kenesa

thumb|Karaite kenesa in Lutsk ([[Ukraine)]] thumb|right|Interior of Malaya (Small) kenesa in Yevpatoria, [[Crimea.]] A kenesa () 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 (, ''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 ( "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. Hekhal, or altar (): raised stand for the ritual Ark and the priest.