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SYNAGOGUE (biblical)

The Jewish community center where the study and exposition of the Old Testament was conducted. Although its main function was religious, it also served as a meeting place for other kinds of community activities--funerals, meetings, and business affairs. A staff of officials managed the synagogue, directed ceremonies, and supervised educational programs.

All items in this dictionary are from Fr. John Hardon's Modern Catholic Dictionary, © Eternal Life. Used with permission.

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