A quick question about (orthodox?) jewish practices, pls

[littleducks]

I went to legoland today with dd and there were alot of jewish people there on some kind of group trip, i think they were orthodox from their dress (the boys wore skull caps with ringlets and the women wore hats).

At the end of the day (about 5.30) the men all appeared to be praying at the top of the hill facing out over the view where there were some statues (lego oBV) of dragons and pumpkins.

I just wondered what they were doing, they were 'rocking' slightly and reciting something not in unison, did they have to pray at a particular time or facing in a certain direction? I have seen people do similar things on tv but facing the wall in jerusalem so it appeared a little odd facing lego statues.

Also no women were taking part, is this because they arent allowed to or just that it isnt obligatory upon them and so they watched the children for the men?

Hope this is worded correctly, as i am curious but didnt want to ppear rude

As far as I understand it, Orthodox Jewish men are required to say sets of prayers in the morning, afternoon and evening, so I would guess that this was the evening ones. I'm not sure if there are required times, but it may be that the evening ones have to be done before sunset? (guessing there). I believe they are all saying the same set of prayers, but each saying them individually - they can say them individually at home or go to the synagogue to say them. The rocking is something which goes with reciting the prayers, but I'm not sure why or if it's required.

The women don't have to do the specific prayers at those times of day, though they are still supposed to pray, but I think they can choose when and how to do it. I think in synagogues there are separate areas where the women pray.

Hope that helps - I don't know very much about Judaism, but I know a Jewish lady and have tried to find out a bit to not tread on any toes inadvertently!

AMum is right - there are certain times of the day when Jewish men need to pray

and they need to face a certain direction

women are not obligated to pray in the same way as men but they do pray

the rocking is something which i have never quite understood myself - have heard it called "shokkelling" and it done during prayer - whether it helps with the recitation or has a deeper meaning is something which i can't answer!

Thanks for the replies,

Hey - I was in legoland that day as one of thr orthodox jews you metion! The day was called Hol Hamoed Succot and is a traditional day for taking the children out hence tons of jewish people!

The men are obliged to pary - for women it is good but not obligatory. Most orthodox woemn pray once a day in teh monrings. We pray facing Jersualema nd the rocking back and forth is almost melodious in time to prayers and the tunes we kjnow.
Myabe we even saw eachother?