- 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/)?
- What is the Shema? What par of it is left showing once it is placed in the Mezuzah?
- 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?
- 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
1. Explain the significance of the Ark in a Synagogue? What is placed inside of it? Who is permitted to access it? What is it a symbol of?
ReplyDeleteThe significance of the Ark in a Synagogue is that it represents the Ark of the Covenant, originally stored in the Tabernacle and first Temple in Jerusalem. The Ark of the Covenant was the casing that housed the two tablets of the Covenant; the agreement made between the Jews and their God. Inside the Ark are the scrolls of the Torah (the first 5 books of the Hebrew Bible). The Ark is also significant because it holds the Torah, and is known as the “Sacred portal” which ‘Gives access to the sanctuary of the Torah’. The Rabbi or the reader of the Torah within the Synagogue is permitted to access the Ark.
2. What is the Shema? What part of it is left showing once it is in the Mezuzah?
The Shema is the Jewish prayer “Shema Yisrael”, which is made up of Hebrew verses such as Deuteronomy 6:4-9 and 11:13-21 from the Torah. Once the Shema is in the Mezuzah, the third, fourth and fifth words are left showing: “The Lord, our God, the Lord”.
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?
The Mezuzah is a casing containing verses from Deuteronomy in the Torah, as well as the “Shema Yisrael”. It is placed on an angle on the doorway of a Jewish house. This is due to the varying opinions of two Rabbis throughout history as to whether it should be placed horizontally or vertically, and also to symbolise the fact that both God and the Torah are entering the room. On the outside of the case of the Mezuzah is written: “Adonai, Eloheinu, Adonai” (“The Lord, our God, the Lord”).
4. What is Kashrut? Explain how it relates to Kosher.
The Kashrut is the Jewish dietary laws that outline the foods fit for consumption by Jews, and those foods tabooed. Kashrut relates to Kosher in that it is the set of dietary laws for Jews, but only refer to the exact foods that may or may not be eaten. Kosher is specifically the way in which the animals are killed and prepared for consumption.
Explain the process of Kosher and why it is done. What is the benefit? Do you think it accords with the Jewish ethics on the treatment of animals?
The process of Kosher involves an animal such as a cow, sheep, goat and deer being placed in a machine with their head sticking out. A worker then approaches the animal and places a device over their head to prevent movement. The animal’s throat is then slit and the blood allowed to drain. The animal is then removed from the machine and hung up vertically so that the rest of their blood may drain (while the animal is still alive). The benefit of this is that it ensures the meat is “clean” so that Jews may eat it. I believe that the process of Kosher does not accord with the Jewish ethics on animal treatment, as it involves the cutting of an animal while it is still alive, therefore causing it a great deal of pain.
1. The Ark that is found in every Jewish Synagogue contains the Torah scrolls, it another symbol of the covenant between God and the people. The original Stone torah brought down from Mt. Sinai by Moses was also contained in the ark. The ark is only opened during special prayers and when removing the torah to read during prayer.
ReplyDelete2. The Shema is the several verses of the torah that place inside Mezuzah, the first letter of the name of God is left visisble.
3. The Mezuzah is a reminder to the people of the house of the values of the Torah, the first letter of God’s name Shin is written on the outside of the case. The Mezuzah is place on an angle to represent that both God and the Torah are entering the house.
4. Krashrut is the name of the Torah laws regarding food, the foods that are permitted are called Kosher, however Kosher foods still have to be prepared in a special way.
5. Kosher Killing Process:
• The is Cow Restrained (one way or another)
• It’s throat slit
• The Cow is hung up to allow all its blood to drain
The Kosher killing is done as Jewish people believe that the blood of an animal is “Dirty” and that it must not be consumed, so in order of a Jewish person to eat meat, it must be “Cleansed” by having all of its blood removed. The benefit of the Kosher killing is that Jews have a wider variety of foods available to them and businesses can benefit by selling more food products to Jews.
The “Ritualistic” slaughter contradicts to many of the laws regarding animal rights as the animals subject to Kosher killing are subject to significant amounts of pain and suffering. According to Jewish law it is immoral to cause animals suffering unless it is necessary for preserving human life.
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. usehttp://www.biblegateway.com/)?
ReplyDeleteThe ark in a synagogue is also referred to as the Aron Kodesh, and is placed in a way that always faces towards Jerusalem. The ark also represents the Ark of the Covenant, which contains the tablets with the Ten Commandments; hence it is the holiest and sacral spot in the entire synagogue. During the ceremony only members of the congregation are asked to open and close the parochet or the curtain and take out the scroll doe the designated reading.
What is the Shema? What par of it is left showing once it is placed in the Mezuzah?
The Shema is a Jewish prayer that contains Hebrew verses from the torah in particular Deuteronomy 6:4-9 and 11:13-21. The Shema is placed in the Mezuzah cylinder the only words left showing are “The lord, our god, the lord”
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?
