4.6 Judaism Key Practices: Family Life (AQA GCSE Religious Studies A): Flashcards
Exam code: 8062
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Define Brit Milah.
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Define Brit Milah.
The religious circumcision of a boy at 8 days old, as a sign of the covenant with God.
Who carries out the Brit Milah?
A Mohel (male), or in some Reform communities a Mohelet (female).
Who is the Sandek at a Brit Milah?
The person (a great honour, often the grandfather) who holds the baby during the circumcision.
Define Pidyon Haben.
'Redemption of the firstborn son' — a father redeems his firstborn male by giving a kohen five silver coins, 30 days after birth.
Why is the firstborn son redeemed in Pidyon Haben?
The firstborn were originally the priestly class but forfeited their status when the Jews served the Golden Calf.
What is the Bar Mitzvah, and at what age?
'Son of the Commandments' — a boy becomes an adult in the community's eyes at age 13.
What is the Bat Mitzvah, and at what age?
'Daughter of the Commandments' — a girl's coming of age at around 12.
True or False?
The Bat Mitzvah is practised by all Jewish communities, including Orthodox.
False.
The Bat Mitzvah is practised by Reform and Liberal communities, not Orthodox.
What responsibilities does a young Jew take on after Bar/Bat Mitzvah?
Living according to Jewish Law and obeying the mitzvot, and participating fully in synagogue services.
Brit Milah dates back to Genesis, when God commanded ______ to circumcise as a sign of the covenant.
Brit Milah dates back to Genesis, when God commanded Abraham to circumcise as a sign of the covenant.
How many silver coins does a father give the kohen at Pidyon Haben?
Five.
Traditionally, how was the birth of a firstborn girl marked?
The father was given an aliyah at the synagogue the first Shabbat after her birth, and the child received her Hebrew name.
At a Brit Milah, the baby is placed on an empty chair known as ______'s chair.
At a Brit Milah, the baby is placed on an empty chair known as Elijah's chair.
In which year and country was the Bat Mitzvah introduced?
1922, in the United States.
After his Bar Mitzvah, which group can a Jewish boy be counted as part of?
A minyan.
Define Brit Bat.
A ceremony celebrating the birth of a daughter and her entry into the covenant.
Define kiddushin.
The betrothal (engagement) stage of Jewish marriage; it means 'holy' or 'sanctified'.
Define Chuppah.
The cloth canopy on four poles under which the couple are married; it symbolises their new home and is open on all sides to welcome guests.
What are the two steps of Jewish marriage?
Kiddushin (betrothal) and nisu'in.
What does the groom place on the bride's finger, and what does it symbolise?
A ring, symbolising the endless bond between husband and wife.
How many times does the bride walk around the groom?
Seven times (or sometimes three).
What does the groom do at the end of the ceremony, and why?
He stamps on a glass, to remember the destruction of the Temple and the suffering of others.
What does 'Mazel Tov' mean?
'Good Luck' or 'Congratulations'.
True or False?
In both Orthodox and Reform weddings, only the groom gives a ring.
False.
In Orthodox ceremonies only the groom gives a ring; in Reform ceremonies both can exchange rings.
How do Orthodox and Reform weddings differ on witnesses?
Orthodox requires two male witnesses; Reform allows male or female witnesses.
Which commandment does marriage fulfil in Judaism?
The commandment to be 'fruitful and multiply' (Genesis 1:22).
Guests greet the newly married couple with the phrase '______ Tov'.
Guests greet the newly married couple with the phrase 'Mazel Tov'.
On which days can a Jewish wedding NOT take place?
On Shabbat or a Jewish festival.
Many Jews see the wedding day as a personal ______, the holiest day of a person's life.
Many Jews see the wedding day as a personal Yom Kippur, the holiest day of a person's life.
What dance do the couple take part in at the reception?
The Hora.
Define kriah.
The tearing of clothing to show grief when a Jew hears of a loved one's death.
Define Kaddish.
A prayer for mourners that declares God's greatness, traditionally said by the closest male relative.
Define Shiva.
The first week of mourning after a funeral (meaning 'seven'), when mourners stay at home.
What happens to mirrors and music during Shiva?
Mirrors are covered and music is not played.
What does a candle burning day and night during mourning represent?
The dead person's soul ('A person's soul is the candle of the Lord').
Define Chevra Kadisha.
The burial society ('sacred society') that prepares the body for burial.
Where do Jewish burials take place?
At a cemetery, not in a synagogue.
What do visitors leave at a Jewish grave, and why?
Stones, not flowers — possibly dating back to Abraham marking Sarai's grave with a pebble.
True or False?
Orthodox and Reform Jews observe the same burial and mourning practices.
False.
Orthodox Jews bury within 24 hours, only bury (not cremate) and sit shiva for seven days; Reform Jews allow more time, permit cremation and sit shiva for one to three days.
Why do Orthodox Jews not allow cremation?
Because the Torah teaches 'we came from dust, so we must return to dust'.
A Jew is buried in a ______ coffin to show equality.
A Jew is buried in a simple coffin to show equality.
What is the Yahrzeit?
An annual ceremony marking a death, when prayers are said and a candle burns for 24 hours.
Over how long does the full ritual of mourning last?
12 months, in five distinct stages.
Erecting the tombstone before the end of the first year is a ceremony called 'The ______'.
Erecting the tombstone before the end of the first year is a ceremony called 'The Unveiling'.
Define onan.
A close relative awaiting a burial, exempt from all mitzvot except preparing for it.
Define kashrut.
The Jewish food laws.
Define kosher.
Food (or actions) that are fit and proper according to Jewish Law.
Define treif (trefah).
Food (or actions) that are forbidden under Jewish Law — the opposite of kosher.
Which two features must a land animal have to be kosher?
Cloven (split) hooves AND it must chew the cud.
Why is the pig forbidden (not kosher)?
It has cloven hooves but does not chew the cud.
Which features must seafood have to be kosher?
Fins and scales — so shellfish is not allowed.
Which two food types can never be eaten together?
Meat and dairy (milk).
Define parev.
Neutral foods (e.g. vegetables, pasta, rice) that can be eaten with either meat or dairy.
What is shechitah?
The correct kosher method of slaughtering an animal.
Who is permitted to slaughter an animal in the kosher way?
A shochet — a trained, pious Jew.
True or False?
Orthodox and Reform Jews observe kashrut in exactly the same way.
False.
Orthodox Jews keep all the rules (even separate utensils/fridges); Reform Jews treat it as personal choice, some keeping only a selection.
The Torah forbids mixing meat and milk: 'Do not boil a kid in its mother's ______' (Exodus 23:19).
The Torah forbids mixing meat and milk: 'Do not boil a kid in its mother's milk' (Exodus 23:19).
Why must the animal's blood be drained after slaughter?
Because the Torah forbids Jews to eat or drink blood (Deuteronomy 12:23).
Some Jews wait up to ______ hours after eating meat before eating dairy.
Some Jews wait up to six hours after eating meat before eating dairy.
Give an example of a treif (forbidden) food.
Shellfish, pork products, rabbit or kangaroo.
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