Judaism Revision Jewish Practices The uses and importance of the

Bet K’nesset- house of Assembly and centre of the Jewish community  can pray anywhere but certain can only be said in the presence of a (Orthodox 10 men over 13; Reform 10 adults) Also known as Bet T’filah- House of Usually rectangular but can be any shape- identified by the Magen (Star of) and sometimes a menorah from the outside Importance as: a place of prayer and study; learning Hebrew and the ; helping young Jews prepare for Bar/Bat - a library is there to aid study Importance as a social centre: collecting charity money; youth clubs; day centres for the elderly; giving advice on religious and social matters. Social hall holds family functions The features of a synagogue

room sometimes called a Schul (school in German) The Aron Hakodesh (ARK)- holiest place as it contains the Torah scrolls and represents the . At the front,facing - only opened during special prayers The curtain in front of the Ark is called a Parochet Ner Tamid- Ever- burning light above the Ark- never put out as it symbolises G-d’s presence Bimah or reading platform-focus of worship when the Torah is read so usually in the centre, or high up - Teacher (not a priest) - scrolls in the Ark The 10 Sayings displayed, usually next to the Ark No statues as idolatry is forbidden Orthodox/Reform differences at the synagogue Seating- upper gallery in Orthodox-women and children worship separately Reform- men and women may sit together The Bimah might be at the front in reform with the reader facing the congregation (people)- Reform- centre in Orthodox Reform may have an organ as music sometimes used in worship (in Orthodox the singing is unaccompanied) Daily worship in the synagogue

In Orthodox services are 3 times a day -Morning; afternoon; evening Devout Jews will attend but do not need to Orthodox men wear (shawl); (boxes) on weekdays. Reform some men and women wear them A minyan (10 men) need to be present (women in Reform) Daily prayers are taken from a (order) Opening prayers- praise and thank G-d Shema is recited with either side The standing prayer- has nineteen blessings: The First 3 praise G-d; The middle 13 are requests- 6 personal, 6 for the community; The final 3 thank G-d and pray for peace, goodness, kindness and compassion There is sometimes a reading from the Torah The final prayer- the prayer praises and thanks G-d Orthodox and Reform Worship

Orthodox Reform Men and women sit separately Men and women sit together Only men are or Women can be rabbis and lead services (cantors) Singing is unaccompanied Music may accompany singing Prayers are in Hebrew Prayers are mostly in English in UK though Only men can form a minyan some Hebrew might be used Person leading the service will have his Women can form a minyan back to the congregation Person leading the service usually faces the Men always wear and tallit- also congregation tefillin for daily morning prayer Men and some women may wear a kippah Married women cover heads with a scarf Services tend to be shorter The role and importance of the Tanakh and Torah • Tenakh (tanakh)- the whole of the Jewish scripture- the written law • Torah- The 5 books of - basis of Jewish law • Nevi’im- 8 books of history that also expand on Jewish law • - 11 books poetry, stories advice • Studied extensively by Orthodox Jews- Torah is the unchanging word of G-D and is permanent for all times • All Jews look for moral guidance and to discover the will and nature of G-d • Reform Jews do not study as much- believe the Torah can be updated or reinterpreted for the context of the time. The importance of the and in daily life Interpretations of the laws were passed down through word of mouth- written down to avoid misinterpretation This oral (spoken) law was collected and written down- (Rabbi Judah Hanassi 200CE) Dealt with application of laws on marriage, divorce, observance of , dietry laws Mishnah was debated- the debates were written down 500CE as the Mishnah and Gemara- combined to form the Talmud Why important?- it is a commentary of the Rabbis explaining to Jews how the Torah can be applied in daily life- it explains but not replaces the written Torah Worship and prayer in the home

Shema is said 3 times a day- especially morning and evening Many Jews start the day with the prayer- thanking G-d for “returning their soul”. Many Jews stand to pray- some rock back and forth to show that the body, mind and soul are all engaged Orthodox men will put on the tallit and tefillin (some reform men and women may too) Prayer at home is important as it allows private contemplation about G-d. It can strengthen their bond with G-d. Remember that certain prayers may only be said with a minyan (at the synagogue) Touching the on the doorpost is part of worship at home objects

