The Synagogue & Its Importance

The Synagogue

Synagogue, bet knesset and shul are all different names for the building where Jews pray, study, celebrate life cycle moments and socialise. Reform Jews might even call the synagogue ‘temple’. This reflects their belief that modern places of worship have replaced the Temple that once stood in Jerusalem.

What happens in the synagogue?

Prayer, although Jews can pray anywhere!
Boys study for their bar mitzvah and girls study for their bat mitzvah.
Members can borrow books to improve their knowledge.
There is a social hall for celebrating as a community.
Charity collections take place to raise funds for community members.
Some synagogues hold classes for studying Judaism or Hebrew.

What is a community?

A community (called a 'minyan') is defined as 10 Jewish males aged 13+ who have gathered to pray.
They can say extra prayers that can only be said as a community.
In Reform Judaism, communities can include men and women.

The importance of the synagogue

The synagogue is hugely important for Jews, but the home is the most important place in Jewish belief.

The Design and Rules of Synagogues

There is no prescribed design of a synagogue. There are often common religious features but the actual design is variable.

The Bimah

In the centre of the room, there is a raised platform from which the Torah is read. This is called the Bimah.
The chazzan (prayer leader) might also lead prayers from the Bimah.
Other Synagogues have a pulpit at the front of the room from where prayers are read.

Seating plan

Men and women sit separately and are divided by a curtain or upstairs balcony.
This is to make sure that no one gets distracted by the opposite sex which allows them to fully focus on God.

Clothing worn in the synagogue

Men cover their heads with a Kippa (type of hat) or drape the Tallit (prayer shawl) over their heads.
Married women must also cover their heads with a hat, scarf or a full wig which covers their natural hair.

The Religious Features of Synagogues

The following traditional religious features help identify the synagogue as a house of prayer:

Specific religious objects

There is often a Star of David and a Menorah (candelabra).
The building may be decorated with stained glass windows that depict stories from the Torah.
There might be a representation of the Ten Commandments.
There are no images of humans in a synagogue.

The Holy Ark

The Holy Ark is placed at the front of the room on the wall facing Jerusalem.
Sometimes this will be raised off the floor which reminds worshippers that God and the Torah are of higher importance.
The Ark holds the Torah scrolls.
There is a curtain in front of the Ark.
The person leading the ceremony, which is in Hebrew, faces the Ark.

The Ner Tamid

Above the Ark, the Ner Tamid can be found.
This is an eternal flame that is kept burning.
Symbolically, this reminds Jews of God’s presence and also the Menorah that was lit in the Temple.

1Buddhism

2Christianity

2.1Key Beliefs

2.1.1The Nature of God

2.1.2The Problem of Evil

2.1.3Monotheism

2.1.4Creation

2.1.5Bible Accounts of Creation

2.1.6The Trinity and Creation

2.1.7Afterlife

2.1.8Heaven and Hell

2.1.9The Influence of Afterlife on Life

2.1.10End of Topic Test - Christianity Key Beliefs

2.1.11Exam-Style Questions - Christian Beliefs

2.2Jesus Christ & Salvation

2.2.1The Incarnation

2.2.2Jesus - Divine & Human

2.2.3The Crucifixion

2.2.4Jesus' Betrayal

2.2.5Resurrection & Ascension

2.2.6Sin

2.2.7Original Sin

2.2.8Punishment

2.2.9The Means of Salvation

2.2.10Achieving Salvation

2.2.11Disagreements About Salvation

2.2.12The Role of Christ in Salvation

2.2.13Theories of Salvation

2.2.14End of Topic Test - Jesus Christ & Salvation

2.3Worship & Festivals

2.3.1Different Forms of Worship

2.3.2Prayer

2.3.3Sacrament

2.3.4Baptism

2.3.5Other Sacraments

2.3.6Eucharist

2.3.7Pilgrimage & Celebrations

2.3.8Christmas & Easter

2.3.9End of Topic Test - Worship and Festivals

2.4Community

2.4.1Local Community

2.4.2Mission, Evangelism & Church Growth

2.4.3Worldwide Church

2.4.4Reconciliation

2.4.5Persecution

2.4.6Caring for Those in Need

2.4.7End of Topic Test - Community

2.4.8Exam-Style Questions - Christian Practices

3Catholicism (Christianity)

4Islam

5Judaism

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