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Interior of a
synagogue.
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After the Romans destroyed the second Beit Hamikdash,
the Holy Temple was never rebuilt. Instead, the synagogue
became a lasting reminder of the Holy Temple. Just as
holidays are filled with symbolic reference to things
past, the synagogue and the sacred objects of Jews serve
much the same purpose. The synagogue is a place for
congregation for worship, teaching, and community. |
Temple
Ark and Lights
The ark is a special cabinet that holds the Torah scrolls.
The term ‘ark’ has nothing to do with Noah and
his big boat but instead refers to the Ark of the Covenant
between God and the Jewish people. The ark is generally on
the side of the room that faces Jerusalem as some prayers
are supposed to be recited in that direction. The ark has
doors and an inner curtain that separates the Torah from the
outside. No one should enter or leave the sanctuary area while
the ark is open. In front of and above the ark is the Eternal
Lamp which stays lit at all times. This is in relation to
a divine commandment. In addition, there is usually a menorah,
much like the one used during Chanukah that symbolizes the
menorah that was in the Beit Hamikdash.
Tzedakah
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Depiction of a Tzedakah.
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“Tzedakah” is often loosely defined as charity
but its closer translation is akin to righteousness, justice,
or fairness. In Judaism, the concept of tzedakah is an important
one so much that Jews are obligated to give ten percent of
their income to a worthy cause. This gift can be given to
any institution, synagogue, or other place that might help
those in need. Contrary to popular opinion, this included
giving to both Jews and non-Jews, for the commandment of tzedakah
speaks of giving to anyone who is in need. In order to stress
this obligation, a pushke, or small box, is placed in observant
Jewish homes for the collection of coins. These coins are
collected and then given to whatever charity or organization
one sees fit.
Rabbi and Cantor
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A rabbi is a religious
functionary whose primary role is to serve as teacher
to the community.
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Two of the instrumental leaders in a synagogue are the rabbi
and cantor. The rabbi is a religious functionary whose primary
role is to serve as teacher to the community. He or she has
no more power than any other member of the congregation but
usually is well versed in halakhah so he or she might help
members of the congregation to make decisions on certain matters.
The cantor is largely responsible for leading the congregation
in prayer. The cantor is an ordained member of the clergy
and can officiate and conduct weddings, funerals, and other
rites of passage. The cantor often works closely with the
rabbi in adult education classes as well as preparing young
people for bar and bat mitzvah ceremonies.
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Garb
Tallit
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Tallit, or prayer shawl,
used by observant Jews during prayer.
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The prayer shawl or “tallit” in Hebrew is a traditional
garment worn mostly by men. A proper tallit must be larger
than a scarf so that it may be draped about the individual.
More important than the garment itself is the tzitzit at the
four corners of the garment. Tying the knots on the corners
is a complex procedure. There is no particular religious significance
to the shawl itself, the tzitzit are the most important part
of the garment. On the top of the garment is an inscription.
Again, there is no particular religious significance to this
other than to indicate which end is up, but the inscription
is often the blessing recited for putting on the shawl.
Kippah
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Kippah, or yarmulke,
is a head covering. More observant Jews wear the
kippah at all times while others only wear it on Shabbat
or in Temple.
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Covering the head during prayers is an ancient Jewish practice.
The significance of the kippah is varied as some say it reminds
that God is above you, while others say it is due to a rebellion
against Christianity (Christians view it as a sign of disrespect
to wear hats in church). The more observant Jews wear the
kippah (yarmulke in Yiddish) at all times while others only
wear it on Shabbat or while at Temple.
Mezuzah
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The mezuzah is a religious
object placed outside of Jewish homes as a reminder
of the mitzvot set out in the Torah.
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The mezuzah is a religious object that is put on the outside
of Jewish homes as a reminder of the mitzvot set out in the
Torah. The object contains a handwritten scroll in special
script that is placed inside. The mezuzah (which means doorpost
in Hebrew) is placed on the outside right doorframe at about
eye level and slanted toward the inside.
Scrolls
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Torah scrolls containing
the five books of Moses.
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The Torah contains the writings of the five books of Moses
(Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy). These
writings are hand-written in Hebrew calligraphy on parchment
scrolls with the individual sheets carefully stitched together.
Torah Dressing
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Torah dressing, complete
with mantle, breastplate, yad, and crowns.
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The mantle or curtain is part of the dressing that covers
the Torah when not in use. In addition to the elaborately
ornamented fabric, the Torah is also topped with two crowns
that sit atop the handles. There is also a decorative breastplate
that is draped over the front of the scroll in addition to
a yad. The Yad, which means ‘hand’ in Hebrew,
is a pointer in the shape of a hand with the index finger
extended. A person is not supposed to touch the scroll itself
so the pointer is used for following along in the text.
Tefillin
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Tefillin, or phylacteries,
are donned by observant Jews during prayer.
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Men often don the tefillin during morning prayers. Special
handwritten script, STA”M, is used to write down the
blessings on small scrolls to be placed in the tefillin. During
regular weekday services, the tefillin are attached with one
on the forehead with the leather straps draping on either
side of the head and the other on the hand with the leather
strap entwined up the arm and around the bicep. Blessings
are recited putting them on and while wearing them then removed
once the morning prayers have been recited.
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Consider the following:
1. How are garments and objects are important religion?
2. What is the symbolism of some of the objects listed above
and why they are important?
3. Consider why desecration of temples and religious objects
continues to occur and what this means.
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