1. Judaism Practices

2. Do Now: Write your name on the top of your sheet.
Match up the definitions with these key words.
Amidah
Aron Hakodesh
Bar Mitzvah
Bat Mitzvah
Bimah
Brit Milah
Dietary Laws
Kosher
Mourning Rituals
Ner tamid
Pesach
Rosh Hashanah
Shabbat
Synagogue
Talmud
Tenakh
Trefah
Yom Kippur

3. How have you done?
Celebration of a boy coming of age at 13. Literally "Son of the Commandment". Bar Mitzvah
Celebration of a girl coming of age at 12. Literally "Daughter of Commandment". Bat Mitzvah
Festival (known by non-Jews as Passover) that celebrates the Jewish Exodus from Egypt. Celebrated in spring. Pesach
Food that is ‘clean’ and ‘fit and that meets the requirements of the Jewish laws. Kosher
Forbidden food – means 'torn'. It does not fulfil the Jewish dietary laws. Trefah
Holy day of the week; day of spiritual renewal beginning at sunset on Friday and continuing to nightfall on Saturday. Shabbat
Means ‘coming together’. A building for Jewish public worship, study and gathering. Synagogue
Refers to set practices that are carried out by Jews as a way of grieving for loved ones who have died. Mourning Rituals
The ‘standing prayer’. It is recited at the three daily services in the synagogue and consists of three opening blessings, three closing blessings and thirteen intermediate blessings (one intermediate blessing on Shabbat and holy days). Amidah
The Ark. It is the holiest part of the synagogue as it contains the Torah scrolls. Aron Hakodesh
The books that comprise the Jewish scriptures. It falls into three parts: Torah (Law), Nevi'im (prophets) and Ketuvim (writings). Many Jews believe that the Torah was given to Moses on Sinai. Torah
The Day of Atonement – a day of penitence and fasting on the tenth day after Rosh Hashanah. The holiest day of the year for Jews. Yom Kippur
The ever-burning light. It is a light that is above and in front of the aron hakodesh. It burns continually as a symbol of God’s presence. Ner Tamid
The food laws that were given by God to the Jews. These rules relate to what may/may not be eaten and in what combination and to the preparation of the food. Dietary Laws
The Jewish New Year. It is the start of the ten day period of High Holy Days that culminates in Yom Kippur and marks the beginning of God’s judgement of his people. Rosh Hashanah
The oral law, containing the law believed by Orthodox Jews to have been given to Moses that was not written down for many centuries and was then expanded with rabbinic explanation. It consists of the Mishnah and the Gemara. Talmud
The reading platform in a synagogue from which the Torah is read. Bimah
The religious rite of circumcision performed eight days after birth (unless it has to be postponed for some very serious reason). The boy becomes a member of the Jewish People of God. Brit Milah

4. Items worn during prayer
Question 2
Food laws
For this question, you need to GIVE 2
In the exam bullet point these answers. No need to write in full sentences.
Prayers said by Jews
Seder Meal foods
Items worn during prayer

5. Question 2 – Possible answers
Food laws
No meat and dairy, killed by the shocet, animal drained by blood
Shema, Amidah, Kaddish, Aleinu
Prayers said by Jews
Seder Meal foods
Matzah, Karpas, Charoset, Shankbone, Roasted Egg 4 Glasses of wine
Items worn during prayer
Kippah, tallit, tefillin

6. Question 3 & 4: Explain Two (MATCH UP)
… contrasting Jewish views about the importance of the synagogue
…. contrasting Jewish views on the importance of following dietary laws
… ways that Shabbat is important in Jewish life
… ways in which the Torah is important to Jews
Day of rest – replicating God’s day of rest after creation – thankfulness comes from that. This is why it is important to spend time with family.
Some Jews keep kosher law precisely; Shows obedience to God and commitment to the faith; others do not keep kosher other than at festivals or not at all. Level of observance is all a matter of personal choice (free will)
It is one of Ten Commandments, Keep the Sabbath day holy, so it is a duty which must be followed.
It is a day devoted to spiritual development
Keeping kosher reminds of connection with God their creator and is a sign of the covenant. There are better symbols of the covenant such as keeping the Sabbath which is one of the 10 Commandments
The Torah reminds Jews of their covenant relationship with God. It is a reminder of what it means to be the Chosen People. It is what the Jewish faith is built on
Maimonides said ‘God always answers prayers of a community’ – so public worship more effective. Others would stress personal prayer as – When you pray, do not regard your prayer as a fixed task, or good works such as healing the world
Some Jews go to all services; some go to all on Shabbat/fast /festival; some go only on Shabbat. This may be because of work commitments, or simply that they do not feel they need to attend so often (free will).
It is the most sacred part of the Tenakh. It is the word of G-d containing the mitzvot. It is the guidance for believers – absolute and eternal.

