Jewish Synagogues: a House of Assembly, House of Study, and House of Prayer

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Jewish Synagogues: a House of Assembly, House of Study, and House of Prayer

The Jewish people refer to the synagogue in five different terms.

These are: Beit k'nesset which means the house of assembly as the

synagogue often holds social events, Bet Midrash which refers to the

academic role that the synagogue plays in a Jewish persons life. At

the synagogue a Jewish person must also be educated about the Jewish

history and Hebrew because of this, the synagogue is also sometimes

called Shul which means school. The Beit Tefilah is the house of

Prayer because that is the synagogues main role. Lastly the synagogue

is called the temple to some people. This is because is reminds them

of the two temples destroyed by the Romans and the Babylonians.

In Judaism Bet Midrash is the academic role that the synagogue plays

in the life of a Jewish person. It is a place of study, discussion and

in ancient times a school of higher learning. The Bet Midrash is one

of the most important roles in a Jewish persons life. This is very

important part of Jewish religion. Judaism is a religion based on the

Mitzvoth. If these are not maintained the religion will die out.

Contrary to popular belief, Jewish education does not end at the age

of bar mitzvah. For an observant Jew, the study of the Torah and other

religious texts is a life-long task. Therefore, 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. 'Gan Etz Chayim' is a parent and toddler

group that the synagogue provides for young children. Here they get

told many stories from the Torah. Then there is 'Cheder' which is a

religious school for children aged 4-16. At 13 children are given

there bar/bat mitzvah ceremony. This is where the children become

adults. The education will continue with the 'Kabbalat Torah' this

means the conformation. This usually happens when a person is 15 or 16

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