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A synagogue (also known as a beit knesset or shul) is a place of Jewish worship. In addition to housing a sanctuary for services, synagogues often serve as the centerpoint of Jewish life. It contains seating for men and women, an ark to hold the holy Torah and a platform upon which it is read.
The Hebrew term for synagogue is beit k'neset. It means "house of assembly" and thus approximates the Greek word 'synagoge' which also means "assembly." For centuries, the synagogue functioned primarily as the ancient world's idea of a "JCC," a place for Jews to assemble.
A synagogue is a place of Jewish worship. In addition to housing a sanctuary for services, synagogues (most notably Chabad centers) serve as the centerpoint of Jewish life.
When you enter a traditional synagogue, put on a kippah [yarmulke] if you are a male (supplies are kept in almost every shul), and keep it on—even during the Kiddush and/or meal that follows the service.
- Sharon Strassfeld
The synagogue is one of the most important institutions in Judaism. It is viewed as the centre of the community. The synagogue houses the Torah scrolls, which are kept in an Ark . The Ark always faces towards Jerusalem, so that Jews will have their minds turned in that direction when praying.
The synagogue ultimately became the dominant Jewish institution, and at some point in the Middle Ages, rabbinic influence on the synagogue increased. But at no point did rabbis become the exclusive authorities in the synagogue, and at no point did the study houses disappear.
