SYNAGOGUE WORSHIP

            The practice of constructing “meeting halls” where Jews could come each Sabbath day to hear the scriptures read and hear discussions of those scriptures apparently began during the years of Assyrian or Babylonian captivity (after 738 BC) and was upheld by Ezra and Nehemiah after their return to Israel (about 460 BC). See Nehemiah 8: 2. With no temple to go to, the dispersed Jews made do by constructing and meeting in “prayer houses.” The word synagogue means “assembly” and is also used of Christian group worship (as in James 2: 2, where it is translated “assembly”).

THE BUILDING

            The sizes of the synagogues varied greatly, determined mostly by the affluence of the builders. However, certain structural features were fairly constant.

1. It was built on the highest ground of the city (if possible), or right outside the city on high ground.

2. It was constructed so that the worshipers faced Jerusalem when entering and when praying.

3. At the Jerusalem end of the building there was an “ark,” a box made to hold the scrolls of scripture. At that end were the “chief seats” desired by the rich and influential. (Matt. 23: 6)

4. By the “ark” was the Menorah, lighted on festival days. There was also an “eternal light,” a lamp which was never allowed to go out.

5. In the middle, so that all eyes could see, was a raised dais for the speaker. In the middle of this was a table to hold the scripture while it was read, and a bench for the reader to sit when such reading required him to sit, or when he was explaining the scriptures which had been read. (For some reason, they always sat when reading the book of Esther.)

6. The congregation was divided with women on one side and men on the other, with a dividing wall or lattice between them.

OFFICERS

            The rabbi was the chief teacher and expounder of the scriptures. In larger synagogues, there were often several rabbis which were overseen by a “college of elders,” who were chosen from among the influential older men of the group. One was elected to be the “ruler of the synagogue.” (Luke 8: 41) The sheliach (or legatus) was a man of education appointed to lead the prayers (and read the scriptures when called upon). The chazzan (minister or servant) opened the doors of the synagogue and prepared things for each service. He also carried the scroll of the scriptures to and from the “ark.”

THE SERVICES

            The synagogue met on the 2^nd, 5^th, and 7^th days of the week. The Law (Pentateuch) was read every Sabbath in the first part of the service, with a reading of the Prophets during the second. Following the reading of the scriptures there was usually the derash, or sermon. Form prayers (memorized prayers) were recited ( see Luke 11: 1ff). They were recited standing up, with the arms outstretched towards Jerusalem. The congregants responded aloud with the AMEN (I Cor. 14: 16). The synagogues met at the third, sixth, and ninth hours (9 AM, Noon, 3 PM), with the people attending whichever service was convenient.