The Synagogue

• To describe the key features of a synagogue

• To contrast a synagogue with a Christian prayer service

• To evaluate how important the synagogue is to Jews

Directions to label a synagogue

a. The Ark is in the centre of the room on the back wall. b. Inside the Ark is the where the Torah scrolls are kept. They

are dressed in velvet to honour them and keep them safe from damage.

c. North of this and on the ceiling is the Ner Tamid. It hangs from the roof and is always alight, to represent God’s eternal presence

d. On the wall between the ark and the Ner Tamid is the Star of David. Draw it in. It is the symbol of Judaism.

e. The Menorah is found within in every synagogue. It has 7 or 9 candle holders. On festival days, one candle is lit for each day of the festival.

f. The 10 Commandments are written up and displayed somewhere on the synagogue wall.

g. In the centre of the room on the floor is a platform called the Bimah. This is where the Torah is sung by a reader

h. A pointer in the shape of a hand, the Yad, is used to read the Torah at the Bimah. Draw it lying on the Torah.

i. On the left of this, is the Rabbi’s platform, from where he preaches a sermon, explaining to the people the Torah reading. Draw the Rabbi here (stick person)

Watch the video and check your answers were correct

• Look at the information sheets. Find out:1. What men (or women) wear during prayer or a trip

to the synagogue (3/4 things)2. What happens to the Torah scroll during a

synagogue service (4 details)**How is a Synagogue service similar/ different to a Christian Mass?

How many things can you recognise in this picture?

Synagogue = “house of Prayer” or “house of Study”

What was Jesus doing in the synagogues?

Luke 4: 14 “And Jesus came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up; and as was His custom, He entered the synagogue on the Sabbath, and stood up to read.

And the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to Him. And He opened the scroll and found the place where it was written “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me….”

And He closed the book, gave it back to the attendant and sat down; and the eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on Him. And He began to preach..

Why is it important to know about synagogues if you are studying Jesus’ life? PEE…

Quiz time1

Most Jews think that I am the most important part of the Synagogue as the Torah is kept in it. What am I ?

Bimah Rabbi’s platform torah ark rabbi menorah yad ner tamid

2

I am a pointer that is used when reading the Torah as you are not allowed to touch the pages. What am I?

Bimah Rabbi’s platform torah ark rabbi menorah yad ner tamid

3

The Rabbi stands on me to read the prayers. What am I?

Bimah Rabbi’s platform torah ark rabbi menorah yad ner tamid

4

I am a religious leader for Jews. Who am I?

Bimah Rabbi’s platform torah ark rabbi menorah yad ner tamid

I am the 7-branched candelabra that is lit on festival days. What am I?

Bimah Rabbi’s platform torah ark rabbi menorah yad ner tamid

5

I am the Jewish Holy Book. What am I?

Bimah Rabbi’s platform torah ark rabbi menorah yad ner tamid