Synagogue vs. Church — What's the Difference?

Emphasizes communal prayer, Torah reading, and education.

Architectural elements often include an altar, pews, and symbols such as the cross.

A Jewish place of worship and study, often serving as a community center.

A Christian place of worship, central to community religious life.

Characterized by the presence of a Torah ark, bimah, and often separate seating for men and women.

Led by clergy like priests or pastors, who conduct services and provide guidance.

Led by a rabbi who provides spiritual leadership and interprets Jewish law.

Services typically involve the Eucharist, Bible readings, hymns, and prayers.

Synagogues may vary in their observance levels, from Orthodox to Reform.

Churches may belong to various denominations, each with distinct practices.

A synagogue (; from Ancient Greek συναγωγή, synagogē, 'assembly'; Hebrew: בית כנסת‎ beit knesset, 'house of assembly', or בית תפילה‎ beit tfila, "house of prayer"; Yiddish: שול shul, Ladino: אשנוגה esnoga, 'bright as fire'; or קהל kahal) is a Jewish or rarely Samaritan house of worship. Synagogues have a place for prayer (the main sanctuary) and may also have rooms for study, a social hall, and offices.

A building for public, especially Christian worship.

A building or place of meeting for worship and religious instruction in the Jewish faith.

The company of all Christians regarded as a spiritual body.

A congregation of Jews for the purpose of worship or religious study.

A specified Christian denomination

The Jewish religion as organized or typified in local congregations.

A congregation.

A place of worship for Jews or Samaritans.

Public divine worship in a church; a religious service

A congregation of Jews or Samaritans for the purpose of worship or religious study.

The clerical profession; clergy.

A congregation or assembly of Jews met for the purpose of worship, or the performance of religious rites.

Ecclesiastical power as distinguished from the secular

The building or place appropriated to the religious worship of the Jews.

To conduct a church service for, especially to perform a religious service for (a woman after childbirth).

The council of, probably, 120 members among the Jews, first appointed after the return from the Babylonish captivity; - called also the Great Synagogue, and sometimes, though erroneously, the Sanhedrin.

Of or relating to the church; ecclesiastical.

A congregation in the early Christian church.

(countable) A Christian house of worship; a building where Christian religious services take place.

Any assembly of men.

Christians collectively seen as a single spiritual community; Christianity; Christendom.

(Judaism) the place of worship for a Jewish congregation

(countable) A local group of people who follow the same Christian religious beliefs, local or general.

(countable) A particular denomination of Christianity.

Christian worship held at a church; service.

Organized religion in general or a specific religion considered as a political institution.

Any religious group.

Assembly.

To conduct a religious service for (a woman after childbirth, or a newly married couple).

(transitive) To educate someone religiously, as in in a church.

(slang) Expressing strong agreement.

A building set apart for Christian worship.

A Jewish or heathen temple.

A formally organized body of Christian believers worshiping together.

A body of Christian believers, holding the same creed, observing the same rites, and acknowledging the same ecclesiastical authority; a denomination; as, the Roman Catholic church; the Presbyterian church.

The collective body of Christians.

Any body of worshipers; as, the Jewish church; the church of Brahm.

The aggregate of religious influences in a community; ecclesiastical influence, authority, etc.; as, to array the power of the church against some moral evil.

To bless according to a prescribed form, or to unite with in publicly returning thanks in church, as after deliverance from the dangers of childbirth; as, the churching of women.

One of the groups of Christians who have their own beliefs and forms of worship

A place for public (especially Christian) worship;

A service conducted in a church;

The body of people who attend or belong to a particular local church;

Perform a special church rite or service for;

Yes, non-Jews can attend synagogue services, though participation in certain rituals may be restricted.

The Torah ark is significant as it houses the Torah scrolls, the most sacred texts in Judaism.

Participation in the Eucharist varies; some denominations welcome all, while others restrict it to members.

The main purpose of a synagogue is to serve as a place for Jewish prayer, Torah study, and community gathering.

Both provide spiritual guidance, educational programs, and social services to their communities.

A rabbi leads services, offers spiritual and moral guidance, and interprets Jewish laws for the community.

A typical church service includes prayers, hymns, Bible readings, a sermon, and often the Eucharist.

Yes, there are Orthodox, Conservative, Reform, and other types of synagogues, each with varying practices.

Churches are widespread and can be found in most countries, though their prevalence varies by region.

No, church architecture varies widely, from traditional to modern designs, reflecting different historical periods and cultural influences.

They lead worship services, administer sacraments, provide pastoral care, and guide the congregation in faith.

Many engage in interfaith activities, promoting mutual understanding and cooperation among different religious communities.

Synagogues are often funded by member contributions, donations, and sometimes fees for services like education programs.

Churches may rely on tithes, offerings, donations, and fundraising events for funding.

Synagogues exist in many countries, but their presence depends on the local Jewish population.