the synagogue

THE SYNAGOGUE

SHUL

OR

TEMPLE

WHAT’S IN A NAME?

• Hebrew name = BEIT K’NESSET (HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY)

• “SHUL” is YIDDISH = PLACE OF STUDY• “SYNAGOGUE” is from a Greek word that is a

translation of BEIT K’NESSET • Liberal Jews use the word TEMPLE – this can be

offensive to other Jews• “Synagogue” is the most

generally accepted name.

FUNCTIONS OF A SYNAGOGUE

• A synagogue is a BEIT TEFILAH or house of prayer.

• A synagogue is also a BEIT MIDRASH or house of study.

• Community centre – for social life also.

• Welfare agency for their community.

HOW IS A SYNAGOGUEORGANISED?

• Board of directors – lay people• The board hires the Rabbi• N.B. Synagogues can function

without a Rabbi• There is no collection of

money at services - Why?• Membership dues, donations, purchase of seats• Individual synagogues are independent – no

central authority

WHAT’S INSIDE A SYNAGOGUE?

• The sanctuary – where prayer services are held.

• The Ark = Aron Kodesh = holy cabinet

• The Ark holds the Torah scrolls

• The Ark has doors as well as an inner curtain.

WHAT’S INSIDE A SYNAGOGUE? (contd)

• Ner tamid = the eternal lamp• Menorah – 7 branched candelabrum.

• The Bimah – for the Torah scrolls• Men and women sit in different sections of an

orthodox synagogue but sit together in a liberal or reform synagogue. Why?

VISITING A SYNAGOGUE

• Can non Jews visit a synagogue?• Yes - - -• Dress appropriately • Men wear a yarmulke (small cap) –

these are usually provided.

• Simply sit and stand when the rest of the

congregation does especially when the Ark is opened and Torah is carried to or from the ark.

WHAT HAPPENS IN A SYNAGOGUE?

• It is a community centre – • Study courses on various aspects of Judaism• Social events – morning teas, bar mitzvah parties, community

dinners etc• Weddings• Jewish festivals – Purim,

Passover, New Year, Day of Atonement

• Sabbath services on Friday nights and Saturdaymornings

SABBATH SERVICES

• The main Sabbath service is on Saturday mornings and goes for 2-3 hours

• It is mainly a service of the word centred around reading a large portion of the Torah each Saturday as well as a reading from one of the prophets.

• There are prayers also for the community, the country of residence, Israel, remembrance of the dead and other relevant events

• The orthodox service is nearly all in Hebrew while the liberal service is in Hebrew and English

TWO STAGES1. KIDDUSHIN2. NISUIN

KIDDUSHIN =SANCTIFIED BETROTHAL

NISUIN = ELEVATION

WEDDING CEREMONY

FAST BEFORE THE WEDDING

BRIDE IS VEILED BRIDE CIRCLES GROOM TWO BLESSINGS RECITED

OVER THE WINE. EXCHANGE OF RINGS KETUBAH IS READ

ALOUD

KIDDUSHIN

NISUIN

BRIDE AND GROOM BENEATH CHUPPAH – SYMBOL OF HOME.

BRIDE AND GROOM RECITE 7 BLESSINGS

THEY DRINK WINE

GROOM SMASHES GLASS

CEREMONY IS 20-30 MINS

FESTIVE MEAL