The Synagogue Research Paper
Introduction
Out of dark times for the nation of Israel, the Jewish Synagogue was born (Kohler 1929, 3). Since then, the Synagogue has endured on throughout the centuries up to present time. The word synagogue means “assembly” in the Greek language (Harmony of Life, 1996). After the being defeated by the Babylonians and taken into exile, the Jews were heart broken and crushed. Time concerning events in Israel, can be split into three sections centered around the exile to Babylon: pre-exilic, exilic, and post-exilic. Earlier, in pre-exilic era, Israel had many problems remaining faithful to God. Although, through that time, God had constantly defended them and granted them victory and prosperity. However, the Jews turned to idols and turned …show more content…
from depending on God. Thus God gave them to their enemies. This was the dark start to the brighter days of the synagogue.
Pre-Exilic Worship Before Israel had any synagogues, there was the Temple. Solomon’s Temple served as the place for the offering of sacrifices to God. However, the Temple did not offer daily instruction directly to the people (Kohler 1929, 153). The only schooling that took place at this time was within the family setting (American Bible Society, 2016). Sons learned a trade while daughters learned house-keeping skills (American Bible Society, 2016). The Temple’s primary function was worship. After Solomon’s reign, the kingdom of Israel divided into two kingdoms: the Northern kingdom and Southern Kingdom. The Northern Kingdom failed to follow God, and set up their own places for sacrificing in the ‘high places.’ Near the end of the Northern Kingdom, unfortunately, they turned to child sacrifice (). On the other hand, the Southern Kingdom, because it housed the Temple, maintained its worship at the Temple for the most part.
The Synagogue is Born The Assyrians took the Northern Kingdom, and Babylon eventually took both Kingdoms. At the conquering of Israel, the Israelites were taken captive back to Babylon. Initially only a small percentage of the Judean inhabitants were relocated to Babylon itself (Finkelstein 1962, 106). In coming to Babylon, the Israelites encountered a new society of advanced practices (Finkelstein 1962, 108). The exiled Jews highly upheld keeping family lines pure (Finkelstein 1962, 125). From these families started community gatherings of elders (Finkelstein 1962, 125). Such gatherings consisted of prayers, psalms, and readings of the law (Finkelstein 1962, 125). Heart-felt prayers, in a sense, took the place of animal sacrifice. This was to become the first of the synagogues (Finkelstein 1962, 126). The synagogue became the central organization for worship rather than the temple; however, the synagogue could not replace the Temple for the Jews (Finkelstein 1962, 126).
The Rise of Hasidim Eventually the Hasidim sect permeated the activities of the synagogue. Hasidim was a religious sect of Jews who sought to follow the Mosaic laws quite strictly. These were very pious Jews. For example, the Jews were instructed not to look at Roman coins, because they bore an image and were considered thus idols (Kohler 1929, 37). Hadeans also had an organized and successful charity program (Kohler 1929, 40). The Jews were taught that whatever was given to the poor was also given to God (Kohler 1929, 41). Charities included: feeding the hungry, caring for orphans, sheltering the homeless, and more (Kohler 1929, 41). Another aspect of Hadism concerned the use of God’s sacred name YHWH (Kohler 1929, 49). Originally, only the priests of the pre-exilic period were allowed to pronounce this name (Kohler 1929, 50). Later, however, YHWH was entirely restricted from any use, including reading (Kohler 1929, 50). Hasidism eventually gave way the religious and political sect of Pharisees.
Doctrines of the Synagogues The Synagogue has three doctrinal principles the first and most important principle was that God is one.
He does not share His deity with any other, and He is the Almighty God of Israel (Kohler 1929, 138). The second principle is that the Laws of Moses are to be the inheritance of Jacob’s congregation. These are the Laws that God gave Moses concerning the Israelites, and are especially included in the Torah (Kohler 1929, 141). The third principle concerns the Kingdom of God and the Messiah. The Jews looked (and are still seeking) for the glorious king figure as the Messiah. The Jews felt let down when the Messiah did not come at the time of the Babylonian exile nor did he come soon after (Kohler 1929, 143). When Jesus did come, many of the Jews failed to recognize Him as of the Messiah.
