A Jew should feel welcome in the Synagogue any time of the year, but Synagogues are at their peak performance and attendance during the High Holidays.

Throughout the world and over the centuries, Jewish communities invested great talent and fantastic resources in their Houses of Prayer.

The rich and intricate architecture, influenced by local color and design, stress the importance of housing the treasured Torah, and create a special ambiance to enhance the mood and meaning of the prayers.

The impressive Synagogue structures reflect the reaction of our forefather Jacob after his first Divine encounter, when he saw the vision of a great angelic Ladder standing on Earth and reaching toward Heaven:

"How Awesome is this place. This cannot be other than a House of G-d, for this is the Gate of Heaven!" (Genesis 28:17)

	Abuhav Synagogue, Safed, Israel

 

	Bimah and Aron Kodesh, Touro Synagogue, Newport. R.I.

 

	The famous Altneuschul in Prague, shul of the legendary Maharal

 

Photos from "And I Shall Dwell Among Them"

©1995 by Aperture Foundation, Inc.

Photographs ©1995 by Neil Folberg