The Modern Synagogue

The Modern Synagogue: A Reflection of Jewish Traditions

Assignment to hand in: Notes on Elements of a Synagogue

Step 1: Introduction:

According to the Torah, a series of Jewish holy texts, God instructed the ancient Israelites to build an elaborate tent as their first place of worship. This tent, called the Tabernacle, was divided into two parts, an inner room and an oter room. The inner room, called the Holy of Holies, housed a sacred wood and gold chest called the Ark of the Covenant. The Ark contained the tablets of the Ten Commandments, on which the ten original laws of Judaism were written. The outer room was where the ancient Israelite religious leader, the High Priest, performed religious rituals.

During the reign of King Solomon (972-922 B.C.E.), the Israelites built a permanent home for the Ark in Jerusalem, the newly established capital city of Ancient Israel. The temple of Solomon was built in the style of the original Tabernacle: it contained the Holy of Holies inner room, in which the ARk and Ten Commandments were kept, and an outer room for religious rituals conducted by the High Priest. Outside, in the sizable courtyard, there was an altar for animal sacrifices and a large bronze basin for ritual bathing. As the temple was the domain of the High Priest, the courtyard served as a place where Israelites congregated to worship and pray.

Over time, other religious buildings, called synagogues, were constructed as places for Jews to congregate for worship. The word synagogue was first used in ancient times to describe informal religious meetings of faithful Jews. These meetings took place in someone's home or in safe, sheltered public places. During the meetings, the group prayed together, and the rabbi (teacher) or another member of the congregation read aloud from the Torah. Around the third century B.C.E., the word synagogue began to be used to refer to a religious building. Ancient synagogues were built in many different styles, as there were no rules governing the size or shape of the buildings. However, all synagogues, both ancient and modern, house an Ark that represents the original Ark of the Covenant. Inside each Ark is a Torah. Synagogues also contain other sacred objects, such as the menorah (branched candlestick holder) and the shofar (instrument made from a ram's horn), which were used by the High Priest in the Temple of Solomon. Modern synagogues are often built in styles that reflect the architecture of their local community. Some modern synagogues serve as community centers and have libraries, meeting halls, schools, kitchens, and even sports facilities attached to them.

Step 2: Note-Taking: Complete the Handout: Notes on Elements of a Synagogue by reading the matching descriptions in the Descriptions of the Elements of a Synagogue Handout and looking at the corresponding pictures below.

Elements of a Synagogue Pictures:

Ark