Tallit- robe- worn by Orthodox men and some Reform men and women- usually white with black or blue stripes- has a number of tzizit (tassles) to remind Jews of the mitzvot Kippah- skull cap to show respect to G-d by covering the crown of the head- worn by Orthodox men and some reform men and women Tefillin- black leather boxes worn on the head and arm- G-d is close to the mind and heart. Tefillin contain passages from scripture including the Shema- worn only for morning weekday prayers by Orthodox men and some reform men and women The Mezuzah- containing the Shema- pinned to doorposts (all doors in an Orthodox house except the toilet)- touched as a person goes in to remind them of G-d’s presence Siddur- A prayer book The importance of Shabbat

Weekly day of rest Origins in the Creation story- G-d rested on the 7th Day- Jews reminded of G-d’s creation Celebration of the Covenant and G-d’s promises Begins at sunset on Friday and ends at sunset on Saturday but lasts 25 hours Orthodox Jews keep to this but some Reform Jews may start and end at the same time each week for practical reasons Orthodox Jews keep strict rules on what work involves Reform Jews rest and take a day off their usual routine but may not be as strict (some may drive to the synagogue) Key family time and time to focus on G-d and responsibilities for others The celebration of Shabbat in the home- preparation House is cleaned and meal prepared Table is set with the best cutlery and crockery- to welcome “Queen Shabbat” Wine or grape juice, two loaves of bread covered with a cloth Wine symbolises joy; the challah the double helping of manna G-d provided in the desert Eldest female (wife/mother) lights two candles and beckons in Shabbat waving her hands over the flames She says a prayer for G-d’s on the family The Shabbat Meal

Return from Friday synagogue service Head of the household recites (blessing) while holding the cup Each member of the family washes hands- purification Bread is blessed by the Head of household, broken and sprinkled with salt- then shared out Each course of the meal is broken up by stories from scripture and songs Prayer of thanksgiving Shabbat day

A different day- complete relaxation and time with family Saturday morning- synagogue service involving: • A longer service than weekdays • Also contains a reading from The Torah and a sermon (talk) • Each week a different part of the Torah is read- the whole of it is read over a year • The Congregation stand to welcome the Torah as the doors to the Ark are opened • Torah is read from the Bimah then held up and paraded. People touch it with their and hold them to their lips • Once the Torah has been read it is replaced in its mantle, breastplate and crown • Service ends with Shabbat - return home • Shabbat ends with - at nightfall in the home involving a spice box and plaited candle How and why Jews keep

Laws about what can and cannot be eaten are found in Deuteronomy and Leviticus- kosher- what is permitted Generally foods forbidden (Trefah)- meat from pigs; shellfish-seafood must have fins and scales; meat and milk together Meat slaughtered according to Jewish law-all blood removed- no spots in eggs Fruit and vegetables van be eaten with anything as long as they are washed of insects Orthodox Jewish kitchens may have separate sinks, crockery, fridges etc. to separate meat and milk Orthodox Jews usually require a stamp from a Bet Din (Jewish Court) to certify food as Kosher; Reform Jews may just look at ingredients Orthodox Jews will leave 3 hours between meat and milk; reform Jews may only leave a shorter time Keeping Kashrut is obedience to G-d for Orthodox Jews. Some liberal Jews may believe there are historically practical reasons for them Birth and

Act of circumcision of Jewish boys at 8 days old Recalls the Covenant with Seal of membership of G-d’s chosen people Baby placed on an empty chair representing the Prophet - trained circumciser-places the boy on the knees of a grandfather or similar () Father says a blessing- over a cup of wine and names the boy A piece of foreskin removed Celebratory meal Other birth ceremonies

Both boys and girls are blessed at the synagogue on the first Shabbat after their birth- The father recites a Torah blessing Girls are named at this point; boys at their Brit Milah Both Reform parents are involved in this ceremony The of the First Born: . 31 days after the birth of a son, Orthodox parents give money to redeem him from Temple service (the Temple no longer exists) . 5 silver coins are given to a - a descendant of the priests to redeem the child Bar/Bat Mitzvah

