RE the synagogue

• In Judaism, a synagogue is where worshippers gather, often called a synagogue, shul, beit knesset, beit tefillah, or beit midrash
• Men are asked to cover their heads in most synagogues as a sign of respect for God, usually wearing a skullcap
• Orthodox and conservative Jewish synagogues separate men and women during services, while reformed synagogues allow men and women to sit together
• The main room in a synagogue is called The Sanctuary, where services are held on the Shabbat, facing the city of Jerusalem
• The Torah, the holy book of Judaism, is kept in the ark or aron hakodesh, the most important part of any synagogue
• During a service, the Torah scrolls are treated with respect, wrapped in a cloth cover called a mantle, and may have a metal breastplate and decorations called remonim
• Torah scrolls are written in Hebrew on animal skins, made of natural materials like ink from oil and charcoal, and the rollers are made from wood
• Hebrew is read from right to left, and during Torah readings, a pointer called a Yad is used to follow the words to avoid damaging the scroll
• The rabbi in a synagogue is a teacher who gives sermons and teaches about the Torah and Jewish life
• In Orthodox and conservative synagogues, the service is led by a cantor or hazan, while in reformed synagogues, both men and women can lead and organize the service
• After the service, the Torah scroll is wrapped up and put back in the ark, and synagogues have other rooms used for various activities during the week