Synagogue Features Flashcards
1
Q
Definition/ description
A
- ‘ bet Knesset’ = house of assembly.
- ‘ shul ‘ = school, centre of study of the Torah.
- Place of worship.
- Festivals are celebrated here and rites of passage e.g marriage.
2
Q
What is, ‘bimah’ and what does it symbolise?
A
- Reading desk.
- Raised to show its status.
- At central to show teachings come from all around the world.
3
Q
What is, ‘Aaron ha-Kodesh’ and what does it symbolise?
A
- Ark of the Covenant.
- Represents the original ark built by Moses.
4
Q
What is, ‘Ner Tamid ’ and what does it symbolise?
A
- Eternal light.
- Show God’s presence.
5
Q
Why should synagogues be erected on the highest part of a town?
A
- So that people can look up to the Holy place.
6
Q
Why is it important?
A
- A place of worship, study, rites of messages and festivals.
7
Q
Contrasts.
A
- Orthodox = bimah is at the centre, reader facing away the congregation.
- Reform = reader facing the congregation, back to the ark.
8
Q
Teachings
A
“… house of prayer for all nations”
- suggests the synagogue is a house of prayer, so every nation is accepted as God accepts all prayers.
