Judaism practices

prayer, worship and study

in orthodox it is 10 men over the age of 13, in Reform Judaism women can be a part of the minyan

the second of the Ten Commandments stated that you are forbidden to worship anything other than God

- Torah scrolls
- Ark (cupboard for scrolls) (Aron Hakodesh)
- Men and women sit separately in Orthodox synagogues
- Bimah (platform for the Messiah)
- Ner Tamid

Towards Jerusalem and if in Jerusalem it faces the Western Wall

a room in a synagogue where jews come together for communal worship and prayer

The Ark. It is the holiest part of the synagogue as it contains the Torah scrolls.

a trained singer who leads the prayers

The ark of the Covenant

it contained the stone tablets that contain the Ten Commandments Moses was given by G-d

Only during special prayers and when removing the Torah to read during services

- the person leading the congregation with have his back facing them, so that he is facing the Ark and prays facing the same direction
- the service is conducted in Hebrew
- men and women sit separately
- women sit in the back at the upstairs gallery
- now it is symbolised with a split with men and women on the same level

so that they can pray and focus on G-d without any distraction thoughts

- they do not hold daily services
- men and women sit together
- women are more equal and perform all rituals traditionally reserved for men
- the services are shorter but tend to be more structured
- most men wear a kippah and some women too

Jewish prayer shawl - made from wool or silk with a long tassel called a tzitzit

remins Jews that during prayers, their total connection should be on G-d and the prayers should be from the heart

It builds a relationship between G-d and humankind

The prominent part of daily Jewish prayer, said standing

- Response to god
- Lifting our hearts to god in praise, petition, thanksgiving, and intercession
- Communication with god in a relationship of love

"Prophets"; the second section of the Hebrew scriptures, made up of historical and prophetic books

"Writings"; the third section of the Hebrew scriptures, consisting primarily of poetry, proverbs, and literary works

oral law

The first written version of Jewish oral law; part of the Talmud
formed of six section - each one of which was called a seder

Commentary on the Mishnah (1st written part of the Jewish oral law)

The covenant between Abraham and G-d
- it is a life long reminder that Jews are the chosen people of G-d

- the mohel picks up the child
- places him on the knee of the sandek
- the father blesses
- others respond over wine and the baby is formally named

31 days after birth. Some Orthodox Jews give a small amount of money after the birth of the first born some to 'redeem' him from Temple service. Temple service happened in the old Temple of Jerusalem. This is a reminder of the tradition.

- the bride is brought to where the groom stands under the chuppah by her mother
- the bride circles the groom 7 times making personal space for each other for all weeks
- then recite two blessings over wine
- the groom places a plain ring on the brides finger
- a marriage contract is signed and read out
- an important guest reads seven wedding blessings
- groom breaks a glass under his heel
- crowd shout mazel tov

The regret for the destruction of the temple at Jerusalem. It symbolises the joy and hardship in life

They tear a hole in their clothing
- over their heart of the are a close relative
- relatives tear a hole over the right side of their chest
- recite a blessing that refers to G-d as the true judge

An intense period of mourning that lasts for seven days

on the day of the burial

Jews do not cut or shave their hair, mourners stay at home and sit on low stools and cover mirrors so they focus on mourning . they do not wear make up, leather shoes or do work

They are held at home with the relatives making up the minyan

a period of lesser mourning for 30 days - normal life resumes but mourners do not listen to music, go to parties, cut their hair or shave

11 moths where they do not go to parties and children continue to say the kaddish if they have lost a parent

Food that Jews are forbidden to eat; means 'torn'

Some believe it was for hygiene and health reasons - others believe it was because they were more valuable than to be used for food
Other views are that God wanted to bring simple things the Jewish people could do towards him

- follow strictly, they believe the laws have come from G-d to test their obedience and mark them out as different from others
- they are a call to holiness and self control

some believe it is outdated on Modern Britain - should be up to the individual

- special prayers of forgiveness
- prayers are focused on asking G-d to be the king of the world
- apples are dipped in honey and eaten
- next morning shofar blown a 100 times

for 7 or 8 days

- a green vegetable to dip in salt water - new life in the promised land
- bitter herbs - bitterness of slavery
- charoset - the mortar used by the slaves
- a roasted egg - sacrifice at the temple of jerusalem
- a lamb bone - sacrifice

The lambs blood on the doors during the plague

- celebrates the birth of the Jewish nation
- freedom of slavery
- entering the promised land
- being G-d's chosen people
- show gratitude to G-d for redemption
- feel empathy for those living under Political or religious oppression

3-13-3 - (3 blesssings praise God and ask for mercy, 13 blessings ask God for help, 3 blessings thanking God for the opportunity to serve Him)