Jewish and Christian Worship: Temples, Synagogues, and Mass

Synagogue

"House of meeting" — a place for prayer, worship, and Torah study.

Temple

In Jerusalem, included Courts (Gentiles, Women, Israel, Priests, Holy of Holies).

Temple purpose

Sacrifice for sins (substitutionary atonement).

Court of Gentiles

First court in the Temple hierarchy.

Court of Women

Second court in the Temple hierarchy.

Court of Israel

Third court in the Temple hierarchy.

Court of Priests

Fourth court in the Temple hierarchy.

Holy of Holies

Innermost sanctum of the Temple.

Shema

Jewish profession of faith in one God: "Hear O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is One."

Yad

Pointer used to read Torah; prevents smudging or damaging handwritten scrolls.

TaNaK

Acronym for Torah, Nevi'im (Prophets), Ketuvim (Writings); Hebrew Bible.

Torah

First five books of the Bible; core of Jewish faith; handwritten on scrolls.

Nazarene

Early name for Christians: followers of Jesus who were originally Jews.

Shabbat (Sabbath)

Day of rest and worship; activities: rest, read Torah, attend synagogue or temple.

Liturgy of the Word

First part of Mass: readings from Scripture, homily, and prayers.

Liturgy of the Eucharist

Second part of Mass: celebration of Eucharist (body and blood of Christ).

Seder

Jewish Passover meal recalls freedom from Egypt.

Chapel

No regular worship community.

Church

Has a parish, a pastor, and offers sacraments.

Cathedral

Bishop's church; contains his "throne."

Basilica

Elevated or special-importance church; architectural style of Loyola Chapel.

Ekklesia

Greek word meaning "assembly" or "community of believers."

Nave

Main area of the church where the congregation sits ("ship" from Latin navis).

Sanctuary

Front of the chapel; contains the altar and ambo; holy space.

Ambo

Podium for readings and homilies — used for Liturgy of the Word.

Tabernacle

Holds the consecrated Eucharist (body of Christ).

Roman Missal

A book containing all prayers and instructions for Mass (Liturgy of the Eucharist).

Lectionary

Book containing all Scripture readings used in the Liturgy of the Word.

Sacristy

A room where priests prepare for Mass; it holds vestments and vessels.

Chalice

Cup used to hold the wine (blood of Christ).

Ciborium

Covered cup or container holding consecrated hosts (bread/body of Christ).

Sacrarium

Special sink for washing sacred vessels; drains directly into the ground, not sewer.

Catholic

Means 'universal'; refers to the worldwide Church.

Bishop

Head of a diocese; oversees priests; leads from the cathedral.

Alb

White robe symbolizing purity; worn after baptism and by priests at Mass.

Stole

The long, scarf-like cloth worn over the alb symbolizes priestly authority.

Chasuble

Outer garment worn by a priest during Mass; only ordained priests wear it.

Liturgical Colors & Meanings

Green: Ordinary Time

Purple: Advent, Lent, penance

Red: Holy Spirit, martyrs, blood of Christ

White: Easter, Christmas, weddings, funerals, feasts, baptisms

Blue: Mary, the old Advent color

Pink (Rose): Gaudete Sunday (3rd Sunday of Advent)

How is Mass like Thanksgiving? Why fancy vessels and vestments?

Mass = Eucharist = "thanksgiving."

Fancy items show that Mass is special, sacred, and different from daily life.

Why study Judaism in Catholic Liturgy?

Jesus was Jewish, taught in synagogues.

Christianity comes from Judaism; many traditions are shared (Torah → Scripture, Temple → Church, Shabbat → Mass).

Understanding Jewish roots explains Catholic worship.

Why do we use music in religion? (3 reasons)

Builds community and shared experience.

Helps people feel deeply and remember prayers.

"Singing is praying twice" - St. Augustine.

What's in the Tabernacle? (Catholic vs. Jewish)

Catholics: Eucharist (Body of Christ).

Jews: Torah scrolls (Word of God).

Both symbolize God's presence among His people.

Why is community important? (Roseto Mystery connection)

Community creates belonging, faith, and support → like Roseto town's health.

Mass brings people together in shared worship and faith = spiritual "home field advantage."