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Home , Brit milah, Sandek, Tallit

Friday, January 15, 2021

Starter: 1. The is made up of ______books 2. A is made of how many people? 3. believe is immanent. What does this mean? 4. What is the name of the ceremony performed to end ? 5. Name a type of prayer said by Jews during worship 6. What prayer is referred to as the standing prayer? 7. What is the ? Learning Purpose: Have I How do I know I have achieved achieved today’s LOs? Rites of Passage these? ☺ All To explore and explain the birth ceremonies that take place in . Most To detail the symbolism within ceremony and its implication for Jewish lving Some To assess how birth ceremonies are used as an expression of Jewish beliefs about God Key terms Rituals: religious ceremonies that are performed according to a set pattern : ceremony of male ; the removal of the for religious reasons. : a person who performs the Jewish rite of circumcision.

Sandek:is a person honoured by holding the baby boy on the knees or thighs while the mohel performs the brit milah What is a ‘’?

A ceremony or event marking an important stage in someone's life, especially birth, the transition from childhood to adulthood, , and death. Subtitle In what ways do people celebrate the birth of a baby? The birth of a child is seen as a good thing and therefore celebrated around the world and different traditions both in the religious and secular societies. Look at some of the examples from around the world

Which ones look familiar? Have you got questions about any of these? As in all cultures, the birth of a child is an occasion for joyous celebration in Judaism. Indeed, the first commandment in the Torah is to “be fruitful and multiply” (Genesis 1:28).

Orthodox or Reform? Why are rituals important?

For Jews family life is very important The family is where the Jewish faith is preserved and passed on to the next generation Rites of passage are important in Judaism because they mark the movement from one phase of life to another The wider Jewish community helps families to celebrate and observe these rites of passage What are Jewish beliefs about a new baby?

For Jews, a new baby is a gift from God. Children symbolise the continuation of the Jewish religion and traditions.

It also fulfils the commandment in Genesis 1:28 to have children “God blessed them and God said to them, ‘Be fertile and increase, fill the earth and master it.’”

There are three Jewish rituals associated with birth: naming, circumcision and the redemption of the firstborn son. Nowadays it is common for both boys and girls born into Orthodox families to be blessed in the Extension: Colour code the on the first Shabbat after their birth. various ideas- Orthodox, Reform The father goes forward to recite the Torah blessing, and to ask God for the health of his wife and baby.

If the baby is a girl, the father announces her name to the congregation at this point. However, a boy will be named eight days after his birth at his circumcision.

In Reform both parents will take part in the ceremony, which may not necessarily happen on the first Shabbat after the child’s birth. The Brit Milah ceremony ( of circumcision)

If the baby is a boy, the Torah states that he must be circumcised eight days after birth, if he is well enough. This means the removal of the boy’s foreskin.

God said to … “You shall circumcise the flesh of your foreskin, and that shall be the sign of the covenant between Me and you. And throughout the generations, every male among you shall be circumcised at the age of eight days… any male who is uncircumcised…shall be cut off from his kin; he has broken my covenant.” (Genesis 17:12) The Brit Milah Ceremony (Covenant of circumcision)

Traditionally a close friend or relative is given the honour of placing the baby on an empty chair that symbolises the presence of the prophet . A kvater (godparent) takes the child from the mother and gives the baby to the father. He wears his and , reminding him of the seriousness of this commandment. The baby is then held in the lap of a special male guest () a role often given to the baby’s grandfather or a respected member of the synagogue congregation. The circumcision is carried out by the Mohel (a trained circumciser). The Brit Milah ceremony (Covenant of circumcision) From the start of the ceremony candles are lit by those present. It is said that when was born, the room was lit up- this represents hope that the boy will grow up to be a good . The boy’s father blesses his sons with the words: ‘Blessed are you Lord our God, King of the Universe, who sanctified us with his mitzvot and commanded us to enter my son into the covenant of Abraham.’ The others respond, ‘Just as he has entered into the covenant, so may he enter into Torah, into marriage and into good deeds.’ A blessing is said over wine and the baby is formally named. The foreskin of the baby’s penis is removed in a simple operation that quickly heals. The family and friends then enjoy a festive meal to celebrate.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s0fkpHV4TxM (Brit Milah: Jewish Traditions for Welcoming a Baby Boy) Redemption of the firstborn son Some Orthodox Jews give a small amount of money 31 days after the birth of their firstborn son, to ‘redeem’ him from Temple service. The Temple in no longer exists, but some Orthodox parents keep up the tradition in a ceremony known as Pidyon Ha-Ben.

Five silver coins are given to a : a descendent of the priests who used to work in the Temple.

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

This tradition comes from a command in Numbers 18:15-16 Brit Bat: Jewish Traditions for Welcoming a Baby Girl

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lFD4zrkWRB8

Watch the vide clip and read through the information on Brit bat. Use complete the task below ❑ Describe what happens to welcome a baby girl in Judaism ❑ How has this changed over time? ❑ Explain three activities which might take place in the ceremony for baby girls ❑ Why are Jewish babies given a ? Task: In your books read through the information attached and also on the ppt and complete the tasks below. Remember to include sources of authority in your description/explanation Also include difference in the Orthodox and Reform approaches. Use the information on pages 46-47of the text book and page 321 and 322 of the pink if you have it at home.

Naming Circumcision Redemption of the first born Create your own baby welcoming ceremony invitation

Ideas to include: • What special ritual will happen? • Will there be a form of God-parents/ mentors? • Who will conduct the service? • What promises will be made to the baby? • Your invitation must be colourful and well presented

https://www.pbs.org/video/religion-and-ethics- newsweekly-simchat-bat/ Feedback Exam Question Explain two ways in which Jews show their belief's about God in the birth ceremony (Your answer should refer to specific Jewish teachings or sacred texts) (5marks) Homework: Revision Go over the work we have studied so far making sure you have understood all the topics You will be having a mini assessment next lesson

Topics Covered in this unit (Judaism Practices) The importance of the synagogue The interior/exterior features of the synagogue Worship in Orthodox and Reform Synagogues Shabbat at home and the synagogue Worship at home – Oral and written law Rites of passage – Birth ceremonies