Download - THE SYNAGOGUE
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 SYNAGOGUEORGANISED?
• 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 Saturdaymornings
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 STAGES1. KIDDUSHIN2. NISUIN
KIDDUSHIN =SANCTIFIED BETROTHAL
NISUIN = ELEVATION
WEDDING CEREMONY
FAST BEFORE THE WEDDING
BRIDE IS VEILED BRIDE CIRCLES GROOM TWO BLESSINGS RECITED
OVER THE WINE. EXCHANGE OF RINGS KETUBAH IS READ
ALOUD
KIDDUSHIN
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