Judaism

1. The Synagogue is a meeting place, learning center, and a worship space in Judaism.

2. Layouts of most synagogues vary, but some aspects are usually true throughout synagogues.  The Ark, usually found on the eastern wall of the synagogue, is where the Torah is kept. The Torah scrolls are the holiest text in Judaism. The scrolls in the synagogue must be handwritten on parchment from a kosher animal. The scrolls are covered by cloth mantles (covers) and stored in the Ark. The Ten Commandments are also located on the wall of the synagogue.

3.  A rabbi is a Jewish teacher. He is not a clergyman because he does not have the authority to perform certain rituals. He determines and interprets religious laws. To become a rabbi, a man must complete college and a number of rabbi training classes, and learn Hebrew.

4. Shabbat, the most important ritual observance in Judaism, is a day of rest and spiritual enrichment. It is from Friday sundown to Saturday night.

5. The Torah contains the first five books of Moses. It also talks about Jewish values and rules of society. Talmud is the Oral Torah that explains the scriptures and how to interpret them. 6. Orthodox Jews follow the teachings of the Torah. Reform Jews believe that the Torah and their faith are constantly changing and evolving. Conservative Jews believe that Jewish laws should be able to adapt to the current time period. Zionist Jews believe that all Jews should return to the Holy Land.  

6. Orthodox Judaism strictly follow the laws in the Torah. Reform Judaism value the Torah, but believe that each individual is free to interpret it as he/she chooses. Conservative Judaism believe that Jewish laws should not be disobeyed, they can be adapted. The Zionist Jews believe there should be a national Jewish state in Palestine.

7. Hebrew is in the Canaanite group of Semitic languages. It is the historical language of the Jews.  

8.Yiddish is the language of European Jews.

9. Mazal Tov- Congratulations

Shalom- Hello/Peace/Goodbye

 Mitzvah- party

10. Brit Milah is when baby male Jews are circumcised. Bar/Bat Mitzvah is when a Jewish boy/girl is of the age to assume responsibility for observing the commandments and for his acitons. In Judaism, marriage is a natural and desirable part of life.

11. Rosh Hashanah, also known as “head of the year”, is considered New Years in Judaism. This is a time for Jews to reflect on their past and try to look to the future for changes.  Yom Kippur is the most valuable holiday for Jews where they take time to pray and fast. Passover also known as “Pesach” includes festivals and starts the upcoming months of growing crops. Hanukah lasts for 8 days and is a Jewish holiday commemorating the rededication of the Holy Temple.

12. I knew that Jewish boys and girls had Bar/Bat Mitzvahs when they came of age.  I also knew that Jews celebrated Hanukah and Yom Kippur. I knew that there was different branches of Judaism differentiating on how strictly they followed Torah.

13. I am surprised at all of the laws that Orthodox Jews follow.

14. Marriage is very similar to marriage in my family.

15.  One aspect of Jew tradition that is different is the Bar/Bat Mitzvahs.