The mezuzah and other ritual objects; ritual dress - Kippah (Yamulkah, Capel), tallit (prayer shawl), tzizit (fringes), tefillin (phylacteries)
The Shema is the most important section of Scripture in Judaism. It begins: Hear, O Israel, the Lord is our God, the Lord is One. Read it in full. It goes on to say And these words that I command you today shall be in your heart... And you shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be for frontlets between your eyes. And you shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.
The mezuzah is a case that contains the Shema - it is attached to the doorpost of every room in a Jewish house. The tefillin (also called Phylacteries) are small leather boxes tied to the arm and around the head. You also need to know about the Magen David (Star of David), Menorah (Candlestick), Kippah (Yamulkah, Capel or skullcap), tallit (prayer shawl), and tzizit (fringes). To find out more about these, visit:
The Revision Site's Ritual Objects and Dress
Judaism 101's Signs and Symbols
The following is an ideal practice question [1997 Q1]:
(a) Describe and explain the meaning of four religious items you might find inside our outside a Jewish home. [8]
(b) How and why do these religious items affect the life of a Jewish family? [7]
In (a), you need to explain about the symbolic meaning of each of the 'religious items', and the ideas connected with them. (b), however, requires you to think about the value of these items, particularly focusing on the family. A useful start is The Revision Site's Family Life. Jews believe that following the Torah will strengthen relationships and develop character. These items act as constant reminders: that God created the world (the Menorah) and gave Jews 613 commandments (tzitzit) etc. They will be more likely to keep God's laws when using/seeing these items. These things may also encourage Jews - however great their problems are, the God who made the world is always there for them. Having these objects helps give them a sense of identity and belonging, of safety and security. Unlike many things that we have around the home, these things have a real meaning and value, making the home a spiritual and holy place.
Have a go at answering the questions above. Try timing yourself - (a) and (b) together should take a little under 25 minutes.
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