Synagogue

Synagogue

 

1.  Origin of the name

The word ‘synagogue’ is a Greek translation of the word ‘beit k’nesset’ which means “place of assembly”.

2.  Functions of the synagogue

At minimum it is a place of prayer and where Jews can get together for community prayer services. It is also a place of study for Jews where they have a well stocked library of Jewish sacred texts which Jews can study from.

3.  Structure

They are usually run by a board of directors and they usually have a rabbi, but they don’t need a rabbi, religious services can be conducted by lay people in whole or in part. However, a rabbi is a valuable member of the community, providing leadership, guidance and education.

4.  Items found

The most important item in the synagogue is the Torah Scroll, which is their bible. It is held in the ‘Ark’ which is also called the Aron Kodesh (‘holy cabinet’).





Another important item is the menorah which is a candelabrum which symbolises the menorah in the Temple but instead of having 7 branches like the one in the Temple they only have 6 or 8 because to copy the menorah in the Temple is considered improper.

The bimah is a pedestal that holds the Torah scroll when it is being read