On 15th November 2021 Year 8 went on a trip to the East Oxford Synagogue. As we walked through the door a kind looking man (called Nick) greeted us warmly. We sat down and Nick told us some information. Here is what I learnt:
Men wear Kipah to remind them that God is spiritually always around them. The Talley has 7 knots to represent the 7 days of a week. Jewish people follow the moon calendar (instead of the normal calendar) every year.
After telling us lots of interesting facts, Nick asked if we had any questions. Here were some of the questions people asked:
“What makes you an adult: your age or your bat/bar mitzvah?”
“It is the coming of age which makes you an adult whether you have a celebration or not. Your bat/bar mitzvah celebrates the coming of age and you can have it whenever you wish.”
“Are you allowed your phone on the Shabbat day?”
“ Yes,you are allowed your phone on the Shabbat day but only for emergency-such as something dying- but it is frowned upon to go on your phone just to play games or watch Netflix”
Following on from this Nick told us some more facts that really surprised me. Did you know that you don’t have to eat Kosher food if you are a Jew and it is completely your choice? I also found out that at end of Jewish weddings the bride (or groom) smashes a piece of glass under their foot as a reminder that even the happiest of things can have a bad ending!
Overall I found that this trip to the Synagogue was very fun yet Informative and I was glad I could go on it.
Written by Jess, Year 8
