Chapter IX · Chapter 9

used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one

From this reading The Bet-ha-Midrash was a large, well-lighted building standing on the courtyard close to the synagogue.

in addition

From this reading It served for various purposes: people congregated there for the less solemn prayers or lectures; the learned used it for their discussions upon knotty points of the Talmud, here also were kept the books of the different brotherhoods or societies, of which there are many in every Jewish community; and lastly, it served as a place of penance in exceptional cases, when any of the young men had transgressed the religious or moral laws.

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading The punishment was not so much a physical discomfort as a moral one, and left an indelible stain upon the delinquent's character.

used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together

From this reading It served for various purposes: people congregated there for the less solemn prayers or lectures; the learned used it for their discussions upon knotty points of the Talmud, here also were kept the books of the different brotherhoods or societies, of which there are many in every Jewish community; and lastly, it served as a place of penance in exceptional cases, when any of the young men had transgressed the religious or moral laws.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading It served for various purposes: people congregated there for the less solemn prayers or lectures; the learned used it for their discussions upon knotty points of the Talmud, here also were kept the books of the different brotherhoods or societies, of which there are many in every Jewish community; and lastly, it served as a place of penance in exceptional cases, when any of the young men had transgressed the religious or moral laws.

the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading It served for various purposes: people congregated there for the less solemn prayers or lectures; the learned used it for their discussions upon knotty points of the Talmud, here also were kept the books of the different brotherhoods or societies, of which there are many in every Jewish community; and lastly, it served as a place of penance in exceptional cases, when any of the young men had transgressed the religious or moral laws.

at the same time that; because; in the way that

From this reading It served for various purposes: people congregated there for the less solemn prayers or lectures; the learned used it for their discussions upon knotty points of the Talmud, here also were kept the books of the different brotherhoods or societies, of which there are many in every Jewish community; and lastly, it served as a place of penance in exceptional cases, when any of the young men had transgressed the religious or moral laws.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading It was the Bet-ha-Kahol or Kahol room, where the functionaries of the town council and the elders held sittings.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The Bet-ha-Midrash was a large, well-lighted building standing on the courtyard close to the synagogue.

Bound written or printed works.

From this reading It served for various purposes: people congregated there for the less solemn prayers or lectures; the learned used it for their discussions upon knotty points of the Talmud, here also were kept the books of the different brotherhoods or societies, of which there are many in every Jewish community; and lastly, it served as a place of penance in exceptional cases, when any of the young men had transgressed the religious or moral laws.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading It served for various purposes: people congregated there for the less solemn prayers or lectures; the learned used it for their discussions upon knotty points of the Talmud, here also were kept the books of the different brotherhoods or societies, of which there are many in every Jewish community; and lastly, it served as a place of penance in exceptional cases, when any of the young men had transgressed the religious or moral laws.

a structure that has a roof and walls and stands more or less permanently in one place

From this reading The Bet-ha-Midrash was a large, well-lighted building standing on the courtyard close to the synagogue.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Opposite the Ha-Midrash rose a smaller but equally well-kept building.

plural of “case” — an occurrence of something

From this reading It served for various purposes: people congregated there for the less solemn prayers or lectures; the learned used it for their discussions upon knotty points of the Talmud, here also were kept the books of the different brotherhoods or societies, of which there are many in every Jewish community; and lastly, it served as a place of penance in exceptional cases, when any of the young men had transgressed the religious or moral laws.

an imaginary person represented in a work of fiction (play or film or story)

From this reading The punishment was not so much a physical discomfort as a moral one, and left an indelible stain upon the delinquent's character.

at or within a short distance in space or time or having elements near each other

From this reading The Bet-ha-Midrash was a large, well-lighted building standing on the courtyard close to the synagogue.

a group of people living in a particular local area

From this reading It served for various purposes: people congregated there for the less solemn prayers or lectures; the learned used it for their discussions upon knotty points of the Talmud, here also were kept the books of the different brotherhoods or societies, of which there are many in every Jewish community; and lastly, it served as a place of penance in exceptional cases, when any of the young men had transgressed the religious or moral laws.

past form of “congregate” — come together, usually for a purpose

From this reading It served for various purposes: people congregated there for the less solemn prayers or lectures; the learned used it for their discussions upon knotty points of the Talmud, here also were kept the books of the different brotherhoods or societies, of which there are many in every Jewish community; and lastly, it served as a place of penance in exceptional cases, when any of the young men had transgressed the religious or moral laws.

a body serving in an administrative capacity

From this reading It was the Bet-ha-Kahol or Kahol room, where the functionaries of the town council and the elders held sittings.

