Pray

Dispersion and uncertainty discouraged Jews from investing in cathedral-like synagogues, but they found a substitute in another dimension.

Synagogues share certain functional interior furnishings, but there is no architectural design or artistic style that characterizes a synagogue.

Some interpretations of the meaning of tefillin have faded, and others have been invented to take their place.

Rabbinic restrictions on behavior in the synagogue reveal continuing tension between ordinary Jews' sense of being at home and at ease there, and the desire of rabbis to set it apart as a sacred place.

Evidence from Qumran shows that the medieval debate about the order of biblical passages in tefillin has ancient roots.  

The details of this precept, using powerful symbols of allegiance to divine law and of membership in the Jewish religious community, have been subject to many interpretations.

A selection of piyyutim from the Rosh Hashanah Amidah

The internal and external structure of this carefully-crafted Psalm serves to reinforce its theme of praising God as the caring, divine ruler of all creation.

Comment from the Zohar on Psalm 100 about praying with tears.

The Torah reading in most synagogues is inaccessible, the author says, and needs to be "livened up" through the use of drama and performance art.

The blessings that conclude the Amidah's center section emphasize God's redemption of Israel.

The structure of these three blessings reflects the historical progress from creation to revelation to redemption.