"It strengthens a Jewish family to share rituals at home" Do you agree? Give reasons to support your answer and show that you have thought about different points of view.

"It strengthens a Jewish family to share rituals at home" Do you agree? Give reasons to support your answer and show that you have thought about different points of view. There are two arguments about this statement that both need to be looked at. The main argument, which I see as being very persuasive, is that the home acts as a point from which the 'family' can gather and socialise, just be a family. The opposing argument is simply that by gathering together and spending time together anywhere can strengthen a family. I think that the sharing rituals in the home will strengthen the family more than if it was done elsewhere. In modern day society there are many debates and studies that state that the modern family does not spend enough time together. The simple solution would be to take specific times during the week when 'family' activities can take place. When a religion such as Judaism almost demands of Jews that they spend a large amount of time together as a family, they will become stronger and their bonds of love and loyalty tighter. When they take part in festivals however, they are not only spending time with family members but also with God. The importance of the family in Judaism is shown by the many festivals and rituals that families take part in, in their homes. When a ritual; the Sabbath for example, has roles for each family member. The women light

  • Word count: 772
  • Level: GCSE
  • Subject: Religious Studies (Philosophy & Ethics)
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"It strengthens the Jewish family to share religious rituals at home" - Discuss.

C) "It strengthens the Jewish family to share religious rituals at home". The Jewish calendar holds a number of different festivals and celebrations. These include Shabbat, Passover, Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, all of which have a great importance in the history of Judaism. These are holy days where time is spent both in the synagogue and the home, most often with family and friends. Most of the celebrations include a special meal and specific rituals for the family to take part in. These are often traditional and have been practised for thousands of years. Sharing these rituals are said to strengthen Jewish families, however there are people who disagree. Celebrating these occasions with the family and making them happy, enjoyable and strengthening times would be difficult and upsetting for a family that have recently lost a loved one. All the pretence happiness and smiles could make the occasion seem false and unhelpful to those who are mourning. As many of these festivals are commandments there is added pressure to take part in them. The family would not enjoy themselves and it seems somewhat unfair to push the event upon them. Many of these festivals involve detailed preparations that are hard work and could cause tensions between family members. Some people doubt whether all of the festivals and celebrations are necessary and think that Judaism asks too much of its

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  • Level: GCSE
  • Subject: Religious Studies (Philosophy & Ethics)
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Describe the main features of a synagogue and explain their significance (specify which tradition of Judaism the synagogue represents.)

Poco Evers-Fennell U5B Assignment 2 - The Synagogue ii) Describe the main features of a synagogue and explain their significance (specify which tradition of Judaism the synagogue represents.) In an Orthodox synagogue, the bimah, a raised platform from which the Torah is read, will be central. The seating will be segregated, with women sitting in an upper gallery, away from the male congregation. This is different to Progressive synagogues, where the bimah will be at the front of the synagogue, and men and women will often sit together. This is a description of an Orthodox synagogue and so will have differences to that of a Progressive synagogue. Externally, synagogues differ vastly, but there is one significant feature that will be present within all Jewish places of worship. All synagogues must have windows, like the Temple, letting light in. This is for two reasons; firstly, their worship should not be set apart from everyday life, as this leads faith to become more introspective than it should be. Religion is not something that should be incorporated into the life of a Jew, but rather should be their way of life, and should not be seen as something separate. Secondly, the windows let light in. The light pouring in represents God's strength, and guidance, and his presence in the synagogue. Often, the windows will be stained glass or etched glass, depicting the Magen

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  • Level: GCSE
  • Subject: Religious Studies (Philosophy & Ethics)
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"Christians should not take part in sporting events or go shopping on a Sunday"

R.E Coursework Question 2 "Christians should not take part in sporting events or go shopping on a Sunday" I slightly agree but partly disagree also with this statement. Because God has stated to everyone that the seventh day of the week (or Sabbath day) should be kept holy and dedicated to him, It was also written in the Bible, that God exclaimed "On that day no one is to work neither you, your children, your slaves, your animals, nor foreigners who live in your country" Exodus 20:10. I think that sport has decreased its value for recreation and increased its value for money for instance, the majority of people who play sport now only play it for an obscene amount of money they receive for doing so, not their love for the sport. It would appear that because of watching football on a television set or in a stadium would be self-centred and inconsiderate because your presence may add to the fact that many more people would have to work because of you. Yet by playing sport on a Sunday, you are working but also causing others to. Nevertheless, in principle even if you are working, it is your choice, and if it may require others to work as well, then that cannot be blamed on you because they are not literally forced to work. Some may argue that it is disrespectful to God if you were to work on a Sunday, but they should have considered these facts before they took up the job. I

  • Word count: 547
  • Level: GCSE
  • Subject: Religious Studies (Philosophy & Ethics)
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"Explain how observing the Shabbat affects the Jewish way of life".

