What are the similarities between a synagogue and a church?

Similarities. Synagogues and churches have some fundamental similarities. Most notably, they both consist mainly of a large seating area oriented toward one end of the building. In Catholic churches, a small enclosure called a tabernacle holds the bread and wine used in communion; this can appear similar to the Ark.

Is a synagogue and a church the same thing?

A church also has an altar, where communion takes place. There is usually some kind of cross in a church. A synagogue is basically just a building. There are many rooms, and usually a large hall for gatherings.

What happens in a synagogue and church?

A synagogue is a place of worship , gathering and education about the Jewish faith. On the outside of the building there is a Star of David and often a menorah . The main prayers happen in the prayer hall, which is usually rectangular with seats on three sides facing inwards.

How are Catholic and Hebrew ways of worshiping God similar?

Jewish synagogues and Catholic churches are both designed to be places of worship. For Catholics, it is a priest or deacon, and for Jews it is a rabbi or chazzan. Synagogues and Catholic churches also are places where group study of sacred texts and religious educational classes are held.

Why are the features of a synagogue important?

Key features of a synagogue It symbolises the Ark of the Covenant , which held the tablets of stone on which were carved the Ten Commandments received by Moses . It is the centrepiece of the synagogue and holds the Torah scrolls. The aron hakodesh is thought of as the holiest part of the synagogue.

What kind of God is Yahweh?

Yahweh is the name of the state god of the ancient Kingdom of Israel and, later, the Kingdom of Judah. His name is composed of four Hebrew consonants (YHWH, known as the Tetragrammaton) which the prophet Moses is said to have revealed to his people.