Does Jewish worship and study always take place at a temple?

Answer 1

Jewish worship and study have not enjoyed the luxury of a Temple for 1,940 years,

since the second Temple was destroyed by the Roman occupying forces. Since then,

the formal order of regular prayers was instituted to substitute for the Temple worship,

and synagogues were built as a religious and community focus in whatever place a

Jewish community is found. Community prayer is encouraged, and a few small elements

of the service are recited only in the presence of a group of worshipers. But the group

worship may very properly take place anywhere, and is often conducted in private homes

and places of business. And the responsibility for regular prayer and routine study are

individual responsibilities, regardless of the place and surroundings that the individual

may choose, consistent with the mood, decorum, and holiness of prayer.