Significant Architectural Features of Ancient Synagogues
The Earliest Type All of the synagogue buildings were oriented with the direction in Jerusalem was. The earliest synagogues had three entrances that faced Jerusalem (Avi-Yonah 1962, 98). Michael Avi-Yonah states about the early synagogues of Israel,
In the interior, it was constructed like a basilica with two rows of columns and a third transversal row behind the doors. The hall, paved with stone slabs, was otherwise bare of ornament, except for a frieze running along the upper gallery. As yet there was no shrine for the Torah scrolls; instead, they were placed in a receptacle which was brought into the room as needed (Avi-Yonah 1962, 98).
The Second Type of
Synagogues
The second type of synagogues were modified drastically from the previous type. The Jews decided that the direction of entrance should not be oriented in the direction of Jerusalem. A long narrow house was instituted with a Torah shrine facing in the direction of Jerusalem. People came into the synagogue through the narrow ends of the buildings (Avi-Yonah 1962, 98). Also, the first mosaic floors of the buildings were introduced in the second type of synagogues.
The Third Type The third and last type of ancient synagogues followed more closely to the structure of the original type. They were basilica-style buildings with two columns, however the end of the building that pointed to Jerusalem was a semicircle apse. Within the apse, contained the Torah shrine. The floors were nicely covered in mosaic tiles often depicting Old Testament Bible scenes (Avi-Yonah 1962, 98).
Services of the Ancient Synagogue The Sabbath services of the synagogue consisted of prayer, instruction, and The Law. The services consisted of the leader leading and the congregation responding in benedictions and eulogies. A time of prayer was given in the service. Then a reader (or readers) would read from the books of the prophets (Archive.org, 2016). Next, a reader(s) would read from the text of the Mosaic Law. A sermon was usually given, although not always through an ordained head of the synagogue. The ancient Jews of Israel did not sing songs or hymns. Instead they chanted anthems, or most likely, the Psalms. Women attended, but sat in a separate section and did not participate in the service (Archive.org, 2016).
People of the Synagogue
Pharisees
Several key characters were involved with the Synagogue. Pharisees, whose origins were of Hasidim, were the scholars and spokesmen for the Synagogue. They were not necessarily a political party (Britannica ). The Pharisees differed from a different sect of Jewish leaders called the Sadducees, who took a more liberal view on scripture. The Pharisees tended to uphold worship at the Synagogue rather than worship at the Temple.
Rabbis
Rabbis were the religious leaders within the Synagogue. They were trained and taught in the Torah and Talmud (Encylopedia Britannica). According to the Jewish encyclopedia,
There were three positions open to him: (1) the presidency of the community with the title "Nasi," (2) the head of the judiciary ("ab bet din"), and (3) the ordinary master of civil and ritual laws and exemplar in charitable work and moral conduct. For the first position the rabbi was elected by the leaders of the community; for the second, by the members of the judiciary; while the third position was a matter of duty imposed upon the rabbi by the very Law he was teaching. (Jewish Encyclopeida).
Rabbis were also involved in ceremonies such as marriages, circumcisions, and funerals, but they were not always required for a ceremony or service to take place (Encyclopedia Britannica). Rabbis were elected by the men of the Jewish Congregation (Encyclopedia Britannica).
Jewish Education The Synagogue was also the center of Jewish education. Only Jewish boys went to school by the ages six or seven to learn reading and arithmetic, but the primary subject was the Mosaic Law. Learning was accomplished through oral discussion, repetition, and memorization. Rabbis (teachers) were not paid any wages. Instead, they were expected to carry also another trade. Rabbis had to be married men who had high standards, and of good character (American Bible Society, 2016).
Holidays of the Synagogue The Synagogue, as opposed to the Temple, was the teacher of the Jews, and from the Synagogue came various holidays commemorating special Jewish events (Kohler 1929, 153). The Synagogue designated the first of Tishri to be the Jewish New Year’s Day. Originally that day had been dedicated to the biblical day of the Blowing of the Trumpets (Kohler 1929, 154). Other traditional holidays upheld by the Synagogue included: The Feast of Weeks, The Feast of Tabernacles, and the Passover Supper (Kohler 1929, 155- 156).
