Revision of Terms and Practices

1. Explain the significence of the Ark in a Synagogue? What is placed inside of it? Who is permitted to access it? What is it a symbol of (refer to the Biblical passage - hint. use http://www.biblegateway.com/)?
2. What is the Shema? What par of it is left showing once it is placed in the Mezuzah?
3. What is the Mezuzah? Does it have to be placed on an angle? If so, why? What is written on the outside of the case?
4. What is Kashrut? Explain how it relates to Kosher.

Watch the following two videos on Kosher: [WARNING: These videos are graphic in nature]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LC3saqc9gD0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2A28XofQ8vE

Once you have watched the videos:

• Summarise the process of Kosher killing
• Explain why this is done. What is the benefit?
• Do you think that this ritualistic slaughter accords with what we have learnt about Jewish ethics on the Ethical Treatment of Animals - http://www.myjewishlearning.com/ask_the_expert/at/Ask_the_Expertanimal_experiments.shtml

Judaism - Study Notes

Print out each of the following and paste a copy into your exercise books.

Each document is an effective summary of a particular aspect of Judaism, and will be invaluable in the preparations for your Mid-Course examinations.

It is advisable to print the Powerpoints as several (4-6) slides per page.

Judaism - Overview:
http://www.paddymazz.net/religionfiles/JudaismOverview.ppt

Introduction to the Torah:
http://www.paddymazz.net/religionfiles/TorahIntro.ppt

Principle Beliefs and Sacred Texts:
http://www.paddymazz.net/religionfiles/PrincipleBeliefsAndSacredTexts.doc

Some more on the ETHICS of Judaism

Now that we have explored the major governing beliefs of Judaism - the belief in One God, the Moral Laws prescribed by God and The Covenant (initiated by Abraham and continued by Moses in his leadership of the Jewish people during and after the Babylonian Exile and in delivering the Ten Commandments) - let us now look at some of the other Jewish beliefs.

Read the information contained on the following links and then briefly summarise each in your own words, under separate sub-headings, in "Comments":

EXPERIMENTATION ON ANIMALS:
http://www.myjewishlearning.com/ask_the_expert/at/Ask_the_Expertanimal_experiments.shtml

REVELATION:
http://www.myjewishlearning.com/holidays/Jewish_Holidays/Purim/Themes_and_Theology/Hidden_God/A_New_Revelation.shtml

SEXUAL ETHICS:
http://www.myjewishlearning.com/life/Sex_and_Sexuality/Jewish_Approaches.shtml