ABSTRACT
In Reform synagogues the portion of the Law is read by the minister, who, following the ancient usage, recites the introductory and closing blessings once only. The custom of reciting the Shemang every day may possibly be older even than the Synagogue itself. In accordance with ancient custom the Service of the Synagogue is conducted in Hebrew. In most synagogues, too, the custom of separating men and women still prevails. In some Eastern synagogues the congregants during the Middle Ages knelt at evening prayer. Instrumental music is, as a rule, not used in the Synagogue. In some countries, in Germany particularly, the organ is played on Sabbath also, even in synagogues that can scarcely be styled Reform. Every synagogue contains two objects—The Ark, or shrine, in which the manuscript of the Law is deposited, and the Platform, from which the Law is read and the Service conducted.
