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Contemporary Synagogues and Congregations

As the nature of society has changed in modern times, so have the Jewish community and, consequently, the synagogue. At one time, Jews lived in small shtetlach (singular shtetl; Yiddish for ghettos, villages, or settlements), closed communities in Eastern Europe or elsewhere. This is generally no longer the case in the United States, except for a few Hasidic communities located in New York and other cities. As Jews became more assimilated into mainstream society, the Jewish community became more disseminated, and Jews now live almost everywhere. As a result, the synagogue has become a place of gathering for Jewish people, a center not only for prayer and study but also for sharing heritage and culture, socializing, and growing within the faith.

The word synagogue derives from a Greek word that means “to congregate or to gather together.” Evidence has been discovered of synagogues from two thousand years ago. Some congregations call their institution a synagogue, while others call it a temple, a word derived from Latin. The use of the word temple may refer to or be a symbolic reminder of the original temples of Jerusalem that were destroyed centuries ago (see “The Temple”).

Through the years, synagogues have been built everywhere Jewish people live. Many reflect the architecture of the times or a country’s specific style, whether baroque, Gothic, art deco, or contemporary/modern.

Some Jewish groups simply call themselves a congregation, while others refer to the synagogue as a shul, which is a Yiddish word that means “school.” Still others organize and support a local community center, which provides a place for community events, nursery or other schools, youth activities, adult education, and often Shabbat services.

It is not necessary that a congregation have a full-time rabbi and/or cantor on the payroll to function. Often, a small congregation runs its worship services, religious school, and social functions with volunteers or with part-time or occasional “professional” help, this assistance often coming from students at rabbinical or cantoral seminaries.

The word havurah refers to a small group that functions either independently of a larger religious congregation or as part of an organized synagogue. The word comes from the Hebrew root word for “friend.” The havurah serves as a fellowship group and extended family with which to celebrate holidays, share support in times of crisis, enjoy religious and non-religious events, and maintain a network of people who share the faith.

In addition, there are “alternative” congregations or organizations that combine Jewish traditions and beliefs with mysticism, vegetarianism, New Age philosophy, or social and political action. For example, Jewish meditation, spirituality, and education combine to form the basis of a very popular Jewish community group where I live in Northern California’s Bay Area.

In other words, there is more than one place for Jewish people to meet, study, socialize, solve problems large and small, and worship.