The document discusses the history and origins of synagogues. It notes that synagogues began as gathering places for Jewish worship outdoors or in homes after the destruction of the Second Temple. Over time, synagogues became central institutions for Jewish religious and community life. The document also describes typical synagogue structures, practices, and the important role synagogues played in the early Christian church through the preaching of Jesus, Peter, and Paul.

1. SynagogueS

2. Meaning of the word Synangogue

3. A) Synagogue = Sunagogue= coming together.
B) Meeting point or prayer hall of Jewish people in antiquity
C)Synagogues were simply gathering that took place
outdoors or in peoples houses or in courtyards.

4. e) Literary sources suggest that In the synagogues , there held
variety of activities.
•Meeting places for worship services
•Schools and councils of elders
•Served as banks or hostels for travelers
•Banquet halls
•Multipurpose building-Religious purpose was one of the
many and the important.

5. the origin and the hiStory

6. There are different versions….
Temple had given them identity and
strength. Now with its destruction
there was a need to find a way to
worship.
During that time they undertook to collect and edit the sacred writings
under the priestly leadership of Jehozadak. (Hag.1,1). This culminated in 560,
by publishing Genesis -2 Kings.

7. Many say that prophet Ezekiel was
instrumental in establishing local houses for
worship. (Ezekial:11,16).
Thus it’s believed that Synagogues came to
be in the 6th century BCE
There is also a belief that Moses began
the synagogues during his time it began.
During that time people used to worship YHWH
in small groups. But OT doesn’t support this argument.

8. Now in 538BCE, Cyrus gave an option for the people
to go back to Palestine, if they like to. Many did not
choose to go back. This indicates that, in the exile
their religious needs were met. This in other words
indicates the existence of Synagogues.
Cuneiform records and archives of that time reveal the existence of a community that retained
YHWHstic identity.

9. By the time , 1st century, synagogues had become important and
central institution of Jewish life.
•Talmud refers to 480 of them during the time of Vespasian.
•Another source says during the time of Jesus, in Jerusalem
alone there were 360 synagogues.
•There is also a mention about the presence of a synagogue
within the temple during the time of Jesus.

10. D)In 70 AD the second temple was destroyed. Jews continued their worship
in the synagogues.(Jews met especially to pray and read scriptures)
Synagogues provided the Jews to regroup and rebuild.
Rabbi Yohanan Ben Zekkai promulgated the idea of creating individual houses
of worship, wherever local Jews were present. This provided them with portable
way of worship.
E) In 132-135: after the second Jewish revolt, it was the synagogues
that preserved their faith and worship.

11. Practices in the Synagogue
It’s a holy place for Jews. Thus they leave the sandals out
Principle meeting was on Sabbath
Service consisted:
• Recitation of Shema ( Confession of faith in one God)
• Prayers
• Scripture readings of prophets and Law
• Sermon

12. •Important people sat on the benches
called Chief seats.
•Common people sat on the floors.
•Speakers and leader stand on the
Bemah

13. Structure of a
Synagogue

14. They are normally placed in prominent or elevated/high places.
Outside the synagogue, MIKVEH(Ritual Bath) place.
Worshippers symbolically cleansed their hearts before entering in.
There was a special seat called Moses seat where TORAH reader sat.

15. There was a permanent TORAH cabinet.
Torah scrolls and writings of prophets
kept here.
Bema: A desk from where TORAH is read.
Desk for prayer leader.

16. Large prayer hall which had the main sanctuary-
Hekhal
he ark is positioned in such a way that those who face it face Jerusalem.
Ark is the reminiscent of the ark of the covenant.
his is the most holiest place. This ark is closed with a veil.
here is also a continually lit lamp called Ner Tamid=Eternal ligh

22. •Jesus’ proclamation of his public ministry.( Lk 4, 16-30)
•A place where his teaching and preaching
received negative response.
•Jesus Heals the women in the synagogue ( Lk13, 10-16)
•and received the angry reaction from the ruler.
•Jesus’ warning to his desciples about the persecution
in the synagogue.(Mt 10,17)

23. St Paul and Synagogues
Saul went to the Synagogues to find and Persecute the believers.
This persecution forced Jewish Christians out of Synagogues
After his conversion Paul immediately preached
in the Synagogue of Damascus.(Acts 9,20)
During his missionary journey’s he began his work
customarily in the synagogues(Acts 13,5.14)

24. Conclusion
Through Synagogues , Jewish faith and worship survived centuries of struggle.
Jesus started & continued his work in the synagogues.
Peter, St Paul and others preached Christianity in the Synagogues
Thus Synagogues were the seedbeds of Christianity.
Let’s not forget the message of Synagogues:
“Where two or three, gathered in my name, there am I.”