practices: features of the synagogue Flashcards
what does the synagogue mean literally?
the house of assembly
why is it a house of prayer?
focus of community prayers
can pray anywhere but there are certain prayers that can only be said in the presence of a minyan
what is a minyan?
ten adult males but some traditions include women
why is it a house of study?
called schul meaning ‘school’
studying sacred text is important
place where children receive re
why is it a social hall?
focus for community celebration, clubs, cultural events and charity
why are synagogues different?
some can be:
large/small
very simple/highly decorated
what is one main common feature of all synagogues? why?
lack of statues or representations of living things
stated in the torah
why should synagogues face forwards jerusalem?
reminds jews of the temple that is destroyed
what is the main difference between orthodox and reform synagogues?
separate seating for men and women -> orthodox
women and men can be seated together in the same room -> reform
what is the ark?
at the wall facing towards jerusalem, there will be a cupboard called the ark
this is where the torah scrolls are kept
most important part of the prayer hall
what is the ark a reminder of?
reminder of the holy of holies in the temple where the 10 commandments were kept
when can the door or curtains be only opened?
when the torah scrolls are taken out during worship
what does the ner tamid mean?
eternal light
what is the ner tamid?
kept burning always in front of the ark
what is the ner tamid a reminder & symbol of?
reminder of the eternal nature of god
symbol of the light that is buried continually in the temple
what is the bimah?
a platform usually in the middle or front of the synagogue
what does the bimah represent?
the altar in the temple
where is the bimah placed?
from which the service is led
what is places on the bimah?
when the torah scrolls are removed from the ark and placed on the bimah and read from here
the words of the torah are followed using what? why?
yad which is a long finger shaped pointer
this is so the torah is not touched directly by the reader showing respect for the sacred scripture
where is the seatings in the synagogues?
on 3 sides facing the bimah, with thr ark on the 4th side
what is the seating in orthodox synagogues?
may have separate balcony or gallery for women
if not, men and women may sit on separate sides
what is the seating in reform synagogues?
men and women sit together
acceptable for women to make up part of the minyan
where are the torah scrolls kept?
in the holy ark
what are the torah scrolls dressed, embroidered and decorated in?
what do these represent?
silk or velvet covers in rich colours
embroidered with gold threat
decorated with gold and silver ornaments like bells, crown or breastplate
represent what the priests used to wear in the temple
what is the menorah?
seven-branched candlestick
who used the menorah and why?
used by moses whilst the jews were in the wilderness and then became a feature of the jerusalem temple
why has the menorah become a symbol of judaism?
it was burned daily
what is the menorah outlined in the torah?
the construction
what is forbidden in the 2nd commandment?
to have no images of god or statues of anyone associated with judaism in the synagogue
what is the only feature allowed to be displayed? what does it represent?
the 10 commandments representing the covenant made between god and moses on behalf of the jews on mount sinai
what is the chazzan?
the person who will lead the congregation of the synagogue in prayer
who will be the chazzan in orthodox synagogues?
adult male
must be able to understand and read hebrew
why is most orthodox service sung?
as the chazzan plays a vital part in the service?
what is a rabbi?
spiritual leader/religious teacher in the synagogue
what is the star of david?
shield of david
symbol of judaism
where is the star of david often found?
on the outside of the synagogue
what is the difference between the star of david and the menorah?
the star of david is a more modern jewish symbol
house of prayer: what is the synagogue a place for?
the place where jews come together for community prayer services
house of prayer: what do jews believe about certain prayers?
prayers like the Amidah can only take place when there is a minyan
house of prayer: what does tradition teach?
that there is great merit in praying with a group rather than praying alone
house of prayer: the sacredness of the synagogue is what?
second only to the jewish temple that stood in Jerusalem
house of prayer: what does the talmud refer to the synagogue as?
the ‘little temple’
house of study: what do Orthodox Jews considered a life long task?
the study of sacred texts such as the torah and talmud
house of study: what is a synagogue likely to have?
a library of scared jewish books for members of the community to study
house of study: why is it a place for young children?
to receive their basic religious education
house of study: why is the synagogue a place for a young boy?
to prepare for his bat mitzvah meaning many months of studying sections of the torah and perfecting their spoken Hebrew
social hall/community centre: why can this be used as a town hall?
where matters of importance within the community can be discussed
social hall/community centre: what can the hall be used for? (7)
youth clubs
sporting activities
lunch clubs for the elderly
music
drama
celebrations pf rites of passage such as the bar mitzvahs
charity events
social hall/community centre: why are there charity events?
as they are linked to the social welfare where the community will provide support for the most needy
what is the jewish term for house of prayer?
beit tefilah
what is the jewish term for house of study?
beit midrash