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1.) Why do Jews observe the Sabbath as a day of rest?
The Sabbath originates in the Bible in the book of B'resheet (Genesis) 2:1-3 in which we learn
that G-d created the world in six days and rested on the seventh day. In Devarim (Deuteronomy)
5:12-15 the Sabbath is a day for matters and servants to rest to commemorate Israel's redemption
from Egyptian bondage. In Shimot (Exodus) 20:8 we are commanded by G-d to remember the
day and set it apart for G-d. It is the day blessed by G-d Himself and separated for Himself.
Sh'mot (Exodus) 31:16 tells us, "And the children of Israel shall keep the Sabbath throughout the
generations for a perpetual covenant."
2.) Why is the religion of the mother and not the father a primary factor in determing the
religion of a Jewish child?
This rule was established because one can be sure of who gave birth to the child, where as the
paternity is sometimes questionable.
3.) Why is a Jewish male child circumcised?
Biblical law requires that every son of a Jewish woman be circumcised on the eighth day after his
birth. The word circumcision comes from the Hebrew word brit, which means "covenant." This is
in reference to B'resheet (Genesis) 17:2 in which G-d pledges to Abraham that He will bless and
prosper him if he will walk before G-d and be wholehearted. The sign of this covenant was
circumcision.
4.) Why are the Kosher dietary laws (Kashrut) observed?
These laws have been a unifying factor for the Jewish people throughout the ages. The laws are
set for in the book of Vayikra (Leviticus) chapter 11, where a list of Kosher (clean) and nonkosher
(unclean) animals are given. Holiness is the only reason given for the observance of the dietary
laws.
5.) Why is a talit (prayershawl) worn?
The talit or talitot (plural) is worn as a reminder to observe all G-d's laws and be holy. In ancient
times this cloak, which looked like a blanket was worn as a protection against the weather.
B'midbar (Numbers) 15:37-41 gives the instructions for wearing the talit. It was created to serve
as an outer garment on which the fringes (tzitzit) could be hung. The talit is worn on the morning
of Tisha B'Av but worn in the afternoon service only.
6.) What is tefilin?
Tefilin (phylacteries) are leather boxes containing pieces of parchment with Bible verses inscribed
upon them. Leather straps are also attached to the boxes. There are four references Sh'mot
(Exodus) 13:9; 13:16; Devarim (Deuteronomy) 6:8; 11:18 which emphasize that Jews are to place
a sign "on the hand and between the eyes" to serve as a reminder to obey G-d's commandments.
The tefilin are a sign of faith and devotion.
7.) What is a mezuza?
A mezuza or mezuzot (plural) is a small parchment inscribed with verses from the Bible, rolled up
and inserted into a case which is attached to the door post. This is a Biblical mandate found in
Devarim (Deuteronomy) 6:9, "And you shall write them (commandments) upon the door post of
your house and upon your gates." It was a symbol to remind people of G-d's laws and a Jew's
loyalty to the Jewish people. Many Jews follow the custom of touching the mezuza with the
fingertips, kissing them and reciting, "May G-d protect my going out and coming in, now and
forever."
8.) Why are the "O's missing?
It is traditional within Judaism to replace the "o" with a " - " when spelling the words "G-d or L-rd."
In ancient times it was forbidden to speak the name of G-d because it was so holy. In face, the
scribes would have to undergo immersion (baptism) to cleanse any unrighteousness before they
could write G-d's name in the Scriptures. So holy is His name, that this tradition reminds us to
keep His name holy. Exodus 20:7
9.) Why do we still observe the ninth of Av as a day of mourning, some 38 years after the
liberation of the site of the Holy Temple?
10.) Why are the High Holidays called "Days of Awe?
According to the Talmud (Rosh Hashana 16a) all man's actions of th past year are judged by G-d
on Rosh Hashana, and on Yom Kippur judgement is rendered. For religious Jews these became
awesome days, Yamim Nora'im.
11.) Why is the shofar blown during the moth of Elul?
The blowing of the shofar was originally a Temple ritual. It later became a synagogue ritual. The
custom of blowing the shofar during Elul began in the Middle Ages. According to tradition, on the
first day of Elul Moses received the Ten Commandments for the second time. He blew the shofar
as a reminder not to sin or build another Golden Calf. It is blown today to remind everyone the
Days of Awe are approaching and we must improve our conduct and take stock of our lives.
Please contact us with your questions, we love to hear from you.
