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Synagogues and their origin
When the Jews received the Torah at Mt. Sinai, they were commanded to build a Holy Sanctuary for G-d, called in Hebrew, a Mikdosh. The purpose of the Mikdash [Temple] is to provide G-d with a place to dwell in this world, a House to which offerings may be brought. .
When the Jews received the Torah at Mt. Sinai, they were commanded to build a Holy Sanctuary for G-d, called in Hebrew, a Mikdosh. The purpose of the Mikdash [Temple] is to provide G-d with a place to dwell in this world, a House to which offerings may be brought.
Men and women must help to build the Temple. It is a mitzvah to build it as beautifully as possible. If money is available, one should even cover the whole structure with gold! However, children may not be taken away from learning Torah, even for the sake of building the Temple. We do not build the Temple on Shabbat or on Yom Tov.
A person is meant to go to the Temple three times a year, to celebrate the Festivals of Pesach, Shavuot, and Succot.
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A Jewish Synagogue
In the Jewish religion, a synagogue forms a very important part of their religion.
Come with and walk in the shoes of the a Jew and share a part of their beliefs.
Enter the holy place by clicking on the image above.
Enjoy !!!
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History of the synagogue the Jewish Synagogue
The first Sanctuary was built by Moshe and the Jews. It was movable, and could be transported with the Jewish people from place to place in the Wilderness.
Nearly 400 years later, King David, designed a permanent Temple for G-d in Jerusalem. It was built by his son, King Solomon. This was the first Holy Temple. It stood in the holy city of Jerusalem for 410 years. The first Temple was destroyed by the Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar, who cast the Jews into exile.
After 70 years in Exile, the Jews were at last able to return to Eretz Yisrael, under the leadership of Ezra the Scribe. He supervised the construction of the Second Temple. This occurred soon after the story of Purim took place. The Second Temple was larger than the First, and stood for 420 years. It was destroyed by the Roman armies led by Titus.
The Third Temple will be rebuilt on the same spot that the first two Temples stood, when Moshiach comes, may it be very soon!
The Synagogue is used by orthox Jews at all times. This is not to say that it is not also used by other Jews when praying or studying the Torah.
Objects expected to be found in a synagogue are the Megan Star, the ark as well as the Torah
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Structure of the Temple
In building the Temple, large, expensive stones were used. Some were used in their natural form, others were shaped with tools, such as the huge stones still standing in the Western Wall.
On the Temple Mount itself, however, no iron tools could be used. Even to hear the sound of an iron tool was forbidden, because iron (as used for weapons) shortens the life of man, and the Temple is meant to prolong it.
To Hold The Temple in Awe
We are commanded to hold the Temple in awe, and to revere it. Of course, it is not only the building that we revere, but the One who commanded us to build it.
How do we revere the Temple? We are not to enter the Temple Mount holding a staff, or with sandals on our feet, or dressed in informal clothes, or with dust on our feet, or money in our hands. Needless to say, we should not spit.
A person should not take a shortcut through the Temple Mount, entering on one side and going out the other, just to make the way shorter. Rather one should walk around the outside, and enter only for the sake of a mitzvah.
It is a mitzvah to station guards around the Temple, just as a king would have guards around his palace. Not that we have to protect G-d, for He is mightier than any army, rather we station guards to show Him honor.
Every night, 24 guards would take up their positions around the Temple. The Kohanim (Temple priests) stood guard inside, and 21 Levites stood guard on the outside.
When leaving the Temple, a person should not turn around and walk away. He should go backwards slowly, and then turn to his side until he is out of the courtyard.
A person should not act frivolously or joke around opposite the eastern gate of the Temple, for it is directly opposite the Holy of Holies.
Even though the Temple is now in ruins because of our sins, a person must hold it in awe and behave in a dignified manner at all times, just as when it was standing.
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Megan Star also known as The Star of David
The entrance of a Jewish Temple is marked by this Megan Star. This is very much the same as a cross that is found on a Christian Church. |
The Ark
Far away picture of the ark - This is the ark in the Spiegel Sanctuary housing the many Sefrei Torah. Over the ark notice the hebrew words, "Emet, Dien, Shalom," meaning "Truth, Justice, Peace."
The Ark is the focal point of any synagogue.
This is simply a big cupboard normally covered by a curtain, in which the Torah Scrolls are kept. Normally a reading platform is also found in front of it.
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