Synagogue

A Synagogue is Jewish house of worship. There are several variations of the word "synagogue": From Greek - συναγωγή, transliterated synagogē means "assembly"; From Hebrew - בית כנסת beit knesset, means "house of assembly" and שול or בית תפילה beit tefila, means "house of prayer"; In Yiddish - shul meaning "school".


[edit] Functions

  • A synagogue serves as the center of a Jewish religious community and has many functions: it is a place of prayer, study and education, social and charitable work as well as a communal gathering place.
  • A synagogue, also commonly referred to as "Temple" (not to be confused with The Temple of Jerusalem) is a location where Jewish couples may choose to hold their wedding ceremony.


[edit] Structure

  • There is no set blueprint for synagogues and the architectural shapes and interior designs of synagogues vary greatly.
  • Most usually include: a main sanctuary, smaller rooms for study and sometimes a social hall and offices for the Rabbi and his employees.


[edit] External Links