A Visit to a Synagogue
Synagogues vary enormously in architectural
style and religious practice.
The following photographs show some of the
common features of a synagogue.
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This synagogue resembles a free church chapel as it was once
a Methodist church.
At the front there is no altar, but there is an Ark where
the Torah scrolls are kept.
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The decorations do not have representations of living
creatures, only objects representing the Holy Days.
Notice the two tablets of the ten commandments. |
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The lessons are read from the Bimah.
The Torah scrolls are kept behind a curtain
which is decorated with the banners of the tribes of Israel. |
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Above the Ark is a light which always burns.
Behind the curtain are the Torah scrolls in
their cases, or soft covers. The scrolls are said to be
"dressed". |
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The scrolls are decorated with items which recall the
role of the priests in the Temple.
The Breast piece.
The Rimmonim. (Rimmonim
means pomegranates. The high Priest's robe was trimmed with pomegranates
and bells) |
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With thanks to our friends at the Reform Synagogue in
Cardiff, for their warm welcome and informative tour.
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