What are Jewish worship ceremonies called?

Answer 1

The Hebrew word for prayer is Tefillah. Most of the prayers can be found a Siddur (Hebrew prayerbook). However, there is no Hebrew word that means "worship" in the sense that we use it in our culture today.

Furthermore, there is a multitude of ceremonies that encompass Jewish life in terms of life events, holidays, etc. Perhaps there was a specific ceremony you were asking about?

Answer 2

Jewish prayer-books have a structured order. Prayers are ancient, and often are sung or chanted. Some prayers are said in unison (such as Shir Hakavod), and some are not. Some prayers are said more than once per day (such as the Shema), some once a day (such as Yotzer Ohr), and others are said only on Sabbath, festivals or certain occasions. Some prayers are said aloud (such as Kaddish), some are sung (such as Lekha Dodi) and some are to be whispered (the Amidah). Most of the services are in Hebrew, but a couple of prayers are in Aramaic (such as Brikh Shemei).

While praying, Jews either sit in chairs, or stand, depending on the prayer. There is also some bowing forward (in the Amidah and Aleinu), but Jews today do not kneel except once a year on Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement).

In between the prayers, Kaddish is said; and the Torah is read on many occasions (over two hundred times a year).

While formal prayer services are held in the synagogue, many other blessings (such as those over meals) are said in the home.

Answer 3

Tefillah (prayer), or Tefillah betsibur (public prayer).

See also the Related Link.

More about Jewish prayer