Who serves as Shamus in a Synagogue?

Answer 1

The shamus (also spelled shammes or shammas) performs much the same role in a synagogue as that carried out by a sexton in a Christian church, though it's also a varient spelling of shamash, the "helper candle" used to light the other candles on a menorah (or hanukkiyah - the candlestick used during Hanukkah). In most cases, the role will be performed by a man (but not always in some Reform, Liberal and Progressive synagogues) who is responsible for tasks such as the maintenance of the synagogue building, allocating seats, the supervision of children during services and so on. According to Rabbi Dr. Raymond Apple of Sydney's Great Synagogue, he may also occasionally be called upon to act as an official in a beth din Jewish court.