Synagogue

A synagogue is a place of prayer, learning, and gathering for Jews. ‘Synagogue’ comes from a Greek word meaning ‘place of assembly’.

Most synagogues have a place for prayer (the main sanctuary and sometimes smaller chapels). They also often have rooms for study, social halls, offices, classrooms, and places to sit and meet.

Inside a synagogue, you will usually find an ark (to hold the Torah scrolls), a raised platform for reading and speaking (bimah), an eternal light (ner tamid), candelabras, and seats.

Some synagogues have separate seating areas for men and women. In different times and places, synagogues have different designs and decorations.

Some communities use the Yiddish word “shul” for a synagogue. Others (mainly Reform communities) might use the word “temple”. The Hebrew term “beit knesset” (“house of gathering”) is another term for a synagogue.

This photo shows the Great Synagogue of Rome. The Jewish community of Rome goes back to the 2nd century BCE. This synagogue was built in 1870.