Synagogue+and+Mosque

__**Synagogue and Mosque**__

What are they? The synagogue and the mosque are places of worship. The synagogue is the Jewish temple, and the mosque is the Islam temple for worship and studies.

Synagogue---“assembly” Beit Knesset---“house of assembly” Beit Tefila---“house of prayer”

The **Synagogue** plays a role in Jewish studies, and provides all that is needed in preparation for a Bar Mitzvah. A synagogue has many small rooms for study, and in some, a social hall and office. There is a separate room, called the Beit Midrash, set aside for Torah study in preparation for the Bar Mitzvah.

Many Orthodox and Conservative Jews use the term “shul” as everyday use for the synagogue. The term “synagogue” is generally reserved for more formal occasions. Reform and Conservative Jews will sometimes use the term “temple.”

A **Mosque** is the Islam place of worship. It is referred to as the Masjid by Muslims.

In English, "mosque" refers to the general Islam temple, while the Arabic translation shows a distinction between the more privately owned mosque, and the larger, public one. The mosque's biggest purpose is to bring Muslim's together for prayer. Everyone who enters the mosque wears white to show unity by not showing wealth through appearance. Everyone is equal to one another, and dressing alike helps the focus stay on prayer. Mosques are no longer just a place for prayer, but also a place to learn about Islam, and to bring Muslims together in a community.

How are they alike? •In the Qur'an (the holy book of Islam) the mosque is referred to as a Masjid, meaning place of worship. The Qur'an also refers to the synagogue as the Masjid, as the term refers to the general building used for the gathering and practice of both religions. •In both Judaism and Islam, the holy temple is centered upon for prayer and sacrifice. •The mosque and the synagogue are both used for special and formal events. The synagogue is used for the Bar Mitzvah (a Jewish coming of age ceremony) and the mosque is used for the funeral of a deceased Muslim.