of the Jews and their relationship with G-d.• They contain the Laws and Covenants Jews are supposed to follow.• Other books contain Laws, prophecy, poetry, liturgy and History, which all help

the Jews to follow G-d’s laws.• Prophets wrote about the coming of a Messiah who will bring peace to the Earth.

Isaiah 9:5-6 “A child has been born for us. We have been given a son who will be our ruler. His names will be a Wonderful Advisor and Mighty God, Eternal Father and Prince of Peace. His power will never end; peace will last forever. He will rule David's kingdom and make it grow strong. He will always rule with honesty and

justice. The LORD All-Powerful will make certain that all of this is done.”

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• The Torah is an essential part of worship in the synagogue. In an Orthodox synagogue the seating arrangements are in a circle, centred around the Torah.

• They contain the 613 mitzvots telling Jews how they should live.

• If they are followed Jews will be cared for by G-d, if not they will suffer (Covenant).

• The reading of the Torah scroll plays an important part in Festivals and Rites of passage ceremonies.

• The truth lies in the holy Scriptures.

• The Shema – “Listen, Israel! The LORD our God is the only true God! So love the LORD your God with all your heart, soul, and strength.”

Showing Respect• The Sefer Torah is so important that it is dressed and decorated with

care.

• It has a fabric cover, such a velvet. It has a breastplate hung over it. (This represents the breastplate worn by the high priest in the Temple).

• There will often be a cluster of silver bells that ring when it is being carried.

• A yad (pointed finger) will be attached to use to read the Torah.

• Kept in a Holy Ark for safe keeping.

Respect in the Synagogue

• During worship, the Torah is paraded around. Every stands and faces it out of respect.

• Some close to it will let the tassels of their tallit touch the cover and then kiss the tassels as a mark of devotion.

• It is read from a Bimah (Platform). It is unroled a little and held above the head for all to see the text.

• During a typical service there will be special readings fro the Torah depending on the time and day of the service. Passages from the Tenakhwill also be read.

• When a Sefer Torah is damaged or too old, it is removed to a room in the synagogue called a genizah where it can be stored with respect.

• A Sefer Torah is unlikely to be kept on the home, but a Jewish family are likely to have a copy of the Tenakh.

Daily Life: Kashrut (dietary laws)

Kosher = Food which is allowed

Trefah – Food which is forbidden

“...But the LORD will give you cattle, sheep, and goats, and you can butcher any of those animals at home and eat as much as you want ...”

(Deuteronomy 12:21)

All Vegetables and fruit and dairy products are kosher

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General Rules

Although the details of kashrut are extensive, the laws all derive from a few fairly simple, straightforward rules:

• Certain animals may not be eaten at all. This restriction includes the flesh, organs, eggs and milk of the forbidden animals.

• Of the animals that may be eaten, the birds and mammals must be killed in accordance with Jewish law.

• All blood must be drained from meat and poultry or broiled out of it before it is eaten.

• Certain parts of permitted animals may not be eaten.

• Fruits and vegetables are permitted, but must be inspected for bugs (which cannot be eaten)

• Meat (the flesh of birds and mammals) cannot be eaten with dairy. Fish, eggs, fruits, vegetables and grains can be eaten with either meat or dairy. (According to some views, fish may not be eaten with meat).

• Utensils (including pots and pans and other cooking surfaces) that have come into contact with meat may not be used with dairy, and vice versa. Utensils that have come into contact with non-kosher food may not be used with kosher food. This applies only where the contact occurred while the food was hot.

• Grape products made by non-Jews may not be eaten.

• There are a few other rules that are not universal.

Kosher Non- Kosher

chicken Pig

Sheep Rabbit

Cow Camel

Fish with fins Eel

Goat Most birds

Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur

• Jews believe that G-d has a book of life.• It contains the names of everyone who is sorry for their wrong doings.• Jews believe that G-d decided on the first day of the year who will be forgiven, but anyone who is left out has 10 days to apologise to everyone.• The final decision is made on Yom Kippur.

Rosh HashanahRosh Hashanah is commonly known as the Jewish New Year. It is celebrated on the

1st and 2nd days of the seventh month.

