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Synagogue: translation of beth ha-keneset, house of assembly. A central place in Jewish life, used for the community’s activities of worship, study and assembly. Although not an expressly ‘consecrated’ place, the characteristic activities of the synagogue and the presence of the Scrolls of the Law qualify it as a space worthy of respect and honour. According to the various periods and the function regarded as most important at the time, the synagogue is also known as ‘scola’ or ‘temple’.