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i. These Houses of Meeting varied in size according to the town or village in which they were built148. They were usually erected on the highest ground available, and so constructed, that a worshipper, when entering, or kneeling in prayer, might have his face towards Jerusalem. Like the ancient Tabernacle, they were divided into two parts by a hanging veil, behind which, at the upper end or that facing Jerusalem, was the ark containing the Book of the Law. Before this veil were the “chief seats,” for which the Pharisees strove so eagerly (Matt. xxiii.6); a silver lamp always kept burning; and an eight-branched candlestick, only lighted on the greater festivals. About the centre of the building was a raised platform, on which was a desk, where the reader stood to read the lesson or sat down to teach (Acts xiii.16; Lk. iv.20). All round were seats, where the men sat on one side, and the women on the other, separated by a low partition149.

ii. The chief officers of each synagogue were (a)a kind of Chapter or college of elders, presided over by the ruler of the Synagogue (Lk. viii. 41,49; Acts xviii. 8,17), who superintended the services, and had the power of excommunication150; (b)the Sheliach, or officiating minister, who read the prayers and the Law; (c) the Chazzan, ὑπηρέτης (Lk. iv.20), a sort of deacon, whose office it was to open the doors, prepare the room for service, maintain order, scourge the condemned; (d)ten men called Batlanim (men of leisure), who attended the week-day as well as sabbath services, and were at once representatives of the congregation, and collectors of alms151.