The synagogue
A synagogue is the Jewish place of worship. Jews will gather in the synagogue:
- to pray as a community
- to study
- to celebrate different rites of passage and festivals
- to assemble as a Jewish community
Minyan
Although Jews can say their prayers anywhere, and do not always have to pray at the synagogue, many Jews believe it is an important part of their faith to pray with others from the Jewish community.
Jews call their congregational worship the minyanIn Judaism, a minimum number (quorum) of ten men required for a service. In progressive communities this may include ten adults of either sex.. This requires at least ten Jewish men to be present to carry out public worship, but in progressive communities this may include ten adults of either sex. Many Jews will visit the synagogue at least once a week for communal prayerPraying together as a community. and some observant Jews may go every evening.
Place of study
Many Jews will also use the synagogue as a place to study. Young Jews may attend lessons where they will learn the basic religious teachings of the faith. Older Jews may study the TorahLaw; teaching. The word Torah can be used in a narrow sense to mean the first five books of the Hebrew Bible (The Five Books of Moses) and also in a wider sense to include the whole of the Hebrew Bible and the Talmud. throughout their lives, and most synagogues will have a library full of the Jewish sacred texts for their followers to study.
Celebrations
The synagogue is also used as a place for various Jewish rite of passageA significant point in life, often followed by a changed way of living. and celebrations to take place. Ceremonies such as the Bar MitzvahLiterally: son of the commandment. A Jewish ceremony for a 13-year-old boy, which marks his becoming a full adult member of the Jewish community. and Jewish wedding and funeral ceremonies will all take place in the synagogue. Other ceremonies will also take place in the synagogue during festival times such as ShabbatThe seventh day of the week; a day of spiritual renewal and rest commencing at sunset on Friday and terminating at nightfall on Saturday. service, which takes place every week.
Jewish community
The synagogue is also a place for social gatherings and activities. In many synagogues, different social events will often take place every week.
Question
Describe the importance of the synagogue for Jews.
The synagogue is the Jewish place of worship. It is an important place for Jews because it is where the Torah scrolls are kept. It is also important for Jews because it is a place they can go to take part in public worship, such as the minyan. They can also use the synagogue as a place to study the Torah, celebrate religious festivals, such as Hanukkah, and socialise.