AO2 - Judaism "Explain how observing the Shabbat affects the Jewish way of life" Shabbat is a Jewish holy day which occurs each week. It is also known as a rest day and a day of prayer and reflection. It begins at sunset on the Friday evening and ends at sunset on the Saturday. It is welcomed by the women lighting candles. She beckons with her arms to welcome it and recites a blessing while covering her eyes and says a short prayer. The men go to the synagogue. The evening Shabbat service is greeted as 'a bride coming to meet her husband'. On the Friday night there is a meal where the man of the family blesses his children and recites Kiddush. After Kiddush they all wash their hands and the man blesses the challot and thanks God for 'bringing bread out of the ground'. The man then cuts the bread and dips the pieces in salt and the meal begins. The Shabbat day starts with a service at the synagogue which lasts longer than the weekday services and after this there is another service called 'musaf'. Back at home they have a midday meal and the Kiddush is again recited. After the dinner the children go over their Jewish studies and younger children go to a Shabbat playgroup. In the afternoon the males go to the synagogue for prayers. They then study the Torah until dark when the Shabbat is over. The Shabbat ends with a prayer asking God to bless the coming week. The rabbi

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  • Level: GCSE
  • Subject: Religious Studies (Philosophy & Ethics)
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Explain what happens at either a Bar or Bat Mitzvah.

Explain what happens at either a Bar or Bat Mitzvah. (8) At a Barmitzvah, a 13-year-old boy celebrates that he now has the obligations and privileges of an adult male Jew. It is celebrated on Shabbat and the Barmitzvah boy is required to take part in the service either by reciting the entire Parasha, which he would have thoroughly prepared for, or by reading a passage from the Prophets. He can now wear tefillin and make up a minyan because he is an adult. The Barmitzvah invites his family and some of his friends to hear him in shul and to watch him being blessed by his father, who affirms that he is no longer responsible for his son's actions and by the Rabbi who addresses the congregation and reminds them about committing to the obligations of Judaism, however he is speaking specifically to the Barmitzvah, encouraging him to remain faithful to G-d now that he is responsible for himself. After Shabbat, a big party or a special meal is held for all the family and friends to help the Barmitzvah celebrate this joyous occasion. Explain how taking part in a Bar or Bat mitzvah might help to strengthen the faith of a Jewish family. (7) Some Jewish families will not keep to the laws of Judaism because they do not feel obligated to. However, most Jewish families, no matter how religious they are, feel that it is necessary to celebrate their son's Barmitzvah or daughter's Batmitzvah

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  • Level: GCSE
  • Subject: Religious Studies (Philosophy & Ethics)
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Explain the significance of the food and Ritual objects used at the festival of Passover.

CARLY HODGKINSON 11D A) Explain the significance of the food and Ritual objects used at the festival of Passover. (24 Marks) B) "Passover is for everyone." How is this idea expressed in Judaism? (21 Marks) C) In your opinion, is the festival of Passover still relevant in today's society? (15Marks) A) Explain the significance of the food and ritual objects used at the festival of Passover. (24 Marks) During the festival of Pesach, Jews do not eat any bread that has risen. This generally means no bread with yeast in it. The reason for this is that G-d commanded the Israelites to mark their freedom from slavery in Egypt with an annual festival, a time to give thanks to G-d for intervening. During the Passover festival Jews do not eat or posses wheat or leavened bread (chametz). The symbolism of not eating chametz is that Jews regard chametz as a symbol of pride, due to it swelling as it bakes. Pride is thought to make people believe they are self-sufficient and don't turn to G-d when in need. Pesach, and not eating chametz shows how Jews remember God and turn to him when help is needed. Throughout Pesach there are many rituals and ritual objects. Before Pesach all chametz must be removed from the household. A total spring clean is undertaken in many houses. All kitchen appliances that have been used throughout the year must be thoroughly cleaned to ensure

