Synagogue

A synagogue to a Jew is as a church is to a Christian or a mosque is to a Muslim. It is the center of the Jewish religions community. A synagogue, at its most superficial level, is a house of prayer. A synagogue may also serve as a town hall of sorts where matters that are important to the community can be discussed. Some also have a separate room for Torah study. Synagogues are often run by a board of directors which may hire a rabbi for the community--though a rabbi is not necessary. This is not to demean their importance, however, as they are a vital part any society serving as a teacher, counselor and religious leader.

Synagogues in the United States are often designed so that the front of the sanctuary, the part of the synagogue where prayer is held, is facing towards Jerusalem. Within the sanctuary is also a cabinet or recession in the wall called an Ark where the Torah scrolls are contained.

In Orthodox synagogues, men and women are kept separate. They are often separated from men in such a way that they may not be seen. Men are not allowed to pray in the presence of women, lest their mind wander from prayer to a young girl's pretty face.

http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/Judaism/shul.html