synagogue
Noun: 1. A Jewish house of worship and prayer: A synagogue is a building where Jewish people gather for religious services, prayer, study, and community events. It serves as the central communal institution in Judaism. 2. A Jewish congregation: The term can also refer to the assembly or congregation of Jews itself, especially when gathered for religious purposes.
The word "synagogue" is used to refer specifically to the physical building or institution of Jewish worship. It is a formal and specific term.
Examples: - The local synagogue holds services every Friday evening and Saturday morning. - After moving to the city, they found a welcoming synagogue to join. - The ancient synagogue was an important center for the Jewish community.
- Historical and Cultural Role: Beyond prayer, synagogues often function as centers for Hebrew school, adult education, charitable work, and social gatherings.
- Architectural Term: In historical or architectural contexts, "synagogue" refers to the design and structure of these buildings, which can vary greatly across different Jewish traditions and cultures.
- Shul (n): A Yiddish term, commonly used in some communities, synonymous with "synagogue."
- Temple (n): A term sometimes used by Reform and some Conservative Jewish congregations to refer to their synagogue.
- Beth midrash (n): A "house of study," often a room within a synagogue dedicated to Torah and Talmud study.
- Congregation (n): The assembly of people who worship at a synagogue.
- Jewish house of worship: A descriptive synonym.
- Shul: (From Yiddish) A common informal synonym.
- Temple: (Used by some denominations) A synonym in specific contexts.
(Note: "Synagogue" itself is not typically part of phrasal verbs or common idioms. The related phrases are about its function.) - To attend synagogue: To go to religious services at a synagogue. - They make an effort to attend synagogue on the High Holidays. - Synagogue membership: The state of being a registered member of a particular synagogue community. - Synagogue membership often includes religious school for children.
- (Judaism) the place of worship for a Jewish congregation