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"Therefore say, Thus said the Lord God; Although I have cast them far off among the nations, and although I have scattered them among the countries, I have been to them a little sanctuary in the countries where they have come."
Yechezkel (Ezekiel) 11:16
[What is this "little sanctuary"?] Rabbi Yitzchak said, "This refers to the synagogues and houses of study in Babylon."
Talmud Megillah 29a
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The basic setup of a synagogue is pretty simple. In America and Europe synagogues are built facing East because we are supposed to pray facing in the direction of Yerushalayim (Jerusalem). On the eastern wall is placed the Aron Kodesh, the Holy Ark, in which are stored the Torah scrolls. In front of the Aron is placed the Amud where the chazzan stands when he leads the congregation in prayer. In the center of the room is placed the Bimah, where the Torah is read on Mondays, Thursdays, and Shabbos.
Sometimes there are slight variations from this pattern for practical reasons.
In addition, there are separate sections for the men and women. The reason for this separation is to prevent immodesty and thereby create an environment which is more conducive towards prayer.
© Eliezer C. Abrahamson
