World Religions

Opening the Doors of Understanding
Welcome to the World Religion Convention
Jewish Place of Worship: Workshop 10J
A Jewish Syagouge
A synagogue is a holy Jewish place of worship. It is equivalent to a Christian church. It is the center of the Jewish community. It serves as a place of prayer, education, and as a social center.
A Skull Cap
Attire for Jewish men is a prayer shawland a yarmulke, or skullcap. In some synagogues married women should wear a head covering, or chapel cap.
During the service, all should be attentive, well mannered, and be aware of when to show respect to a religious item. This last request should be carried out by, standing when the Torah is being carried to or from the Ark, or when the Ark is opened. There are many gestures of respect for Jews and non-Jews during services.

The synagogue is run by a board of directors and is usually given leadership and direction by a rabbi hired by the board. Collection plates are not circulated during the service as is done in many Christian churches. Instead, synagogues are maintained by membership dues paid annually by members of the congregation. You do not have to pay dues to worship in the synagogue, but if you are financially able to contribute, you are expected to do so.