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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
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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 SYNAGOGUEORGANISED? • 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 • KIDDUSHIN • NISUIN KIDDUSHIN = SANCTIFIED BETROTHAL NISUIN = ELEVATION
WEDDING CEREMONY KIDDUSHIN • FAST BEFORE THE WEDDING • BRIDE IS VEILED • BRIDE CIRCLES GROOM • TWO BLESSINGS RECITED OVER THE WINE. • EXCHANGE OF RINGS • KETUBAH IS READ ALOUD
NISUIN • BRIDE AND GROOM BENEATH • CHUPPAH – SYMBOL OF HOME. • BRIDE AND GROOM RECITE 7 BLESSINGS • THEY DRINK WINE • GROOM SMASHES GLASS • CEREMONY IS 20-30 MINS • FESTIVE MEAL