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Definition:
The word synagogue, Greek for "gathering," has been the central institution of
Jewish worship and religious worship since antiquity. It is believed that they first developed
during the Babylonian Captivity, a time after the first Temple had been destroyed and Jews
were forced to develop beliefs and practices which would differentiate them from the local
population. After their return to Jerusalem and the Temple was rebuilt, synagogues continued
to be used but the became much more minor aspects in Jewish life until after the 1st
century CE.
The development of synagogues represented a major shift in Jewish religiosity and even community. Before, Judaism was focused upon rituals and sacrifices at the Temple in Jerusalem. With the synagogues, Judaism moved towards prayer and study in the local community. Religious leadership among Jews also shifted, from a small caste of priests to the rabbis, a position which was not hereditary.
Also Known As: none
Alternate Spellings: none
Common Misspellings: none
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A system of human beliefs, ideals and practices which is harder to define than it may at first appear.