The Jews in Europe
Great disruption occurred amongst the Jews when Rome destroyed the Temple around 70 A.D. The Jews were displaced and dispersed primarily around Europe. Eventually Judaism divided into Reform and Orthodox. The Orthodox Jews remained true and traditional to their old Jewish values and customs. On the other hand the Reformed Jews, who were mostly German, attempted to conform the old traditions to fit better in the new world (late nineteenth century) (Robinson 2000, 473). The first Reform Synagogue was dedicated in 1818. The Reformed Jews conducted services and German and cut ties to their Israeli heritage. The rabbis in response banned the German translation of the Torah, but the Jews rebelled. This became the peak for Jewish conversion to Christianity. Unfortunately their reason for ‘converting’ was probably not true conversion, but rather a cover for leaving Judaism. At this point, secular material started to be taught alongside religious materials in the synagogues. The Zionists Movement was (and is) a group of Jews who’s ultimate goal was to return back to Israel, and restore their Jewish culture.
Turmoil and Upheaval
Since then, the Jewish people have been through much upheaval. The Jews have been persecuted again and again, specifically in Europe. Many massacres, inquisitions, and forced relocations of the Jews have occurred throughout the centuries (Robinson 2000, 468- 470). In one country for a period of time, they persecuted the Jews and labeled them ‘Christ killers’ because they were of the same race that had Christ put to death.
During the twentieth century many events have happened that have changed the face of Judaism. The largest and most horrific incident happened during the holocaust, when approximately six million innocent Jews were mercilessly destroyed. One of the most significant events occurred with Israel becoming a Jewish state again, with the help of other nations, after World War II. Another notable event to acknowledge is that of Jewish feminism. Because of the Jewish Feminist movement, Jewish women now go to college, and are more involved in worship within the synagogue.
Clothes and Seating Arrangements In today’s synagogue, the Jews have special dress codes for worship services. Everyone in the synagogue wears a hat or head covering, except for unmarried women until they come of age. Most observant Jewish men wear a hat all of the time, especially when praying. Women are expected to dress modestly, and sit in a separate section of the Synagogue, away from the men. The Men sit at the closest to the center of the synagogue. Jewish men, thirteen or older wear a prayer shawl called a ‘Tallit’ with fringes and tassels to remind them of God’s Ten Commandments.
Today’s Synagogue Although the Jews have gone through much upheaval and change, the important aspects of the Synagogue today remains relatively unchanged. Prayer services still play a major role in today’s Synagogues. Charity still plays a big role in Jewish synagogues, however an offering is not taken during Sabbath services because Jews are not allowed to carry money on the Sabbath. Instead, they pay membership fees. The view that the Synagogue is second to the Temple is still held by many Jews today. In Orthodox synagogues, the women are still separated from the men. Rabbis are the primary leaders of the Jewish congregations. The Jew’s holy text remains to this day to be the Torah. The Talmud is also still referred to for standards and religious practices (Jewish Virtual Library, 2016).
Conclusion
Despite all of the hardships and trials the Jews have endured, the Jews have been profoundly dedicated to God. During the pre-exilic era of Israel, their relationship with God wavered. Only after they went into exile did the Jews cling tightly to God. Out of hardship was born the Synagogue, an institution that would endure with the Jews through many more trials. Although the Synagogue could never replace the Temple, the Synagogue lead the Jews back to the heart of God. For it was there where the Jews delved into prayer and charity. Eventually through Hasidim movement, the Synagogue became more pious. This institution was a center for Jewish education, religion, and fellowship. After the failed revolution in 70 A.D. The Jews dispersed primarily to Europe, where they endured centuries of hatred and persecution. Also, the Synagogue encountered change as it split into Orthodox and Reform. Women rose up in the Jewish community seeking more rights. Although the synagogue is ancient, it has endured the tests of time.
