The role of the synagogue
The Building for Jewish public prayer, study and assembly. is not only a place of worship, but it is a place to study the word of God. Public worship takes place here. It emphasises the idea of community as people gather to collectively worship God.
The Magen David Synagogue, New York
Key features of the synagogue:
| Ark of the Covenant | This is the most important part of the synagogue. In the UK it is found in the eastern wall as it is important to face Jerusalem when praying. It represents the Holy of Holies that was part of the first major temple built by King Solomon. |
| Ner Tamid | This means 鈥榚ternal light鈥 and it is always lit in the synagogue. It represents the light of the Jewish faith as the light of the nation, and the presence of the Torah in the lives of the people. |
| Bimah | This is a platform from which the Torah is read. It is raised to allow people to look up to the Torah. It is in the centre of the synagogue for a few reasons:
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| Ark of the Covenant | |
| This is the most important part of the synagogue. In the UK it is found in the eastern wall as it is important to face Jerusalem when praying. It represents the Holy of Holies that was part of the first major temple built by King Solomon. |
| Ner Tamid | |
| This means 鈥榚ternal light鈥 and it is always lit in the synagogue. It represents the light of the Jewish faith as the light of the nation, and the presence of the Torah in the lives of the people. |
| Bimah | |
This is a platform from which the Torah is read. It is raised to allow people to look up to the Torah. It is in the centre of the synagogue for a few reasons:
|
The synagogue is also used for other events such as weddings and celebrations.