Welcome

Inside this leaflet you will see:

• Different pictures of the interior in different synagogues.

• An explanation of how some of the most important features are used in a service.

• How the morning Shabbat service is held.

Introduction

Jews have been meeting in what are now called synagogues for over 2,500 years. Wherever Jews are to be found throughout the world they set up synagogues. Synagogues are always built facing Israel, if possible towards Jerusalem where the first temple stood. Its main function is a place of worship, with the emphasis on prayer and reading.

Features in a Synagogue

Aron Hakodesh

        

The Aron hakodesh can also be known as the Holy Ark and as you can see it can have many different appearances. Although it may look different in different synagogues it is always the main feature and is built into the east wall as this is the direction of Jerusalem. The ark represents the Golden box in the temple that contained the Ten Commandments.

The Torah

                                

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The Torah is the scrolls which contain the five books of Moses. The Torah is read from right to left. "Torah" is usually translated as "Law," but this is not at all accurate. "Torah" comes from a root which means "Teaching" and Sefer Torah should be rendered "The Scroll of Teaching."

The Bimah

                 

In the centre of the Synagogue is a raised platform called the Bimah Greek word meaning "a speaker's tribune" Placed on the Bimah is a table where the Torah is taken and read.

The Ner Tamid

                        

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