Editing Synagogue (section)

===Torah Ark===
The [[Torah Ark]], called in Hebrew {{Script/Hebrew|ארון קודש}} ''Aron Kodesh''<ref name="ark-of-the-law">[https://jewishencyclopedia.com/articles/1778-ark-of-the-law "ARK OF THE LAW."] ''Jewish Encyclopedia''.</ref> or 'holy chest'
, and alternatively called the ''heikhal''—{{Script/Hebrew|היכל}} or 'temple' by [[Sephardim|Sephardic Jews]], is a cabinet in which the [[Torah]] scrolls are kept.

The ark in a synagogue is almost always positioned in such a way such that those who face it are facing towards [[Jerusalem]].<ref name="ark-of-the-law"/> Thus, sanctuary seating plans in the Western world generally face [[Mizrah|east]], while those east of Israel face west. Sanctuaries in Israel face towards Jerusalem. Occasionally synagogues face other directions for structural reasons; in such cases, some individuals might turn to face Jerusalem when standing for prayers, but the congregation as a whole does not.

The Ark is reminiscent of the [[Ark of the Covenant]], which held the tablets inscribed with the [[Ten Commandments]]. This is the holiest spot in a synagogue, equivalent to the [[Holy of Holies]]. The Ark is often closed with an ornate curtain, the {{lang|he-Latn|[[parochet]]}} {{Script/Hebrew|פרוכת}}, which hangs outside or inside the ark doors.