Rabbi Ron Isaacs
SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH STATE
February 5, 2010
1. How did the phrase "People of the Book" originate?
You may be surprised to find out that Mohammed, the Arab founder of Islam, is credited with naming the Jews "People of the Book." Mohammed was impressed with the Jewish Bible and felt certain that the people who produced the Holy Scriptures must have qualities of greatness.
2. Is it true that a synagogue must have windows?
The requirement that a synagogue must have windows is mentioned in the Talmud (Berachot 34b) where it is suggested that the sky inspires reverence. Rav Kook, the former chief rabbi of Israel, once explained that while praying, the Jew must be aware of the world at-large. In bygone years, synagogue windows were rarely decorated. In more recent times, however, to add warmth and beauty, artistically designed stained glass windows have become a popular part of synagogue decor.
3. Why is kneeling not a common practice in a synagogue worship service?
Bowing and kneeling were once an integral part of the ceremonies and rituals in the Jerusalem Temple. While the Second Temple was in use, Ezra read the Torah in Jerusalem, and we are told in the Book of Nehemiah that the people bowed their heads and fell down before God with their faces to the ground. Many of these practices were later adopted by the synagogue. The Talmud (Berachot 36a) says of Rabbi Akiba that when he prayed privately, he would begin in one corner of the room and as a result of his kneeling and prostrations he would end up in the opposite corner of the room. When Christianity adopted kneeling and prostration as postures of prayer, the rabbis prohibited them in Jewish worship. The only exception was on Yom Kippur, when the cantor (and sometimes members of some congregations too) kneels and prostrates himself, as did the High Priest when he officiated.
Rabbi Ron Isaacs is the spiritual leader of Temple Sholom, a Conservative congregation in Bridgewater. His forthcoming new book is "Siddur Or Shalom," a Shabbat morning prayerbook. Contact him at www.rabbiron.com or "Ask the Rabbi," c/o Rabbi Ron Isaacs, Temple Sholom, P.O. Box 6007, Bridgewater, N.J. 08807.