Text: Ma Nishtana? How has the synagogue changed?

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The origins of the synagogue are an enigma. The first Evidence of the synagogue as an institution comes from Egypt in the period of the second temple. Although this evidence mentions a “prayer house”, we do not know what style or form of prayer was used. The main activity of most ancient synagogues, especially those in the Land of Israel, was not prayer rather the reading of the Torah.