The mezuzah is a miniature scroll placed in a cylindrical case attached to the door posts of all Jewish homes. According to the halacha is should be placed on the right side of the door in the upper third of the door post. The reason it is placed on an angle, slanting the way the door opens is to cater for the 2 different Rabbi opinions medieval Rabbis Rashi and Rabbeinu Tam as to whether it should be placed horizontally or vertically to signify the entrance of God and the torah in the room.
What is Kashrut? Explain how it relates to Kosher.
The kashrut is the dietary laws amongst the Jewish religion. It describes the foods that may and may not be consumed and the ways in which this was suppose to happen. Where as Kosher is the way that animals are meant to be killed and prepared for food, hence the kosher is regarded in the kashrut.
1. The Ark is found in mostly all Jewish synagogues. The Ark is the main symbol of the covenant between God and the Jewish people. Moses brought (from Mt. Sinai) the original stone Torah which contain the Ark.
ReplyDelete2. The Shema is a Jewish prayer, which is placed in the Mezuzah. It contains Hebrew versus from the Torah (Deuteronomy)
3. The Mezuzah is a scroll placed in a cylinder. It is a reminder of the value of the Torah. It also helps represent God and the Torah (as a reminder)
4. Krashrut is the Torahs law regarding food and food there’re allowed to consume (i.e. there not allowed to eat pig). However kosher is the way in which the animal is to be killed and prepared.
1. The Ark symbolises the covenant that the Jewish people had with God. This Ark contains the Torah which is a gateway to God in the eyes of the Jewish people. The only one able to access the Ark is the Rabbi hosting the ceremony or the person who is going to be reading the Torah.
ReplyDelete2. The Shema is the verses that get placed into the mezuzah, but the only part seen is “The lord, our god, the lord”.
3. The Mezuzah is a scroll containing the Shema, it is there to remind the Jewish people the the Torah is the guiding principles in which they follow. It is placed on an angle on the right hand side of the doorpost as this then symbolises that not only the person but God and the Torah are also entering the house.
4. Kashrut is the dietary guidelines that the Jews must follow. This also outlines what can and can’t be eaten and any specific ways that this food can be prepared or how it is not allowed to be prepared. Kosher is in relation to how the animal that is being eating has to be killed.
Kosher
The animal that is going to be killed is placed into a guillotine like object that holds their head in place. Then the workers approach the animal and slit the throat to let all of the blood drain.
This is done so that the animal is ‘clean’ therefore it is acceptable for the Jewish people to then eat this meat when it has been processed.
I do not believe that this follows with Jewish ethical treatment. The Jewish people say that they only cause harm to animals if it is to save the life of a human. This process is causing a great deal of pain to those animals and it is not directly saving human life is it? Therefore I don’t think that this is acceptable under the ethical teachings of Judaism.
1) Explain the significance of the Ark in a Synagogue? What is placed inside of it? Who is permitted to access it? What is it a symbol of?
ReplyDeleteThe Ark is symbolic of the covenant between God and the Jewish people. The Ark contains the tablets of the Torah within it and was handed to Moses on Mt. Sinai. The Ark can only be reached through the rabbi or the delegated person to read the Torah during ceremonies.
2) What is the Shema? What par of it is left showing once it is placed in the Mezuzah?
The Shema is a Jewish prayer, which contains verses from the Torah. Once placed within the Mezuzah the only part left showing is the 3rd, 4th and 5th words. “The Lord, Our God, The Lord”.
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?
The Mezuzah is a scroll in a cylindrical casing. The scroll contains the Shema and other verses from the book of Deuteronomy. It is attached to the right hand side of the doorpost of every Jewish home. This represents that the door is open to God and the Torah. It is a constant reminder to Jewish people that the Torah contains the guidelines to their life. “The Lord, Our God, The Lord”, is placed on the casing of the Mezuzah.
4) What is Kashrut? Explain how it relates to Kosher.
Kashrut is the dietary laws that are relevant to all Jewish people. This contains information about Jewish food taboos, such as pig meat, it also reveals information as to how food must be prepared. Kosher is a food preparation method stated in the Kashrut.
Kosher:
The animal’s head is placed in a locking machine. Then the animal’s throat is slit, until some blood is drained. Then the animal is hung by the legs on a rotating machine, where it is left to die from choking on its own blood, as the blood drains out from the slit in its throat. This is all done while the animal is alive.
Kosher killings are performed because it is a Jewish law that blood is unclean and cannot be consumed. I believe that the process of kosher does not accurately consider other Jewish morals and ethics on animal well-being. It is said that animals may only be made to suffer and feel pain if it is directly saving human life. Kosher is merely a food preparation method and does not appear to be saving the life of any human being. This overlapping Jewish law is destroying Jewish morals and ethics towards animal well-being.
