School Visits

Through the work of the school visits team our Synagogue fulfils the role of an educational resource to the outside world. It does this by playing host to children and their teachers drawn from all over South London and the southern home counties providing them with a basic understanding of Jewish religious worship. 

In the academic year 2008 / 2009 alone, more than 1,600 children and 320 adults came to the Synagogue as part of a school or educational visit. 

Each visit lasts about an hour and a half. A typical visit would almost always include a general introduction, undressing and dressing a Sefer Torah (the scroll), and then perhaps a story is read, or artefacts are displayed and discussed, or we decorate Kippot and bookmarks, show and discuss the Shabbat Table, play Hanukkah games, explain basic Hebrew, Holy Books, festivals, explain how the Sefer Torah is written, and even explain a Passover meal in a demonstration Seder.

The team try to match the visit to the age and expectations of the visitors. For instance, last year they hosted visits for 6 - 14 year old children as well as trainee religious education teachers from Roehampton University and a group of Muslim ladies from the Ahmadiyya Mosque in Southfields. A completely different approach is required in each instance.

The school visits team and the Council feel these visits to the Synagogue are amongst the most important work the community does. They introduce children and accompanying adults to "living Judaism", helping to break down fear and prejudice by fostering understanding and good relations with that part of the non Jewish world the Synagogue can reach.

If you are considering organising a visit or want to know more, contact the team by clicking here or contact the office by phone. To get the office contact details click here.