Jews
Cards (11)
- The early Jews worshipped in temples.
- The Temple in Jerusalem was first destroyed by the Babylonians in 586 BCE. It was rebuilt and stood for almost 600 years before being destroyed again by the Romans in 70 CE.
- Today, all that remains of the Temple in Jerusalem is the Western Wall (also called the Wailing Wall)
- After the destruction of the Jewish Temple, synagogues that had been used for Jews to worship in their towns and villages became more important. Today, Jews worship in synagogues.
- The word synagogue is of Greek origin and means ‘a place of assembly’
- Prayer Hall: Inside a synagogue is a central prayer hall. In some Orthodox synagogues, men and older boys sit on the ground floor while women and children sit on the balcony.In Reform synagogues, everyone sits together on the ground floor.
- Aron Hakodesh/ the Ark: The Ark is a large cupboard or alcove in the wall that faces Jerusalem. This where the Torah scrolls (called Sefer Torah/ Sepher Torah) are stored.
- Ner Tamid/ the perpetual light:The ner tamid is the light that burns continuously in the synagogue. This light is situated above the Ark.The ner tamid reminds Jews of the light in the original Jewish Temple in Jerusalem that always burned and it also symbolizes the ever-presence of God.
- Bimah:This is a raised platform in the front or centre of the synagogue from which the Sefer Torah is read out to the congregation.The scroll is taken from the Ark and taken to the bimah during service, where it is read. A metal pointer called a yad is used to follow the text of the Torah while reading.
- A mezuzah is a small case or container in which the parchment inscribed with verses of the Torah is enclosedEvery time a Jew enters or leaves the building, he will touch the mezuzah to show that he remembers his covenant with God
- Jewish synagogues are used for far more than worship. They are also used as community centres - for example: senior citizens clubs and youth clubs and for the study of Jewish traditions, beliefs and customs