Bar Mitzvah- “Son of the Commandment” Age 13- a boy “comes of age”- has the full responsibilities of an adult in terms of his and his own actions- can form a minyan-full member of the community- Usually happens on the first Sabbath after his 13th birthday He has attended classes preparing him and allowing him to practise his portion of the Torah- which he will read publicly for the first time Will wear his tallit for the first time Party to follow Bat Mitzvah/Bat Chayil

Bat Mitzvah- Reform girls- “daughter of the commandment” Very similar to Bar Mitzvah- she reads a portion of the Torah Happens at the age of 12 She will give a speech at the ceremony Bat Chayil- “Daughter of excellence”- Orthodox Some Orthodox girls are able to give a Torah lesson (but not read from it) at the end of a synagogue service where she will receive gifts and be prepared to keep a Jewish home Marriage- before the wedding

Jewish marriage is traditionally in two parts: the betrothal and the wedding Marriage is a spiritual bond and a way of experiencing holiness Orthodox parents may still use a match-maker working on behalf of G-d. Kiddushin-betrothal-is legally binding in Jewish law Sometimes held a year before the wedding but mostly on the wedding day itself During betrothal the (contract) is drawn up- outlines how the wife and children might be supported in the event of death or divorce. Shabbat before the wedding the husband to be takes part in and announces his intention to marry. The Wedding

Usually in a synagogue but can be elsewhere Not on Shabbat or a festival Led by a rabbi- under a (canopy) symbolising the couple’s home The couple fast-purification The bride’s mother brings the bride to him- bride circles him whilst they recite two blessings over the wine A plain ring is placed on the bride’s finger (Orthodox) both exchange (Reform) An important wedding guest recites 7 blessings The groom breaks a glass under his foot to symbolise the fragility of marriage and the destruction of the temple. Death and the Funeral

As a nears death someone is with them so they do not die alone Just before death, the person makes a final and recites the shema if able On hearing of the death, Jews make a small tear in their clothes- over the heart for a parent, right chest for other relatives Blessing accepting G-d’s taking of the life Funeral within 24 hours if possible- burial- though Reform allow cremation Before burial the body is washed- wrapped in a plain linen cloth- also tallit (with a fringe removed) for men Simple coffin-all equal in death Not at synagogue- place for the living Service includes , reading from scripture and a few words from the rabbi As the mourners leave they wash their hands to leave death behind Tombstone must mark the grave- simple- no flowers but stones are placed to show the grave has been visited Mourning for family-1

3 periods of mourning, decreasing in intensity- aims to allow grieving and for getting back to normal life- to comfort the living Soul leaves the body at the funeral- no set mourning until then After burial- meal of condolence with bread and eggs (new life) - 7 days of intense mourning: . Stay at home sitting on low stools or the floor . No wearing of leather shoes . No shaving, cutting of hair or make up . Mirrors are covered . Torn clothing is worn . Prayer services are held- Minyan is made up with relatives Mourning for family-2

30 day lesser mourning . Normal life but no listening to music; parties; shaving . Male family will go to the synagogue to recite 11 month final period of mourning: . Mourners still do not attend parties . Children continue to recite kaddish . Both sons and daughters continue to light a candle that burns for 24 hours in memorial of a parent (Yarhzeit- year time) on the anniversary of the death. Some repeat this annually. -celebrating

- ram’s horn- blown daily a month before Special prayers of said all month Day before, similar preparations as for Shabbat Fruit not usually eaten is bought- symbolising renewal Candles are lit before sunset Synagogue evening prayers as G-d to reign for the coming year Kiddush blessing said over wine At home: . Meal has a Kiddush blessing- apples dipped in honey hope for a sweet new year . A fish head is sometimes eaten- hope that good deeds will multiply Next morning at synagogue, shofar is blown 100 times- longer service-many Jews who do not attend as regularly will attend Rosh Hashanah- importance

