The Synagogue Leaders
The population of synagogue leaders, who could be likened to the current "parish priests," generally showed support for Jesus, with rare exceptions.
- Abraham of Engedi
- Leader of the synagogue of Gibeon[1]
- Leader of the synagogue of Hebron[2]
- Leader of the synagogue of Kerioth (EMV 78 - EMV 213)
- Leader of the synagogue of Nain[3]
- Leader of the synagogue of Yutta (Jutta)[4]
- Cleophas of Emmaus
- Jairus of Capernaum
- John of Ephesus
- Levi of Nazareth
- Malachi of Ephraim[5]
- Matthias of Kedesh[6]
- Mattathias Sicule, leader of the synagogue of the Roman freedmen in Jerusalem[7]
- Timon of Aera, future deacon
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Synagogue comes from the Greek "synagogué" which means "assembly." They appeared during the time of the Exile, a time of trials and a great return to faith. The Latin "ecclesia," from which the word "Church" derives, has the same meaning.
The faithful gathered there for the Sabbath (which began Friday at 6:00 pm) and for each feast under the leadership of a synagogue leader. A platform was reserved for him as well as for the reader. Indeed, a passage from the Law was read, followed by one from a prophet. The sacred scrolls, handled by an attendant, were kept in "the holy," isolated by a veil to recall the "holy of holies" of the Temple. The reader could be a member of the congregation.
After an exhortation or commentary, as reported in many passages of the Gospel, the service ended with the ritual formula of blessing (Mosaic blessing).
Churches, Temples, and mosques adopt this model of place and principle of Worship to God.