Exploring Our Community

Monday morning saw Year 4 set off to explore and hear about what happens in the Synagogue in Southsea. When we arrived, the boys were asked to cover their heads, and we went into the building. our guide, David, explained some of the history behind Judaism and showed the children a Torah. He showed us how it would be read. The Rabi uses a ‘Yad’ to point to the words, as they are not allowed to touch the Torah with their hands.

We then went into the Synagogue and were shown where the congregation sits and the Ark, which contains another copy of the Torah, which is located at the front of the room. David told us that when we face the Ark, we are looking towards Israel. No matter where you are in the world, every Ark in each Synagogue will face Israel.

‘It was great fun because when we were in the actual Synagogue, you were allowed to sit in the pews where the congregation sits. We also had to wear a hat.’ Thomas MA

‘I enjoyed the Synagogue because we saw the Torah and they had all kinds of mini-Torahs all around the building.’ Max

‘It was a thrilling experience of wonder and facts about the Jewish religion.’ Thomas W

‘What I thought was amazing was when the David said that they had curtains separating the men and women, because they went to the Synagogue to pray.’ Darcie