Out of dark times for the nation of Israel, the Jewish Synagogue was born (Kohler 1929, 3). Since then, the Synagogue has endured on throughout the centuries up to present time. The word synagogue means “assembly” in the Greek language (Harmony of Life, 1996). After the being defeated by the Babylonians and taken into exile, the Jews were heart broken and crushed. Time concerning events in Israel, can be split into three sections centered around the exile to Babylon: pre-exilic, exilic, and post-exilic. Earlier, in pre-exilic era, Israel had many problems remaining faithful to God. Although, through that time, God had constantly defended them and granted them victory and prosperity. However, the Jews turned to idols and turned …show more content…
from depending on God. Thus God gave them to their enemies. This was the dark start to the brighter days of the synagogue.
Pre-Exilic Worship Before Israel had any synagogues, there was the Temple. Solomon’s Temple served as the place for the offering of sacrifices to God. However, the Temple did not offer daily instruction directly to the people (Kohler 1929, 153). The only schooling that took place at this time was within the family setting (American Bible Society, 2016). Sons learned a trade while daughters learned house-keeping skills (American Bible Society, 2016). The Temple’s primary function was worship. After Solomon’s reign, the kingdom of Israel divided into two kingdoms: the Northern kingdom and Southern Kingdom. The Northern Kingdom failed to follow God, and set up their own places for sacrificing in the ‘high places.’ Near the end of the Northern Kingdom, unfortunately, they turned to child sacrifice (). On the other hand, the Southern Kingdom, because it housed the Temple, maintained its worship at the Temple for the most part.
The Synagogue is Born The Assyrians took the Northern Kingdom, and Babylon eventually took both Kingdoms. At the conquering of Israel, the Israelites were taken captive back to Babylon. Initially only a small percentage of the Judean inhabitants were relocated to Babylon itself (Finkelstein 1962, 106). In coming to Babylon, the Israelites encountered a new society of advanced practices (Finkelstein 1962, 108). The exiled Jews highly upheld keeping family lines pure (Finkelstein 1962, 125). From these families started community gatherings of elders (Finkelstein 1962, 125). Such gatherings consisted of prayers, psalms, and readings of the law (Finkelstein 1962, 125). Heart-felt prayers, in a sense, took the place of animal sacrifice. This was to become the first of the synagogues (Finkelstein 1962, 126). The synagogue became the central organization for worship rather than the temple; however, the synagogue could not replace the Temple for the Jews (Finkelstein 1962, 126).
The Rise of Hasidim Eventually the Hasidim sect permeated the activities of the synagogue. Hasidim was a religious sect of Jews who sought to follow the Mosaic laws quite strictly. These were very pious Jews. For example, the Jews were instructed not to look at Roman coins, because they bore an image and were considered thus idols (Kohler 1929, 37). Hadeans also had an organized and successful charity program (Kohler 1929, 40). The Jews were taught that whatever was given to the poor was also given to God (Kohler 1929, 41). Charities included: feeding the hungry, caring for orphans, sheltering the homeless, and more (Kohler 1929, 41). Another aspect of Hadism concerned the use of God’s sacred name YHWH (Kohler 1929, 49). Originally, only the priests of the pre-exilic period were allowed to pronounce this name (Kohler 1929, 50). Later, however, YHWH was entirely restricted from any use, including reading (Kohler 1929, 50). Hasidism eventually gave way the religious and political sect of Pharisees.
Doctrines of the Synagogues The Synagogue has three doctrinal principles the first and most important principle was that God is one.
He does not share His deity with any other, and He is the Almighty God of Israel (Kohler 1929, 138). The second principle is that the Laws of Moses are to be the inheritance of Jacob’s congregation. These are the Laws that God gave Moses concerning the Israelites, and are especially included in the Torah (Kohler 1929, 141). The third principle concerns the Kingdom of God and the Messiah. The Jews looked (and are still seeking) for the glorious king figure as the Messiah. The Jews felt let down when the Messiah did not come at the time of the Babylonian exile nor did he come soon after (Kohler 1929, 143). When Jesus did come, many of the Jews failed to recognize Him as of the Messiah.
