Key Jewish festivals, Rituals and beliefs Flashcards

The Jewish Sabbath, a day of rest and spiritual reflection from Friday evening to Saturday evening.

The Jewish circumcision ceremony for male infants, symbolising the covenant between God and Abraham.

The Passover festival commemorating the Exodus from Egypt and the liberation of the Israelites.

A coming-of-age ceremony for Jewish boys at age 13, marking their responsibility to observe Jewish law.

The Jewish New Year, a time for reflection, repentance, and renewal, marking the start of the Ten Days of Repentance.

Food that is permitted according to Jewish dietary laws, such as meat from animals with split hooves that chew the cud, and fish with fins and scales.

Food that is forbidden according to Jewish dietary laws, such as pork, shellfish, or meat and dairy mixed together.

Orthodox Jews strictly follow dietary laws, including separating meat and dairy, and ensuring all food is kosher.

Reform Jews may see dietary laws as less binding, often choosing which laws to follow based on personal interpretation or modern relevance.

The eternal light that burns in front of the aron hakodesh, symbolising God's eternal presence.

The raised platform in the synagogue from which the Torah is read during services.

The holy ark where the Torah scrolls are kept, often the focal point of the synagogue.

The sacred scrolls containing the first five books of the Hebrew Bible, written in Hebrew.

A seven-branched candelabrum, symbolising the menorah from the Temple in Jerusalem.

In Orthodox synagogues, men and women sit separately, while in Reform synagogues, they sit together.

A small case containing a scroll with the Shema, fixed to the doorposts of the synagogue.

Shabbat begins at sunset on Friday with the lighting of candles and a blessing. Families share a special meal, including challah bread and wine, and recite prayers such as the Kiddush. It is a time for rest, family, and reflection.

Shabbat is marked by attending services, including the reading of the Torah and reciting prayers such as the Amidah. The congregation gathers to worship and celebrate together, often with singing and blessings.

Shabbat is a day of rest and spiritual reflection, commemorating God's rest on the seventh day of creation. It strengthens family and community bonds, provides time for worship, and reminds Jews of their covenant with God.

Festivals help Jews remember key events in their history, such as the Exodus. They strengthen faith, bring the community together, and provide opportunities for worship, reflection, and celebration of Jewish identity.

Shabbat is a day of rest and spiritual reflection, commemorating God's rest on the seventh day of creation. It strengthens family and community bonds, provides time for worship, and reminds Jews of their covenant with God.

Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, is the holiest day in Judaism. It is a time for repentance, prayer, and fasting, allowing Jews to seek forgiveness from God and others, and to reflect on their actions.

Pesach, or Passover, commemorates the Exodus from Egypt and the liberation of the Israelites from slavery. It reminds Jews of God's power and faithfulness, and strengthens their identity and connection to their history.

A prayer shawl worn by Jewish men and some women during prayer, often with fringes (tzitzit) attached to remind them of God's commandments.

Small leather boxes containing scrolls of Torah verses, worn on the arm and forehead during weekday morning prayers as a sign of devotion to God.

The tallit reminds Jews of their duties to God and helps them focus during prayer. The fringes (tzitzit) symbolise the 613 mitzvot.

Tefillin symbolise the connection between God and the wearer, reminding Jews to keep God's laws in their thoughts and actions.