Covenant = two way promise The Covenant with Abraham - Abraham unlike everyone else, he believed in just ONE G-d. This is known as , monotheism. G-d wanted to reward Abraham by making a special agreement with him. But first he had to prove that he could be trusted. G-d asked Abraham to sacrifice his only child, a son called Isaac to prove he would do anything for G-d. For Jews, the law is the most important part of their faith because they want to keep their part of the covenant. The Pharisees (people who teach about the laws) created something called ‘the law around the law.’ This was a way of protecting the commandments. Including the ‘laws around the law’, there are 613 rules altogether written in the Torah! The covenant with Moses - A few hundred years after Abraham disaster struck for the Jews! The Jews (or Hebrews) were captured and forced to become slaves in Egypt. They worked for the Pharaoh at the time. Moses was given the Ten Commandments. Moses wrote what Jews now call the Torah. Basically G-d told him the laws that still govern the lives and behaviour of all Jews today. G-d spoke to Moses, telling him to go to the Pharaoh to demand the release of the Israelite slaves. The Pharaoh refused and so G-d sent ten plagues. Still, the Pharaoh refused to let the people go. Moses warned the Pharaoh that the tenth plague would be the worst plague of all. At the last moment, G-d stopped Abraham; he had passed the test and G-d provided a ram instead. G-d made an agreement with Abraham because he knew he could be trusted. Judaism Eventually the Israelites were released. G-d promised Abraham he would have many descendants (Jews). He would give them a land of their own (Israel). He would always protect them. In return, Abraham promised that his people (Jews) would follow G-d’s laws (The Ten Commandments). His people would also love and worship G-d. Covenant = two way promise

‘Hear O Israel, the Lord is our G-d, the Lord is One G-d’ The synagogue is the place of worship of Judaism. The synagogue is also a place to study the Word of G-d and law. Private worship is common in Judaism. Not every Jew can get to a synagogue and many women do not attend synagogue except for Shabbat (the Jewish holy day. Jews need to be properly prepared both mentally and in appearance for prayer. Pesach is the most celebrated of all Jewish festivals and rituals. It commemorates the freedom of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt over 3,000 years ago. It emphasises that G-d will come to the aid of his people so there is always hope. Ark of the Covenant - found at the front centre of a synagogue and is the most important part of the building as it contains one or more Torah scrolls. These are used in services and are the most sacred object in Judaism. Eternal light - a lamp which is always lit to represent the idea of the Torah having meaning and value always. The Bimah is an elevated reading platform from which the Torah is read during services. People physically look up to the Torah on the Bimah, emphasising its importance. Dressing for worship: A person should be clean and tidy for their prayer, again as a sign of respect to G-d. The Kippah is a skull cap worn by Jewish men. Covering the head is the Jewish way of showing respect. The Tallit is a prayer shawl. Jews will wear the shawl across their shoulders and some over their heads when praying. The Tzirzit are the fringes attached to the four corners of the shawl. These twisted strands represent the mitzvoth (613 laws around the Ten Commandments). j The Tefillin are two small boxes with straps which are worn on the forehead and arm. Each contain passages from the Torah to help the individual focus on prayer. Prayer is a time for reflection and thinking about how Jews are doing in their relationship with G-d and in following their duties on Earth. The ‘Shema’ is the most important prayer that Jews will ever say. It is basically a declaration of faith. It must be recited three times a day in prayer. The Seder meal is held on the first and second night of Pesach. The Seder plate is used which has sections in it, each containing a symbolic food representing the plight of the Jewish people when enslaved. Why is it important to worship? It forms a part of the Covenant with Abraham, so is a duty. It shows devotion. It helps to keep a person’s mind on G-d’s presence throughout the day. It is an act of praise to G-d. It brings a community together. ‘Hear O Israel, the Lord is our G-d, the Lord is One G-d’