Phoebe Yang
ReplyDelete1. Explain the significance of the Ark in a Synagogue? What is placed inside of it? Who is permitted to access it? What is it a symbol of?
Ark is important in symbolising the Ark of Covenant that contained the two tablets (10 commandments). The Rabbi can access it.
2. What is the Shema? What part of it is left showing once it is in the Mezuzah?
The Shema is the Jewish prayer “Shema Yisrael” made up of verses from the Torah. The words left showing are: “The Lord, our God, the Lord”.
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?
3. Mezuzah is a casing attached to doorway of Jewish homes. It contains the Shema and other verses in the Torah. It has to be placed at an angle to symbolise God and Torah are entering the room.
4. What is Kashrut? Explain how it relates to Kosher.
Kashrut is the Jewish laws about what to and what not to be consumed while Kosher is the way for the preparation of those permitted foods.
Explain the process of Kosher and why it is done. What is the benefit? Do you think it accords with the Jewish ethics on the treatment of animals?
The animal’s head is fixed in a machine and its throat is slit to let blood drain, to speed up the draining process, the animal is hung upside down.
The benefit is that all the blood can be drained out so Jews can eat animals without violating their laws. I think it accords with Jewish ethics on the treatment of animals as humans need to eat meat as a source of food for survival. The suffering of those animals is justifiable according to Jewish laws that states man’s lives are more important than animals’.
1) The ark is the strongest symbol of the covenant between Abraham and God and can be found in the majority of Jewish synagogues. The ark is a constant representation of the Jewish foundation of belief.
ReplyDelete2) The Shema is a traditional Jewish prayer which is guarded in the Mezuzah, and hung on the doors of Jewish homes. The Shema contains verses from the Torah which are written in Hebrew.
3) The Mezuza is a cylinder placed on the door of Jewish homes, containing the Shema with verses from the Torah inside. The Mezuzah is a representation of the importance of the Torah in everyday life.
4) Krashrut is the Jewish law in respects to eating habits. Krashrut outlines the rule stating that Jews are not permitted to eat pigs of any kind due to them being unclean. The Kosher in comparison, is also a set of laws regarding food, but it depicts the proper way in which the food is to be prepared.
The Kosher demands that in order for the meat eaten to be considered clean, the animal must be drained of al its blood. This is done by hanging the animal upside down and slitting it’s throat at a point where there is high blood pressure, causing the minimal amount if time spent suffering by the animal.
Personally, I do not believe that these laws of Kosher coincide with Jewish ethical laws on animal treatment where it clearly states that no animal is to be caused intentional harm unless it is for the benefit of the human race. However, what we have to ask ourselves is whether the Jews see this method of killing animals beneficial for the human race. That is, considering that the animal is thought to be unclean until it is drained of all its blood, would the Jews not consider it harmful for any human to eat an unclean animal? Therefore, does this justify tormenting living creatures? In my own opinion, no. However, from a Jewish perspective, if by draining the blood of the animal, you are making it “safer” for humans to eat, I would say it is acceptable.
1. Explain the significance of the Ark in a Synagogue? What is placed inside of it? Who is permitted to access it? What is it a symbol of?
ReplyDeleteThe ark is the strongest symbol of the covenant between God and the jews.The Ark contains the tablets of the Torah(10 commandments) within it and was handed to Moses on Mt. Sinai. The Ark can only be reached through the rabbi or the delegated person to read the Torah during ceremonies.
2.What is the Shema? What part of it is left showing once it is in the Mezuzah?
this is a jewish prayer made up of verses from the torah and guarded in the Mezuzah and traditionally hung on the door knobs in jewish homes.
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?
This is the case of the Shema. It is a scroll in a cylindrical casing. yes, it does have to be placed on an angle to symbolise that God and the torah are in the room.
4.What is Kashrut? Explain how it relates to Kosher.
Kashrut is the dietary laws that are embedded in each jewish person each day of their lives. Krashrut contains information about Jewish food taboos, such as certain meats i.e pig meat, it also contains information as to how food must be prepared. Kosher is a food preparation method stated in the Kashrut.
Explain the process of Kosher and why it is done. What is the benefit? Do you think it accords with the Jewish ethics on the treatment of animals?
By following Kosher; a law is that for an animal to be considered clean is for all the blood to be drained- even while the animal is alive. The process of this is shown in the desturbing youtube video, of the throats of the animals being slit in an upside down position so that the blood is at a fast rate.
The benefit of this is that the jewish persons can eat meat without breaking their laws.
As jewish law states that no animal is to be harmed unless it is for the direct cause of saving a persons life. I personally feel that this coincides with jewish morals as the Kosher killing is benficial for the jewish diet and such harm is preformed is unneccesary and unethical.