Where does the word synagogue come from in Judaism?

Persian Jews and some Karaite Jews also use the term kenesa, which is derived from Aramaic, and some Mizrahi Jews use kenis. Some Reform, Reconstructionist, and Conservative Jews use the word temple. The Greek word synagogue is used in English ( German, French and most Romance languages) to cover the preceding possibilities.

What’s the difference between a synagogue and a temple?

Conservative Jews usually use the word “synagogue,” which is actually a Greek translation of Beit K’nesset and means “place of assembly” (it’s related to the word “synod”). Reform Jews use the word “temple,” because they consider every one of their meeting places to be equivalent to, or a replacement for, The Temple in Jerusalem.

Why are synagogues important to the observant Jews?

For the observant Jew, the study of sacred texts is a life-long task. Thus, a synagogue normally has a well-stocked library of sacred Jewish texts for members of the community to study. It is also the place where children receive their basic religious education. Most synagogues also have a social hall for religious and non-religious activities.

Do you have to be a Jew to go to synagogue?

Contrary to popular belief, Jewish education does not end at the age of bar mitzvah. For the observant Jew, the study of sacred texts is a life-long task. Thus, a synagogue normally has a well-stocked library of sacred Jewish texts for members of the community to study. It is also the place where children receive their basic religious education.

The word is derived from a German word meaning “school,” and emphasizes the synagogue’s role as a place of study. Conservative Jews usually use the word “synagogue,” which is actually a Greek translation of Beit K’nesset and means “place of assembly” (it’s related to the word “synod”).

Is the synagogue a school or a house of worship?

In the religion of Judaism, the synagogue is a house of worship, a community center, and a school all rolled into one. Jewish synagogues are community-operated, autonomous institutions built to accommodate the specific needs of their community.

Which is the holiest place in the synagogue?

It is the holiest place in the synagogue. It is the centrepiece of the synagogue and holds the Torah. It symbolises the ark that held the tablets given to Moses. The Sefer Torah is a scroll kept inside the aron hakodesh.