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The defining functions of a synagogue are prayer and Torah-study. Anything else (assembly; social gatherings) is incidental.
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?
What else can I help you with?
How do Jewish people worship the synagogue?
No one worships the synagogue itself. God is worshiped in the synagogue.
Why do old people go to synagogue?
The same reasons young and middle aged people go to a synagogue.
What happens when you are in a synagogue?
Most people attend synagogue to pray, others also learn there.
How many people go to the synagogue at once?
The number of people in a synagogue varies depending on the size. However, for prayer there are usually at least ten people.
How are guests shown to be welcome in a synagogue?
A synagogue is a prayer place and people can pray in it like Muslims have a mosque and Christian people have a church so anyone can enter a mosque church or a synagogue and a synagogue is a a place for Jewish people to worship their own gods and read their holy book :) Hope this helps you!
How does a synagogue by its followers?
A synagogue is a place of worship for Jewish people. A synagogue cannot buy its followers. They are usually born to that religion or convert later in life.
What church do Jewish people go?
A synagogue
Do Jewish people pray in synagogue?
Yes.
What building do Judiasm people worship in?
a synagogue
What would be in the worship area of a synagogue?
The entire synagogue is a worship area, but Jewish people generally sit in the chairs.
Why people go to the synagogue?
The synagogue is a place of worship and is sometimes also used for assembly or Jewish social functions.
What is the largest Jewish Synagogue in the world?
The largest Jewish Synagogue in the world is probably the Beiz Great Synagogue in Jerusalem, Israel. The main sanctuary can seat up to six thousand people.
