1. THE SYNAGOGUE
SHUL OR
TEMPLE

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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

5. 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.

6. 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?

8. 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.

9. 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

10. 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

12. TWO STAGES
KIDDUSHIN
NISUIN
KIDDUSHIN =
SANCTIFIED
BETROTHAL
NISUIN = ELEVATION

13. 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

14. NISUIN BRIDE AND GROOM BENEATH CHUPPAH – SYMBOL OF HOME.
BRIDE AND GROOM RECITE 7 BLESSINGS
THEY DRINK WINE
GROOM SMASHES GLASS
CEREMONY IS MINS
FESTIVE MEAL