The Sabbath originates in the Bible in the book of B'resheet (Genesis) 2:1-3 in which we learn
that G-d created the world in six days and rested on the seventh day. In Devarim (Deuteronomy)
5:12-15 the Sabbath is a day for matters and servants to rest to commemorate Israel's redemption
from Egyptian bondage. In Shimot (Exodus) 20:8 we are commanded by G-d to remember the
day and set it apart for G-d. It is the day blessed by G-d Himself and separated for Himself.
Sh'mot (Exodus) 31:16 tells us, "And the children of Israel shall keep the Sabbath throughout the
generations for a perpetual covenant."
2.) Why is the religion of the mother and not the father a primary factor in determing the
religion of a Jewish child?
This rule was established because one can be sure of who gave birth to the child, where as the
paternity is sometimes questionable.
3.) Why is a Jewish male child circumcised?
Biblical law requires that every son of a Jewish woman be circumcised on the eighth day after his
birth. The word circumcision comes from the Hebrew word brit, which means "covenant." This is
in reference to B'resheet (Genesis) 17:2 in which G-d pledges to Abraham that He will bless and
prosper him if he will walk before G-d and be wholehearted. The sign of this covenant was
circumcision.
4.) Why are the Kosher dietary laws (Kashrut) observed?
These laws have been a unifying factor for the Jewish people throughout the ages. The laws are
set for in the book of Vayikra (Leviticus) chapter 11, where a list of Kosher (clean) and nonkosher
(unclean) animals are given. Holiness is the only reason given for the observance of the dietary
laws.
5.) Why is a talit (prayershawl) worn?
The talit or talitot (plural) is worn as a reminder to observe all G-d's laws and be holy. In ancient
times this cloak, which looked like a blanket was worn as a protection against the weather.
B'midbar (Numbers) 15:37-41 gives the instructions for wearing the talit. It was created to serve
as an outer garment on which the fringes (tzitzit) could be hung. The talit is worn on the morning
of Tisha B'Av but worn in the afternoon service only.
6.) What is tefilin?
Tefilin (phylacteries) are leather boxes containing pieces of parchment with Bible verses inscribed
upon them. Leather straps are also attached to the boxes. There are four references Sh'mot
(Exodus) 13:9; 13:16; Devarim (Deuteronomy) 6:8; 11:18 which emphasize that Jews are to place
a sign "on the hand and between the eyes" to serve as a reminder to obey G-d's commandments.
The tefilin are a sign of faith and devotion.
7.) What is a mezuza?
A mezuza or mezuzot (plural) is a small parchment inscribed with verses from the Bible, rolled up
and inserted into a case which is attached to the door post. This is a Biblical mandate found in
Devarim (Deuteronomy) 6:9, "And you shall write them (commandments) upon the door post of
your house and upon your gates." It was a symbol to remind people of G-d's laws and a Jew's
loyalty to the Jewish people. Many Jews follow the custom of touching the mezuza with the
fingertips, kissing them and reciting, "May G-d protect my going out and coming in, now and
forever."
8.) Why are the "O's missing?
It is traditional within Judaism to replace the "o" with a " - " when spelling the words "G-d or L-rd."
In ancient times it was forbidden to speak the name of G-d because it was so holy. In face, the
scribes would have to undergo immersion (baptism) to cleanse any unrighteousness before they
could write G-d's name in the Scriptures. So holy is His name, that this tradition reminds us to
keep His name holy. Exodus 20:7
9.) Why do we still observe the ninth of Av as a day of mourning, some 38 years after the
liberation of the site of the Holy Temple?
10.) Why are the High Holidays called "Days of Awe?
According to the Talmud (Rosh Hashana 16a) all man's actions of th past year are judged by G-d
on Rosh Hashana, and on Yom Kippur judgement is rendered. For religious Jews these became
awesome days, Yamim Nora'im.
11.) Why is the shofar blown during the moth of Elul?
The blowing of the shofar was originally a Temple ritual. It later became a synagogue ritual. The
custom of blowing the shofar during Elul began in the Middle Ages. According to tradition, on the
first day of Elul Moses received the Ten Commandments for the second time. He blew the shofar
as a reminder not to sin or build another Golden Calf. It is blown today to remind everyone the
Days of Awe are approaching and we must improve our conduct and take stock of our lives.
Please contact us with your questions, we love to hear from you.
| Frequently Asked Questions By Rabbi Esther Boucher |
| Ministry of Gates of Praise Ministries, Inc. © Copyright Gates of Praise Ministries 2007 |
| Ministry of Gates of Praise Ministries, Inc. © Copyright Gates of Praise Ministries 2007 |
| Ministry of Gates of Praise Ministries, Inc. © Copyright Gates of Praise Ministries 2007 |