Kenesa

A kenesa (Karaim: כְּנִיסָא kǝnîsāʾ) is an Eastern European or Persian Karaite synagogue.

Kenesas are similar to Rabbinical synagogues. In Eastern Europe, they are laid out along north-south axis (facing Jerusalem). Starting from the northern entrance, a kenesa contains:

• Vestibule (azar), where worshipers take off their shoes. Shoes are not permitted anywhere further.
• Moshav Zeqenim (מושב זקנים, old men's pews): wooden benches for the old and the mourners, usually under a low ceiling. The loft above this ceiling is reserved for the women, who remain invisible to the men on the main floor.
• Shulḥan (Hebrew: שולחן "table"): the main hall. Traditional Karaite worship was performed on the knees. In the past, kenesa floors were carpeted; modern kenesas have pews in the main hall.^{[citation needed]}
• Hekhal, or altar (היכל): raised stand for the ritual Ark and the priest.

Some kenesas also have a rood screen.^{[citation needed]}