for the purpose of adjusting personal disagreements among the congregation.

A kind of general meeting is also held, composed, in some Synagogues, of the vestry and a definite number of the members of the congregation; but in other Synagogues, of the honorary officers, and all members who pay a certain annual rate to the Synagogue. These general meetings, like all others, are held at the Synagogue chambers; and are convened, generally, for particular purposes.

All private meetings, i. e., all meetings apart from public worship are regulated according to the following laws:

All such meetings must be held in the Synagogue chambers, and be convened by order of the President, at such a time as he may think proper; but the summons for which, must be issued at least one week prior thereto.

Fines for non-attendance are previously fixed by the President, and those who are absent when the Secretary calls over the names, are considered as fined, unless the party has sent an apology in writing, which must be approved of by a majority of the members present. But no apology is admissible from a Warden, Treasurer, or Overseer; except in cases of indisposition.

Any person quitting a meeting before its termination, without the permission of the President, is fined as if for non-attendance.

All matters proposed for consideration are decided by a majority of the members present. Should the votes in any case be equal, the President has a casting vote in addition to his own.

The Secretary must attend and take minutes, in a book appropriated for that purpose, of the transactions of each meeting, which must be signed by the President and countersigned by the Secretary at the conclusion thereof.

Should the President be absent from any meeting, the chair is taken by one of the other Wardens, and in their absence, by the Overseer; and in default of the presence of all these officers, one of the members present is elected, and has for the time being all the authority of the President.

Any seven members have the power to require the President to convene a meeting for any special purpose. Such requisition must be in writing, stating the object required, and signed by all the parties, on the receipt of which the President must convene the meeting as early as the case requires; the time ought never exceed fourteen days. Should the President, from any cause, neglect to do so, the duty devolves in succession on the other Wardens, Treasurer, and Overseer; and lastly, the seven Elders. It is in the power of the President to convene special meetings whenever he finds it requisite.

SECTION III.-THE SERVICE.-Before we describe the service of the Synagogue, let us premise a few general remarks on its outward appearance.

One singularity, in common with the Society of Friends, is, that all present wear their hats. To uncover the head is, in their estimation, disrespectful; consequently, they not only wear their own hats, but also oblige visitors to do the same.

Again, they do not kneel in any part of the service

all the year round, except on the first two days of the year, and the Day of Atonement. On all other occasions, both private and public, they never bend the knee to pray, but perform their devotions either sitting or standing.

Another peculiarity is, that the males (who, in fact, as we have before observed, constitute the congregation) wear a kind of scarf, having fringes, and of similar manufacture to the Arbang Kanphoth, already explained. This scarf is called Talith, (n,) and varies in dimensions and value according to the circumstances of the wearer. Rich Jews have it made of silk, and adorn it with silver or gold. Its religious value, however, depends upon its fringes, the same as the Arbang Kanphoth. In fact, the Talith is only a substitute for the Arbang Kanphoth. In repeating the prayer Vaiyomer Adonai el Mosheh, every one is obliged to kiss the fringes when the word fringe is mentioned, which is three times in course of the prayer; but the Arbang Kanphoth being worn under their dress, and thus difficult to get at the fringes, the Talith, for convenience sake, was substituted for it. Originally, Talith was the name of both, with this difference-the one worn under their dress was called small Talith, and the other great Talith. Modern Jews, however, call the former Arbang Kanphoth, and the latter simply Talith.

With these few remarks premised, we shall now come to the service; and here let our reader understand, that the Synagogue service consists entirely of reading and singing, prayers, and certain portions of the Scriptures, &c., as prescribed in their formularies, or prayer-books. No sermon or lecture constitutes a part; neither is any

H

commentary made upon any portion of Scripture; but they keep rigidly to performing their liturgies, which we shall now describe. And that our reader may the better comprehend us, we shall divide the service into two parts-that of the week, and that of the Sabbath.

1. The Week Service. This is to be held, properly speaking, three times every day-namely, in the morning, in the afternoon, and in the evening.

(1). The proper time for this morning service is as soon as possible after the dawning of the day; and the Jew ought to do no manner of work, nor eat any food before performing his morning prayers. All Synagogues, however, do not commence service at exactly the same time. On entering, it is customary to bow towards the ark, and to say as follows:-" "How goodly are thy tents, O Jacob-thy tabernacles, O Israel. And in the greatness of thy benevolence, will I enter thine house; in reverence of thee will I bow down towards the temple of thine Holiness. O Lord! I have loved the habitation of thine house, and the dwelling-place of thy glory. I therefore will worship, bow down, and bend the knee before the Lord my maker. And I will offer my prayer unto thee, O Lord, in an acceptable time. In thine abundant mercy, O God, answer me in the truth of thy salvation."

When arrived at his seat, he takes his Talith out of his box, and before putting it on, he repeats the following blessing-"Blessed art thou, O Lord our God, King of the universe, who hast sanctified us with thy commandments, and commanded us to be enveloped in the fringes."

He then covers his head with the Talith, and says, "How excellent is thy loving-kindness, O God! therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings. They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of thy house; and thou shalt make them drink of the river of thy pleasures; for with thee is the fountain of life-in thy light shall we see light. O, extend thy loving-kindness unto them that know thee; and thy righteousness to the upright in heart." Then putting on the Tephillin, as already explained, (p. 23,) he is prepared to join the congregation in the public service.