An unroofed area that is completely or partially enclosed by the walls of a house.

From this reading The Bet-ha-Midrash was a large, well-lighted building standing on the courtyard close to the synagogue.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The punishment was not so much a physical discomfort as a moral one, and left an indelible stain upon the delinquent's character.

unlike in nature or quality or form or degree

From this reading It served for various purposes: people congregated there for the less solemn prayers or lectures; the learned used it for their discussions upon knotty points of the Talmud, here also were kept the books of the different brotherhoods or societies, of which there are many in every Jewish community; and lastly, it served as a place of penance in exceptional cases, when any of the young men had transgressed the religious or moral laws.

the state of being tense and feeling pain

From this reading The punishment was not so much a physical discomfort as a moral one, and left an indelible stain upon the delinquent's character.

plural of “discussion” — an extended communication (often interactive) dealing with some particular topic

From this reading It served for various purposes: people congregated there for the less solemn prayers or lectures; the learned used it for their discussions upon knotty points of the Talmud, here also were kept the books of the different brotherhoods or societies, of which there are many in every Jewish community; and lastly, it served as a place of penance in exceptional cases, when any of the young men had transgressed the religious or moral laws.

plural of “elder” — a person who is older than you are

From this reading It was the Bet-ha-Kahol or Kahol room, where the functionaries of the town council and the elders held sittings.

to the same degree (often followed by “as”)

From this reading Opposite the Ha-Midrash rose a smaller but equally well-kept building.

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading It served for various purposes: people congregated there for the less solemn prayers or lectures; the learned used it for their discussions upon knotty points of the Talmud, here also were kept the books of the different brotherhoods or societies, of which there are many in every Jewish community; and lastly, it served as a place of penance in exceptional cases, when any of the young men had transgressed the religious or moral laws.

far beyond what is usual in magnitude or degree

From this reading It served for various purposes: people congregated there for the less solemn prayers or lectures; the learned used it for their discussions upon knotty points of the Talmud, here also were kept the books of the different brotherhoods or societies, of which there are many in every Jewish community; and lastly, it served as a place of penance in exceptional cases, when any of the young men had transgressed the religious or moral laws.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading It served for various purposes: people congregated there for the less solemn prayers or lectures; the learned used it for their discussions upon knotty points of the Talmud, here also were kept the books of the different brotherhoods or societies, of which there are many in every Jewish community; and lastly, it served as a place of penance in exceptional cases, when any of the young men had transgressed the religious or moral laws.

plural of “functionary” — a worker who holds or is invested with an office

From this reading It was the Bet-ha-Kahol or Kahol room, where the functionaries of the town council and the elders held sittings.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Opposite the Ha-Midrash rose a smaller but equally well-kept building.

the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect

From this reading It served for various purposes: people congregated there for the less solemn prayers or lectures; the learned used it for their discussions upon knotty points of the Talmud, here also were kept the books of the different brotherhoods or societies, of which there are many in every Jewish community; and lastly, it served as a place of penance in exceptional cases, when any of the young men had transgressed the religious or moral laws.

occupied or in the control of; often used in combination

From this reading It was the Bet-ha-Kahol or Kahol room, where the functionaries of the town council and the elders held sittings.

in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is

From this reading It served for various purposes: people congregated there for the less solemn prayers or lectures; the learned used it for their discussions upon knotty points of the Talmud, here also were kept the books of the different brotherhoods or societies, of which there are many in every Jewish community; and lastly, it served as a place of penance in exceptional cases, when any of the young men had transgressed the religious or moral laws.

