Features & Functions of the Synagogue (WJEC Eduqas GCSE Religious Studies): Revision Note

The features of the synagogue

What is the Aron Hakodesh?

• All synagogues have a large cupboard facing Jerusalem called the Aron Hakodesh

• This is the holiest place in the synagogue

  • It is the centrepiece of the synagogue and holds the Torah scrolls, which contain the first five books of the Hebrew Bible

  • It is usually located on the eastern wall of the synagogue, facing Jerusalem

  • It often has a curtain or door in front of it called the parochet, similar to the curtain in the ancient Temple in Jerusalem

Why is the Aron Hakodesh significant?

• The Aron Hakodesh is extremely significant within the Jewish faith

  • It symbolises the Ark of the Covenant, which held the stone tablets of the Ten Commandments in the time of Moses

  • It represents the holiness of the Torah and God's presence

  • It reminds Jews of the Temple in Jerusalem

  • Standing and showing respect when the Ark is opened is an important part of many services

What is the Sefer Torah?

• The Sefer Torah is a scroll kept inside the Aron Hakodesh

  • It is written by a sofer (scribe) on parchment made from animal skin, using a quill and special ink and covered with a mantle or cloth that is ornately decorated

  • It can take over a year to complete a single scroll because even a single mistake can make it invalid

Why is the Sefer Torah important?

• The Sefer Torah is considered to be the word of God, given to Moses on Mount Sinai

• It is used within Jewish worship on several occasions

  • The Sefer Torah is read publicly during synagogue services on certain days

    • Shabbat (Saturday)

    • Mondays and Thursdays

    • Jewish festivals

• Jews show great respect for the Torah

  • They stand when it is carried

  • It is dressed in a mantle (cloth cover), with decorations such as a crown (keter) and a breastplate

  • Readers of the Torah use a yad, and it is never touched directly

  • The reader uses the yad to indicate their place during a reading of the Torah, which happens during prayer or on holy days such as Sukkot

What is the Bimah?

• The Bimah is a raised platform with a reading desk

  • From here, the Sefer Torah is read

  • The Bimah represents the altar in the Temple

  • The Bimah is usually located in the centre of the synagogue in Orthodox synagogues, and often closer to the front in Reform synagogues

  • The Torah scroll is placed on a reading desk on the Bimah during public readings (especially on Shabbat and festivals)

What is the importance of the Bimah?

• The Bimah raises the Torah physically above the congregation, symbolising the authority of God’s word

  • Reading from the Bimah allows the congregation to see and hear the Torah being read, reinforcing communal worship

  • It reflects the layout of the ancient Temple in Jerusalem, where readings were done from an elevated place

What is the Ner Tamid?

• The Ner Tamid is a light above the Aron Hakodesh that never goes out

  • Ner Tamid means “eternal flame” in Hebrew

    • It is never extinguished, showing that God’s presence is constant

• It represents the order from scripture, which reads:

What is the importance of the Ner Tamid?

• The Ner Tamid is a symbol of God’s eternal presence

  • The light reminds Jews that God is always present, watching over them

  • It reflects the belief in an eternal and unchanging God

• The Ner Tamid is also a reminder of the Temple in Jerusalem

  • It represents the menorah that burned constantly in the Temple

  • It keeps the memory of the Holy Temple alive in Jewish worship

• It also has a spiritual focus for Jewish people

  • It creates a holy atmosphere in the synagogue

  • It also encourages respect, reverence and reflection during prayer

What is the menorah?

• The menorah in a synagogue is a seven-branched candelabrum that serves as a symbol of Jewish faith and identity

  • It is one of the oldest symbols in Judaism and has deep religious and cultural meaning

• The menorah is inspired by the original menorah in the ancient Temple in Jerusalem, described in the Torah (Exodus 25:31–40)

Why is the menorah significant to Jews?

• The menorah is significant to Jews for several different reasons

  • It acts as a symbol of God’s presence and light because the menorah represents divine light, wisdom and guidance

  • There is also a connection with the temple because it recalls the menorah used in the Temple in Jerusalem, making it a symbol of Jewish tradition

    • It is also a reminder of the destruction of the Temple and the hope for future restoration

  • The seven branches can represent the seven days of creation, showing that God's light shines through all time

What is the Star of David?

• The Star of David is a six-pointed star made from two overlaid triangles 

• It is a widely recognised symbol of Judaism and Jewish identity

  • Some interpretations say the six points represent God’s rule over the universe in all directions: north, south, east, west, up and down

  • The overlapping triangles may also symbolise the relationship between God and humanity

  • On the outside of synagogues, there is a Star of David and often a menorah

What is the significance of the Star of David appearing in synagogues?

• The Star of David appearing on synagogues identifies the building as a Jewish place of worship

  • It signals to both Jews and non-Jews that the building is dedicated to Jewish prayer, learning and community life

• The symbol represents Jewish unity and identity

  • It helps to create a sense of belonging for the Jewish community

• The Star of David is referred to in Hebrew as the “Magen David”, meaning “Shield of David”

  • Its presence may be seen as a spiritual symbol of divine protection over the synagogue and those within it

Representations of God at the synagogue

• The term “idolatry” means to worship an image or a created object, and it is considered a major sin in Judaism

  • One of the Ten Commandments says: “You shall not make for yourself a graven image” (Exodus 20:4)

    • This commandment forbids making images or idols of God or anything that could be worshipped

  • Jews believe this helps prevent idolatry 

  • For this reason, God is not represented in any art form, and there are no images or statues of God in any synagogues or Jewish places of worship

The functions of the synagogue

The synagogue as a centre for Jewish worship

• A synagogue is a space for worship and prayer

  • Jews believe it is good to pray together

  • There must be a minimum of ten people present for certain prayers to be said

    • This is called a minyan

• Many Jews go to synagogue for a Shabbat service on Friday and Saturday

  • On Friday evening, Shabbat is welcomed with special prayers, hymns and psalms

  • On Saturday morning, there are readings from the Torah and the Nevi’im during what is considered the main service of the week

  • On Saturday evening, there are more readings from the Torah and prayers

    • The Havdalah ceremony marks the end of Shabbat

  • The services vary between synagogues but share a similar overall structure

The synagogue as the centre of the Jewish community

• The synagogue is not just a place of worship; it is also the heart of Jewish communal life

  • The synagogue is an important centre for Jewish communities, where meetings take place and social gatherings happen

• It plays a central role in religious, social, educational and charitable aspects of the Jewish community

  • Judaism promotes lifelong learning and helps pass on Jewish beliefs and practices to future generations

    • Many synagogues run a cheder for children to learn Hebrew and Jewish traditions

    • Adults can also take part in study sessions or lectures on the Torah and Jewish law

  • Synagogues often hold charity events and have various activities for young people

    • Synagogues often host events like festivals, community meals and youth groups

    • They offer a place for Jewish identity to be expressed and celebrated, and they encourage a sense of belonging and unity among members

  • Synagogues support both local and global causes, including food banks, fundraisers and care for the sick or elderly

    • This is central to Jewish teachings about tzedakah and gemilut chasadim

  • The synagogue often provides emotional, spiritual and practical support for individuals and families

    • This can sometimes be during times of crisis, when counselling may be offered