synagogue

Place of worship in the Jewish religion.

rabbi’s seat

Armchair used by the community’s religious leader who leads the service.

pulpit

Raised platform on which the Torah scrolls are placed for public reading.

balcony

Area traditionally reserved for women; among Reform Jews, men and women sit together.

memorial board

Plaque used to commemorate the deceased of the community.

bimah

Platform from which a rabbi conducts services.

menorah

Seven-branched candle that is an important object in Jewish rites.

eternal light

Suspended lamp that is lit at all times; it is in memory of God’s eternal presence and the eternal flame of the Temple in Jerusalem.

Torah scrolls

Rolls of parchment on which the Pentateuch (the first five books of the Hebrew bible) is written in hand.

ark

Cabinet used to store the scrolls of the Torah.

Ten Commandments

The precepts transmitted by God to Moses; they form the basis of the Jewish faith.

Star of David

Emblem of Judaism that is made up of two overlapping triangles forming a six-pointed star; it was the seal of King Solomon, son of David.