Reception’s First Fortnight
Amber and Opal classes have seamlessly transitioned from Kindergarten to Reception. Children are settling into their new classes and routines, meeting old friends and [...] Read more
School Blogs
Year 4 trip to the Wimbledon Synagogue
Posted on: 18 May 2015 by Weston Green School | Category: Key Stage 2, Year 4
Year 4 have been studying Judaism in their RE lessons and they had been looking forward to gain some first-hand knowledge about the religion. On Thursday Mrs Davenport and Mrs Smit accompanied the pupils on a trip to the Wimbledon Synagogue where they were able to see the main features and artefacts and learn more about the practices associated with Judaism.
After a general introduction, they had to cover their heads with a kippot before they could enter the synagogue. The different features were pointed out and explained to them and they had the opportunity to help undress and dress a Sefer Torah (the scroll). The writing in a Sefer Torah is always in Hebrew and it was fascinating to see a scroll close up. It is written on parchment and must be written by hand with a pen that is not made of any metal that could be used to make weapons. If a scroll is unrolled it is as long as a football pitch!
Shabbat is the most important ritual observance in Judaism and the pupils were invited to gather around a Shabbat table. It was set for the Friday night meal with among other things two candlesticks, a buchah (silver goblet), siddurim (prayer book) and two chollat (plaited bread). The pupils were offered some grape juice and chollat which they thoroughly enjoyed. It was the perfect end to an amazing morning and they all now have a much better understanding of Jewish religious worship.
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