Guide
The Synagogue: Where the Lord Hears Prayer
1st–6th Centuries
Restricted
To varying extents, the texts below suggest that the synagogue is the place where God hears one’s prayers. Although the synagogue existed as an institution before the Temple was destroyed, a number of these texts also suggest that God’s presence resides in the synagogue (and not just in the Temple), perhaps as a means of explaining why one’s prayers are best heard there.
Related Primary Sources
Primary Source
Using One’s Own Lulav
If the first day of the festival falls on the Sabbath, all the people bring their lulavim to the synagogue [on Friday, as it is prohibited to carry it there on the Sabbath]. The next day they arise…
Primary Source
The Synagogue as the Place for Prayer
Actually, [the rabbis] hold in accordance with [the opinion of] Rabban Gamaliel, [and the fact] that they say until midnight is [in order]…
Related Guide
Reading of Scripture and Prayer in the Early Synagogue
1st–6th Centuries