Yahudilik’te Toplu İbadetin İşlevi: Birliktelik ve Dindarlık İnşası
The Function of Collective Worship in Judaism: Building Unity and Piety

Summary/Abstract: Purpose: The primary objective of this study is to systematically examine the multifaceted functions of communal worship in Judaism, with a particular focus on its role in shaping communal consciousness, religious identity, and social solidarity. In the context of Jewish tradition, worship is not merely considered to be a personal and spiritual connection between the individual and God; rather, it is also regarded as a social institution that plays a pivotal role in the sustenance of the community, the reinforcesment of a shared sense of identity, the preservation of collective memory, and assurancce of religious continuity. The act of communal worship functions as both a theological and socio-cultural practice, with the purpose of integrating the individual into the community. In this context, the study analyzes in the historical development of synagogue-centered forms of worship, the role of the minyan in community formation, and the contribution of liturgical rituals to the strengthening of collective belonging. Method: The study is structured as a qualitative research project based on textual analysis. The primary sources employed in this study consist of classical Jewish texts, halakhic regulations, and liturgical prayers. In contrast, the secondary sources include modern sociological research, field studies, and contemporary academic interpretations. The collected data were analyzed through content analysis, allowing for a holistic assessment of the religious, social, and cultural dimensions of communal worship. This methodological approach provides a comprehensive understanding of both traditional religious practices and modern communal structures within Judaism. Findings: The findings demonstrate that communal worship in Judaism is not solely a form of devotion directed towards God, but also a foundational element that shapes and strengthens communal identity. The practice of minyan has been demonstrated to reinforces communal awareness by integrating the individual as an active member of the group. Moreover, the synagogue functions not only as a space of worship but also as a central venue for social interaction, solidarity, and cultural transmission. The repetitive nature of liturgical rituals plays a key role in ensuring religious continuity and reinforcing the collective memory of the community. Conclusion: The practice of communal worship within the Jewish tradition encompasses a wide spectrum of social, cultural and spiritual dimensions, extending far beyond the realm of mere ritual practice. If functions as a multifaceted structure that plays a pivotal role in the process of social integration, identity formation, and cultural continuity. This findings suggest that Jewish piety is fundamentally rooted in a communal rather than an individual framework of belief and practice. In addition, it has been observed that worshipping in congregation is an aspect that is compatible with piety. In consideretaion of the integrative function of communal worship within the framework of Jewish community structures, the undertaking of comparative studies on the socio-cultural effects of these worship practices across a range of diaspora communities would prove advantageous. The impact of the minyan on the individual–community relationship could be analyzed in greater depth through field studies, providing new perspectives on contemporary forms of religious participation. The role of liturgical rituals in reinforcing collective memory can be more comprehensively assessed through interdisciplinary research combining the fields of religious studies, sociology, and anthropology.

• Details
• Contents