Importance of Temple and Synagogues to Jews

The synagogue is the Jewish equivalent of a church, more or less. It is the center of the Jewish religious community: a place of prayer, study and education, social and charitable work, as well as a social center.

• A Jewish "church" is called a synagogue, shul or temple

• A synagogue is a place of worship and study, and a "town hall"

• Synagogues are run by laypeople and financed by membership dues

• There are several important ritual items found in the synagogue

• Non-Jews may visit a synagogue, but dress and should behave appropriately

• The Temple is the ancient center of Jewish worship where sacrifices were performed

The use of the word "temple" to describe modern houses of prayer offends some traditional Jews, because it trivializes the importance of The Temple. The word "shul," on the other hand, is unfamiliar to many modern Jews. When in doubt, the word "synagogue" is the best bet, because everyone knows what it means, and I've never known anyone to be offended by it.

Synagogues are, for the most part, independent community organizations. In the United States, at least, individual synagogues do not answer to any central authority. There are central organizations for the various movements of Judaism, and synagogues are often affiliated with these organizations, but these organizations have no real power over individual synagogues.