Why do Jews have to go to the Synagogue?

Answer 1

Jews go to synagogue to pray. The truth is that a Jew can pray anytime in just about any place, but there are certain formal prayers that are designed to be said by the community. These take place in the synagogue.

Answer 2

The shul has over the years served many purposes. It is primarily a place of worship, but most also have some sort of banquet hall which hosts meals as well as some sort of library or Beis Medrash, and some have schools as well. There is no purpose a shul serves that another building cannot also serve, but Jewish males are supposed to daven in a minyan three times a day, and there are many obligatory meals that it might be convenient to have there. As a communal meeting place, it is also a good place for books and/or a school.

Answer 3

In much the same way that Christianity goes to a church, so the Jew goes to a synagogue. This is the place for religious instruction, counciling, community and corporate worship. While it is true that worship can and is performed at home, just as the Christian needs fellowship in his religious life, so does the Jew. Keep in mind also that the synagogue is where the Torah scrolls are kept. Until the advent of printing presses, there was no other place where The Bible could be read. The Jewish community has always held education in high esteem and even in the Dark Ages, the Jewish population could read their scriptures as a matter of course. Even today, the congregation is called by member on a regular basis to read the Torah scroll in handwritten Hebrewin public. On a societal note, be respectful of the Jew's worship time; he is respectful of yours.

Answer 4

That is where God is worshiped by the Jews. Although one can pray at home, it is considered more of an honor to God if done in the house of prayer.

Answer 5

Because synagogues are our places of prayer.

Answer 6

The synagogue is a place of prayer. Sometimes it is also used for Torah-study, meetings in general, or social functions.

Answer 7

Jewish people do not need to go to synagogue. Many go because they want to study, pray, or associate with other Jews. The synagogue is the center of Jewish life outside Israel.

Answer 8

To congregate in prayer to God. Prayer in the place designated for it is spiritually more pleasing (Talmud, Berakhot 6a).

Answer 9

The synagogue is a place of worship and is sometimes also used for assembly or Jewish social functions.

Answer 10

It is a mitzvah (a commandment) to pray with a congregation, a minyan. Jews may pray by themselves, but the tradition holds that it is better to pray communally. Certain prayers can only be done with a minyan, and public Torah reading requires a minyan. Minyans need not meet in synagogues, it's perfectly OK to convene a minyan in a home or office, but synagogues are built specifically to accommodate communal worship. Try fitting a congregation in your living room (I have done so) and you will quickly appreciate the benefits of having a synagogue.