Synagogue Jews: Thoughts for Shabbat Vayakhel-Pekudei
What role does the synagogue play in people's lives? Here are several models.
THE "HOSPITAL" SYNAGOGUE: This refers to people who come to the synagogue in emergencies--at a time of crisis, illness, death of a loved one. Normally, they avoid the synagogue; but they turn to it in moments of need. The synagogue is akin to a hospital--a place they generally avoid, and only attend in dire situations.