Items in the synagogue

• What is the Aron Hakodesh (ark)?


  Most important place inside the synagogue as it is where the Torah is kept. Wooden and has features of a cupboard, will often have curtains as a door. If the door is open, it is a symbol that prayer is important. Door is opened for certain prayers such as Yom Kippur
• What is the Ner Tamid?


  Found at the front of the synagogue above the ark. Used to be oil lamp but now its an electrical lamp. Continuously kept burning and is never allowed to go out. Ner Tamid means eternal light. Symbolic for the menorah
• What is the Bimah?


  Refers to the raised platform where the Torah is read and where some services are delivered. Found at the front near the ark and Ner Tamid. When Torah is removed from ark the congregation will stand. Torah will be carried to Bimah.
• What is the yad?


  It is a pointer used to minimise touching the Torah. Rabbi will use it when reading the Torah.
• What are the ten commandments?


  Rules given to Moses on Mount Sinai. Part of the 613 commandments believed to have been given to the Jewish people. They are mentioned twice in Torah. Read out loud 3 times a year. Read during the festival of Shavuot
• Reading the Torah

  Torah scrolls are taken out of the Aron Hakodesh. Portions are read in the synagogue 3 times each week. Over the course of the year the whole scroll is read. Special portions of the reading are called parshioth and are usually 3 to 5 chapters long. Reading is conducted using an ancient tune. Yad is used when reading the Torah to minimise touching it. Rabbi will then read the Torah