Jewish Practices
Religious Studies: KS3, topic 1.2.37
Jewish Practices
Jews worship in synagogues, observe Shabbat, and follow kosher laws.
Monotheism
- Monotheism is the central Jewish belief in Judaism.
- Monotheism is the belief that there is only one God.
- This belief is set out in the Shema, the central prayer of Jews, found in the Torah.
Nature of God in Judaism
- Jews believe that God is the all-powerful Creator, the Law-Giver and the Judge.
- God gave 613 mitzvot (‘laws’) to the Jews through Moses, and they will be judged by how well they keep them.
Synagogue
- The synagogue is the Jewish place of worship, study and community.
- Every Jewish community has a synagogue to meet their community needs.
Shabbat
- The Shabbat is the Jewish day of rest.
- The Shabbat lasts from Friday sunset to Saturday sunset.
- The Shabbat is the main day they attend the synagogue.
Kashrut
- Kashrut is a Jewish dietary law that governs which foods are Kosher (‘fit’ or ‘proper’).
- Jews are only allowed to eat certain types of food which are prepared in specified ways.
- The Torah teaches Jews what foods are permitted and how to prepare them in God’s acceptable way.
Test yourself on Jewish Practices
What is the belief that there is only one God?