Stage 1 Studies in Religion

Judaism Symbols

Ner Tamid eternal light hangs over the Holy Ark in every synagogue.

Text © Rabbi Amy R. Scheinerman, Image Header © 2002 Jonathan L. Hirshon

Aron Ha-kodesh (the Holy Ark).

Text © Rabbi Amy R. Scheinerman, Image Header © 2002 Jonathan L. Hirshon

ParochetThe Holy Ark’s opening is protected by a curtain called a parochet, because the Torah tell us that the ark made in the wilderness was covered by a curtain.

Text © Rabbi Amy R. Scheinerman

Chupah (wedding

canopy) The Jewish wedding ceremony takes place under a chupah (wedding canopy) which symbolizes the home the couple will make together. A chupah may be made from a tallit or any piece of decorated fabric.

Text © Rabbi Amy R. Scheinerman, Image Header © 2002 Jonathan L. Hirshon

Torah Scrolls

Yad

Tablets of the law, 10 Commandments

Tallit and Tzitzit

The tallit is a garment one can wear to create a sense of personal space during prayer - the name comes from two Hebrew words: TAL meaning tent and ITH meaning little. Thus, you have an etymology of LITTLE TENT. By wrapping yourself in it, or by covering your head with it, the intention and direction of your prayers can be enhanced.

Text © Rabbi Amy R. Scheinerman, Image Header © 2002 Jonathan L. Hirshon

Yarmulke or Kippah

Text © Rabbi Amy R. Scheinerman http://www.templesanjose.org/JudaismInfo/faq/kippah.htm

Tefillin

Image header © Jonathan Hirshon, text © from cited sources and additional edits by Jonathan Hirshon

Two small boxes containing verses of the Torah, adjusted to the forehead and left arm during the morning prayer, for the mind and the heart.

Menorah

the seven-branched lampstand (menorah means "lampstand") has symbolized their connection to God.

Hanukiyah or Chanukah Menorah

has nine rather than the traditional seven branches. It is used during the eight-day festival of Chanukah, holding one candle for each day and a ninth, the shamash, to light the others.

Shofar The Shevarim: a "broken," sighing sound of three short calls.

Text © Rabbi Amy R. Scheinerman, Image Header and additional edits © 2002 by Jonathan L. Hirshon

Mezuzah

The Western Wall

Star of David,Shield of David or Magen

David

Flag of Israel