The Synagogue (AQA GCSE Religious Studies A (8062))

Mitzvot Between God & Man, Man & Man

The Mitzvot

• Within Judaism, the mitzvot are "positive" and "negative" rules:

  • There are 248 positive mitzvot, which explain what Jews should do. These rules are known as mitzvot aseh

  • There are 365 negative mitzvot, which explain what Jews should not do. These rules are known as mitzvot ta’aseh

• Alternatively, the mitzvot can be divided up according to their purpose

Mitzvot Between God and Man

• Ritual mitzvot explain what Jews should or should not do to avoid offending God and cover areas such as worship and festivals

• These mitzvot form a personal covenant between a Jewish person and God

• The first four of the Ten Commandments are the most important of the ritual mitzvot:
  

  • Do not worship images

  • Do not worship false Gods

  • Do not misuse God's name 

  • Dedicate the Sabbath to honouring God

• These mitzvoth advise people on how to deepen their relationship with God

Mitzvot Between Man and Man

• Moral mitzvot explain how Jews should act when dealing with other people:

  • Loving God and your neighbour cannot be separated

  • Positive relationships with others are pleasing to God 

  • They help Jews to live as a community in a way that God finds acceptable

  • The Ten Commandments are important mitzvot as they are the basis for moral behaviour

  • Some laws are judgements from God, for example "you shall not steal". These are known as mishpatim

  • These mitzvot cover how to settle disputes, the treatment of workers and the types of food Jewish people can eat

Moral and ritual mitzvot

The Importance of the Mitzvot 

• Jews suggest that they should follow the mitzvot because God told them to

• They may also follow the mitzvot because:

  • The laws are seen as a gift from God

  • Keeping the mitzvot improves their relationship with God

  • Obeying the commandments shows gratitude to God for all that he has done

The Importance of the Synagogue

The Synagogue

• The word synagogue means "bringing together" or "assembly"

• A synagogue is a place of worship, and where Jews are educated about the Jewish faith

• On the outside of the building there is a Star of David and often a Menorah

• The main prayers happen in the prayer hall, which is usually rectangular with seats on three sides facing inward

The Importance of the Synagogue

• A synagogue is a space for worship and prayer:

  • Jews believe it is good to pray together, but there must be a minimum of ten people present for certain prayers to be said

  • This is called a minyan

• The synagogue is an important centre for Jewish communities where meetings take place and social gatherings happen

• It is also a place of education, with classes where people can learn Hebrew

• Synagogues often hold charity events and have various activities for young people, such as youth clubs

The Design & Religious Features of the Synagogue

Design and Features of a Synagogue

• There are certain features that appear in all synagogues, regardless of whether they are Orthodox or Reform

Features of a Synagogue

• The Ner Tamid is a light above the Aron Hakodesh that never goes out:

  • It represents the order from scripture which reads

• All synagogues have a large cupboard facing Jerusalem called the Aron Hakodesh:

  • It is the holiest place in the synagogue

  • It is the centrepiece of the synagogue and holds the Torah

  • It symbolises the ark that held the tablets given to Moses

• The Sefer Torah is a scroll kept inside the Aron Hakodesh:

  • It is handwritten by a scribe, it is covered with a mantle or cloth that is ornately decorated

• The word "Yad", in Hebrew means hand, which also reflects the use of the object:

  • The pointer is used by the reader to indicate their place during a reading of the Torah, which happens during prayer, or on holy days such as Sukkot

• The bimah is a raised platform with a reading desk:

  • From here the Sefer Torah is read

  • The bimah represents the altar in the Temple

• There are no images of God or people in a synagogue, as the second of the Ten Commandments forbids idolatry: