The Shul Mitzvah Badge

List of requirements

Step 1

1. Recite the posuk Yismach Yisroel from the “12 Pesukim” and explain its connection to a Shul.
2. List the order of Aliyos, who is to be called up to each.
3. Demonstrate in what order you stack the following books and explain why:

   1. Gemara;
   2. Mishna;
   3. Tehillim;
   4. Tanya;
   5. Chumash;
   6. Ma'amar/Sicha.
4. Name four (4) things that are disrespectful to do in a shul.
5. Describe how men and women one should dress when entering a shul.
6. Explain why there is separate men’s and women’s seating.
7. Give an example of a kosher Mechitza and an example of a non kosher Mechitza.
8. List at least four (4) items that should be in a shul.
9. Show which direction you would face when saying the Amida (silent prayer) in Shul.
   

Step Two

1. Describe two differences between a Bais Medrash and a Bais Hakneses.
2. List the amount of Aliyos given to people on the following dates:

   1. Monday or Thursday;
   2. Shabbos;
   3. Rosh Chodesh;
   4. Yom Tov;
   5. Yom Kippur.
3. Explain the following laws about selling a Shul:

   1. What can be done with the building?
   2. What must be done with the money?
4. Do the following:

   1. Help keep the Seforim (holy books) of the Shul organized properly for one week.
   2. Describe 3 things that cannot be done out of respect for Seforim.
5. Draw a blueprint of how a Shul should be set up. Make sure to include:

   1. All items required in a shul;
   2. Directions (north, south, east, west);
   3. The ideal amount of windows.
6. Explain what is done in a Shul in honor of Shavuot and why.
7. Tell the reason why it is important to answer Amen and Yehai Shmei Rabah.
8. Tell or write a story which shows the importance of praying with a Minyan.
   

Step Three

1. Recite by heart the Mi Shebairach Prayer.
2. Tell which Torah portion is read on the following days:

   1. Rosh Chodesh;
   2. Taanis Tzibur (public fast day);
   3. Chanukah;
3. Design and build a small model of a Shul. Make sure it includes all the items required in a Shul.
4. Explain what the function of a Cheder Sheini is.
5. Describe the role of:

   1. the Rabbi;
   2. the Gabbai;
   3. the Shamash.
6. Explain what happens in Shul during:

   1. a Chupah;
   2. a Bris;
   3. a Siyum Sefer Torah;
   4. a funeral.
7. Demonstrate the proper way to enter and exit a shul.