Source sheet with the following sources:

· Rambam Tefilah Chapter 11

Functions of a Shul

By: Aviad Tabory

Discuss

 Ask the chanichim these questions:

·                      When did we start having shuls? (Already in the times of Second Temple there was a shul not far from the Temple. This leads to another question :)

·                      What are the differences between Beit HaMikdash and a shul? What are the similarities?

·                      What are the functions of a shul?

·                      I s a shul holy? If so, what creates this holiness?

·                      How should one behave in a shul if it is holy?

Chevruta

Have the chanichim prepare:

·                      Rambam Tefilah Chapter 11

Questions and Issues to Think About

·                      Functions of a shul

·                      Compare the shul to the Beit HaMikdash

Learn

 Read the Rambam together with chanichim. Notice and sum up the following:

The functions of a shul are:

·               Tefillah bezibor (halacha 1)

·               Reading the torah (halachot 1-3,10,14)

·               Speeches (halacha 3)

·               Eulogy (halacha 7)

·                      There are halachot which teach us how to behave in the Shul (halachot 5,6,7,8 11)

·                      There are similarities between a shul and Bet HaMikdash (Halachot 2,11)