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Different branches of Judaism pray in different ways, but the more traditional ones pray three times a day. Their prayer book is called a siddur, which is Hebrew for "order", because the siddur shows the order in which Jews should pray.
Throughout the day, observant Jews have many opportunities to pray a berakhah, or blessing. Berakhot (from the Hebrew root for "knee", referring to the action of bowing to show reverence) are set formulas to express love and gratitude for G-d, who is the source of all blessing. All berakhot begin with the word "baruk", which means "blessed", and are recited before partaking in some enjoyable experience, before a special event, and before fulfilling a mitzvah. Reciting berakhot is another way to fill the day with remembrances of God.
Special festivals and holidays require other prayers, and the Sabbath, called Shabbat (observed from Friday evening to Saturday evening), has specific prayers as well. |
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Jews can and should pray anywhere, but the building used for formal worship (liturgy) is called a synagogue. Some of the less traditional branches of Judaism call their synagogues "temples", but more traditional Jews are offended by this, because there is only one Temple: the Temple in Jerusalem which was destroyed by the Romans in 70 AD. The place where the Temple used to stand is now occupied by a Muslim monument, the Dome of the Rock, and a mosque. Traditional Jews believe that when the Messiah comes, he will rebuild the Temple, and so they reject the idea of using the term "temple" to describe their places of worship. |
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