Practices - OCR The synagogue – worship and community

The main services in the synagogue happen in the prayer hall, which is usually rectangular with seats on three sides facing inwards. Usually a rabbi will lead these services. Often a cantor, called the hazzan, stands at the front facing the aron hakodesh to lead prayers, which are often sung or chanted. The siddur is used during each service. It contains the daily prayers.

Opening prayers are usually said, followed by the Shema, which declares faith in only one God:

Services also contain readings from the Torah. These are followed by final prayers, such as the Aleinu, which is a prayer that praises God.

Worship in Orthodox synagogues

Orthodox synagogues hold three daily services in Hebrew. These are known as Shacharit (morning), Minchah (afternoon) and Arvit (evening). The person leading the congregation faces the aron hakodesh. Men and women sit separately, and men cover their heads with a skull cap called a kippah. Married women wear a scarf over their head or a hat, which shows respect for God. Orthodox Jews often sway, which helps them to concentrate on the words being said.

Worship in Reform synagogues

Reform synagogues don’t usually have daily services like those held in Orthodox synagogues. However, when they do, the service is in both Hebrew and the language of the country the synagogue is in. Reform synagogues hold their main services on Shabbat. Men and women sit together, and often musical instruments are played.

Differences between Orthodox and Reform synagogues

Men and women sit in separate sections in Orthodox Jewish synagogues, while Reform Jews of different genders sit together to worship. In most Orthodox synagogues, only men can be counted in the minyan, whereas in Reform synagogues women are included too.