Worship in the synagogue

Purpose and Meaning of Worship

Worship in the synagogue is central to Jewish religious life. It is a place for communal prayer, Torah reading, and spiritual connection with God. Synagogue worship reflects the Shekhinah (the divine presence), which is believed to dwell where a community gathers to pray. Public worship allows Jews to fulfil certain mitzvot (commandments) that require a minyan—a quorum of ten adult Jews (males in Orthodox communities, any gender in Reform).

Structure of Worship

Services typically follow a set order known as the siddur (prayer book), ensuring that all Jews share the same core prayers. The service includes:

• The Shema – A declaration of faith affirming the oneness of God (Deuteronomy 6:4–9).

• The Amidah – The standing prayer, recited facing Jerusalem. It contains 19 blessings praising, thanking, and requesting from God.

• The Torah Reading – A portion of the Torah scroll (Sefer Torah) is read aloud from the bimah (raised platform).

• The Aleinu and Kaddish – Closing prayers praising God and affirming faith in His greatness.

Role of the Synagogue and Participants

The ark (Aron Hakodesh)—where the Torah scrolls are kept—is the focal point of the synagogue. The eternal light (ner tamid) burns above it, symbolising God’s everlasting presence.

• The chazan (cantor) leads the congregation in prayer.

• The rabbi provides spiritual guidance and may deliver a d’rashah (sermon).

• In Orthodox synagogues, men and women sit separately, often divided by a mechitzah (partition), while in Reform synagogues, families sit together.

Orthodox Worship

Orthodox services are more traditional and follow Hebrew liturgy throughout. The service is conducted without musical instruments, in line with traditional halakhic restrictions, as instruments were banned after the destruction of the Temple.

Only men can lead prayers or read from the Torah, and they must wear religious garments such as the tallit (prayer shawl) and tefillin (phylacteries). Women do not have active liturgical roles, and only men count towards the minyan.

Orthodox services tend to be longer and follow a fixed structure, focusing on precise pronunciation and adherence to the ancient prayer order.

Reform Worship

Reform Judaism adapts worship to modern life, aiming to make it accessible and inclusive. Services may be conducted partly in English alongside Hebrew, and men and women sit together.

Women can become rabbis and participate fully in the service, including reading from the Torah and leading prayers. Music often accompanies services, including choirs and instruments, to create a more reflective atmosphere.

The content of the siddur may be shortened, and the sermon often plays a larger role, focusing on moral and ethical teachings relevant to modern issues. Reform worship also places greater emphasis on personal spirituality rather than strict ritual observance.

The Torah Reading

In both traditions, reading from the Torah scroll is a highlight of worship. It is treated with deep reverence—never touched by hand but read using a yad (pointer). In Orthodox synagogues, men are called up to the Torah (aliyah), while in Reform synagogues, both men and women may be called.

The Haftarah, a passage from the Prophets, is also read, linking the Torah portion to wider scriptural themes.

Significance of Worship

Worship in the synagogue reinforces Jewish identity and community. It expresses kavanah—sincere intention and devotion in prayer. It allows Jews to commune with God, seek atonement, and strengthen their sense of belonging within the Am Yisrael (people of Israel).

Communal prayer also reminds Jews of their shared covenant with God, fulfilling the mitzvah to “love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and might” (Deuteronomy 6:5).

Reasons for thinking synagogue worship is the most important form of worship

Worship in a synagogue has long been central to Jewish communal life. One key reason is the presence of a minyan, a quorum of ten adult Jews required for certain prayers. When a minyan is present, the Shekhinah—God’s divine presence—is believed to dwell among the worshippers. This makes the experience of prayer more special and spiritually fulfilling. Certain prayers, such as the Kaddish, can only be recited with a minyan, making synagogue attendance important for communal worship.

Synagogue worship also ensures that prayers are conducted correctly and respectfully, reducing the risk of mistakes that might offend God. The synagogue provides a dedicated, focused environment for worship, free from the distractions of daily life, helping Jews to concentrate on God and deepen their understanding of Jewish beliefs and teachings.

While the building itself is not inherently holy, its purpose as a space for prayer and study imbues it with significance. For example, Hasidic Jews often use the synagogue, or shul, not only for prayer but also for Torah study. Others engage in debate or discussion, learning from one another and exploring the depths of Jewish law and ethics. This combination of prayer, learning, and discussion represents a holistic form of worship that is difficult to replicate outside the synagogue.

Reasons supporting other views

Despite these advantages, worship does not need to be confined to the synagogue. Jewish law requires prayer three times a day, and it is not always practical to attend a synagogue for all these prayers. Work commitments, early morning schedules, or travel can make attendance difficult, meaning Jews often pray alone or in other settings.

Judaism teaches that God is omnipresent, so worship can be offered anywhere. The Shekhinah is considered present not only in synagogues but also whenever Jews meet to study or discuss Torah. As Rabbi Hananiah ben Teradion states in Pirke Avot, “If two sit together and the words between them are of the Torah, then the Shekhinah is in their midst.” This demonstrates that communal worship and study can occur outside a synagogue while still invoking God’s presence.

Private prayer is also valued. Hasidim historically prayed in forests, dancing and singing to express devotion to God. Jewish youth may pray at residential camps where no synagogue exists, and individuals regularly pray at home upon waking and before sleeping. These practices show that personal, flexible, and informal worship is fully acceptable and spiritually meaningful.

Summary

Worship in a synagogue provides a structured, communal environment where prayer can be performed correctly and the Shekhinah is believed to dwell, making the experience deeply significant. However, Judaism also recognises that God’s presence is universal, allowing for personal and flexible forms of worship outside the synagogue. Both communal and private worship are valued, reflecting the adaptability of Jewish practice and the centrality of devotion to God in everyday life.