synagogue

• What is a Jewish place of worship called?

  Synagogue
• What does the word 'synagogue' mean?

  A gathering of people or an assembly
• Besides worship and prayer, what is another purpose of a synagogue?

  It is a place to study and learn about the Jewish faith
• When do Jews gather in a synagogue?

  On the Sabbath and for important occasions such as weddings and festivals
• Why is God not represented as a statue or in any art form in a synagogue?

  Because idolatry, or worshipping an image or created object, is considered a sin
• What are some common decorations found in a synagogue?

  Geometric patterns, Hebrew calligraphy, and the Star of David
• What is a geometric pattern?

  A pattern made up of regular lines and shapes like squares, triangles, and rectangles
• What is calligraphy?

  The art of handwriting, especially decorative writing
• What is the most important feature in a synagogue?

  The ark
• What does the ark contain?

  The scrolls of the Torah
• How do men and women sit in a traditional synagogue?

  Men and women sit separately, often with a women's gallery for women to sit in
• In which direction do people sit in a synagogue?

  Facing the direction of Jerusalem
• Why is it important for Jews to worship as a community?

  They believe it is important to worship regularly as a community
• What do Jews have that contains specific prayers for worship?

  A prayer book
• Who guides formal worship in a synagogue?

  The rabbi
• What is the Tanakh?

  The sacred text in Judaism
• Can women be rabbis in all Jewish denominations?

  No, some denominations allow only men to be rabbis
• What is the role of the cantor in a synagogue?

  The cantor leads the worship along with the rabbi and chants the prayers