The Signs and Symbols of Judaism

 What is the purpose of touching their door frames when entering their homes?

• Many Jewish households display a mezuzah (“doorpost”) at the front door. When they walk into the house they touch the little container of scriptural texts. Part of this text tells Jews to write the scripture words on their doorposts. (Renard, Judaism , 2002)

(Siegel, 2010)

What is a synagogue and what is placed in one?

• A synagogue is a Jewish place for worship. It’s basically like a church more or less. It’s a place to study, and is also a place where children receive basic religious education. Most synagogues also have a social hall for religious and non-religious activities. The synagogue often functions as a sort of town hall where matters of importance to the community can be discussed. (Tracey R. Rich, 1995-2001)

                                                                            (Mutt, 2006)

What is a menorah?

•  Menorah literally means “an object that emits light,” therefore a menorah is a candle holder. Traditional menorahs burned oils, but modern day menorahs are candle holders in which Jews burn candles. Jews used the seven candle menorah in ancient temples and an eight candle menorah is now used during the Jewish holiday Hanukkah. (Renard, Judaism , 2002)

Do the Jewish people believe that any animals or plants are sacred?

•  Pomegranates are used throughout the Jewish religion and are a symbol of the countless number of meanings a person can find while reading a scripture.  Pomegranates are found on the top of the two spindles that hold the Torah scrolls and appear on a numerous other objects. (Renard, Judaism , 2002)

Are their sacred places covered in any specific signs or symbols?

• The Jewish synagogue often has a central dome that is not diminished by neighboring towers. Also prominently found on many synagogues are twin tablets of the Law, a Star of David and sometimes a great menorah. (Renard, Judaism , 2002)

What does the Star of David represent?

• The Star of David is a relatively new Jewish symbol and is made to represent King David’s Shield. It has been thought of as a Jewish symbol and is placed on such things as synagogues to indentify it as a Jewish place of worship. (Rich, 1995-2008)

What is the hat that Jews wear called and what does it symbolize? 

•  The Skull Cap, otherwise known as the Kippah, is a cap that men and women wear when entering a synagogue to show respect. Visitors who don’t come to the synagogue wearing a Kippah will be given one to wear during the service. Now-a-days, the Kippah is only worn when going to a synagogue, practicing a religious activity, or during blessings that are said before and after meals. However, Orthodox Jews keep their heads covered all the time, as in the Talmud is stated that no man should walk four paces without something covering his head. (Eli Birnbaum, 2010)

Works Cited

Ellwood, R. S., & Alles, G. D. (1998). The Encyclopedia of World Religions. In R. S. Ellwood, & G. D. Alles, The Encyclopedia of World Religions (p. 191). New York: Facts on File, Inc.

Renard, J. (2002). Judaism . In J. Renard, The Handy Religion Answer Book (pp. 65-124). New York: Visible Ink Press.

Renard, J. (2002). Judaism: Signs and Symbols. In J. Renard, The Handy Religion Answer Book (pp. 65-124). New York: v.

Eli Birnbaum. (2010). Kippah (Yarmukle). Retrieved December 6, 2010, from Jewish Virtual Library: http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/Judaism/Kippah.html

Tracey R. Rich. (1995-2001). Synagogues, Shuls and Temples . Retrieved December 6, 2010, from Judaism 101: http://www.jewfaq.org/shul.htm

Rich, T. R. (1995-2008). Signs and Symbols. Retrieved 12 5, 2010, from Judaism 101: http://www.jewfaq.org/signs.htm

Siegel, D. (2010, November 29). It Is Time For Men To Be Men. Retrieved December 10, 2010, from A Road Less Traveled: www.dansiegel.net/