Celebrated over 2 days too mark the start of the Jewish New Year 10 day period starting with RH and ending with - “days of awe” Jews reflect seriously on their lives and actions and ask forgiveness RH recalls the creation story- anniversary of when G-d created humans Some believe G-d keeps a record of good and bad deeds- makes a decision about fortune in the coming year G-d’s judgement means all actions have consequences Jews try to influence G-d’s judgement- extra prayers, acts of charity, make up with people they have upset Yom Kippur- observance

No work is done Fast for 25 hours Bathing, wearing of leather shoes, sex are forbidden Wear white as a symbol of purity Much time is spent in the synagogue Most important part is a general confession on the part of the community- “we” During final service, the Ark doors are opened- all stand-last chance for confession Ark doors close to show G-d’s judgement is sealed. Final blowing of the shofar to end the fast Yom Kippur- importance

Holiest and most important part of the year Leviticus 16 describes how it is to be observed- obedience to Torah Known as the Day of Atonement- G-d seals the book of judgement Jews mend relationships with others during RH- YK is for humans to repent of sins to G-d YK allows G-d’s forgiveness and the relationship between Jews and G-d to be restored. Pesach- observance

Preparations: . All leaven- yeast- () is removed from the home . Children participate by hunting and then burning chametz- reminds them that they needed to leave in a hurry . Thoroughly clean homes . Some first-born males fast as thanksgiving for redemption The

 First evening of Pesach- meal- mother lights 2 candles to start-Begins with Kiddush blessing over wine  Table is set with red wine, 3 pieces of Matzot, (book)  Middle matzo is broken and hidden for children to find  Seder Plate: . Salt water -tears . Green vegetables -new life in promised land . Bitter herbs- bitterness of slavery- dipped in charoset- mortar used by slaves . Roasted egg- lamb bone- sacrifices in the temple . Matzot- no time to allow bread to rise . Red wine- blood of lamb  Youngest family member asks 4 questions- Haggadah used to answer them  4 small glasses of wine – 4 freedoms promised by G-d  5th Cup of wine- door left open for Elijah who will announce the Messiah Pesach- importance

Recalls the “” of the angel of death and escape from Egypt Lasts 7 or 8 days- major family and community celebration Marks the birth of the Jewish nation- fulfils G-d’s promise of the Promised Land Celebrates the giving of the law (Torah) and the making of the Jews as the Chosen People Jews show gratitude to G-d for their freedom and redemption The retelling of the story and games for children reinforce traditions- ensure they are passed down Jews think about and empathise with others experiencing oppression - celebration

Main feature is the building of the (hut) In the home itself but preferably in the garden- must have minimum of 3 sides and large enough to sit in – whole family plus guests Synagogue sukkot must have room for congregation Meals and entertaining happen- if warm enough and room- sleep Leaf covering must be more shady- but must not obscure the sky The 4 species - citron, palm, willow and myrtle are held by the man in the synagogue (citron in his left hand, others in his right) At the end of sukkot prayers for rain are said- before this he moves them back and for in his directions to show G-d’s presence During prayers for rain, they circle the Bimah 7 times Work is allowed on middle 4 days Sukkot- Importance

Festival lasts 8 days- first 2 and last 2 are holy Sukkah recall the tents that were dwelling places of in the desert when they left Egypt They recall the journey through the desert- provides a visible link with their ancestors- common identity The sukkah represent harmony- bring all together under one roof Sense of belonging is reinforced through ancient traditions What is distinctive about Orthodox? Way over half of the Jews in Britain would class themselves as Orthodox Jews, so what makes them so distinctive?

The Torah is God’s word and The Sabbath day is should not be changed or for strictly for rest interpreted in any other way.

Women are treated Food rules very differently to (called Kosher) men, for example, Orthodox are always kept they cannot become Rabbis

They wear certain Men and women items of clothes cannot sit together which makes them at Synagogue look different What is distinctive about Reform? So what is so distinctive?

Jewish faith should God inspired the Torah, but change with the times that doesn’t mean it cannot be adapted for modern life.

Food rules (called Women the same Kosher) aren’t as right to become important as rabbis as men Reform prayer and community

It is hard to Men and women distinguish a reform CAN sit together at A mix of Hebrew Jew by their clothes. Synagogue and English is used for prayer.