History of the Synagogue

Oct 10, 1997 - 10:06 -

I have a question:
For my homework I need to find out about the history of the synagogue. As a non-Jew I have no idea of where to start? Could you give me some guidance please?

About me: Katie (I am a 12 years old and live in the UK)
My e-mail address: pamt@idg.co.uk
How I found this site: I found it on the WWW

Hi, Katie. Thanks for your question.

The Encyclopaedia Judaica has an article on the synagogue that would be a good starting place. A more extensive treatment of Jewish worship in a historical framework is the book "Jewish Worship" by Abraham Millgram. If your own school doesn't have these books, visit the nearest synagogue and ask the librarian there for help. (All synagogues have a library.)

If you don't know where the nearest synagogue is, check your local directories. The last time I was in England, I was amused to discover that synagogues were listed under "dissenting churches". I don't know if it's still so.

I hope this is helpful.

---Jordan