Features of a Synagogue

Question 1

What are exterior features of a synagogue?

Answer 1

1. Should have a Star of David or a menorah to show it is Jewish.
2. Having windows let in the light as a sign of God’s strength and guidance.
3. Be built facing Jerusalem, where the temple stood.

Question 2

What are some interior features?

Answer 2

1. Have a sink at the entrance to clean.
2. They have a holy ark (Aron Hakodesh)
3. Inside the Ark is the Sefer Torah- Torah scrolls
4. When reading use a yad to prevent damage.
5. They have a bimah-platform- for reading.
6. Above the Ark is the ner tamid-everlasting light- represents menorah in the Jerusalem temple.

Question 3

How do Liberals use the synagogue?

Answer 3

1. Women and men sit together.
2. Cantor can be either male or female.
3. Organ band or piano.
4. Both men and women can be asked to read.
5. Many of the prayers are in english.

Question 4

How do Orthodoxs use the synagogue?

Answer 4

1. Women and men cannot sit together.
2. Cantor can be only male.
3. Organ band or piano are not used.
4. Only men can be asked to read.
5. Many of the prayers are in Hebrew.

Question 5

SOWAAs:

Answer 5

1. “lamps may be kept burning”

Question 6

The synagogue is the centre of Jewish life. Evaluate. Agree.

Answer 6

1. The Torah places emphasis on communal worship. “Every place where…my name is mentioned, I will come to you.”. Shows importance of designated spaces.
2. The Talmud also places emphasis of synagogues in preserving traditions. Supported: “Even if there are only 2 Jews… they must establish a synagogue”

Question 7

The synagogue is the centre of Jewish life. Evaluate. Disagree.

Answer 7

1. Alternative forms of worship: “heavens declare the glory of God.”You can worship God by appreciating his role as a Creator, through nature, meditation .etc.
2. Rabbi M Kaplan argued that Judaism should involve cultural aspects as well as religious practice. This means that Jewish life should involve more experiences outside of solely religious institutions