THE SYNAGOGUE SHUL OR TEMPLE WHATS IN A

THE SYNAGOGUE SHUL OR TEMPLE

WHAT’S IN A NAME? • Hebrew name = BEIT K’NESSET (HOUSE OF • • ASSEMBLY) “SHUL” is YIDDISH = PLACE OF STUDY “SYNAGOGUE” is from a Greek word that is a translation of BEIT K’NESSET Liberal Jews use the word TEMPLE – this can be offensive to other Jews “Synagogue” is the most generally accepted name.

FUNCTIONS OF A SYNAGOGUE • A synagogue is a BEIT TEFILAH or house of prayer. • A synagogue is also a BEIT MIDRASH or house of study. • Community centre – for social life also. • Welfare agency for their community.

HOW IS A SYNAGOGUE ORGANISED? • Board of directors – lay people • The board hires the Rabbi • N. B. Synagogues can function without a Rabbi • There is no collection of money at services - Why? • Membership dues, donations, purchase of seats • Individual synagogues are independent – no central authority

WHAT’S INSIDE A SYNAGOGUE? • The sanctuary – where prayer services are held. • The Ark = Aron Kodesh = holy cabinet • The Ark holds the Torah scrolls • The Ark has doors as well as an inner curtain.

WHAT’S INSIDE A SYNAGOGUE? (contd) • Ner tamid = the eternal lamp • Menorah – 7 branched candelabrum. • The Bimah – for the Torah scrolls • Men and women sit in different sections of an orthodox synagogue but sit together in a liberal or reform synagogue. Why?

VISITING A SYNAGOGUE • • Can non Jews visit a synagogue? Yes - - Dress appropriately Men wear a yarmulke (small cap) – these are usually provided. • Simply sit and stand when the rest of the congregation does especially when the Ark is opened and Torah is carried to or from the ark.

WHAT HAPPENS IN A SYNAGOGUE? • It is a community centre – • Study courses on various aspects of Judaism • Social events – morning teas, bar mitzvah parties, community dinners etc • Weddings • Jewish festivals – Purim, Passover, New Year, Day of Atonement • Sabbath services on Friday nights and Saturday mornings

SABBATH SERVICES • The main Sabbath service is on Saturday mornings and goes for 2 -3 hours • It is mainly a service of the word centred around reading a large portion of the Torah each Saturday as well as a reading from one of the prophets. • There are prayers also for the community, the country of residence, Israel, remembrance of the dead and other relevant events • The orthodox service is nearly all in Hebrew while the liberal service is in Hebrew and English

TWO STAGES 1. KIDDUSHIN 2. NISUIN KIDDUSHIN = SANCTIFIED BETROTHAL NISUIN = ELEVATION

WEDDING CEREMONY KIDDUSHIN v FAST BEFORE THE WEDDING v BRIDE IS VEILED v BRIDE CIRCLES GROOM v TWO BLESSINGS RECITED OVER THE WINE. v EXCHANGE OF RINGS v KETUBAH IS READ ALOUD

NISUIN v. BRIDE AND GROOM BENEATH CHUPPAH – SYMBOL OF HOME. v. BRIDE AND GROOM RECITE 7 BLESSINGS v. THEY DRINK WINE v. GROOM SMASHES GLASS v. CEREMONY IS 20 -30 MINS v. FESTIVE MEAL