- Origins: Synagogues emerged during the time of captivity, providing places of instruction and worship when the temple was destroyed and the Jewish nation scattered.
- Post-Captivity: Synagogues continued both in the homeland and Jewish communities.
- Distribution: Larger towns typically had one or more synagogues, while Jerusalem, in addition to the temple, had numerous synagogues, possibly around 480.
- Leadership: Synagogues were overseen by a board of elders or rulers.
- Sabbath Meetings: Jews gathered in synagogues on the Sabbath for worship and instruction.
- Orientation: Positioned on the highest hill to face Jerusalem during prayers.
- Seating Arrangements: Segregation by gender; women and children sat in a separate section or balcony from the men.
- Services: Mainly involved prayers, along with the reading and explanation of Old Testament passages.
Synagogues Overview
Faith & Reason Nexus 
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