Here are more ideas for using your synagogue as a teaching tool and a learning opportunity:Point out photo displays of past Rabbis, Cantors, and lay leaders. If possible, invite one of the individuals pictured to speak to your class about his or her role in the life of the synagogue.Similarly, if there is a photo display of past Confirmation classes, invite a Confirmand from ten or twenty years ago to share their religious school experiences with your class.If your synagogue has an Archive Committee, ask a member of that committee to show and explain artifacts from the synagogue’s past. Our synagogue has a display case in the lobby where a variety of archival exhibits are presented throughout the year. Encourage students to examine these exhibits and pose questions for the Archive Committee to answer. A local Jewish Historical Society representative might also be a resource for synagogue history.Have students envision themselves as members of the synagogue Membership Committee. Their task is to view the appearance of the synagogue (inside and out) through the eyes of a potential or new member. In this role, students might evaluate the synagogue’s grounds, lobby/foyer, Sanctuary, social hall, lounges, Chapel, office, education wing, and other spaces. What impression does the synagogue make on new members of various ages – young children, older children, young adults, adults, seniors? What improvements/changes do students suggest? As a follow-up, students might actually present and discuss their suggestions with the Membership Committee or to the Synagogue Board.Our synagogue has an electronic bulletin board in the lobby that tells about the history of the synagogue, the mission statement, activities, and other information. If your synagogue has such a display, ask students to watch all of the information presented. What overall message is communicated? What additions or revisions would students suggest to better acquaint members, potential members and guests with the synagogue?Have a brainstorming session where students think of ways that they might actually contribute their skills to the synagogue. Some possibilities might include being prayer leaders, assisting with the synagogue garden, welcoming and guiding new families with children through the synagogue and the education wing, putting up bulletin board displays. There’s still time left in the school year for your students not only to learn in the synagogue, but to learn from it!
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