The Synagogue Worship Trivia Quiz

1.

When did synagogues begin, according to the Bible? (choose one)

A.

God told Moses to begin synagogues when they met on the mountain during the Exodus
B.

Synagogues were created during the Babylonian captivity, according to Psalm 134
C.

There is no mention of synagogues in the OT, so we don't know when or how or when they began
D.

The point is, God started the synagogue by special revelation, and that's why Jesus participated in the synagogue regularly

Correct Answer
C. There is no mention of synagogues in the OT, so we don't know when or how or when they began

Explanation
The correct answer is that there is no mention of synagogues in the Old Testament, so we don't have any information about when or how they began. This means that the Bible does not provide any specific details about the origins of synagogues.

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2.

Synagogues were not commanded by God, and yet Jesus regularly participated in one. What significance can we put on that? (choose as many as apply)

A.

If it is expedient, and it is part of the culture and is not wrong, there is no reason to refuse to participate. This can be applied to the use of instruments, the innovation of Sunday School classes or small groups, etc.
B.

If God Himself submitted to daily routine of Scripture reading and memorized prayers, we need not consider such spiritual disciplines to be beneath us.
C.

Jesus was not spiritual enough to realize He didn't have to be in a synagogue regularly.
D.

Maybe church attendance as the assembly is at least as much for the sake of others as it is for ourselves being fed.

Correct Answer(s)
A. If it is expedient, and it is part of the culture and is not wrong, there is no reason to refuse to participate. This can be applied to the use of instruments, the innovation of Sunday School classes or small groups, etc.
B. If God Himself submitted to daily routine of Scripture reading and memorized prayers, we need not consider such spiritual disciplines to be beneath us.
D. Maybe church attendance as the assembly is at least as much for the sake of others as it is for ourselves being fed.

Explanation
The significance of Jesus regularly participating in a synagogue despite it not being commanded by God is that if something is expedient, part of the culture, and not wrong, there is no reason to refuse participation. This principle can be applied to other aspects of worship, such as the use of instruments, Sunday School classes, or small groups. Additionally, Jesus' participation in the synagogue shows that even God Himself submitted to the daily routine of Scripture reading and memorized prayers, indicating that spiritual disciplines should not be considered beneath us. Furthermore, church attendance may not only be for our own spiritual nourishment but also for the sake of others.

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3.

What of these are adequate descriptions of synagogue meetings in Jesus' day? (choose as many as apply)

A.

Less formal than the Temple, with comparative equality among all members
B.

More formal than most evangelical churches, with cyclical readings and memorized prayers
C.

Relatively large small groups (of 40-100), formed by neighborhood or affinity
D.

The sermon/message was delivered sitting down, and tended to be less formal and prepared than modern sermons are
E.

All members stood most of the time, for the singing, reading and praying
F.

They always had special music, usually sung by a teenage girl accompanied by a woman named Betty on the piano

Correct Answer(s)
A. Less formal than the Temple, with comparative equality among all members
B. More formal than most evangelical churches, with cyclical readings and memorized prayers
C. Relatively large small groups (of 40-100), formed by neighborhood or affinity
D. The sermon/message was delivered sitting down, and tended to be less formal and prepared than modern sermons are
E. All members stood most of the time, for the singing, reading and praying

Explanation
In Jesus' day, synagogue meetings were less formal than the Temple, with comparative equality among all members. They were also more formal than most evangelical churches, with cyclical readings and memorized prayers. These meetings were relatively large small groups, formed by neighborhood or affinity, typically consisting of 40-100 members. The sermon or message was delivered sitting down and tended to be less formal and prepared than modern sermons. Additionally, all members stood most of the time for singing, reading, and praying. However, it is not mentioned that special music was always present, sung by a teenage girl accompanied by a woman named Betty on the piano.

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4.

Some of the architectural details of synagogues around the time of Jesus are... (choose as many as apply)

A.

The seating is communal, somewhat in the round
B.

Women and children were separated from the men, so that the prayers of the men would not be distracted
C.

The orientation was toward Jerusalem, when possible
D.

There is a significant ark that stores the Torah
E.

There is usually a bimah, or raised platform, suitable for reading and other acts of leadership

Correct Answer(s)
A. The seating is communal, somewhat in the round
B. Women and children were separated from the men, so that the prayers of the men would not be distracted
C. The orientation was toward Jerusalem, when possible
D. There is a significant ark that stores the Torah
E. There is usually a bimah, or raised platform, suitable for reading and other acts of leadership

Explanation
During the time of Jesus, synagogues had communal seating arrangements, often in a circular or semi-circular formation. This allowed for a sense of unity and equality among the worshipers. Women and children were segregated from men to prevent distractions during prayers. Synagogues were oriented towards Jerusalem, the holiest city in Judaism, whenever possible, as it symbolized the connection with God. A significant feature of synagogues was the ark, a cabinet or closet that stored the Torah scrolls, which are the sacred scriptures of Judaism. Additionally, synagogues had a raised platform called a bimah, where readings from the Torah and other leadership activities took place.

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5.

Posture of preaching, and reason for that posture. (choose one)

A.

Standing behind a pulpit as a sign of authority
B.

Sitting on a stool as a sign of informal sharing
C.

Sitting on a chair as a sign of authority
D.

Standing with hands raised as a sign of submission

Correct Answer
C. Sitting on a chair as a sign of authority

Explanation
The posture of sitting on a chair is often associated with authority because it signifies a position of power and control. When someone is seated on a chair, they are typically in a position of leadership and are able to command attention and respect. This posture allows the person to maintain a sense of control and authority over the situation or audience they are addressing.

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6.

Posture of prayer in the synagogue. (choose one)

A.

Stand facing Jerusalem with arms raised and eyes open
B.

Sitting neutrally in a pew with eyes closed and head bowed
C.

Kneeling and bowing five times to the east
D.

Eyes closed, hands raised, tears streaming down face

Correct Answer
A. Stand facing Jerusalem with arms raised and eyes open

Explanation
The correct answer is "Stand facing Jerusalem with arms raised and eyes open." This is the posture of prayer in the synagogue as it is customary to face Jerusalem, the holy city, while praying. The act of raising the arms and keeping the eyes open signifies attentiveness and focus during prayer. This posture allows individuals to connect with their faith and show reverence towards Jerusalem, an important symbol in Jewish tradition.

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7.

What is the general outline of a synagogue service? (choose one)

A.

Call to worship, hymns, special music, offering, sermon, invitation, closing chorus
B.

Opening blessing, recited prayers, set reading, flexible reading, message, closing blessing
C.

Invocation, Kyrie, Gloria, readings, Credo, Table, Benediction
D.

Informal structure with no particular order

Correct Answer
B. Opening blessing, recited prayers, set reading, flexible reading, message, closing blessing

Explanation
The general outline of a synagogue service includes an opening blessing, recited prayers, set reading, flexible reading, message, and closing blessing. This structure is commonly followed in synagogue services to guide the worship and provide a framework for the various elements of the service. The opening blessing sets the tone for the service, followed by recited prayers and readings from sacred texts. The message, often delivered by a rabbi or religious leader, provides teachings and insights. Finally, the service concludes with a closing blessing, bringing the worship to a close.

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