Jewish Practices

• Where can a Jew pray?

  A Jew can pray anywhere.
• Why is it preferable for a Jew to pray with a community?

  It fosters a sense of community and shared worship.
• How many formal service times are there on weekdays?

  Three formal service times.
• What is the most attended service on Shabbat?

  The Shabbat morning service.
• What does the Shabbat morning service consist of?

  Psalms, prayers, and a Torah reading.
• How is the atmosphere during services in most synagogues?

  Relaxed and informal.
• How do Orthodox synagogues differ in service atmosphere?

  Children come and go, and people chat.
• How do Progressive services differ from Orthodox services?

  Progressive services are shorter and more formal.
• In Orthodox synagogues, what language is primarily used during services?

  Hebrew.
• What is the significance of the Shema in Jewish prayer?

  It is a declaration of faith in one God.
• What do Jews do when reciting the Shema?

  Cover their eyes to avoid distraction.
• What does the Shema remind Jews of?

  God's presence in all aspects of life.
• What is the Amidah also known as?

  HaTefillah ('The prayer').
• What types of prayers does the Amidah consist of?


  Praise, requests, and thanksgiving.
• How is the Amidah recited in communal settings?

  By the prayer leader with congregation responding 'Amen'.
• What is the concluding line of the Amidah?

  ‘May God who brings peace to the universe...’
• What is the significance of the Aleinu prayer?

  It affirms that there is one God.
• What language is Kaddish always said in?

  Aramaic.
• What are Tefillin?

  Leather boxes containing Torah passages.
• Who typically wears Tefillin during morning prayers?

  Jewish males.
• What does a Tallit represent?

  A robe worn during morning prayers.
• What do the tzizit on a Tallit represent?

  The 613 mitzvot.
• What is a Kippah?

  A skull cap worn during prayer.
• What is a Mezuzah?

  A scroll mounted on the doorpost.
• When does Shabbat begin and end?

  Friday evening until Saturday night.
• What is the significance of lighting candles on Shabbat?

  It ushers in the Shabbat.
• What is the purpose of the ModehAni prayer?

  To give thanks upon waking.
• What is the main religious duty for women in Orthodox Judaism?

  To bring in Shabbat by lighting candles.
• What does the Brit Milah ceremony signify?

  The covenant made with Abraham.
• At what age is a boy circumcised in Brit Milah?

  Eight days old.
• Who performs the Brit Milah ceremony?

  A mohel who is specially trained.
• What is the significance of the Bar Mitzvah?

  It marks a boy's responsibility for mitzvot.
• At what age does a boy become a Bar Mitzvah?

  Thirteen years old.
• What does Bat Mitzvah mean?

  Daughter of the commandments.
• What is the age for Bat Mitzvah in Reform Judaism?

  Twelve years old.
• What is the Bat Chayil ceremony?

  A ceremony for Orthodox Jewish girls at 12.
• What is the significance of the marriage ceremony in Judaism?

  It symbolizes the union of man and woman.
• What does Genesis 2:24 say about marriage?

  A man and woman become one flesh.
• What are the key features of the Shabbat celebration?

  • Begins at sunset on Friday
  • Ends at nightfall on Saturday
  • Lighting of candles
  • Festive evening meal
  • Singing hymns
• What are the main components of the Amidah prayer?

  1. Praise of God
  2. Requests of God
  3. Thanksgiving