Judaism: Sacred Spaces and
Places
Israel itself is a very sacred place to Jewish
people. Jews who do not live there try to visit at some point in their lives.
In particular, Jerusalem is important because it is the ancient capital of
Israel and the site of the original temple. The Western Wall of the ancient
temple remains. This is where the tablets that Moses brought down from Mt.
Sinai with the ten commandments were stored in a golden box called the Ark of
the Covenant. Jewish people make pilgrimages to this wall. It is also called
the Wailing Wall because people grieve the destruction of the temple and
other persecution of the Jews.
Jewish people worship in synagogues. A synagogue is a center
for Jewish life - not just worshipping, but education and
community.
Synagogues, of course, vary in style around the world, but all
contain certain features.
FEATURES......
The Holy Ark with one or more Torah scrolls, covered by
curtains.
A six-pointed star, the Star of David, is often found both
inside and outside synagogues.
An eternal light in front of the ark, which represents the
light which led the Hebrew people through the Sinai and was in the original
temple, is kept lit at all times.
A reading table, at the front or in the middle of the
sanctuary, sometimes on a stage, or bimah.
A replica of the ten commandments.
Synagogue services are led by a rabbi and usually a cantor, who sings traditional and contemporary melodies. There are prayers, songs, chants and readings, as well as a sermon or discussion by the rabbi or members of the community. Some Jewish people go to the synagogue daily, some weekly on Shabbat, and some periodically on Shabbat and on special holy days.
Some rituals, like the blessing said at the Shabbat meal and the observance of Passover, take place in Jewish homes.
Some rituals, like the blessing said at the Shabbat meal and the observance of Passover, take place in Jewish homes.