ii. The chief officers of each synagogue were (a) a kind of Chapter

or college of elders, presided over by the _ruler of the Synagogue_ (Lk. viii. 41, 49; Acts xviii. 8, 17), who superintended the services, and had the power of excommunication[150]; (b) the _Sheliach_, or officiating minister, who read the prayers and the Law; (c) the _Chazzan_, ὑπηρέτης (Lk. iv. 20), a sort of deacon, whose office it was to open the doors, prepare the room for service, maintain order, scourge the condemned; (d) ten men called _Batlanim_ (men of leisure), who attended the week-day as well as sabbath services, and were at once representatives of the congregation, and collectors of alms[151].