What is an orthodox synagogue service like?

Answer 1

Jewish prayer-books have 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 in chairs, 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.

Answer 2

All synagogues are normal synagogues.

Orthodox synagogues follow more traditional rules. For example, in a Orthodox synagogue, men and women do not sit together, but otherwise, there is almost no difference.

Orthodox services are usually only in Hebrew, whereas non-Orthodox synagogues may include English or other native languages).

Answer 3

Men and women sit separately, and the service is in Hebrew only.