inside something, or within a place, period, or state

From this reading It served for various purposes: people congregated there for the less solemn prayers or lectures; the learned used it for their discussions upon knotty points of the Talmud, here also were kept the books of the different brotherhoods or societies, of which there are many in every Jewish community; and lastly, it served as a place of penance in exceptional cases, when any of the young men had transgressed the religious or moral laws.

cannot be removed or erased

From this reading The punishment was not so much a physical discomfort as a moral one, and left an indelible stain upon the delinquent's character.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It served for various purposes: people congregated there for the less solemn prayers or lectures; the learned used it for their discussions upon knotty points of the Talmud, here also were kept the books of the different brotherhoods or societies, of which there are many in every Jewish community; and lastly, it served as a place of penance in exceptional cases, when any of the young men had transgressed the religious or moral laws.

of or relating to Jews or their culture or religion

From this reading It served for various purposes: people congregated there for the less solemn prayers or lectures; the learned used it for their discussions upon knotty points of the Talmud, here also were kept the books of the different brotherhoods or societies, of which there are many in every Jewish community; and lastly, it served as a place of penance in exceptional cases, when any of the young men had transgressed the religious or moral laws.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading It was the Bet-ha-Kahol or Kahol room, where the functionaries of the town council and the elders held sittings.

(especially of promises or contracts) not violated or disregarded

From this reading It served for various purposes: people congregated there for the less solemn prayers or lectures; the learned used it for their discussions upon knotty points of the Talmud, here also were kept the books of the different brotherhoods or societies, of which there are many in every Jewish community; and lastly, it served as a place of penance in exceptional cases, when any of the young men had transgressed the religious or moral laws.

making great mental demands; hard to comprehend or solve or believe

From this reading It served for various purposes: people congregated there for the less solemn prayers or lectures; the learned used it for their discussions upon knotty points of the Talmud, here also were kept the books of the different brotherhoods or societies, of which there are many in every Jewish community; and lastly, it served as a place of penance in exceptional cases, when any of the young men had transgressed the religious or moral laws.

above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading The Bet-ha-Midrash was a large, well-lighted building standing on the courtyard close to the synagogue.

the item at the end

From this reading It served for various purposes: people congregated there for the less solemn prayers or lectures; the learned used it for their discussions upon knotty points of the Talmud, here also were kept the books of the different brotherhoods or societies, of which there are many in every Jewish community; and lastly, it served as a place of penance in exceptional cases, when any of the young men had transgressed the religious or moral laws.

the first of three divisions of the Hebrew Scriptures comprising the first five books of the Hebrew Bible considered as a unit

From this reading It served for various purposes: people congregated there for the less solemn prayers or lectures; the learned used it for their discussions upon knotty points of the Talmud, here also were kept the books of the different brotherhoods or societies, of which there are many in every Jewish community; and lastly, it served as a place of penance in exceptional cases, when any of the young men had transgressed the religious or moral laws.

having or showing profound knowledge

From this reading It served for various purposes: people congregated there for the less solemn prayers or lectures; the learned used it for their discussions upon knotty points of the Talmud, here also were kept the books of the different brotherhoods or societies, of which there are many in every Jewish community; and lastly, it served as a place of penance in exceptional cases, when any of the young men had transgressed the religious or moral laws.

plural of “lecture” — a speech that is open to the public

From this reading It served for various purposes: people congregated there for the less solemn prayers or lectures; the learned used it for their discussions upon knotty points of the Talmud, here also were kept the books of the different brotherhoods or societies, of which there are many in every Jewish community; and lastly, it served as a place of penance in exceptional cases, when any of the young men had transgressed the religious or moral laws.

location near or direction toward the left side; i.e. the side to the north when a person or object faces east

From this reading The punishment was not so much a physical discomfort as a moral one, and left an indelible stain upon the delinquent's character.

used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs

From this reading It served for various purposes: people congregated there for the less solemn prayers or lectures; the learned used it for their discussions upon knotty points of the Talmud, here also were kept the books of the different brotherhoods or societies, of which there are many in every Jewish community; and lastly, it served as a place of penance in exceptional cases, when any of the young men had transgressed the religious or moral laws.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number