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  • Level: GCSE
  • Subject: Religious Studies (Philosophy & Ethics)
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Why do we keep Shabbat? There are two reasons in the Torah for keeping Shabbat. The first, in Shemot and the Ten

GUIDE TO SHABBAT Why do we keep Shabbat? There are two reasons in the Torah for keeping Shabbat. The first, in Shemot and the Ten Commandments, says to remember Shabbat because G-d rested after making the world for 6 days, and so should we. The second, in Devarim says that we should keep Shabbat to remember our liberation from slavery in Egypt, as the ability to rest is the sign of the free. Shabbat is also a Jewish tradition, a time of family and rest and a break from the stress and responsibility of the working week. Preparations for Shabbat There is much to prepare for Shabbat. As no food can be prepared on Shabbat, all food must be cooked and prepared before hand and lights must be turned on or off (or timers set if the household uses them). The family also: * Purchases challot, Shabbat candles and Kiddush wine * Cleans the house * Bathes and dresses up * Sets the table with finest cutlery and crockery * Prepares a festive meal Friday night The beginning of Shabbat is marked by the lighting of a minimum of two Shabbat candles. This is usually done by the woman of the family and a blessing is said. The two candles represent the two commandments in the torah regarding Shabbat, zachor and shamor. They also represent the happiness and joy of the day. The family then goes to synagogue and attends a service that is roughly 45 minutes in length. They then return

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  • Level: GCSE
  • Subject: Religious Studies (Philosophy & Ethics)
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Can Orthodox Jews practice their religion successfully in Britain today?

Can Orthodox Jews practice their religion successfully in Britain today? Britain is a democratic country and very excepting of peoples religions and faiths. Jews build synagogues and kosher their foods as well as open kosher food stores Orthodox Jews should therefore also not have any problems with wearing the Tallit or going to synagogue. Judaism has been practiced for many centuries, so why should moving to Britain be any different. Some of the countries that the Jews have been practicing in have become violent and yet Jews have continued to practice their faith, some even dying as a consequence (World war two, war in Palestine). Britain is not violent at all comparatively, making it much easier to be a Jew in Britain. There may be still anti Semitic people in Britain even though much of it is concealed. This means that Orthodox Jews would not have to worry about much violence or prejudice towards them. Yet anti Semitic people may still direct violence towards Jewish people. This could cause problems if Orthodox Jews want to practice Also some of the practices that Orthodox Jews have to follow may be hard to fulfil in many modern jobs. Shabbat is one such of those festivals. Some bosses would not be understanding enough to allow their Orthodox Jewish workers home early every Friday. For some jobs, such a doctor celebrating Shabbat may not be a possibility, as you may be

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  • Level: GCSE
  • Subject: Religious Studies (Philosophy & Ethics)
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Describe and explain the ways in which the Sabbath is observed in the Jewish home and Synagogue

A) Describe and explain the ways in which the Sabbath is observed in the Jewish home and Synagogue The Jewish celebration of Sabbath (or Shabbat) is celebrated from sunset on Friday evening until sunset on Saturday. The Jews will usually celebrate the Sabbath at home and at the Synagogue in different ways. The Sabbath takes place on a Saturday, as that is the day God rested. It is also this day as the 10 commandments state that as God rested on this day then so should the Jews. At home, most members of the family will gather at the house of the eldest capable of hosting the rest. All the family leave work or school between 2 and 3 o'clock and change into their best clothes. At the home timers are put on the lights and the bulb is taken out of the fridge door. This is most likely only in orthodox Jewish homes, as they will take their laws more seriously than the progressive Jews. The preparation for the celebration starts on Friday afternoon; this is when the whole house is cleaned as though the family are preparing for a party. On the Friday evening, the Sabbath candles are lit and the blessing of the father to the children is made, this must be done no later than 18 minutes before sunset. The two candles are signs of two commandments, Zacher, which is remembrance and Shamar meaning, observe. At this time the father or head of house blesses his family and those

  • Word count: 2442
  • Level: GCSE
  • Subject: Religious Studies (Philosophy & Ethics)
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