lesson 3: abrahamic buildings Flashcards
jewish
In the Book of Exodus God gives to the Jewish people a very detailed plan for the building of the tabernacle, the portable house of worship, that the Israelites would take with them as they made their way to the Promised Land. In this story Moses has gone up onto Mount Sinai and while he is there, God gives him the intricate plans for the tabernacle, a house of worship. This structure becomes the place where God’s God will reside among His people. The design of the tabernacle was used for many years, even during the reigns of King Solomon and King David. It becomes the inspiration for the famous Jewish Temple, built in Jerusalem. The temple was a special place of worship in Jesus’ time. Now only the remnants of the western Wall from the temple remains standing in Jerusalem. The Western Wall is the holiest place in the world for Jews to pray today. Today, every synagogue and every Jewish home is considered equally holy, with God residing in all of these places.
common features of a synagogue are;
o Torah scrolls
o Ten commandments
o Congregation seating
o Menorah
o Rabbi’s and Cantors seats
o Bimah
o Ner Tamid
o Ark
o Rabbi’s podium
o Cantor’s and Torah reading table
Christianity
Christians worship in churches. It is customary to worship on Sunday, and on other special festivals and celebrations. Some people, especially monks and nuns, attend church daily. Some of the features found inside churches have been passed on from the Abrahamic tradition passed on from Judaism. Since Christians were persecuted in the early days of Christianity the first churches were simply people’s homes, or any other safe gathering place, often indicated by the secret sign of a fish. Just as there are many forms of Christianity, there are many types of churches today. However, they usually share some features in common. These features tend to date back to churches of the Middle Ages. Churches from this time tended to be built in the shape of a cross.
common features of a church
o Bell tower
o Nave or seating area (pews)
o Altar where the gospel book and the bread and wine for the Eucharist are placed and blessed
o Pulpit for sermons
o Lectern holding a Bible for the readings
o Choir loft or seating for the choir
o Stained glass windows
o Candles, incense burners
o A precious cross over or on the altar Baptismal font for baptisms (holds the water