“To say to the people of Israel:

The first day of the seventh month must be a day of complete rest. Then at the sound of the trumpets, you will come together

to worship and to offer sacrifices on the altar. “

Leviticus 23:24-25

The Bible refers to the holiday as Yom Ha-Zikkaron (the day of remembrance) or Yom Teruah (the day of the sounding of the shofar).

What happens on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur?

1. During the month before Jews will start to think about what that have done well and what they have done wrong over the past year.

2. For the whole of the 6th month, except on Shabbats the shofar is sounded each morning in the Synagogue.

3. The shofar remembers G-d giving Moses the 10 commandments on Mount Sinai.

The Rabbi Maimondies gave 3 points about the Shofar:1. It is curved to remind Jews to sumbit to G-d’s will

and moulding2. It is held to the right pointing upwards so that its

message goes straight from the heart to G-d.3. It is blown at a narrow end to show thoughts

emerge from a broad mind and heart.

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Festivals

4. During the month before many visit graves of relatives.

5. It is a time to apologise for mistakes made and any hurt which has been caused.

6. People greet each other with ‘May you be inscribed in the book of life for a good year’.

7. On Rosh Hashanah itself people visit the Synagogue and prayers are said.

8. Readings are made from the Torah that tell stories about peole who made sacrifices to show they accepted G-d’s will, for example, the birth of Isaac and his sacrifice.

9. During the service the Shofar will be sounded 30 times.

10. It is traditional to each round challot in honey and apples are also dipped in honey to ask G-d to grant you a ‘good and sweet year’. Cards are also sent.

11. The 10 days between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are known as High Holy Days. In Hebrew they are called Yamim Noraim, the Days of awe.

Yom Kippur

• The name "Yom Kippur" means "Day of Atonement”.• It is a day set aside to "afflict the soul," to atone for the sins of the past year. • On Yom Kippur, the judgment entered in the Book of Life is sealed.• This day is, essentially, your last appeal, your last chance to change the judgment, to

demonstrate your repentance and make amends.

The Significance of Rosh Hashanah

1. Tradition says it is the anniversary of creation2. The Rabbi’s called it the day of Judgement – When you will be judged on

how you have acted over the past years.3. Tradition also says that G-d forgave Adam’s sins on Rosh Hashanah.

“The LORD God said to Moses: The tenth day of the seventh month is the Great Day of Forgiveness. It is a

solemn day of worship; everyone must go without eating to show sorrow for their sins, and sacrifices must be burned. No one is to work on that day--it is the Great Day of Forgiveness, when sacrifices will be offered

to me, so that I will forgive your sins.”Leviticus 23:26-28

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How is Yom Kippur celebrated?

1. When the Temple stood people used to sacrifice a bull and a goat. It was believed that they took away everyone’s sins.

2. Today, the father of the household will bring a live chicken or fish and wave it 3 times over the head of each member of the family. Sometimes a handfullof notes it used. It is believed that this actions takes away people’s sins.

3. Yom Kippur begins at sunet with a meal.4. Festival candles are lit. The fast has begun.5. Sometimes Yahrzeit candles are lit to remember dead relatives.6. Children are blessed so that they may be sealed in the Book of life, also

parents and children ask for forgiveness from each other.7. The rules of Shabbat apply on Yom Kippur. The only difference is that the

fast lasts for 25 hours.8. The curtains and cloths in the Synagogue are white for Yom Kippur.9. White is worn on Yom Kippur.10. Many spend the entire day in the Synagogue.11. There are many readings from the Torah, particularly Isaiah 57 and 58

which teaches that fasting is meaningless without inward thoughts and the Book of Jonah – the man swallowed by a whale.

12. The Shema is read, and the Shofar is blown a final time.

The Significance of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur

1. Central to the Jewish New Year.

2. Jews who don’t observe other Holidays will usually always attend the synagogue at Yom Kippur.

3. They provide an opportunity to worship and celebrate together.

4. They provide a time to think about how you have lived your life over the past year.

5. They bind the community together and remind they of their history.

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Sukkot (Tabernacles)

• The Festival of Sukkot begins on Tishri 15, the fifth day after Yom Kippur.

