Jewish Practices and Symbols

1. Jewish Practices and Symbols

2. Observer of the Commandment • Judaism focuses on how to worship God • It could be said that for Jews, spiritual perfection is mainly a matter of perfect observance • Observing Torah requires not only worshiping God but also leading an ethical life.

3. Prayer worship is mandatory only for males age 13 and older Women are traditionally excused because of their household responsibilities Males alone are required to wear certain ritual accessories Skullcap aka yarmulke- God is higher than humans Tefillin- A set of 2 small boxes containing biblical passages secured to the forehead and to the left arm – near the mind and the heart The Talit or prayer shawl- can be drawn over the head for privacy. And it signifies humility in the sight of God Prayers are said 3 times a day Morning, afternoon, and evening Prayers are usually recited at home but in public synagogues as well Home and synagogue are the two centers of Jewish worship Daily worship through prayer

4. Ritual events marking life’s major changes 2 purposes Reflect the inevitable changes of life Define the responsibilities of each stage of life Rites of Passage

5. The rite of passage marking the birth of a child involves circumcision for boys, and naming for both boys and girls Boys are circumcised and named in a ceremony that takes place on the 8th day of life The ceremony takes place in the house of the parents girls are named at the synagogue during a Sabbath service Birth and Naming

6. Bar mitzvah = son of the commandment Boys read from the Torah Bat mitzvah = daughter of the commandment Girls also read from the Torah Orthodox Jewish girls do not observe bat mitzvah The coming of age is the rituals in which boys and girls take on the religious responsibilities of an adult Coming of Age

7. The bride and groom stand beneath the huppah or bridal canopy Seven blessing are read over a cup of wine The ceremony concludes when the groom breaks a wine glass beneath his foot Ancient tradition- symbol of the destruction of the two Temples in Jerusalem It reminds the married couple that marriage brings difficulties and pain along with joy Marriage

8. Several distinct stages of mourning are prescribed: Stage 1: Lasts from death to burial Family members rip their clothes and recite verse when they find out that a family member died The mourners are restricted from certain activities- shaving and wearing leather They are relieved of many of the normal requirements- daily prayer The deceased is buried in a plain wooden coffin Death and mourning

9. Death and mourning- stage 2 • The second stage begins after burial with the recital of the kaddish • A prayer of mourning • This stage lasts for seven days • During this time community members visit the family • Conversation is limited to good comments about the one who has died • Upon departing, the visitors recite a special prayer of comfort

10. A third stage lasts until 30 days after burial Normal activities are resumed But social gathering and celebrations are avoided A fourth stage follows if the deceased is one’s parent It lasts until the first anniversary of the death The mourners avoid their usual seats at the synagogue Recite the kaddish during services and on the anniversary of the death Death and mourning- stages 3 & 4

11. Jewish Symbol: the Mezuza • Attached to the right of the door to people’s homes on the outside • Contains a scroll with the Shema

12. Jewish Symbols: Shofar Shofar Represents call to action Recalls: The act of creation The sound of trumpets on Mt. Sinai Joshua at the battle of Jericho Used on Yom Kippur to call people to repentance Used on Rosh Hashanah to readiness for a new year

13. Jewish symbols: Menorah • Menorah • Celebrates the miracle of the oil lamp that lasted 7 days longer than expected • occurred at the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem after the Greeks had defiled it

14. Kosher Means ritually correct Applies to food preparation and consumption All blood is sacred to God It gives life Pork and shellfish are forbidden