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The Synagogue. To EXPLAIN the key features of a synagogue. Starter – My House. There are lots of symbols in a synagogue which help Jews remember things about their religion. If someone who didn’t know you came into your home - what would they see that symbolised you or your family?.
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The Synagogue To EXPLAIN the key features of a synagogue
Starter – My House There are lots of symbols in a synagogue which help Jews remember things about their religion. If someone who didn’t know you came into your home - what would they see that symbolised you or your family?
What is a Synagogue? Synagogue = assembly or gathering. The Synagogue is a meeting place for Jews. It is where they study, pray and talk.
When do Jews go to the Synagogue? Jews do their best to go to the services on the Sabbath day. It lasts from Friday evening to Saturday night. Orthodox men attend on Friday evening anad then return home for the meal. Reform synagogues usually have later services so the whole family can go after they have eaten. Saturday morning services are for everyone. Orthodox = very strict Jews that like the traditional understanding of Judaism Reform = Modern Jews that change certain elements of the religion to match modern life.
Who leads the Service? Any member f the congregation can lead them through the order of service found in the SIDDUR, the Jewish prayer book. It does not have to be a rabbi, but in an orthodox synagogue it is always a man. In a Reform synagogue, a woman or a man may be the leader. Most synagogues do have a rabbi, this is always a man in an orthodox synagogue but there are Reform women rabbis.
What is Kept in the Synagogue? The Torah is kept in the ARK (meaning container) and are carried out with great respect. The central part of the service is hearing these read aloud. The scrolls are never touched but a pointer (YAD) is used. The Menorah is a seven branched candlestick, which reminds Jews of God and the creation. The original menorah was kept in the Temple. The light symbolises God’s presence.
What Language is the Service in? In an Orthodox synagogue, nearly all the service is in Hebrew. In Reform synagogues there is more English. Jewish men pray every evening, morning and afternoon. These can be held in the synagogue as long as there are at least ten males over the age of 13 present.
Women and Men? • One big difference between Reform and Orthodox Judaism is that men and women are treated differently. • Ladies sit upstairs separate to men in an Orthodox Synagogue. This is to stop the men’s attention wandering during prayer. • There are also different laws regarding men and women in the Orthodox religion.
ARK S E A T S S E A T S BIMAH Entrance S E A T S S E A T S
Task – Board Game In groups – play the Synagogue game. The rules for the game are on the table. Read through these rules before you start to play the game.
Finally These are the answers, can you create the questions? • Torah • Ark • Synagogue