The rabbi and the chazan
In any Jewish community, the rabbiA religious teacher and leader with authority to make decisions on issues of Jewish law. A rabbi is the chief religious official of a synagogue, who often (but not always) leads worship and conducts rites and rituals. is a respected and educated person who has studied and understands the sacred texts and traditions of Judaism. In Orthodox Judaism a rabbi is always male. In Reform Judaism rabbis may also be female.
A Jew will often turn to the rabbi when they have a question about any aspect of their faith, rather than studying the TorahThe books of the Law. The first five books of the Bible, often called the Books of Moses. or other texts. The rabbi helps people to understand what Judaism teaches about God and the sort of life God wants people to live.
The chazan is an individual who helps lead the Jewish people in songful prayer alongside the rabbi. The chazan should be a Jewish male adult who is musically trained.
The meaning and purpose of personal worship
Jews pray three times daily, each time they reflect on a different part of Jewish history.
Morning prayer (Shacharit) reflects on the time when Abraham / IbrahimWidely regarded as the father of Christians, Jews and Muslims. He was the first person to teach that there is only one God. His story is told in the biblical book of Genesis and also in the Qur鈥檃n, where he is named Ibrahim. chose to pray as he started his day with God. Afternoon prayer (Minchah) recalls the time IsaacSon of Abraham, one of the Ancient Hebrew Patriarchs. chose to pray, it is also a time for Jews to remind themselves of God in their day. Finally, evening prayer (Maariv) reminds the Jews of JacobThe son of Isaac and Rebecca, the grandson of Abraham. practice and it ensures that God is in their minds before sleep.
Prayer is one of the commandments which Jews follow in their everyday life. Private prayer is important because most people cannot get to the synagogueBuilding for Jewish public prayer, study and assembly. three times a day. As women can only attend synagogue on ShabbatThe seventh day of the week; a day of spiritual renewal and rest commencing at sunset on Friday and terminating at nightfall on Saturday., private prayer is crucial for them.