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 SYNAGOGUE ORGANISED? 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 Saturday mornings

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 STAGES KIDDUSHIN NISUIN KIDDUSHIN = SANCTIFIED BETROTHAL NISUIN = ELEVATION

WEDDING CEREMONY KIDDUSHIN FAST BEFORE THE WEDDING BRIDE IS VEILED BRIDE CIRCLES GROOM TWO BLESSINGS RECITED OVER THE WINE. EXCHANGE OF RINGS KETUBAH IS READ ALOUD

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