7. Question 3 & 4: Explain Two (MATCH UP)
… contrasting Jewish views about the importance of the synagogue
…. contrasting Jewish views on the importance of following dietary laws
… ways that Shabbat is important in Jewish life
… ways in which the Torah is important to Jews
Some Jews go to all services; some go to all on Shabbat/fast /festival; some go only on Shabbat. This may be because of work commitments, or simply that they do not feel they need to attend so often (free will).
Maimonides said ‘God always answers prayers of a community’ – so public worship more effective. Others would stress personal prayer as – When you pray, do not regard your prayer as a fixed task, or good works such as healing the world
Some Jews keep kosher law precisely; Shows obedience to God and commitment to the faith; others do not keep kosher other than at festivals or not at all. Level of observance is all a matter of personal choice (free will)
Keeping kosher reminds of connection with God their creator and is a sign of the covenant. There are better symbols of the covenant such as keeping the Sabbath which is one of the 10 Commandments
Day of rest – replicating God’s day of rest after creation – thankfulness comes from that. This is why it is important to spend time with family.
It is one of Ten Commandments, Keep the Sabbath day holy, so it is a duty which must be followed.
It is a day devoted to spiritual development
The Torah reminds Jews of their covenant relationship with God. It is a reminder of what it means to be the Chosen People. It is what the Jewish faith is built on
It is the most sacred part of the Tenakh. It is the word of G-d containing the mitzvot. It is the guidance for believers – absolute and eternal.

8. Question 3 & 4: Religious Teachings
When you include religious teachings in your answers you need to be able to fully explain what it teaches believers about the question/topic you are writing about.
‘And the children of Israel shall keep the Sabbath to observe the Sabbath throughout the generations.’
Exodus 31:16-17
That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.
Genesis 2:24
I am the LORD. I will free you from the labours of the Egyptians, and deliver you from their bondage. I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with great judgments. Then I will take you for My people, and I will be your God
Exodus 6:6-7
And wherever you live, you must not eat the blood of any bird or animal. If anyone eats blood, that person must be cut off from his people.
Leviticus 7:26-7
“Do this in memory of me“
What is the quote referring to?
What topic would you use this quote for?
What can we learn about Jewish practices from this quote?
“Everyone
who believes in him
may not die
but have eternal life.”
“Blessed are those who are persecuted … for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “
“Go and make disciples of all nations”
“But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father”

9. “Rites of Passage in Judaism are out dated”
Question 5: The 12 Marker
“Rites of Passage in Judaism are out dated”
Relevant sources of authority
Genesis 3:19 – For dust you are, and to dust you shall return.
Exodus 13:13 – Redeem every first born among your sons.
Genesis 17 He that is 8 days old shall be circumcised.
Genesis 1:28 – Be fruitful and multiply
Talmud – With this ring, you are wedded to me in accordance with the law of Moses and Israel. (said when rings given)
What are the rites of passage?
Birth ceremonies
Coming of age
Marriage
Mourning Rituals
Reasons why the rites of passage are outdated
Bar Mitzvah/ Bat Mitzvah not realistic as being so young cannot be seen as adult faith members
As there is a variety of practice this shows it cannot be central to the faith
People should not have their mourning dictated to
Orthodox Jews do not practice Bat Mitzvah
Marriage should be seen as an act of love not a rite of passage
Redemption of the first born is seen simply as a symbol
As females do not undergo Brit Milah or Bar Mitzvah then they can be seen as encouraging gender discrimination
Reasons why the rites of passage are not outdated
Mourning - Gives support to the bereaved from the whole community – emphasising they are not alone
Marriage Fulfils commandment (Genesis 1:28) to ‘be fruitful and multiply’, as marriage is only appropriate context for this
Circumcision is important as it links the child directly to the Covenant with Abraham and increases the unity of the faith by binding them together in this one action.
It is important to recognise a baby girl also as Judaism is a matriarchal system and she is seen as ‘a gift’ from G-d.
Tefillin may then be worn and boys become part of the minyan
They are widely practiced and are an important link to Jewish history