The following links may be usfeul:
(a) Layout of the Synagogue
Tour of two synagogues - Bournemouth 2002
bbc.co.uk - a great introduction to the synagogue
Colchester Synagogue - a tour of the synagogue with some interesting pictures
Prayer as a substitute for sacrifice - a very relevant article
Judaism 101 - always a good place to start! - Synagogue
Frequently asked questions:
- What is a synagogue?
- What will I find in a synagogue?
- How is a synagogue operated?
- What functions does a synagogue serve
Objects in the Synagogue - in a Californian synagogue
Ask the Rabbi @ Jewish.co.uk- ...could tell me where the word synagogue came from and how they came in to being.
Virtual Synagogue - a 360° view of an Italian synagogue
Images of Polish Synagogues - worth a look if you have the time
Synagogue - an index from the Jewish Virtual Library
Jewish Artefacts - has some relevant information
Talmud Torah - The Synagogue (a brief introduction)
(b) The role of the Rabbi
Judaism 101 - Rabbis
What rabbis do: Find out what Rabbis do. Three Rabbis, one Liberal, one Orthodox and one Reform let you know!
About.com
Ask the Rabbi - this includes a list of 7 different ask-the-rabbi email services.
(c) The synagogue as a place of worship but much more too
Bromley Synagogue - a typical synagogue with lots going on
Temple Beth Shalom (a synagogue in Cambridge, Massachusetts)
Synagogue 2000 - various articles include: