Jewish Worship at the time of Christ was very traditional and was made up of many traditions. Prior to the actual commencement of the worship, it was customary for each person to offer a private prayer as he entered the synagogue. This was what we might call a quiet "devotional" time, an opportunity to prepare one's heart for what is about to occur. The service itself began with the Shema. This Hebrew word means "hear," …showed first 75 words of 921 total…

…showed last 75 words of 921 total…a benediction. As Hebrew had given place to Aramaic as the language of the people in the time of Christ, an interpreter stood beside the reader and translated verse by verse into the common language. Another benediction would be spoken to bless the people at the end of the worship, and before each member left the synagogue it was customary for him again to pray privately, just as he had done upon entering. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ **Bibliography**