What is a synagogue?

Origins

After the destruction of the First Temple, Jews in exile gathered to pray and read the Torah. God told Ezekiel: “I have become to them a small sanctuary (mikdash me’at) in the countries where they have gone” (Ezekiel 11:16), and the Talmud explains: these are the synagogues and study halls.

What is inside

The Aron Kodesh (Ark) holds the Torah scrolls behind a curtain (parochet), on the wall facing Jerusalem. The Ner Tamid, an eternal light, recalls the Temple menorah. The Torah is read on the bimah. In Orthodox synagogues men and women sit separately, with a mechitzah between them.

Uses and respect

Synagogues host daily prayers, Torah reading on Shabbat, Mondays and Thursdays, classes, life-cycle events and community activities. Jewish law asks for respect: no idle chatter, eating or using it as a shortcut. Visitors are welcome; men cover their heads.

Shul and temple

Many Ashkenazim say shul (Yiddish for school); some Reform congregations use “temple”.

Visiting a synagogue

Dress modestly; men cover their heads (kippot are provided) and in traditional synagogues married women cover their hair. Phones are silenced and not used on Shabbat. Stand when the Ark is open and when others stand. Non-Jews are welcome as visitors; many synagogues ask visitors to arrange their visit in advance for security reasons.

Beit knesset and beit midrash

The Hebrew name is beit knesset – “house of assembly”. A beit midrash is a hall for study; the Talmud ranks it even higher in holiness than a synagogue.