Why do some Jews call a synagogue a temple?

Synagogue is a Greek Word which means Jewish house of prayer. In modern Jewish communities, synagogues are used for public prayer, and sometimes as community centers, catering hall, kosher kitchen, day care center, Jewish library or religious school.

• Answer 2

Public prayer services are part of halakha (Jewish law) and tradition (Talmud, Berakhot 26a).
Prayer is an important form of communicating with God, and maintaining a relationship with Him; and it is also good for the health of the soul, to which Torah, prayer and religious observances are a form of nourishment.