The Synagogue

Origins of the Name:

The synagogue is the Jewish equivalent of a church. There are several different terms to describe it: “shul” which emphasises study or “temple” (used by Reform Jews)

Functions of the Synagogue:

·         A house of prayer, worship and religious services

·         A place of study and education

·         Location for religious rituals

·         May be a “town hall”

·         Synagogues achieve funds through donations and annual membership fees (not necessary for worship in the synagogue)

·         Social Welfare agency

• Library of sacred Jewish texts

Organization Structure:

·         Are run by a board of directors

·         Manage and maintain the synagogue

·         They hire a rabbi

·         Services can be conducted without a rabbi, a lay person will take their place.

·         Rabbi provides leadership, guidance and education

·         Do not have a collection plate during service but instead collect money at weekday services which go to charity

·         Membership fees are paid annually to help the synagogue

·         Do not have to be a member to worship at the synagogue

·         Individual synagogues do not answer to any central authority

Ritual items in the Synagogue

·         Prayer services are performed in the ‘sanctuary’

·         Most important feature is the Ark, a cabinet in the wall that holds Torah scrolls

·         Also called the Aron Kodesh (holy cabinet)

·         Is placed to the front of the room, on the side in which Jerusalem is

·         Has doors and a curtain

·         Opening the door and curtain is done by a member of the congregation and is an honour

·         All people stand when it is open

·         In front of the Ark, is the Eternal Lamp, symbolizes the commandment to keep a light burning

·         Menorah (candelabrum) is also in the room

·         In the centre of the room is a pedestal called the bimah, torah scrolls are put in here so they can be read

·         Also used as a podium for services

·         Additional lectern called an amud