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Equality and Diversity - Judaism
Judaism was first founded in Mesopotamia in 2,500 BC by Abraham. It began as the religion of the small nation of
Hebrews and after thousands of years of persecution and suffering, Judaism has continued to be an influential religion
and culture. There are currently 14 million people identifying themselves as Jews where they follow strict, ritual laws
and ethical guidelines within their holy book.
Important Jewish Symbols and their meanings
Menorah - A seven branched candelabra which is made of gold. The Menorah
has been a symbol of Judaism since ancient times and is the emblem on the coat
of arms of the modern state of Israel. Its mission was to be ‘Light unto the
nation’ with the Menorah been cleaned every morning and evening. Wicks are
then replaced and fresh olive oil is placed into the cups, with more oil been
placed into the centre cup as this was the only one that would be traditionally
left to burn all day.
Kippah - Also known as a Yarmulke or Hech cap. This skull cap is a circular
shape usually made of cloth and is worn by Orthodox Jewish men, in order
to fulfil the requirement that their head is to be covered at all times.
Sometimes the Kippah is worn by both men and women in some
communities during times of prayer.
Star of David - Used as a symbol of Judaism since the 17th century and in
Hebrew is known as either the ‘Shield of David’ or ‘Magen David’. The Star of
David is known as a hexagram and is made up of two equilateral triangles. The
term ‘Shield of David’ is used in the Jewish prayer book as a title of the ‘God of
Israel’.
Hamesh Hand - Also known as ‘Hamsa Hand’ this symbol is a popular motif in
Jewish Jewellery. Throughout history the evil eye has been a popular Jewish
superstition and the pattern of this hand symbol is thought to bring protection
against the evil eye.
Equality and Diversity - Judaism
Mezuzah - A case which holds a parchment which is inscribed with
religious texts. The mezuzah is attached to a door frame inside a Jewish
home as a symbol of faith and is a constant reminder of how they should
behave within the home and the commitment they have to their faith.
Tallit and Tzitzit - A four cornered shawl generally worn by both men
and women. In some Orthodox communities only married men will
wear this garment. Tzitzit are the tassels / fringes on the edge or
corner of the garment. The Tallit is to be worn around the shoulders
and not just the neck. The Tallit can be made from any material as long
as the combination is not of wool and linen as this combination is not
permitted on any item of clothing.
Tefillin - One leather strap is bound to the head and the other strap
bound to the arm extending all the way down to the hand. Inside the
boxes are passages from the Torah, the Jewish holy book. They are
bound to the arm and the head to symbolise the combination of
intellect and physical strength. When placing these items onto the
body appropriate blessings are recited and then removed at the end
of morning services.
Chai - This is most commonly seen on jewellery or ornaments. Chai is the
Hebrew word for ‘Living’ and reflects Judaism’s focus on the importance
of life. Chai is prominent in the Jewish culture and relates to the typical
Jewish toast ‘l'chayim’ meaning ‘to life. Gifts are regularly given to charity
in multiples of eighteen, as the number eighteen is the numerical value
of the word Chai.
Equality and Diversity - Judaism
Jewish Holidays and Festivals
Shabbat, The Sabbath
Shabbat is the Jewish Sabbath and is celebrated every week from sundown on Friday to nightfall on Saturday. Shabbat
means ‘resting’ and during this time no work activities are to take place which also includes cooking and baking,
therefore most of the food preparation has to be done in advance. Shabbat is a time to spend with friends and family
and is a time to study and share, embracing your spiritual side.
Yom Kippur
Yom Kippur means ‘Day of Atonement’ and happens on the 10th of Tishri, the seventh month in the Jewish calendar. It
is a time of intensive reflection, repentance, fasting, worship and self-denial as it is believed to be the last day of God’s
judgement, looking at a person’s deeds from the previous year and to decide on the person’s fate in the coming year.
Pesach - Passover
Passover begins on the 15th day of Nisan, the first month in the Jewish calendar and ends on the 22nd of the same
month. It commemorates the liberation of the Hebrews from Slavery in Egypt. Passover comes from the last of the ten
plagues visited on by Egyptians where all firstborn male children were killed, but those Hebrew households that had
slaughtered a lamb and marked their doorposts with its blood were ‘passed over’. The day before Passover is the fast
of the firstborn, a minor fast undertaken by all firstborn males.
Hanukkah
Hanukkah lasts for eight days and begins at sundown. It commemorates
the victory of the Maccabees over the Syrian-Greek Rulers of Jerusalem
and rededication of the temple in 164 BC. This festival can also be known
as ‘Feast of Lights’, ‘Feast of Dedication’ or ‘Feast of Maccabees’.
Rosh Hashanah
Rosh Hashanah means ‘Head of the Year’ and is more commonly known as the Jewish New Year. It falls on the first and
second day of the Tishri month and is a very solemn and holy time. This is also known as the day of judgement and is a
time to be spent reviewing and repairing your relationship with God.
Sukkot
Sukkot begins on 15th Tishri, the fifth day of Yom Kippur, work is forbidden on the first and second day of this festival.
Sukkot is a harvest holiday where Jews will make pilgrimages to the temple with harvest offerings.
Purim
Purim is celebrated on the 14th of Adar (Mid March) and is a joyful spring holiday that includes a festive meal, gifts and
costumes. It is also known as ‘The Jewish Mardi Gras’ or ‘The Jewish Halloween’. The word Purim mean ‘lots’ and this
festival is also known as ‘The Feast of Lots’.
Equality and Diversity - Judaism
Match the images by drawing a line to their correct names, check and discuss your answers with your Training
Consultant.
Kippah
Mezuzah
Menorah
Tefillin
Chai
Hamesh Hand
Tallit and Tzitzit
Star of David