Church vs. Synagogue: What's the Difference?
Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Harlon Moss || Updated on November 10, 2023
A church is a Christian place of worship, while a synagogue is a Jewish house of worship and community center.
Key Differences
A church is primarily a Christian worship space, where congregants gather for services, prayer, and rituals like communion. Synagogues serve a similar purpose for Jewish communities, being centers for prayer, Torah reading, and religious study.
Churches often have architectural elements like altars, crosses, and stained-glass windows, symbolizing Christian beliefs. In contrast, synagogues typically feature the Torah ark, menorah, and often a Star of David, representing Jewish faith and heritage.
Leadership in churches is usually provided by priests, pastors, or ministers, who conduct services and provide spiritual guidance. Synagogues are led by rabbis, who lead services, offer teachings from the Torah, and provide community leadership.
Churches play a key role in Christian sacraments like baptism and marriage. Synagogues also host significant life events, such as Bar and Bat Mitzvahs, within the Jewish tradition.
The term 'church' can also refer to the collective body of Christians, while 'synagogue' can imply the local Jewish community or congregation, beyond just the physical structure.
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Comparison Chart
Primary Religion
Christianity
Judaism
Architectural Elements
Altars, crosses, stained-glass windows
Torah ark, menorah, Star of David
Religious Leadership
Priests, pastors, ministers
Rabbis
Significant Ceremonies
Baptism, marriage
Bar/Bat Mitzvahs
Community Meaning
Body of Christian believers
Jewish congregation or community
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Church and Synagogue Definitions
Church
A Christian worship service.
They attend church every Sunday morning.
Synagogue
A center for Jewish communal activities and education.
The synagogue hosted various cultural and educational events.
Church
A building used for Christian worship.
They got married in a small church in their hometown.
Synagogue
A building where Jewish rites of passage, like Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, are celebrated.
Her Bat Mitzvah was held at the family's synagogue.
Church
A local congregation or community of Christians.
The church gathered for its annual picnic.
Synagogue
A Jewish house of worship and prayer.
The new synagogue was built in the heart of the city.
Church
An organization of Christians, often in a specific tradition like Catholic or Protestant.
She belonged to an Episcopal church.
Synagogue
A place where Torah readings and Jewish religious services are conducted.
He read from the Torah during the service at the synagogue.
Church
The global body of Christians, often referred to as the universal church.
The church has followers all around the world.
Synagogue
The local community of Jews who gather for religious purposes.
The synagogue's community was very active in charity work.
Church
A building for public, especially Christian worship.
Synagogue
A building or place of meeting for worship and religious instruction in the Jewish faith.
Church
The company of all Christians regarded as a spiritual body.
Synagogue
A congregation of Jews for the purpose of worship or religious study.
Church
A specified Christian denomination
The Presbyterian Church.
Synagogue
The Jewish religion as organized or typified in local congregations.
Church
A congregation.
Synagogue
A place of worship for Jews or Samaritans.
Church
Public divine worship in a church; a religious service
Goes to church at Christmas and Easter.
Synagogue
A congregation of Jews or Samaritans for the purpose of worship or religious study.
Church
The clerical profession; clergy.
Synagogue
A congregation or assembly of Jews met for the purpose of worship, or the performance of religious rites.
Church
Ecclesiastical power as distinguished from the secular
The separation of church and state.
Synagogue
The building or place appropriated to the religious worship of the Jews.
Church
To conduct a church service for, especially to perform a religious service for (a woman after childbirth).
Synagogue
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.
Church
Of or relating to the church; ecclesiastical.
Synagogue
A congregation in the early Christian church.
My brethren, . . . if there come into your synagogue a man with a gold ring.
Church
(countable) A Christian house of worship; a building where Christian religious services take place.
There is a lovely little church in the valley.
This building used to be a church before being converted into a library.
Synagogue
Any assembly of men.
Church
Christians collectively seen as a single spiritual community; Christianity; Christendom.
These worshippers make up the Church of Christ.
Synagogue
(Judaism) the place of worship for a Jewish congregation
Church
(countable) A local group of people who follow the same Christian religious beliefs, local or general.
Church
(countable) A particular denomination of Christianity.
The Church of England separated from the Roman Catholic Church in 1534.
Church
Christian worship held at a church; service.
Church
Organized religion in general or a specific religion considered as a political institution.
Many constitutions enshrine the separation of church and state.
Church
Any religious group.
She goes to a Wiccan church down the road.
Church
Assembly.
Church
To conduct a religious service for (a woman after childbirth, or a newly married couple).
Church
(transitive) To educate someone religiously, as in in a church.
Church
(slang) Expressing strong agreement.
- These burritos are the best!
- Church!
Church
A building set apart for Christian worship.
Church
A Jewish or heathen temple.
Church
A formally organized body of Christian believers worshiping together.
Church
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.
Church
The collective body of Christians.
Church
Any body of worshipers; as, the Jewish church; the church of Brahm.
Church
The aggregate of religious influences in a community; ecclesiastical influence, authority, etc.; as, to array the power of the church against some moral evil.
Remember that both church and state are properly the rulers of the people, only because they are their benefactors.
Church
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.
Church
One of the groups of Christians who have their own beliefs and forms of worship
Church
A place for public (especially Christian) worship;
The church was empty
Church
A service conducted in a church;
Don't be late for church
Church
The body of people who attend or belong to a particular local church;
Our church is hosting a picnic next week
Church
Perform a special church rite or service for;
Church a woman after childbirth
FAQs
Do all churches have the same architecture?
Church architecture varies greatly, but many have common elements like altars and crosses.
What is a synagogue?
A synagogue is a Jewish house of worship and community center.
Are synagogues only for worship?
No, synagogues also serve as centers for education, community activities, and cultural events.
What is a church?
A church is a place of worship for Christians.
Can the term 'church' refer to people?
Yes, it can also mean the collective body of Christian believers.
Is the synagogue central to Jewish life?
Yes, it plays a key role in worship, community, and Jewish cultural life.
How is a church different from a cathedral?
A cathedral is a church that is the principal church of a diocese, usually housing a bishop.
What religious events are held in churches?
Churches host services, sacraments like communion, and special religious celebrations.
What is a rabbi’s role in a synagogue?
A rabbi leads services, teaches, and offers spiritual and community leadership.
Are churches used for events other than services?
Yes, churches often host weddings, funerals, and other significant life events.
Do synagogues have a specific architectural style?
Synagogue architecture varies, but many feature elements like the Torah ark and menorah.
What educational activities occur in synagogues?
Synagogues often have religious schools, study groups, and cultural education programs.
What's the difference in worship style between churches and synagogues?
Worship styles vary, but generally, Christian services focus on the Bible, prayer, and hymns, while Jewish services include Torah readings and specific prayers.
Can anyone visit a synagogue?
Yes, synagogues generally welcome visitors, though there may be specific guidelines for attendance.
Are synagogues always led by rabbis?
While rabbis typically lead synagogues, some communities may have lay leaders.
Can synagogues be of different Jewish denominations?
Yes, synagogues can belong to different streams of Judaism, like Orthodox, Conservative, or Reform.
Is church attendance declining?
Church attendance varies by region and denomination, but in some areas, it has been declining.
Do churches play a role in education?
Many churches offer religious education, youth programs, and sometimes schools.
Is the language used in synagogues always Hebrew?
Hebrew is commonly used, but many synagogues also use the local language for prayers and teachings.
Do churches support community services?
Many churches are involved in community outreach, charity work, and social services.
About Author
Written by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
Edited by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
