Synagogue

• Synagogue


  A building where Jews meet for worship, study, social activities and charitable events. It is also where Jews celebrate festivals and rites of passage.
• Synagogue


  • It forms the centre of the Jewish religious community
  • It is usually identified from its use of Jewish symbols on the outside of the building, such as a menorah or the Star of David
• Names for the synagogue


  • House of prayer
  • House of study
  • Shul (Orthodox Jews)
  • Temple (Reform Jews)
• Importance of the synagogue


  • It strengthens the Jewish community by providing space for worship, prayer, social activities, education, and charitable events
• Worship and prayer in the synagogue


  1. Jews can pray anywhere, but believe it is good to pray together in a group

  2. Certain prayers can only be said in the presence of a minyan (a group of at least 10 adults)

  3. Services are regularly held for Jews to pray and worship together
• Social activities in the synagogue


  1. The synagogue hosts a variety of activities for children, teenagers and adults, such as youth clubs, music or drama groups, and groups for senior citizens

  2. The synagogue provides a place to discuss matters that are important to the community
• Education in the synagogue


  1. The synagogue helps to educate Jews of all ages in their faith

  2. Synagogues may provide classes in Hebrew for young Jews

  3. Most synagogues have a library that helps older Jews to continue improving their understanding of the faith and its scriptures
• Charitable events in the synagogue


  1. The synagogue helps Jews to donate their time and money to charity

  2. Synagogues often hold events to raise money for charity

  3. They also collect money or other items to be given to charity or distributed among the poor and needy
• Prayer hall


  • It is the room in the synagogue where Jews come together for communal worship and prayer
  • It is usually rectangular in shape, with seats on three sides facing inwards towards the bimah
  • It might be decorated with patterns, Jewish symbols or extracts from scripture, but images of God, the prophets or other religious figures are not allowed
• Ark (Aron Hakodesh)


  An ornamental cabinet or container where the Torah scrolls are kept. It is the holiest place in the synagogue.
• Ever-burning light (ner tamid)


  A light that is kept on at all times, situated above the Ark. It symbolises God's presence.
• Reading platform (bimah)


  A raised platform situated in the centre of the prayer hall, where the Torah is read from during services.
• Orthodox Judaism


  The traditional branch of Judaism
• Orthodox Jews

  • Emphasise the importance of strictly following the laws in the Torah
  • Believe the Torah was given directly to Moses by God, so should be followed as closely as possible
  • Believe men and women should have different roles
• Reform Judaism


  A type of progressive Judaism
• Reform Jews


  • Emphasise the importance of individual choice in deciding how to worship and practise the faith
  • Believe the Torah was inspired by God but written by humans, so it can be adapted for modern times
  • Believe men and women should be able to undertake the same roles
• Roles in Reform Judaism


  • Women can become a rabbi
  • Women can be part of the minyan
• Who leads services in the synagogue

  • Rabbi (a Jewish religious leader and teacher)
  • Cantor (a person who leads or chants prayers in the synagogue)
  • Member of the congregation
• Differences between Orthodox and Reform synagogue services


  • Orthodox: Synagogues usually hold daily services
  • Orthodox: Service is in Hebrew
  • Orthodox: Person leading service has back to congregation
  • Orthodox: Men and women sit separately
  • Orthodox: Some arrive late and catch up at own pace
  • Orthodox: Men cover heads with skull cap, married women cover heads with hat or scarf
  • Reform: Synagogues often do not hold daily services, focus on Shabbat and festivals
  • Reform: Service is in Hebrew and country's own language
  • Reform: Person leading service faces congregation
  • Reform: Men and women sit together
  • Reform: Services are shorter but more rigidly structured
  • Reform: Most men wear skull cap, some women do as well or wear hat
  • Reform: Singing may be accompanied by musical instruments
• Tallit


  A prayer shawl made from wool or silk, with tassels attached to each corner
• Tefillin


  A pair of small leather boxes containing extracts from the Torah, one fastened to the forehead and the other wound around the upper arm
• Significance of tallit and tefillin

  • Tallit reminds Jews they are obeying God's word
  • Tassels represent the mitzvot
  • Tefillin reminds Jews their mind should concentrate fully on God when they pray, and their prayers should come from the heart
• Parts of a weekday prayer service

  • Opening prayers
  • Reciting the Shema and accompanying blessings
  • Saying the Amidah (central prayer of Jewish worship)
  • Reading from the Torah
  • Final prayers including the Aleinu prayer
• Importance of prayer to Jews

  • It is a way to communicate with God
  • Communal prayer strengthens the Jewish community
  • It brings Jews closer to God
  • It helps Jews to remember what their faith is all about