What does Synagogue mean?

The Hebrew term is beit k'nesset (literally, House of Assembly), although you will rarely hear this term used in conversation in English.

The Orthodox and Chasidim typically use the word "shul," which is Yiddish. The word is derived from a German word meaning "school," and emphasizes the synagogue's role as a place of study.

Conservative Jews usually use the word "synagogue," which is actually a Greek translation of Beit K'nesset and means "place of assembly" (it's related to the word "synod").

Reform Jews use the word "temple," because they consider every one of their meeting places to be equivalent to, or a replacement for, The Temple.

The use of the word "temple" to describe modern houses of prayer offends some traditional Jews, because it trivializes the importance of The Temple. The word "shul," on the other hand, is unfamiliar to many modern Jews. When in doubt, the word "synagogue" is the best bet, because everyone knows what it means, and I've never known anyone to be offended by it.

What does it mean to You?
At a minimum, a synagogue is a beit tefilah, a house of prayer. It is the place where Jews come together for community prayer services. Jews can satisfy the obligations of daily prayer by praying anywhere; however, there are certain prayers that can only be said in the presence of a minyan (a quorum of 10 adults), and tradition teaches us that there is more merit to praying with a group than there is in praying alone. The sanctity of the synagogue for this purpose is second only to The Temple. In fact, in rabbinical literature, the synagogue is sometimes referred to as the "little Temple."

A synagogue is usually also a beit midrash, a house of study. Contrary to popular belief, Jewish education does not end at the age of bar/bat-mitzvah. For the observant Jew, the study of sacred texts is a life-long task. Thus, a synagogue normally has a well-stocked library of sacred Jewish texts for members of the community to study. It is also the place where children receive their basic religious education.

A synagogue is a place to fulfill all lifecycle events; Brit Milot, Baby Namings, Bar/Bat-Mitzvahs, Weddings and Funerals. A place to celebrate anniversaries and birthdays, holidays both Jewish and secular.

Most synagogues also have a social hall for religious and non-religious activities. To show movies, perform plays and musical concerts. The synagogue often functions as a sort of town hall where matters of importance to the community can be discussed.

In addition, the synagogue functions as a social welfare agency, collecting and dispensing money and other items for the aid of the poor and needy within the community.

Don't let BSKI be a place you come to only a couple of times a year. What can it become for you? Call us and let us know.

B'Shalom
            Ricky Kodner

The yearly visit

Sharon is out shopping one day in Hendon when she meets Rabbi Levy.

"Hello Rabbi," she says. "How are you? I hope you are keeping well."

"Well if I'm not mistaken," says Rabbi Levy, "it's Mrs Gross, isn't it?"

"Yes Rabbi, it is," replies Sharon.

"I haven't seen you in shul now for quite some time," says Rabbi Levy."

"I know," says Sharon, looking quite embarrassed, "I stopped going to shul some time ago because every time I went, it was always the same thing."

"Always the same thing?" asks Rabbi Levy, looking puzzled, "I don’t understand you."

"Oh you must know, Rabbi," explains Sharon, "KOL NIDRAY-AY VESORAY-AY."