Guide to the Synagogue for Interfaith Couples and Families: Introduction and Table of Contents

Introduction

There are many aspects of Jewish life that require a community. Synagogues as institutions provide social organization and a space for these activities, including group prayer and study. Jews organize synagogues, rather than the other way around as in some other religious traditions. Through synagogues, congregations hire religious teachers and leaders and make communal activities happen. Synagogues can therefore be great places to get to know Judaism--even the parts of Judaism you only do at home.

This Guide is also available for download in PDF and Word format.

Table of Contents

• What Happens at a Synagogue?
  • Daily Prayer
  • Torah Reading
  • Special Prayers for the Holidays
  • Lifecycle Events (But Not All of Them!)
  • Study
  • Other Community Activities
• What Kind of Synagogue Is it? Jewish Denominations
  • Reform
  • Orthodox
  • Hasidic Orthodox
  • Conservative
  • Reconstructionist
• Glossary of Helpful Synagogue-Related Terms