What is a Synagogue? [1]
A Jewish place of worship, the word has Greek origins, it means assembly or place of assembly.
What is the Ark? [2]
- A cupboard at the front of the Synagogue.
- Contains the Torah scrolls
- Most important part of the Synagogue because it contains the scrolls.
What is the Ner Tamid? [2]
- It means Eternal Light
- It’s at the front, over the doors of the ark that is always burning in the Synagogue.
What is the Bimah? [2]
- It’s a reading desk which the Torah is read on.
- In the middle of the Synagogue so everyone can hear.
- Generally on raised platform.
What are the Torah Scrolls? Give some facts. [3]
- In HEBREW
- Written by hand and made naturally
- Wrapped in a mantle (cloth)
- Sefer Torah = Hebrew name
In what shape were the roller handles and why? [2]
- Pomegranates (rimonim)
- Pomegranates were believed to have 613 seeds which = the 613 commandments for thr Torah.
What is the Yad? [2]
- It’s a pointer which the Rabbi will read the Torah with.
- This is so the ink doesn’t get damaged/smudged by sweaty/greasy fingers
In which direction is Hebrew read in? [1]
Right to left
What is a Rabbi? [1]
- Rabbi means teacher
- Name given to the person who teaches the Torah
What is the Hebrew name for ‘House of Gathering’? [1]
Beit Knesset
What is the Hebrew name for ‘House of Learning’? [1]
Beit Midrash
What is the Hebrew name for ‘House of Prayer’? [1]
Beit Tefilah
What is the Amud/Lectern? [1]
- Small reading desk where the Rabbi puts their notes on
- Seperate to the Bimah
Name 3 rooms a synagogue might have to facilitate the community gathering together [3]
-Kitchen(s) (Orthodox have 2 kitchens - women and men have separate kitchens)
-Meeting rooms
-Spaces for children
Why is the synagogue important for Jewish community? (3)
Community and family is greatly significant in Judaism.
- The Synagogue acts as a community hub, a place for those who are
part of God’s Covenant (the Jews) to gather together and pray. - Shows unity to God
What is the Minyan? [2]
- Minimum of 10 adults
- Prayer
What happens if there aren’t 10 adults? [1]
The prayer does NOT happen
Name 4 events that are held in the synagogue [4]
-Weekly Shabbat services
-Pesach
-Yom Kippur
-Bar/Bat Mitzvah
Where do children learn Hebrew and why do children learn Hebrew?
-Synagogue
-To be able to read the Torah for their Bar/Bat Mitzvah
What does it mean when it says ‘The synagogue acts as a community hub’? [1]
The synagogue acts as a place for those who are part of God’s covenant (made through key figures such as Abraham and Moses) to be together
What is the Hazzan/Chazzan? [1]
- It means ‘cantor’ or ‘singer’
- Name given to the person who leads prayers and hymns.
Why do Orthodox and Conservative Jews seperate men and women? [1]
So they can concentrate on the sermon not each other.
Name 3 things the place of worship is important for [3]
-Community and Family
-Education
-Celebrations in the religious calendar
What is the barrier between men and women seating area called? [1]
Mechitzah