From this reading It served for various purposes: people congregated there for the less solemn prayers or lectures; the learned used it for their discussions upon knotty points of the Talmud, here also were kept the books of the different brotherhoods or societies, of which there are many in every Jewish community; and lastly, it served as a place of penance in exceptional cases, when any of the young men had transgressed the religious or moral laws.

the force of workers available

From this reading It served for various purposes: people congregated there for the less solemn prayers or lectures; the learned used it for their discussions upon knotty points of the Talmud, here also were kept the books of the different brotherhoods or societies, of which there are many in every Jewish community; and lastly, it served as a place of penance in exceptional cases, when any of the young men had transgressed the religious or moral laws.

concerned with principles of right and wrong or conforming to standards of behavior and character based on those principles

From this reading It served for various purposes: people congregated there for the less solemn prayers or lectures; the learned used it for their discussions upon knotty points of the Talmud, here also were kept the books of the different brotherhoods or societies, of which there are many in every Jewish community; and lastly, it served as a place of penance in exceptional cases, when any of the young men had transgressed the religious or moral laws.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading The punishment was not so much a physical discomfort as a moral one, and left an indelible stain upon the delinquent's character.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading The punishment was not so much a physical discomfort as a moral one, and left an indelible stain upon the delinquent's character.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading It served for various purposes: people congregated there for the less solemn prayers or lectures; the learned used it for their discussions upon knotty points of the Talmud, here also were kept the books of the different brotherhoods or societies, of which there are many in every Jewish community; and lastly, it served as a place of penance in exceptional cases, when any of the young men had transgressed the religious or moral laws.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading The Bet-ha-Midrash was a large, well-lighted building standing on the courtyard close to the synagogue.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading The punishment was not so much a physical discomfort as a moral one, and left an indelible stain upon the delinquent's character.

being directly across from each other; facing

From this reading Opposite the Ha-Midrash rose a smaller but equally well-kept building.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading It served for various purposes: people congregated there for the less solemn prayers or lectures; the learned used it for their discussions upon knotty points of the Talmud, here also were kept the books of the different brotherhoods or societies, of which there are many in every Jewish community; and lastly, it served as a place of penance in exceptional cases, when any of the young men had transgressed the religious or moral laws.

remorse for your past conduct

From this reading It served for various purposes: people congregated there for the less solemn prayers or lectures; the learned used it for their discussions upon knotty points of the Talmud, here also were kept the books of the different brotherhoods or societies, of which there are many in every Jewish community; and lastly, it served as a place of penance in exceptional cases, when any of the young men had transgressed the religious or moral laws.

(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively

From this reading It served for various purposes: people congregated there for the less solemn prayers or lectures; the learned used it for their discussions upon knotty points of the Talmud, here also were kept the books of the different brotherhoods or societies, of which there are many in every Jewish community; and lastly, it served as a place of penance in exceptional cases, when any of the young men had transgressed the religious or moral laws.

involving the body as distinguished from the mind or spirit

From this reading The punishment was not so much a physical discomfort as a moral one, and left an indelible stain upon the delinquent's character.

a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading It served for various purposes: people congregated there for the less solemn prayers or lectures; the learned used it for their discussions upon knotty points of the Talmud, here also were kept the books of the different brotherhoods or societies, of which there are many in every Jewish community; and lastly, it served as a place of penance in exceptional cases, when any of the young men had transgressed the religious or moral laws.

plural of “point” — a geometric element that has position but no extension

From this reading It served for various purposes: people congregated there for the less solemn prayers or lectures; the learned used it for their discussions upon knotty points of the Talmud, here also were kept the books of the different brotherhoods or societies, of which there are many in every Jewish community; and lastly, it served as a place of penance in exceptional cases, when any of the young men had transgressed the religious or moral laws.

plural of “prayer” — the act of communicating with a deity (especially as a petition or in adoration or contrition or thanksgiving)

