What are Synagogues?
A synagogue is the center of the Jewish religious life. The word translated from the original Hebrew means “house of assembly”. The Jewish followers of a community come together at their synagogue to pray, study, and bond with each other through social meetings and charity.
The main purpose for the Jewish synagogue is as a place for prayer. Most prayers occur in the sanctuary. In the United States the sanctuary faces Jerusalem, as many prayers are to be said facing in its direction. Although prayer can be said in any location, a few prayers require the presence of a special group. It is also believed that prayer is more powerful when done as a community. The synagogue gives the local Jewish parishioners a place to pray together.
These synagogues support the importance of prayer with the equally importance of education and study of religious texts. Study of the Jewish faith is considered a lifelong task. Children receive their religious education at their synagogue. Extended study is also available through the religious information housed in the libraries of these synagogues.
In addition to their focus on prayer and study, these Jewish churches also consider their community very important. The synagogue is a place where meetings are held to discuss both religious and nonreligious issues facing the area. It is also where celebrations of religious rites of passage and other social gatherings are held. Lastly, the synagogue is used as a central location for charity and outreach for the local community.
A synagogue is physical proof of the Jewish faith and what it holds dear. They open their doors to all who wish to learn and pray, even nonbelievers. They are more than structures filled with individuals with individual goals. Synagogues represent faith at a level that encompasses more than what is inside its four walls.
