Synagogue

Origin of Name

Synagogue means assembly, meaning house of assembly. It is also known as a ‘shul’ or ‘temple’ but the word synagogue is mainly used because everyone knows what it means.

Functions

Synagogues were built as a purpose space for worship, or rooms originally constructed for some other purpose but reserved for formal, communal prayer, however, existed long before the destruction of the Second Temple.

Structure

Synagogues do not have a set architectural design as wherever the synagogue is place it is designed to the style that style. The earlier synagogues were designed to resemble the temples of the eastern Roman Empire. Synagogues have many spiritual items including a Bimah, a table from which the Torah is read, and a desk for the prayer leader. The torah ark is a cabinet where the Torah is kept and the Ark of the Convent which holds the table with Ten Commandments.

Star of David is one of the special symbols for Jewish people.

Items Found

Mezuzah

This special box called a mezuzah contains some special words from the Shema. The Shema is a passage from the Jewish Bible, called the Tenakh, which talks about what Jews should believe. It can be found in Deuteronomy 6:4-9. The Shema is the first prayer that any Jew will learn.

Kippah

Before they enter the main room Jewish men will cover their heads with a kippah as a mark of respect for God.

SHABBAT CANDLES

These candles are lit at the start of Shabbat on Friday night. A special prayer called a blessing is said. Jews look forward to Shabbat each week. There are two candles to show that it is more special than other days of the week.

CHALLAH LOAF

Jews eat this plaited bread called challah as part of their family meal on Shabbat. It is plaited to make it look different from ordinary bread.

KIDDUSH CUP

On Shabbat, Jews drink wine from a special cup called a kiddush cup. Another blessing is said over the wine.