Significant Architectural Features of Ancient Synagogues
The Earliest Type All of the synagogue buildings were oriented with the direction in Jerusalem was. The earliest synagogues had three entrances that faced Jerusalem (Avi-Yonah 1962, 98). Michael Avi-Yonah states about the early synagogues of Israel,
In the interior, it was constructed like a basilica with two rows of columns and a third transversal row behind the doors. The hall, paved with stone slabs, was otherwise bare of ornament, except for a frieze running along the upper gallery. As yet there was no shrine for the Torah scrolls; instead, they were placed in a receptacle which was brought into the room as needed (Avi-Yonah 1962, 98).
The Second Type of
Synagogues
The second type of synagogues were modified drastically from the previous type. The Jews decided that the direction of entrance should not be oriented in the direction of Jerusalem. A long narrow house was instituted with a Torah shrine facing in the direction of Jerusalem. People came into the synagogue through the narrow ends of the buildings (Avi-Yonah 1962, 98). Also, the first mosaic floors of the buildings were introduced in the second type of synagogues.
The Third Type The third and last type of ancient synagogues followed more closely to the structure of the original type. They were basilica-style buildings with two columns, however the end of the building that pointed to Jerusalem was a semicircle apse. Within the apse, contained the Torah shrine. The floors were nicely covered in mosaic tiles often depicting Old Testament Bible scenes (Avi-Yonah 1962, 98).
Services of the Ancient Synagogue The Sabbath services of the synagogue consisted of prayer, instruction, and The Law. The services consisted of the leader leading and the congregation responding in benedictions and eulogies. A time of prayer was given in the service. Then a reader (or readers) would read from the books of the prophets (Archive.org, 2016). Next, a reader(s) would read from the text of the Mosaic Law. A sermon was usually given, although not always through an ordained head of the synagogue. The ancient Jews of Israel did not sing songs or hymns. Instead they chanted anthems, or most likely, the Psalms. Women attended, but sat in a separate section and did not participate in the service (Archive.org, 2016).
People of the Synagogue
Pharisees
Several key characters were involved with the Synagogue. Pharisees, whose origins were of Hasidim, were the scholars and spokesmen for the Synagogue. They were not necessarily a political party (Britannica ). The Pharisees differed from a different sect of Jewish leaders called the Sadducees, who took a more liberal view on scripture. The Pharisees tended to uphold worship at the Synagogue rather than worship at the Temple.
Rabbis
Rabbis were the religious leaders within the Synagogue. They were trained and taught in the Torah and Talmud (Encylopedia Britannica). According to the Jewish encyclopedia,
There were three positions open to him: (1) the presidency of the community with the title "Nasi," (2) the head of the judiciary ("ab bet din"), and (3) the ordinary master of civil and ritual laws and exemplar in charitable work and moral conduct. For the first position the rabbi was elected by the leaders of the community; for the second, by the members of the judiciary; while the third position was a matter of duty imposed upon the rabbi by the very Law he was teaching. (Jewish Encyclopeida).
Rabbis were also involved in ceremonies such as marriages, circumcisions, and funerals, but they were not always required for a ceremony or service to take place (Encyclopedia Britannica). Rabbis were elected by the men of the Jewish Congregation (Encyclopedia Britannica).
Jewish Education The Synagogue was also the center of Jewish education. Only Jewish boys went to school by the ages six or seven to learn reading and arithmetic, but the primary subject was the Mosaic Law. Learning was accomplished through oral discussion, repetition, and memorization. Rabbis (teachers) were not paid any wages. Instead, they were expected to carry also another trade. Rabbis had to be married men who had high standards, and of good character (American Bible Society, 2016).
Holidays of the Synagogue The Synagogue, as opposed to the Temple, was the teacher of the Jews, and from the Synagogue came various holidays commemorating special Jewish events (Kohler 1929, 153). The Synagogue designated the first of Tishri to be the Jewish New Year’s Day. Originally that day had been dedicated to the biblical day of the Blowing of the Trumpets (Kohler 1929, 154). Other traditional holidays upheld by the Synagogue included: The Feast of Weeks, The Feast of Tabernacles, and the Passover Supper (Kohler 1929, 155- 156).
