Synagogue

• BEIT TEFILAH, house of prayer - *Jews come together for community prayer service. *Consists of ten people “minyan” (orthodox synagogue would have to be male). *Jews believe synagogue creates special experience, but gathering can make more special (spiritual experience).
• BEIT MIDRASH, house of study

  • Jews refer to synagogue as a “shul” (school).
  • Can study the sacred text in well-stocked library.
  • Children receive basic religious education.
• Place of celebration

  • Festivals celebrates.
  • Celebration, like a boys Bat Mitzvah.
  • Weddings can take place.
• BEIT KNESSET, house of assembly

  • Jews will commemorate festivals throughout Jewish year.
  • Social hall for religious and non-religious activities.
  • Helps as a social welfare agency where people can go to get help if needed.
• Inside, most synagogues have similar features.
• There are no pictures or statues in a synagogue, in accordance with the teachings of the second of the Ten Commandments.
• Most important place = Aron Hakodesh (Torah scrolls are kept).
• Ark - usually wooden with features of a cupboard and often a curtain or door (door / curtain open =symbol prayer is important, e.g. certain prayer during Yom Kippur or Rosh Hashanah).
• Ner Tamid - eternal light continuously burning at front of synagogue above ark - symbolising the menorah used in ancient temple in Jerusalem.
• Ner Tamid - traditionally oil lamp but often electrical today for convenience.
• Bimah - raised platform where Torah is read and some services are delivered - usually situated at front near ark and Ner Tamid.
• When Torah is removed from ark, congregation will stand and Torah will be carried over the bimah and placed on the reading desk.
• Rabbi will use yad when reading.
• Traditionally men and women weren’t sat together as it “cause distraction” - still follow this rule in Orthodox synagogue.
• Reform synagogues allow men and women to sit together.
• During service = ark will be opened to reveal scrolls and congregation will stand to show respect for God’s word.
• Member of congregation usually asked to take out one scroll and process it around the synagogue to the bimah, where it will be read.
• Worshippers try to touch or kiss scroll as it’s carried to show love and respect for God’s word.
• Rabbi - ordained Hewish leader trained to interpret and apply the sacred scriptures to contemporary issues and circumstances.
• Rabbi - chosen by the synagogue community to teach, provide spiritual and religious guidance, and other advice.
• Rabbi - reads services in synagogues and takes part in religious ceremonies and celebrations.
• Traditionally and in Orthodix traditions, only men could be ordained Rabbi - Reform movements allow women.