Transcript File - Year 11-12 Studies of Religion 2Unit 2013-4

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
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•
•
•
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
 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