The Jews in Europe
Great disruption occurred amongst the Jews when Rome destroyed the Temple around 70 A.D. The Jews were displaced and dispersed primarily around Europe. Eventually Judaism divided into Reform and Orthodox. The Orthodox Jews remained true and traditional to their old Jewish values and customs. On the other hand the Reformed Jews, who were mostly German, attempted to conform the old traditions to fit better in the new world (late nineteenth century) (Robinson 2000, 473). The first Reform Synagogue was dedicated in 1818. The Reformed Jews conducted services and German and cut ties to their Israeli heritage. The rabbis in response banned the German translation of the Torah, but the Jews rebelled. This became the peak for Jewish conversion to Christianity. Unfortunately their reason for ‘converting’ was probably not true conversion, but rather a cover for leaving Judaism. At this point, secular material started to be taught alongside religious materials in the synagogues. The Zionists Movement was (and is) a group of Jews who’s ultimate goal was to return back to Israel, and restore their Jewish culture.
Turmoil and Upheaval
Since then, the Jewish people have been through much upheaval. The Jews have been persecuted again and again, specifically in Europe. Many massacres, inquisitions, and forced relocations of the Jews have occurred throughout the centuries (Robinson 2000, 468- 470). In one country for a period of time, they persecuted the Jews and labeled them ‘Christ killers’ because they were of the same race that had Christ put to death.
During the twentieth century many events have happened that have changed the face of Judaism. The largest and most horrific incident happened during the holocaust, when approximately six million innocent Jews were mercilessly destroyed. One of the most significant events occurred with Israel becoming a Jewish state again, with the help of other nations, after World War II. Another notable event to acknowledge is that of Jewish feminism. Because of the Jewish Feminist movement, Jewish women now go to college, and are more involved in worship within the synagogue.
Clothes and Seating Arrangements In today’s synagogue, the Jews have special dress codes for worship services. Everyone in the synagogue wears a hat or head covering, except for unmarried women until they come of age. Most observant Jewish men wear a hat all of the time, especially when praying. Women are expected to dress modestly, and sit in a separate section of the Synagogue, away from the men. The Men sit at the closest to the center of the synagogue. Jewish men, thirteen or older wear a prayer shawl called a ‘Tallit’ with fringes and tassels to remind them of God’s Ten Commandments.
Today’s Synagogue Although the Jews have gone through much upheaval and change, the important aspects of the Synagogue today remains relatively unchanged. Prayer services still play a major role in today’s Synagogues. Charity still plays a big role in Jewish synagogues, however an offering is not taken during Sabbath services because Jews are not allowed to carry money on the Sabbath. Instead, they pay membership fees. The view that the Synagogue is second to the Temple is still held by many Jews today. In Orthodox synagogues, the women are still separated from the men. Rabbis are the primary leaders of the Jewish congregations. The Jew’s holy text remains to this day to be the Torah. The Talmud is also still referred to for standards and religious practices (Jewish Virtual Library, 2016).
Conclusion
Despite all of the hardships and trials the Jews have endured, the Jews have been profoundly dedicated to God. During the pre-exilic era of Israel, their relationship with God wavered. Only after they went into exile did the Jews cling tightly to God. Out of hardship was born the Synagogue, an institution that would endure with the Jews through many more trials. Although the Synagogue could never replace the Temple, the Synagogue lead the Jews back to the heart of God. For it was there where the Jews delved into prayer and charity. Eventually through Hasidim movement, the Synagogue became more pious. This institution was a center for Jewish education, religion, and fellowship. After the failed revolution in 70 A.D. The Jews dispersed primarily to Europe, where they endured centuries of hatred and persecution. Also, the Synagogue encountered change as it split into Orthodox and Reform. Women rose up in the Jewish community seeking more rights. Although the synagogue is ancient, it has endured the tests of time.