(συναγωγή/synagōgḗ, literally 'bringing together', 'assembly'; Latin synagoga). A Greek word that can refer either to the Jewish congregation or to the place (the building) where the congregation comes together.
The synagogue building consists of a large rectangular room with benches on some or all of its sides, in front of which columns are built. There is often a throne for the leader of the synagogue and a platform (bêma) from which the Torah is read. A central ele…
Cite this page
Nielsen, Inge (Hamburg) and
Hollender, Elisabeth (Cologne),
“Synagogue”, in:
Brill’s New Pauly, Antiquity volumes edited by: Hubert Cancik and , Helmuth Schneider, English Edition by: Christine F. Salazar, Classical Tradition volumes edited by: Manfred Landfester, English Edition by: Francis G. Gentry.
Consulted online on 16 May 2022 <http://dx.doi.org/10.1163/1574-9347_bnp_e1126970>