As
early as the 3rd century BCE, various documents written
in Greek began to refer to "proseuchei"
– meaning Jewish houses of prayer. Gradually,
the Greek word "synagogue" – an assembly
of any religious group – replaced the earlier
term. As the name changed, so, historians surmise,
did the character of the synagogue.
Ancient literary sources and artifacts found at excavation
sites attest to the variety of every-day uses synagogues
had, from centers of prayer and religious study to
hostels, soup kitchens, healing centers for the sick,
places where slaves could be officially emancipated,
and public meeting halls. From the beginning synagogues
seem to have been open to Gentiles as well.
