Finding Inner Peace in the Synagogue: A Spiritual Guide to Emotional Calm

In a previous article, we explained that one of the most suitable places for emotional relaxation is the synagogue. As a spiritually designated space, its entire purpose is to nourish the soul. For women, this could be a dedicated space at home- a quiet, personal room set aside for prayer or spiritual reflection, where uplifting and positive energy can naturally flow.

For someone to truly open their heart and calm their inner world in such a sacred space, the synagogue must feel emotionally safe and beloved, like a second home, or more precisely, like a father’s house where one feels welcomed, wanted, and loved. This isn’t hard to achieve once we realize that the synagogue represents a gateway to deep spiritual connection and a place where communal prayer holds transformative power- for both physical and spiritual needs.

The Entrance: Connecting to the Space

Human behavior influences emotion and Jewish tradition outlines several practices intended to create a sense of love and reverence for the synagogue. It prohibits behaviors that signal disconnection or disregard.

1. Running toward, not away:
   The sages taught that it is a mitzvah (positive act) to run to synagogue, as this demonstrates enthusiasm and yearning for a sacred experience. However, one must not run out of the synagogue- even if rushing to something important- so it doesn't appear that being there is a burden or something to escape.

2. Enter deeply, not tentatively:
   Upon entering the synagogue, one is encouraged to walk into the main space- deep enough to show they’re not just waiting by the door for an excuse to leave. This physical step inward reflects an emotional step away from the noisy street and into spiritual stillness.

3. Settle before praying:
   Tradition also teaches not to begin praying the moment one walks in. Instead, pause. Breathe. Sit with the space. Show that you’re not there to “get it over with,” but that being there matters to you. That sense of calm helps open the heart and mind to what prayer is meant to be.

People Shape the Energy of a Place

One of the strongest influences on how a place “feels” is a result of the people in it. In particular, there's a deep interplay between the emotional and mental states of those present and the newcomer entering the space.

If the thoughts, beliefs, or energy of those in the room conflict sharply with those of the person walking in, the emotional effect can be disorienting. Rather than soothing the soul, the environment may stir confusion or tension, the opposite of inner relaxation.

When someone walks into a synagogue and feels discomfort because of the actions, attitudes, or worldview of the people there, it becomes difficult to emotionally or spiritually connect. In such cases, one’s prayer may feel isolated- as if praying alone- even when surrounded by others. According to the teachings of the Baal Shem Tov, a person is truly present only where their mind is. If their thoughts are far away, disconnected from the people around them, then spiritually, they aren’t really there at all.

For this reason it’s important to feel emotionally and spiritually “in sync” with the people around you during prayer. Ideally, we should try to pray in communities where we feel close to others, where we share common values, emotional trust, or spiritual aspirations. When friends and like-minded people pray together, their combined energy lifts the prayer higher, as if a single, unified heart is calling out to the heavens.

If certain individuals make you uncomfortable- perhaps due to opposing views or community affiliations- that emotional unease can be softened by awakening a sense of true love for others. Remind yourself that we are all children of the same Creator. G-d loves each of us deeply, no matter where we’re holding spiritually. Our shared purpose of serving and connecting with the Divine, should unite us more than any philosophical differences can divide us.

Let There Be Windows

Calmness of the soul often begins through the senses, and especially through sight. Jewish law encourages praying in a space where one can occasionally lift their eyes and look toward the heavens. The ideal is a synagogue with windows, particularly on the eastern wall (facing Jerusalem), near where people traditionally stand in prayer.

As Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi (author of Shulchan Aruch HaRav) writes: “One should open windows or doors in the synagogue facing Jerusalem to help direct one’s heart toward G-d…for looking toward the heavens naturally humbles the heart and helps focus the mind.”

The Zohar (a key Kabbalistic text) adds that gazing at the sky brings wisdom. While looking at the sky, it’s worth meditating on what the Sages taught: the blue of the sky (techelet) is the most calming of all natural colors. This shade symbolizes the Divine Throne, a metaphor for G-d’s caring and attentive presence in the world. According to Jewish mystical thought, this blue reminds us of divine supervision- that G-d lovingly watches over each creature and especially every individual Jew, with the deep compassion of a parent for an only child born late in life.

The sky is more than scenery. It’s a metaphor for Divine embrace, for a peaceful “sukkah of peace” that envelops all who align their hearts and actions with G-d. Looking up with awareness can bring a sense of calm, perspective, and reassurance.

Choose Spaciousness When Possible

A significant barrier to calm is physical crowding. If possible, choose a prayer space that’s open and spacious rather than tightly packed. The Torah itself uses the term “pressure” to describe the hardship of the Israelites in Egypt- symbolically linking physical congestion to emotional strain.

Jewish law also acknowledges this. For example, if someone is studying Torah in-depth and needs to focus, they are permitted to step outside the sukkah (a place they’re normally obligated to remain in) to find a roomier environment. This is because clarity of thought depends on emotional and physical comfort.

In upcoming articles we will explore how prayer itself can become a form of deep emotional release and spiritual alignment. We'll begin by examining the first blessing of the Amidah (silent) prayer, through the lens of Chassidic teachings, which combine structured devotion with joy, serenity, and inner healing.