1. Jewish Belief & Worship HRT 3M1 Ms. Wilson-Clark

2. Central Beliefs in Judaism  A Jew is one who is born Jewish or converts to Judaism  In the case of birthright, Jewish heritage generally follows matrilineal (mothers) decent of the child  People can choose to convert to Judaism and must go through a conversion process referred to as gerut

3. Five Fundamental Concepts  According to Philo the Alexander, an ancient philosopher, the Jews believe the following:  1. There is a God  2. There is only one God  3. God created the world, but the world will not last forever  4. There is only one universe  5. God cares for the world and all of its creations

4. Jewish Worship - Synagogues  A Jewish place of worship is called a synagogue, shul or temple  Orthodox use the term "shul," which is Yiddish. The word is derived from a German word meaning "school," and emphasizes the synagogue's role as a place of study. OrthodoxYiddish  Conservative Jews usually use the word "synagogue," which is actually a Greek translation of Beit K'nesset and means "place of assembly" (it's related to the word "synod"). Conservative  Reform Jews use the word "temple," because they consider every one of their meeting places to be equivalent to, or a replacement for, The Temple in Jerusalem. ReformThe Temple

5. Jewish Worship - Synagogues  A synagogue is a place of worship and study, and a "town hall“  Synagogues are run by laypeople and financed by membership dues.  Synagogues do not pass around collection plates during services, as many churches do. This is largely because Jewish law prohibits carrying money on holidays and Shabbat (sabbath).holidaysShabbat  Jewish clergy, including the rabbi, are employees of the synagogue, hired and fired by the lay members of the synagogue.

6. Ritual Items in a Synagogue  Probably the most important feature of the sanctuary is the Ark, a cabinet or recession in the wall that holds the Torah scrolls. Torah scrolls  In addition, you may find a menorah in many synagogues, symbolizing the menorah in the Temple.menorah

7. Ritual Items in a Synagogue  In the center of the room or in the front you will find a pedestal called the bimah.  The Torah scrolls are placed on the bimah when they are read. The bimah is also sometimes used as a podium for leading services.

8. Synagogue: Where to Sit?  In Orthodox synagogues, you will also find a separate section where the women sit. This may be on an upper floor balcony, or in the back of the room, or on the side of the room, separated from the men's section by a wall or curtain called a mechitzah.Orthodox  Men are not permitted to pray in the presence of women, because they are supposed to have their minds on their prayers, not on pretty girls.

9. Synagogues: How to Dress  When attending a synagogue service, people dress nicely, formally, and modestly.  A man should wear a yarmulke (skullcap).yarmulke  In some synagogues, married women should also wear a head covering.