What are the three purposes of the synagogue?

Answer 1

Why a Jew goes to a synagogue?This is where the Jews worship and its just like asking a christian why they go to church; and its simple - to worship their God in their own way and how they feel comfortable worshiping because if they didn't feel comfy then what is the point in worshiping there?

Answer 2

Public prayer services are part of halakha (Jewish law) and tradition (Talmud, Berakhot 26a).
Prayer is an important form of communicating with God, and maintaining a relationship with Him; and it is also good for the health of the soul, to which Torah, prayer and religious observances are a form of nourishment.

Answer 2

The synagogue's primary purpose is communal prayer, but a it's not just a place for worship. For some prayers, the presence of ten adult men (or men and women in Liberal Judaism) called a minyan is required. Even the reading from the Torah scrolls could theoretically be done in a home, but since Judaism emphasizes worshiping as a community, people normally gather together in a synagogue. It is also a place for study, since the study of Torah is equal to all other Mitzvot combined. Reading, learning and understanding of religious texts is very important. Additionally, the synagogue serves as a place for Jews to assemble and to socialize.

For Jews, the day begins a sundown. Since the Jewish Sabbath is Saturday, that day begins for them on what the secular world calls Friday evening at sundown. Jewish worship services may therefore be held on Friday evening after sundown, or on Saturday during the daylight hours. Study of the Torah and performing good deeds, otherwise known as "Mitzvah" or in plural as "Mitzvot", and supporting the people and community around you (not just the members of your congregation) are the most important acts or callings to Jewish people.

Answer 3

Synagogues were and are places of worship for those of the Jewish faith.

They are buildings where those of that religion gather for religious instruction and for the observance of some of their religious customs.

Answer 4

The importance of prayer:
Prayer services are part of halakha (Jewish law) and tradition (Talmud, Berakhot 26a); and the Torah records several prayers of our forefathers.
Prayer is an important form of communicating with God, and maintaining a relationship with Him; and it is also good for the health of the soul, to which Torah, prayer and religious observances are a form of nourishment. Judaism sees it as centrally important to thank God, to recognize that He is the source of prosperity, and to be close to Him.
According to our tradition, we can pray privately when necessary, but communal prayer has a much stronger effect (Talmud, Berakhot 7b-8a). It also strengthens the spiritual level and the bonds within the community.

How do Jews pray?
The Jewish prayer-book has a structured order. Prayers are ancient, and often are sung or chanted. Some prayers are said in unison (such as Shir Hakavod), and some are not. Some prayers are said more than once per day (such as the Shema), some once a day (such as Yotzer Ohr), and others are said only on Sabbath, festivals or certain occasions. Some prayers are said aloud (such as Kaddish), some are sung (such as Lekha Dodi) and some are to be whispered (the Amidah). Most of the services are in Hebrew, but a couple of prayers are in Aramaic (such as Brikh Shemei).

While praying, Jews either sit, or stand, depending on the prayer. There is also some bowing forward (in the Amidah and Aleinu), but Jews today do not kneel except once a year on Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement).
In between the prayers, Kaddish is said; and the Torah is read on many occasions (over two hundred times a year).
While formal prayer services are held in the synagogue three times each day throughout the year, many other blessings (such as those over meals) are said in the home.

See also the Related Links.

Link: What is the Jewish prayerbook?

Link: When are synagogue services held?

Link: What is the purpose of the "eternal light"?

Link: Which way does the Holy Ark face?

Answer 5

It's a place of worship. Occasionally it's also used for assembly or social functions; and often Torah-classes are held in synagogues before or after the prayer- services.

Answer 6

Prayer, Torah-study, and assembly (including social functions).

Answer 7

There is only one purpose to a synagogue--for people to gather in prayer.

Answer 8

A synagogue functions as a:

• house of prayer
• house of study
• house of assembly (socializing)