A synagogue acts as a hub for social interaction amongst the Jewish folk. They can worship, recreate, and celebrate. Jews also use synagogues for study and worship. The Torah is kept there and is studied in groups of people to promote synergy. As for worship, it is done three times a day as required.
2. What does the layout of a synagogue look like? Check out the various items and then identify the purpose and location of the following:
Ark- On the eastern wall is an ark. They are all differently ornate and hold the Torah behind a highly ornate curtain. Sometimes there will be multiple Torah scrolls so there are multiple shelves.
Ark- On the eastern wall is an ark. They are all differently ornate and hold the Torah behind a highly ornate curtain. Sometimes there will be multiple Torah scrolls so there are multiple shelves.
Torah Scrolls- contain Jewish teachings on parchment made from the skin of a kosher animal. They are kept in cloth coverings and must be clearly written, not be faded, and free of error. It is forbidden to touch them
Ten Commandments- The ten commandments are also called the mitzvot. There are 13 of them and they stress emphasis on God, human and family, and human and human.
3. What is a rabbi? A Jewish scholar or teacher who has been appointed a leader.
How does a Jew become a rabbi? Some rabbinical programs require 4 years in college, field training, internships, and a year lived in Israel.
How does a rabbi differ from a clergyman? Rabbis have no powers.
What is the rabbi’s role? He is a counselor, teacher, spiritual leader, and role model.
4. What is the nature Shabbat? (also called Sabbath) When does it occur? It is a day of rest given on Sunday. Jews pray and eat more on this day.
5. What is the Torah? What is the Talmud? Torah is the law of God according to Moses. Talmud is Jewish civil and ceremonial law.
FYI: This is what a Torah Scroll looks like…
6. There are different branches of Judaism. Describe the following…
Orthodox: follow only the Torah, Talmud, and first 5 books of the bible in belief that God gave Moses the whole thing and that it has not been altered.
Orthodox: follow only the Torah, Talmud, and first 5 books of the bible in belief that God gave Moses the whole thing and that it has not been altered.
Reform: Believes the Torah is an ever changing thing. These Jews keep up with modern times and change their beliefs as they see fit. They also practice in the vernacular.
Conservative: Members of Judaism that did not fully adhere to either Reform or Orthodox.
Zionist: spawned from political activist Theodore Herzl, this branch aimed at ending anti-semitism
***Take a break and listen to some Klezmer music…(this will only work if Quicktime is loaded!)***
(What the hell is Quicktime?)
Language
7. What is Hebrew? A Semitic language that almost died out completely due to Aramaic. It was revived in the 1920s and is currently spoken in Israel and is an official language.
7. What is Hebrew? A Semitic language that almost died out completely due to Aramaic. It was revived in the 1920s and is currently spoken in Israel and is an official language.
8. What is Yiddish? "Jewish" language built upon Hebrew backgrounds. It was extremely popular in Russia until it began to decline and is now the second most popular language spoken in Israel.
9. Define the following Yiddish terms:
Mazal Tov: Congratulations
Mazal Tov: Congratulations
Shalom: Hello, Peace, or Goodbye
Mitzvah: commandment
10. Rites of Passage – Use this link to define and describe the following:
Brit Milah (Bris): circumcision
Bar/Bat Mitzvah: The name for a child who has reached his maturity and must accept his responsibilities. Bar for boys at 13 and Bat for girls at 12.
Jewish Marriage: A ceremony to complete companionship and the security it provides. This is done in a ceremony under a cloth to symbolize the home about to be made. Then a legal document is signed and the groom checks to see if it his bride and they live happily ever after.
11. Holidays – Use this link to define the following:
Rosh Hoshanah Jewish New Year
Yom Kippur Days of fasting to celebrate atonement and repentance. It is the most venerated day for Jews.
Hanukah Eight day celebration starting on Dec. 25 in honor of the "rededication" of the temple
Passover Jewish festival celebrating the release of the Israelites from Egypt.
12. What is something you knew about Jewish traditions that this confirmed? I am familiar with Jewish weddings and what occurs during them.
13. What is the most interesting or surprising information out of all of this? I did not know that Yom Kippur was the number one holiday celebrated by Jews.
14. What is one aspect of Jewish tradition which is similar to a tradition in your life? The idea that the synagogue is a place of study. My church offers tutoring services and I help kids study all the time.
15. What is one aspect of Jewish tradition that is different from a tradition in your life? Praying three times a day is not something I make sure to do.
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