The Synagogue

• What does synagogue mean?

  Bringing together
• What is on the outside of a synagogue?

  Star of David and a Menorah
• The synagogue is a place of worship but also a place of meetings, social gatherings, education and charity
• What is the Ner Tamid?

  A light that never goes out inside the synagogue
• What is the Aron Hakodesh?

  The Ark - a large cupboard facing Jerusalem that holds the Torah and is considered the holiest place in the synagogue.
• What is the Yad?

  The pointer used by the reader of the Torah to keep their place
• What is the Bimah?

  A raised platform where the Torah is read from
• Why are their no images of God in the synagogue?

  Goes against second commandment - "Thou shalt not worship a false God"
• What is the main difference between Orthodox and Reform synagogues?

  In Orthodox synagogues men and women aren't allowed to sit together
• What is a Rabbi?

  A Jewish religious leader trained in interpreting and teaching the Torah
• How do Rabbi's differ in Orthodox and Reform Judaism?

  Reform Jews allow female Rabbi's where Orthodox Jews don't
• Why are synagogue services important?

  They draw the community together
• What is a cantor and what do they do?

  A cantor is a singer who leads a congregation in prayer in Jewish religious services.
• What is the siddur?

  Jewish prayer book that contains daily prayers
• What is the Shema?

  The Jewish declaration of faith in only one God
• What is the Amidah?

  The standing prayer
• What is the process of the Amidah?

  Worshippers stand facing Jerusalem and prayer in silence
• How are the blessing of the Amidah prayer divided?

  The first 3 praise God, the middle 13 ask for God's help and the final blessing thanks God
• How do prayers differ in Orthodox and Reform synagogues?

  Prayers in Orthodox synagogues are longer and read in Hebrew whereas in reform synagogues they're shorter and read in English