Sh’ma and its Blessings.
“Hear O Israel The Lord Our God, the Lord is one.”
The Sh’ma is the oldest and most important line in any Jewish service.
Most Jews know this line in Hebrew and English better than any other line
from any Jewish book. It is the central statement of faith and loyalty within
nearly all forms of Judaism. Before and after it is read, chanted or sung,
several biblical or other relevant prayers are recited.
Ha-tt-fi-lah-also known as the Amidah (standing). This prayer,
second in importance to the Sh’ma and its blessings, also appears in one
form or another in almost all Jewish services. Originally, it included 18 parts
and was said while standing. Some of the parts include prayers for salvation,
excellence in learning, acceptance of repentance, and the granting of good
health and peace.
A series of supplications.
The reading of the Torah—A different portion of the Torah is read
each week, so that the entire scroll is read each year. Many special prayers
and rituals are connected with the part of the service when the Torah is read.
Aleinu—The Aleinu is chanted while standing. The prayer is one of
great praise of God as the God of all. It also expresses the hope that the
world will be perfected in faith and conduct. In it the unity of God is
reaffirmed. Since the 13th century, the Aleinu has been used to signal the
approaching end of the service.
The Kaddish or Mourner’s Prayer—The prayer is written in Aramaic
and for centuries has appeared in many forms used for various liturgical
purposes. But, in its most famous form, the Kaddish is used to remember the
beloved dead. Many commentators believe that long ago Jews established the
principle that when pain and grief are greatest so then should praise of God
be at its peak. Today, even Jews who are not fully aware of the meaning of
each word in the prayer often feel very strongly about it. The sense of
responsibility to say the Mourner’s Kaddish in remembering the dead is
intense among all Jewish groups. Rules concerning who says the Kaddish, for
w horn, under what circumstances, and when, vary from denomination to
denomination. Should you be asked about such things consult a Jewish
chaplain or civilian rabbi for an answer.
JEWISH RITES
There are other Jewish rites which are frequently connected with the
Jewish worship service. Some of these rites associated with Jewish worship
are:
Kiddush
Oneg Shabbat
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