From this reading It served for various purposes: people congregated there for the less solemn prayers or lectures; the learned used it for their discussions upon knotty points of the Talmud, here also were kept the books of the different brotherhoods or societies, of which there are many in every Jewish community; and lastly, it served as a place of penance in exceptional cases, when any of the young men had transgressed the religious or moral laws.

the act of punishing

From this reading The punishment was not so much a physical discomfort as a moral one, and left an indelible stain upon the delinquent's character.

plural of “purpose” — an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions

From this reading It served for various purposes: people congregated there for the less solemn prayers or lectures; the learned used it for their discussions upon knotty points of the Talmud, here also were kept the books of the different brotherhoods or societies, of which there are many in every Jewish community; and lastly, it served as a place of penance in exceptional cases, when any of the young men had transgressed the religious or moral laws.

concerned with sacred matters or religion or the church

From this reading It served for various purposes: people congregated there for the less solemn prayers or lectures; the learned used it for their discussions upon knotty points of the Talmud, here also were kept the books of the different brotherhoods or societies, of which there are many in every Jewish community; and lastly, it served as a place of penance in exceptional cases, when any of the young men had transgressed the religious or moral laws.

an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling

From this reading It was the Bet-ha-Kahol or Kahol room, where the functionaries of the town council and the elders held sittings.

any of many shrubs of the genus Rosa that bear roses

From this reading Opposite the Ha-Midrash rose a smaller but equally well-kept building.

past form of “serve” — serve a purpose, role, or function

From this reading It served for various purposes: people congregated there for the less solemn prayers or lectures; the learned used it for their discussions upon knotty points of the Talmud, here also were kept the books of the different brotherhoods or societies, of which there are many in every Jewish community; and lastly, it served as a place of penance in exceptional cases, when any of the young men had transgressed the religious or moral laws.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading It was the Bet-ha-Kahol or Kahol room, where the functionaries of the town council and the elders held sittings.

small or little relative to something else

From this reading Opposite the Ha-Midrash rose a smaller but equally well-kept building.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading The punishment was not so much a physical discomfort as a moral one, and left an indelible stain upon the delinquent's character.

plural of “society” — an extended social group having a distinctive cultural and economic organization

From this reading It served for various purposes: people congregated there for the less solemn prayers or lectures; the learned used it for their discussions upon knotty points of the Talmud, here also were kept the books of the different brotherhoods or societies, of which there are many in every Jewish community; and lastly, it served as a place of penance in exceptional cases, when any of the young men had transgressed the religious or moral laws.

dignified and somber in manner or character and committed to keeping promises

From this reading It served for various purposes: people congregated there for the less solemn prayers or lectures; the learned used it for their discussions upon knotty points of the Talmud, here also were kept the books of the different brotherhoods or societies, of which there are many in every Jewish community; and lastly, it served as a place of penance in exceptional cases, when any of the young men had transgressed the religious or moral laws.

a soiled or discolored appearance

From this reading The punishment was not so much a physical discomfort as a moral one, and left an indelible stain upon the delinquent's character.

having a supporting base

From this reading The Bet-ha-Midrash was a large, well-lighted building standing on the courtyard close to the synagogue.

(Judaism) the place of worship for a Jewish congregation

From this reading The Bet-ha-Midrash was a large, well-lighted building standing on the courtyard close to the synagogue.

the collection of ancient rabbinic writings on Jewish law and tradition (the Mishna and the Gemara) that constitute the basis of religious authority in Orthodox Judaism

From this reading It served for various purposes: people congregated there for the less solemn prayers or lectures; the learned used it for their discussions upon knotty points of the Talmud, here also were kept the books of the different brotherhoods or societies, of which there are many in every Jewish community; and lastly, it served as a place of penance in exceptional cases, when any of the young men had transgressed the religious or moral laws.

used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind

From this reading The Bet-ha-Midrash was a large, well-lighted building standing on the courtyard close to the synagogue.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading It served for various purposes: people congregated there for the less solemn prayers or lectures; the learned used it for their discussions upon knotty points of the Talmud, here also were kept the books of the different brotherhoods or societies, of which there are many in every Jewish community; and lastly, it served as a place of penance in exceptional cases, when any of the young men had transgressed the religious or moral laws.

