We Jewish educators are often accustomed to entering our classrooms through the education wing and focusing only on that area, but let’s consider the entire synagogue as a valuable teaching tool and a learning opportunity.In addition to the Sanctuary activities described in my previous post, here are more examples of ways to make the synagogue, itself, part of your lessons.Lead students on a search for Hebrew inscriptions throughout the synagogue building. Inscriptions may be found at the entrance, above the Bima or Holy Ark in the Sanctuary and in the Chapel, on memorial walls, and in other locations. Students might copy these inscriptions in preparation for a discussion of their meaning and why these specific inscriptions were selected. Include the name of your synagogue in the discussion. Why was this name chosen? If the answer isn’t widely known, this is a chance for further research.Examine synagogue artwork, especially in the Sanctuary and in the Chapel. What images are depicted? Why were these images chosen? How do they add to the worship experience? Use synagogue art as the basis for student art projects.Arrange for students to take a “field trip” to your synagogue gift shop to observe and sketch specific types of Holiday or ritual items such as Havdalah sets, chanukkiot, or Seder plates. Here is another great resource to inspire student art projects such as the design and creation of their own ritual or Holiday items. To be continued…
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