A synagogue is a building where Jews meet to worship,study,social activites and charitable events.Jews celebrate festivals and rites of passge.
The synagogue forms
the centre of the Jewish religious community
Name two jewish symbols
Menorah and Star of David
What is the Menorah?
many-branched candlestick
What is the Star of David?
A six pointed star that represents king David who ruled Israel in the tenth century.
What are two other names for the synagogue that Jews might say?
'House of Prayer' or 'House of Study' 'Temple' 'Shul'
The importance of the synagogue Worship and Prayer
The synagogue provides a space to worship and communal prayer.Jews find it better to pray in groups even some prayers can only be said with 10 people.
The Importance of the Synagogue Education
The synagogue helps educate Jews of all ages about their faith.May even provide classes for Jews to learn hebrew.Library in synagogue to help Jews understand their faith and the scriptures.
The Importance of the Synagogue Social activites
They mostly host a variety of activites for children,teenagers and adults.Youth clubs,music,drama groups.Its a place to discuss matters.
The Importance of the Synagogue Charitable Events
The Synagogue helps Jews to donate their times and money to charity.
The Ark (Aron Hakodesh) What is kept here?
the torah scrolls it is the holiest place in the synagogue
The Ever burning light (ner tamid) where is it in the synagogue?
about the ark and it symbolises god's presence
The reading platform (bismah)
where the torah is read
Describe the Prayer Hall
A room in synagogue where jews pray and worship.Has all seats facing bimah.Could be decorated with jewish symbols or scriptures.But images of god and other religious figures are not allowed as it goes against the second commandment.
What is the significance of the Ark
The holiest place in a synagogue.Represents the first ark of the covenant which is the ark that was built that contained the 10 commandments and god gave it to Moses.The jews will face the Ark,there are steps jews have to climb us to reach the ark which symbolises how god is above people
What is the significance of the the ever burning light.
Symbolises God's presence (so it's never put out) and its a reminder of the Menorah that was lit every night in the Temple of jerusalem.
What is the signifcance of the Bimah
Where Torah is read here and it is a reminder that the altar was the central feature of the courtyard in the temple of Jerusalem
What are the two groups in Judais
Reform Jews (more on individual choices) and Orthodox Jews (strict)