Lifecycle Ritual Quiz

Judaism has long focused on rituals for birth, marriage, and death, and contemporary communities have developed ways of acknowledging other major life events. How much do you know about these rituals?

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Question 1. When does an aufruf ("calling up") traditionally take place?
 The morning of the couple's wedding.
 The day before the wedding.
 The Sabbath preceding the wedding.
 The final time the couple sees each other before the wedding.

 

Question 2. Who is the person who is required, in traditional Jewish sources, to perform the brit milah on a baby boy?
 The rabbi.
 The sandak.
 The father.
 The baby himself.

 

Question 3. True or false: Women have been the primary initiators of creative ritual in Judaism.
 True
 False

 

Question 4. What is the purpose of a welcoming ceremony for a new baby?
 To represent the fulfillment of mitzvot--commandments or obligations--that require such ceremonies
 To initiate a lifetime of marking significant events in the context of tradition and community functions
 To link us to the Jewish past and commit us to a Jewish future
 All of the above

 

Question 5. Which is NOT a theme that is central in Jewish life?
 A covenantal relationship with God
 The relationship to past and future generations and one’s community
 The importance of recognizing that Judaism focuses around reincarnation
 The power of liturgy and ritual to sanctify and effect transformation

 

Question 6. True or false: A rabbi is required to perform a marriage ceremony.
 True
 False

 

Question 7. What is the name of the ceremony in which a baby boy is circumcised on his eighth day of life?
 Simchat Bat
 Brit Milah
 Bar Mitzvah
 Aufruf

 

Question 8. What does the brit, or "covenant," refer to in the name "brit milah"?
 A covenant between the child and his parents.
 A covenant between the child and the Jewish people.
 A covenant between the child and God.
 All of the above.
 None of the above.

 

Question 9. Who is the person who usually performs the brit milah on a baby boy?
 The rabbi.
 The sandak.
 The mohel.
 The father.

 

Question 10. What blessing does a convert recite after immersion in the mikveh?
 Blessed are You...who has sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us regarding immersion
 Blessed are you...who distinguishes between holy and profane, between the people of Israel and the other nations
 Blessed are You...who has sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us regarding conversion
 All of the above

 

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