The Layout of a Synagogue
When they pray, Jews face towards Jerusalem. In the wall which faces towards Jerusalem there is the Ark of the Covenant, the Aron Kodesh, which contains the Sefer Torah or Scrolls of the Law. These are hand-written on kosher (Ceremonially clean, according to Jewish law) parchment and comprise the Five Books of Moses, known as the Torah. These are read with a Yad, which is a hand pointer. This is because they do not want the dirt and oils from their hand to go onto the parchment. On the wall, the curtain or the cupboard door is inscribed the 10 Commandments. There may also be a lion which symbolises the tribe of Judah. Originally the Ark was a wooden chest which the Jews used to carry the teachings Moses received from God on Mount Sinai. In front of the Ark is a curtain, the Parochet, usually beautifully embroidered. Above the Ark hangs the Ner Tamid, a perpetual light, which serves as a reminder of the lamp in the Tabernacle and later in the Temple that was never allowed to be extinguished. One or two menorah, which are seven branched candle sticks, are found close to the Ark. Jewish Rabbis and elders sit along the wall which houses the Ark. Traditionally Men sit in the main pews while women usually occupy a raised gallery although now in reform synagogues women sit in the main areas with the men.
Plan of a Synagogue
Here is a plan showing a typical synagogue (above).
The Synagogue allows the Jewish community to meet and worship together. It is a reminder of the Temple and also offers schooling at the heder (room) to help children learn about Judaism.
Men and Woman in the Synagogue
As already mentioned Orthodox Synagogues do not allow men and women to sit together. In the Orthodox Synagogue, men lead the worship and organise all aspects of prayer. Women play no part in leading the worship or reading from the Torah. In some Reform synagogues this is changing with men and women sitting together as a family, women reading from the Torah and there are even some women Rabbis. Married men are required to wear a prayer shawl, known as a Tallit. This is a rectangular outer garment of wool or silk adorned with fringes, (each representing the 613 laws). Women who are or have been married and all men are required to cover their heads during the service. They fulfil this requirement by wearing wigs. But the men wear a Kippah which can also be called a Yamulkah; this is like a small cap covering their heads. In Orthodox synagogues men wear a Tefillin. These contain a small parchment which has the shema (Jewish prayer) written upon it. They are worn on the arm facing the heart to represent to love God with all their heart. One of them is worn in between the eyes on the forehead to represent that they must love God with all their mind.
Differences between Orthodox and Reform Worship
Jewish Holy Books
The Torah is the books of teaching. This is the most important of scriptures. The Nevi’im is the books of the Prophets and Ketuvim means writings therefore most of the books contain stories from the Jewish history. Another collection of teachings about how to live is called the Talmud. It contains the teachings of Rabbis, collected together over many years and written down. The Talmud gives much more detail about the laws in the Torah, and helps to explain them.
Festivals
There are many religious festivals throughout the year. Some of the important ones are Pesach (), (the New Year), (the Day of Atonement) and (the Festival of Lights). The emblem of the Jewish people is the Magen David (Shield of David), also known as the Star of David. Bar Mitzvah (Son of the Commandment) is celebrated when a boy reaches the age of 13 and Bat Mitzvah (Daughter of the Commandment) and is celebrated when a girl reaches the age of 12. Both girls and boys are then obliged to keep the Commandments. These festivals are held in the synagogue.