• Historically, Sukkot commemorates the forty-year period during which the children of Israel were wandering in the desert, living in temporary shelters.

• Agriculturally, Sukkot is a harvest festival

• The word "Sukkot" means "booths," and refers to the temporary dwellings which the Israelites lived in the desert

• Later, farmers who were gathering in the final harvest lived in temporary huts at the edge of their fields so that they did not have to journey home each night.

“Remember to begin the Festival of Shelters on the fifteenth day of the seventh month after you have harvested your crops. Celebrate this festival for seven days in

honour of me and don't do any work on the first day or on the day following the festival. Pick the best fruit from your trees and cut leafy branches to use during the

time of this joyous celebration in my honour. I command you and all of your descendants to celebrate this festival during the seventh month of each year. For

seven days every Israelite must live in a shelter, so future generations will know that I made their ancestors live in shelters when I brought them out of Egypt. I am the

LORD your God. “Leviticus 23:33

How is Sukkot celebrated?

1. On the first 2 and last 2 days of the festival no work other than food preparation is done.

2. Days 3-6 are called Chol Hamoed. For these days all work is avoided, except what is necessary.

Sukkah

• The Mitzvot is to live in the Sukkah for 7 days.• It is built outside the home or synagogue.• It must be big enough to hold a family.• The walls can be made of anything but the roof must be natural.• The inside is decorated with fruit and pictures or signs showing the names of Jewish forefathers.• Most Jews eat in the Sukkah but do not sleep in it.• People do not eat in there if it is raining.• Non-Jews are invited to eat in there. 31

Lulav and Etrog

• Together theay are known as the four spices.• An etrog is a citrus fruit from Israel. It must have a pittam (Hard piece of skin at one end) otherwise it is not kosher.• The other spices, Palm, Myrtle and Willow are put into a woven palm holder and form the Lulav.• The 4 spices represent the final gathering of the Harvest.• On each say of Sukkot except the Sabbath, Jews will hold the Lulav in the right hand and etrog in the left and recite the blessing.

• The etrog is turned upside down and then waved with the Lulav in six directions to show G-d’s power over all the universe.

“Blessed are You, Hashem, our G-d, King of the universe, Who has sanctified us with his commandments and has commanded us concerning the taking of a palm branch”

Simchat Bet Bet Hashoeva

• This is the 2nd day of Sukkot.• In the synagogue the Ark and bimah are covered in white.• The Rabbi and the Chazzan wear white.• After the service 7 Torah scrolls are carried in 7 processions followed by men carrying Lulav and Etrog.• In the Synagogue people pray for water and beat a plant until the leaves fall off to remind G-d what can happen if there is not enough water. It can also represent the shedding of sins.• After this the Lulav and Etrog are left to return naturally to the earth.• Many Jews will stay up until after midnight reading the Torah.

Shemini Atseret

• Atseret means conclusion and this is the last day of Sukkot.• No work is done and the Jews continue to live in the Sukkah until lunchtime.• In the Synagogue readings are given about celebrating this day and giving charity.• Jews must give to the poor and cancel all loans after 7 years out of Kindness.• On this day there is also the prayer for rain for the new crops called Tefilat Geshem

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Pesach (passover)

•Pesach begins on the 15th day of the Jewish month of Nissan•The primary observances of Pesach are related to the Exodus from Egypt after generations of slavery.•It represents the beginning of the harvest season in Israel

‘And this day shall become a memorial for you, and you shall observe it as a festival for the L-RD, for your generations, as an eternal decree shall you observe it. For seven days you shall eat unleavened bread, but on the first day you shall remove the leaven from your homes ... you shall guard the unleavened bread, because on this very day I will take you out of the land of Egypt; you

shall observe this day for your generations as an eternal decree.’

- Exodus 12:14-17

Preparing for Passover

• Most take place in the home.

• All Chametz (Leaven bread) has to be removed.

• Chametz – anything that contains the 5 grains – wheat, rye, barley, oats and spelt or if any of these have come into contact with water for more than 18 minutes.

There are 2 ways to remove chametz from the house:

• Burning

• Renouncing

The night before...

• The house is searched by candlelight to find any remaining chametz.

