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Bevis Marks Synagogue, London

The synagogue proper is the "little sanctuaryGlossary Term," the equivalent of the "Holy Place"(HaKodesh) in TabernacleGlossary Term and Temple. Usually placed (in the western world) on the E or SE wall (i.e in the direction of Jerusalem) is the "Holy ArkGlossary Term" (Aron HaKodesh). The ArkGlossary Term recalls the Biblical "Holy of Holies" (Kodesh HaKodeshim) that contained the "ArkGlossary Term of the Covenant" (Aron haBrit). The portable ArkGlossary Term carried on staves described in the Bible has been replaced by a feature containing the "Scrolls of the Law" (Sifrei Torah) which are the most precious items owned by the congregation.

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Synagogues, The Ark (ehal)

The ArkGlossary Term may, at its simplest, takes the form of a movable piece of furniture, like a wardrobe, or it may be a built-in cupboard, often placed inside an apseGlossary Term, a complete architectural feature in itself. The ArkGlossary Term protects the scrolls which, when not in use during the service, are hidden behind a curtain (Parohet), recalling the veil in Mishkan and Temple. Hanging over the ArkGlossary Term is the Ner Tamid: the "perpetual lightGlossary Term" which is a reminder of the candelabrum which burned continually in the Temple.