How are synagogues identified and what are these items?
Symbols on the outside- menorah (many-branched candlestick) and Star of David.
What are some alternative names for a synagogue?
‘House of prayer’, ‘house of study’, ‘shul’, ‘temple’.
How does the synagogue strengthen a community through worship and prayer?
- Provides space for communal prayer- services held in synagogue regularly for group worship.
- Good to pray together: certain prayers can only be said in the presence of a minyan.
What is a minyan?
A group of at least 10 adults.
How does the synagogue strengthen a community through education?
- Synagogue helps to educate Jews of all ages in their faith.
- Provides classes in Hebrew for young Jews: the language used in Jewish prayer.
- Have a library that helps older Jews continue to improve their understanding of the faith, its scriptures.
How does the synagogue strengthen a community through social activities?
- Hosts a variety of activities for children, teenagers and adults in social hall.
- Example: youth clubs, music/drama groups, senior citizen groups.
- Provides a place to discuss communal issues.
How does the synagogue strengthen a community through charitable events?
- Helps Jews to donate time and money to charity.
- Hold events for charity.
- Collect money for poor, needy.
What is the prayer hall in the synagogue?
Where Jews come together for communal worship and prayer.
What does the prayer hall look like?
-Rectangular in shape.
-Seats on three sides of the hall, facing towards the bimah.
Decorated with patterns, no pictures/models of God and religious figures.
What is the Aron Hakodesh (Ark)?
An ornamental cabinet where the Torah scrolls are kept.
Where is the Ark in the synagogue and what is placed above it?
- At the front of the synagogue, reached by steps.
- Two stone tablets with the 10 commandments.
Why is the Ark so significant?
- It is the holiest place in the synagogue.
- It represents the Ark of the Covenant, built to hold the stone tablets of the 10 commandments.
- The first ark was taken to Jerusalem and placed in the Temple (the focus point of worship in early Judaism).
- When Jews face the Ark in the synagogue, they face Jerusalem where the Temple was.
- By climbing the steps, Jews are reminded that God is above his people and the Torah is above humanity.
What is the ever-burning light (ner tamid)?
- A light placed in front of and slightly above the Ark.
- Traditionally an oil lamp, but now mostly electric with an emergency power source.
Why is the ner tamid so significant?
- It symbolises God’s presence, so it is never put out.
- It is a reminder of the menorah, which was lit every night in the Temple in Jerusalem.
What is the reading platform (bimah)?
-A raised platform in most synagogues in the centre of the prayer hall.
Where the Torah is read from during services.
Why is the bimah so significant?
- It provides a focal point where the Torah is read, making it easier for the congregation to see and hear the reader.
- To some Jews it reminds them of the altar, the central feature of the Jerusalem Temple courtyard.
