Worship in Judaism

This section explores worship in Judaism. In Judaism, worship can take place in two primary settings: in the synagogue or at home. While worship in the synagogue plays a significant role, it is often considered just as important, if not more so, to practise one’s faith at home. This is particularly true when it comes to key rituals like those observed during Shabbat, the weekly day of rest and spiritual renewal.

One of the central mitzvot (commandments) in Judaism is the act of worship, which is viewed as a sacred duty stemming from the covenant with God. Worship holds great importance not only because of the connection it establishes with God but also because it brings the Jewish community together, fostering a sense of collective identity and shared purpose.

Worship in the synagogue includes daily services, special rites of passage (such as Bar and Bat Mitzvahs), and the celebration of Jewish festivals. Worship at home typically consists of daily prayers, Shabbat meals, and study of Jewish texts.

Worship in the Synagogue

Orthodox synagogues observe three daily services in Hebrew, a tradition that has been maintained for centuries. During these services, the person leading the congregation faces the aron hakodesh, the sacred cupboard that holds the Torah scrolls. In Orthodox synagogues, men and women sit separately to preserve traditional practices, and men often cover their heads with a skull cap, known as a kippah, as a sign of reverence for God. Married women also cover their heads, typically with a scarf, as a gesture of respect and modesty before God.

A distinctive practice among Orthodox Jews is the custom of swaying or rocking during prayer, a movement believed to help focus the mind and soul on the words of prayer.

Men also often wear a tallit, a prayer shawl, which serves as a reminder of the commandments and the presence of God in their lives. Additionally, some Orthodox Jewish men wear tefillin, small leather boxes containing scrolls with verses from the Torah. The tefillin are bound to the arm and forehead with leather straps and are worn during morning prayers to help concentrate the mind on God’s words.

In contrast, Reform synagogues do not hold daily services like Orthodox synagogues but do gather for services on Shabbat. These services are conducted in both Hebrew and the language of the country where the synagogue is located. In the UK, for example, English is often used alongside Hebrew. In Reform synagogues, men and women sit together during worship, and musical instruments are frequently played as part of the service, enhancing the communal and joyful atmosphere.

The Service

Services in the synagogue are typically led by a rabbi, who is a religious leader with extensive knowledge of Jewish law and tradition. In Orthodox synagogues, the rabbi is always male, but in Reform synagogues, women can also serve as rabbis, reflecting a more inclusive approach to leadership.

In addition to the rabbi, a cantor (or hazzan) may also lead prayers, often from the front of the synagogue, facing the aron hakodesh. The cantor’s role is to chant or sing the prayers, helping the congregation to focus and connect with the spiritual words being recited.

The siddur is used during every service. This prayer book contains the set prayers for daily use and special occasions. The service typically begins with opening prayers, followed by the recitation of the Shema, which is the central declaration of Jewish faith. The Shema is recited three times a day by observant Jews:

“Hear, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord alone.”
— Deuteronomy 6:4

Following the Shema, the Amidah (also called the Shemoneh Esrei) is recited. The Amidah is a silent, standing prayer that forms the spiritual core of Jewish worship. Worshippers reflect on the words in their minds rather than speaking them aloud, contemplating their meaning as they face Jerusalem, the spiritual centre of the Jewish world.

The service also includes readings from the Torah, followed by final prayers such as the Aleinu, a prayer that praises God and acknowledges His sovereignty over the world.

The Amidah Prayer

The Amidah is often referred to as the ‘standing prayer’, as it is performed while standing. It consists of a series of blessings:

The first three blessings: These praise God and ask for His mercy.

The middle thirteen blessings: These petitions seek God’s help in various areas of life, including healing, forgiveness, and peace.

The final blessing: This concludes the prayer by thanking God for His goodness and sovereignty.

Worship at Home

In addition to synagogue worship, Jews are expected to pray three times a day at home. These prayers are known as Shacharit (morning), Mincha (afternoon), and Ma'ariv (evening), and they help to establish a continual connection with God throughout the day.

At home, Jewish families often place a mezuzah on the doorposts of their homes. The mezuzah is a small parchment scroll inscribed with verses from the Torah, including the Shema, and is a reminder of God's presence and commandments. It is considered a sign of protection and blessing for the household.

In addition to prayer, Jewish homes often include other practices that encourage faith, such as lighting the Shabbat candles on Friday evening, reciting blessings over the Shabbat meals, and studying Jewish texts together as a family.

Worship in Judaism takes place both in the synagogue and at home, with each setting serving its own unique role in fostering a deep spiritual connection with God. Whether through daily prayers, Shabbat observances, or participation in synagogue services, worship helps Jewish individuals and communities maintain their faith and live in accordance with God's commandments.