Sacred Jewish symbols

Sacred Jewish symbols

Star of David

-The Star of David is one of the special symbols for Jewish people.

Mezuzah

-This special box called a mezuzah contains some special words from the Shema. The Shema is a passage from the Jewish Bible, called the Tenakh, which talks about what Jews should believe. It can be found in Deuteronomy 6:4-9. The Shema is the first prayer that any Jew will learn.

Rabbi Jackie Tabick’s Induction

-Rabbi is the Jewish name for a teacher – they teach people who come to the synagogue about the Jewish faith. The Rabbi is the leader of the synagogue. The name of the rabbi in this photograph is Rabbi Jackie Tabick, and it shows the service held at the synagogue to welcome her.

The pictures from jewish stories

-These pictures show different stories that are special to Jewish people. Some have beautiful Jewish writing on them. Jewish writing is called Hebrew and is read from right to left.

Noticeboard

-Lots of different things happen at the synagogue. People put notices about them on this board.

Jewish School (Schul)

These stairs lead to the education rooms where Jewish children come to school, or schul, on Sundays. There they will learn what it means to be Jewish, the Hebrew language and find out about people who are important in their faith. Jewish children might hear stories about Abraham, Moses and David, or make things for festivals and learn Hebrew songs.

When a Jewish boy becomes 13, they will have their Bar Mitzvah, when they celebrate becoming an adult. It will be the first time that they read the Torah in the synagogue and they may be asked to take part in the service. Afterwards, there might be a party to celebrate. Jewish girls have a Bat Mitzvah when they turn 12.

Ten Commandments

- “God gave Moses special rules for Jewish people to learn and live by. These are called the Ten Commandments. Click on the picture to read them.

1) There is only one God.
2) Worship God alone.
3) Do not swear.
4) Keep Shabbat as a holy day.
5) Respect your father and mother.
6) Do not hurt or kill anyone.
7) Take marriage seriously.
8) Do not steal.
9) Do not tell lies.
10) Do not want things that belong to somebody else.

Kippah

-Before they enter the main room Jewish men will cover their heads with a kippah as a mark of respect for God.

Prayer Books

-These prayer books are used during services at the synagogue and contain prayers and blessings. Prayer is very important to a Jew because God likes them to talk to Him.

Jews attend synagogue on Saturdays, which they call Shabbat.

Kitchen

-The synagogue is also a place where Jews can meet and eat together at various times and celebrations.

Jews have rules about the foods they can eat. Food that is acceptable is called kosher. There are notices on the kitchen cupboards to remind them how to cook and store food properly.

Bimah

-This is a special platform called a bimah where the Torah, the Jewish holy book, is read during services. It is up high so that everyone can see it and hear what is read and because the reading of the Torah is the most important part of the service in a synagogue. Services take place on Saturdays, which Jews call Shabbat.

SYMBOLIC CARVINGS

-These twelve carvings around the ark show some symbols and objects special to Judaism. Each one is carved onto a Torah scroll. As each picture shows, click on it to reveal the next one.

This first carving shows a mezuzah. This little box is placed on the doorposts of Jewish homes and contains the words of the Shema. You can read this prayer at the start of the tour when you click on the doorframe of the entrance to the synagogue.

ETERNAL LIGHT (NER TAMID)

-This light symbolises God's presence in the synagogue, and is never extinguished. It is called the Ner Tamid. In the temple of Old Testament times, the lamp would have been a real flame, but synagogues today have an electric light, often shaped like a flame, as this one is.

ARK

-This is a special cupboard, called the Ark, where the Torah and other scrolls are kept. There are two doors to the Ark to keep the Torah safe. Many synagogues have very old scrolls rescued from synagogues in Eastern Europe that were destroyed by the Nazis at the time of the Holocaust.

SHABBAT CANDLES

-These candles are lit at the start of Shabbat on Friday night. A special prayer called a blessing is said. Jews look forward to Shabbat each week. There are two candles to show that it is more special than other days of the week.

CHALLAH LOAF

-Jews eat this plaited bread called challah as part of their family meal on Shabbat. It is plaited to make it look different from ordinary bread.

KIDDUSH CUP

-On Shabbat, Jews drink wine from a special cup called a kiddush cup. Another blessing is said over the wine.