Synagogues, their history and decoration, represent an illuminating record of the cultural and artistic history of the Jewish people. As a focal point for the community as well as a spiritual centre, the synagogue has both a symbolic and a practical significance. From its origins in the Tabernacle, through the exuberant Venetian synagogues of the Renaissance, to the often stark simplicity of modern buildings, H A Meek examines the fascinating story of the building central to every Jewish community. His spirited narrative shows the ways in which a vast array of cultural influences have merged to produce a rich and coherent heritage in the fields of architecture and decoration.