Timely Program Ideas

Timely Program Ideas
Department of Congregational Programming
United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism
155 Fifth Avenue,
New York, NY 10010
212-533-7800 ext 2620

TPI 13: Mitzvot - How Much Do You Know? Two Exercises Intended to Spark New Programming Ideas

The Mitzvot are crucial to Judaism. Some Jews, however, are not comfortable with even the most elementary mitzvot. Some of the more complicated of our traditions may seem utterly confusing to many. The following two exercises are provided to foster discussion and thought among congregants regarding details of two mitzvot that should be familiar to everyone. It would be appropriate for the ritual/religious committee to try these exercises together. The responses will be revealing and should spark new program and learning opportunities. These two “match ’ems” are an excellent teaching device for a United Synagogue Youth group, a Hebrew High class, a class for potential converts and the Board of Trustees of the congregation.

Exercise #1 - The Kosher Kwiz

The mitzvah of kashrut has been central to Jewish life from the time of the giving of the Torah to contemporary world Jewry. However, kashrut is a mitzvah which needs to be increasingly taught to Conservative Jews. Our Conservative synagogues should be exemplary institutions in the observance of kashrut The responsibility of the religious leaders of the congregation, the rabbi, cantor, educational, youth and executive directors, the school faculty and youth leaders AND the ritual/religious committee, is to help to elevate Jewish commitment in the lives of its members.

How much do we know about kashrut? What can we learn that will help us to bring honor to the mitzvah of kashrut? Take the Kosher Kwiz. Match the phrase with the ideas on the left by writing the most appropriate letter that matches.

Kosher means ___ Red Snapper ___ Split hoof ___ Raven ___ Trefa ___ Sh'chitah ___ Kaf-K ___ Glatt kosher/Cholov yisrael ___ Newborn animal ___ Milchik ___ Vaad HaKashrut ___ Mashgiach ___ Yayin mevushal ___ Scale/fins ___ K - symbol of Kashrut ___ Eggs ___ Fruits and vegetables ___ Adam ___ Noah ___

Local supervision committee Eight day requirement before slaughtering Vegetarian Ritual slaughter Fit for eating Not permitted for eating Permitted for eating Requirement for four legged kosher animal Kosher supervision company Extra Kashrut supervision Can be eaten 3 or 6 hours after meat Flash cooked wine Could eat meat but not blood On site kashrut supervisor Parve A permitted sea creature Check for a blood spot Scavenger and not kosher Needs more investigation as to supervisor

Exercise #2 - Wedding Watch

The Jewish wedding is a supremely joyous occasion. The simcha of chatan and kallah establishes a new Jewish family and continues Judaism into the coming generation. Siman Tov, Mazal Tov!! But how much do we know about the mitzvot and minhagim of the Jewish wedding. After testing your knowledge be sure to discuss the concepts. What must occur during a wedding, where did if come from and when did it start?

Write the letter which best explains the Hebrew phrases at the left. Be careful, there are extra letters!

Mikvah ___ Ketubah ___ Tabaat ___ Aydim ___ Huppah ___ Tenaim ___ Yihud ___ Aufruf ___ Kiddushin ___ Sheva Brachot ___ Seudat Mitzvah ___ Bedeken ___ Erusin ___ Nisuin ___ Ani L'dodi Vdodi Li ___ Haray At... ___ Birkat Hamazon ___ Shidduch ___

Ritual immersion in water Two cups of wine Blessing of official engagement Modest presentation of bride Blessing at ceremony's end and after meal Wedding canopy Hebrew for marriage The post ceremony celebration The post ceremony consummation The statement of union A pre-arranged union Rabbi's closing blessing Text of marriage used during ceremony Blessing for the meal in honor of the couple Item of value used in ceremony Pre-conditions of marriage Signers of wedding contract Aliyah at the Torah prior to wedding day Wedding entertainment Song of Songs The week long celebration

Make sure that the rabbi, or someone who DOES know all the answers to these exercises, is available to explain the correct responses. These exercises probably brought to the fore the fact that some people are not so familiar with the technicalities of these two mitzvot. Consider enhancing your synagogue's adult education program, further publicizing your current program, or creating one, if you do not already have one. Think about holding a Torathon, a series of seminars allowing adults to gain important knowledge on a variety of Jewish topics. Consider updating the synagogue school curriculum to include the halachot of kashrut and a life cycle curriculum which features the minhagim related to a Jewish wedding. Understanding these mitzvot is the first step in assuring the continuation of their practice.