Judaism

• What is the primary function of a synagogue?

  A place of worship, study, and center for the Jewish community.
• When are Shabbat services held?

  On Shabbat eve (Friday night) and Shabbat afternoon (Saturday).
• What does the Shabbat morning service include?

  Prayers (Shema and Amidah), the haftorah reading, Rabbi’s sermon, and a kiddush.
• How do Reform synagogues differ from traditional ones regarding language and music?

  Reform synagogues have less Hebrew and play instruments.
• Why are Shabbat services important for the Jewish community?

  They bring the community together, allow listening to the rabbi’s sermon, and participation in communal prayers.
• How do Jews communicate with God through prayer?

  Prayer forms a bridge between humans and God.
• Can prayers be said individually or collectively?

  Yes, prayers can be said individually or collectively, such as during Shabbat.
• When do observant Jews pray in their daily life?

  Before performing mitzvot, going to bed, and seeing unusual things.
• What are the three types of prayer in Judaism?

  Praising God, requests of God, and thanks.
• Why do some Jews say prayers in Hebrew?

  Hebrew connects Jews worldwide and is considered a holy language.
• What is the Amidah in Jewish worship?

  The core of every Jewish worship service, called 'the prayer'.
• What does the term 'Amidah' mean?

  It means standing, as people stand for the prayer.
• How many blessings are contained in the Amidah?

  It contains 18 blessings.
• What types of prayer are included in the Amidah?

  Praise to God, requests of God, and thanksgiving.
• How is the Amidah recited during services?

  It is recited silently and then repeated by the rabbi or cantor.
• What actions do Jews take to signify being in God's presence during the Amidah?

  They take three steps back, bow to both sides, then take three steps forward.
• Where do children learn about important Jewish practices?

  At home.
• What is the Modeh Ani prayer?

  A prayer said by Orthodox men to thank God when they wake up.
• What is a siddur?

  A prayer book used by many families at home.
• How is the value of justice shown in Jewish homes?

  Through charity collections in a pushke box.
• What does a mezuzah case symbolize in a Jewish home?

  It holds the Shema and symbolizes God's protection of the house.
• What are kashrut and kosher laws?


  They are dietary laws within a Jewish household.
• How are Jewish festivals celebrated in the home?

  They are prepared for and celebrated, such as Pesach.
• How is Shabbat celebrated in the home?

  Each week, reflecting the commandment to keep the Sabbath day holy.
• How do Orthodox Jews prepare for Shabbat?

  They do not work on Shabbat, meaning preparation starts before.
• What needs to be done before Shabbat begins?

  The challah loaves need to be bought and the table laid.
• What is the significance of lighting candles before Shabbat?

  The family must be home before the candles are lit to bring the presence of Shabbat into the home.
• What work is permitted on Shabbat?

  No work will be done unless it involves saving a life.
• Who lights the candles to bring Shabbat into the home?

  The woman of the family lights two candles.
• What prayers are recited during the Shabbat celebration?

  A blessing over the challah bread and a kiddush prayer over a cup of wine.
• What happens on Saturday morning during Shabbat?

  Families go to synagogue.
• What is the significance of the Havdalah candle?

  It symbolizes the end of Shabbat.
• What does keeping Shabbat obey?

  The mitzvot 'to remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy' (Exodus 20).
• Why is Shabbat considered a gift from God?

  It allows families to forget weekday worries and be together.
• What are tefillin?

  Two leather boxes containing the Shema prayer, bound to the head and upper arms with straps.
• Who wears tefillin and when?

  Orthodox males wear them after their bar mitzvah on weekday mornings during prayers, but not on Shabbat or festivals.
• What is the significance of wearing tefillin?

  It obeys the mitzvot in the Torah and serves as a reminder to serve God.
• What is a tallit?

  A four-cornered garment with fringes (tzitzit) worn during prayers.
• Who wears the tallit during worship?

  Orthodox and some Reform Jews wear the prayer shawl during prayers.
• What does wearing tzitzit relate to?

  It relates to the duty in the Tenakh to 'wear fringes in the corner of clothes'.