• Often the mother will have hidden a few pieces – The most common is ten pieces to represent the 10 commandments and 10 plagues.

The fast of the first-born

• To give thanks for the life of the first born Israelites it is a tradition that the first-born son of each family should fast.

The Seder

• This is the meal which plays a central part in the celebration of Pesach. • It is eaten on the 1st, 2nd and last nights of the festival.• The Seder (meaning order) is a special ceremony for the home. • It is based on the instruction to parents to tell their children about the escape from Egypt.• The instructions for celebrating passover are found in the Haggadah.• Each person present at the meal has a copy of the book and will read from it.• The youngest child will ask 4 questions, the answers are found in the Haggadah. •The Rabbis state that even the poorest person must recline when eating the seder to remember that the Jewish people were slaves in Egypt.

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This is a picture of a table set for Pesach (passover)

During the Seder each person must drink 4

glasses of wine. They represent the 4 times a wine cup was mentioned

in Joseph’s interpretation of the

Chief Butler’s dream and the 4 promises that G-d

made in the Exodus.

3 matzot places on top of each other – the represent the unleven bread that the Jews didn't have time to let rise before they left

Egypt.

A roasted Egg –this represents the

temple sacrifice that can no longer

be offered.

Parsley – a sign of new life and hope.

Shankbone – this represents the

passover sacrifice and remembers the Egyptians who died

under the 10th

plague.

Salt Water – this represents the

slaves tears

Lettuce or horseradish – this

represents the bitterness of the life of the slaves.

Haroset – this is a paste made from

almond, apples and wine. It is a symbol

of mortar the Hebrews used when building as slaves.

On the table there will also be a full cup of wine known as Elijah’s cup. Jews believe that Elijah will come before the Messiah.Near the end of the Seder the front door of the house is opened to show that this is a night of waiting and watching.

The Seder meal follows a particular order:

1. Kaddesh – Blessing over the wine in which G-d is praised for giving the festivals to Israel.

2. U’rechatz – washing the hands – this follows the ancient practice of ritual purification before eating anything dipped in Liquid.

3. Karpas – the parsley is dipped in salt water and eaten.34

• The family meal is usually chicken soup and matzah

balls followed by a casserole.

The meal ends with everyone saying ‘Next Year in Jerusalem’

4. Yachatz – division – the middle matzah is broken in two and one half is hidden. The hidden piece is called the afikoman, the after-meal, and is eaten at the end of the meal as a reminder of the paschal lamb which was eaten at the end so that it’s taste would remain in the mouth. Usually children look for the afikoman and a prize is given to the person who finds it.

5. Maggid – recitation – the Passover story is read from the Haggadah. Although the story of the Exodus is all about Moses, his never mentioned.

6. Rachtzah – washing the hands – the ritual washing of the hands before breaking bread.

7. Motzi Matzah – bringing forth – Grace before meals is said for the matzah.

8. Matzah – pieces of the top matzah and the broken middle one are eaten.

9. Maror – the bitter herbs are dipped in the haroset and eaten.

10. Korech – binding – a sandwich is made from the piece of the bottom matzah and bitter herbs and eaten. This is based on the verse: “In the second month, on the 14th Day, in the afternoon, shall they make it; with matzos and bitter herbs shall they eat it” Numbers 9-11.

11.Shulchan Orech – The festival meal.

12.Tzafun – hidden – the afikoman is found and eaten.

13. Barech – blessing – Grace after meals.

14. Hallel – psalms of praise – Psalms 115-118 are recited. It was usual in the time of the Temple to recite these psalms at the time of the offering of the paschal lamb.

15. Nirtzah – acceptance – this is the conclusion.35

The significance of Pesach (Passover) for Jews

1. The escape of the Hebrews from their slavery in Egypt in central to the history of the Jewish people because hey were able to head for the promised land.

2. The Festival highlights the power of G-d in freeing them and helping them to overcome their difficulties.

3. The story of the Exodus highlights G-d keeping his part of the covenant.

4. The story highlights the beliefs that G-d will reward you if your good and punish you if you’re bad.

5. For Jews, it proves the love of G-d for all his people.

6. The celebration of the meal brings all people together to remember Jewish history.

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