in or at that place or location

From this reading It served for various purposes: people congregated there for the less solemn prayers or lectures; the learned used it for their discussions upon knotty points of the Talmud, here also were kept the books of the different brotherhoods or societies, of which there are many in every Jewish community; and lastly, it served as a place of penance in exceptional cases, when any of the young men had transgressed the religious or moral laws.

used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive

From this reading The Bet-ha-Midrash was a large, well-lighted building standing on the courtyard close to the synagogue.

an urban area with a fixed boundary that is smaller than a city

From this reading It was the Bet-ha-Kahol or Kahol room, where the functionaries of the town council and the elders held sittings.

past form of “transgress” — act in disregard of laws, rules, contracts, or promises

From this reading It served for various purposes: people congregated there for the less solemn prayers or lectures; the learned used it for their discussions upon knotty points of the Talmud, here also were kept the books of the different brotherhoods or societies, of which there are many in every Jewish community; and lastly, it served as a place of penance in exceptional cases, when any of the young men had transgressed the religious or moral laws.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading It served for various purposes: people congregated there for the less solemn prayers or lectures; the learned used it for their discussions upon knotty points of the Talmud, here also were kept the books of the different brotherhoods or societies, of which there are many in every Jewish community; and lastly, it served as a place of penance in exceptional cases, when any of the young men had transgressed the religious or moral laws.

employed in accomplishing something

From this reading It served for various purposes: people congregated there for the less solemn prayers or lectures; the learned used it for their discussions upon knotty points of the Talmud, here also were kept the books of the different brotherhoods or societies, of which there are many in every Jewish community; and lastly, it served as a place of penance in exceptional cases, when any of the young men had transgressed the religious or moral laws.

of many different kinds purposefully arranged but lacking any uniformity

From this reading It served for various purposes: people congregated there for the less solemn prayers or lectures; the learned used it for their discussions upon knotty points of the Talmud, here also were kept the books of the different brotherhoods or societies, of which there are many in every Jewish community; and lastly, it served as a place of penance in exceptional cases, when any of the young men had transgressed the religious or moral laws.

the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading The Bet-ha-Midrash was a large, well-lighted building standing on the courtyard close to the synagogue.

kept in good condition

From this reading Opposite the Ha-Midrash rose a smaller but equally well-kept building.

provided with artificial light

From this reading The Bet-ha-Midrash was a large, well-lighted building standing on the courtyard close to the synagogue.

the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading It served for various purposes: people congregated there for the less solemn prayers or lectures; the learned used it for their discussions upon knotty points of the Talmud, here also were kept the books of the different brotherhoods or societies, of which there are many in every Jewish community; and lastly, it served as a place of penance in exceptional cases, when any of the young men had transgressed the religious or moral laws.

at the time that

From this reading It served for various purposes: people congregated there for the less solemn prayers or lectures; the learned used it for their discussions upon knotty points of the Talmud, here also were kept the books of the different brotherhoods or societies, of which there are many in every Jewish community; and lastly, it served as a place of penance in exceptional cases, when any of the young men had transgressed the religious or moral laws.

in or at the place that

From this reading It was the Bet-ha-Kahol or Kahol room, where the functionaries of the town council and the elders held sittings.

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading It served for various purposes: people congregated there for the less solemn prayers or lectures; the learned used it for their discussions upon knotty points of the Talmud, here also were kept the books of the different brotherhoods or societies, of which there are many in every Jewish community; and lastly, it served as a place of penance in exceptional cases, when any of the young men had transgressed the religious or moral laws.

(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth

From this reading It served for various purposes: people congregated there for the less solemn prayers or lectures; the learned used it for their discussions upon knotty points of the Talmud, here also were kept the books of the different brotherhoods or societies, of which there are many in every Jewish community; and lastly, it served as a place of penance in exceptional cases, when any of the young men had transgressed the religious or moral laws.