2.8 : Synagogues

Question 1

What objects are found in the syangogue?

Answer 1

• Bimah
• Ark (Aron Hakodesh)
• Yad
• Ner tamid

Question 2

What is the design of a synagogue like?

Answer 2

• In Orthodox synagogues, there is often seating on three sides, facing a central bimah, with the Ark on the fouth side.
• In Orthodox synagogues, there is a separate balcony area for women.
• In Liberal/Reform synagogues the bimah may be placed at the front before the Ark.
• All synagogues should face Jerusalem, so those in the UK face east.

Question 3

What is the Ark?

Answer 3

• The Ark is also called Aron Hakodesh.
• It is the most important element in the prayer hall, and is set in the wall facing Jerusalem.
• The Sefer Torah is kept int he Ark in honour of the Holy of Holies in the Temple, which contained the Ark of the covenant, and the Ten Commandments.
• The doors/curtains to the Ark are only opened when the Torah scrolls are taken out for worship/events.

Question 4

What is the Ner Tamid?

Answer 4

• Means “Eternal Light”
• Is kept burning in front of or above the Ark at all times (a requirement set out in Exodus)

Question 5

Ner Tamid

SOWA: Exodus

Answer 5

Exodus says that the lamps are to be kept burning ‘before the Lord from evening till morning’

Question 6

What is the bimah?

Answer 6

• The bimah reflects the design of an ancient temple.
• The rabbi leads the service from the bimah.
• The Sefer Torah is taken out of the Ark and carried to the bimah to be read.
• The words of the Torah are followd using a yad, a long pinter, shaped like a finger at the end, so the Torah is not touch by the reader, reflecting the status of the Torah.

Question 7

How are synagogues used by Orthodox Jews?

Answer 7

• Prayers are said in Hebrew.
• There is a seperate searting area for women.
• No musical instruments can be used during worship
• Only males can read from the Torah
• Prayers are said for the rebuilding of the Temple, and the return to the Holy Land

Question 8

How are syangogues used by Liberal and Reform Jews?

Answer 8

• Prayers are said in English
• Women sit amongst the men.
• There may be a piano/organ/band.
• Women can be invited to read during the service.

Question 9

How else are synagogues used?

Answer 9

• Worship (daily worship, festivals etc)
• Education(Hebrew lessons, tuiton on the Torah, study groups)
• Community (weddings, Bar Mitzvahs, Bat Mitzvahs..)