school visit to synagogue

School & Synagogue visits

The study of "judaism" is an important part of the school national curriculum..

JUDAISM FOR SCHOOLS JSCN helps by matching you with  a community, or educator, for in-person visits or virtual talks on Judaism and Jewish Life.

The information below gives you an overview of how, what, when and where you can arrange talks and gain further information on Judaism, Jewish Heritage, and the Holocaust.

SUBMIT A REQUEST: YOU CAN MAKE AN ENQUIRY using the form at the bottom of the page.

NOW AVAILABLE

Our cross-curriculum, local history activity book ks2.

ALSO AVAILABLE

Connecting small histories.

Histories of Jewish life and their involvement with the local culture and economy across the British Isles

2017 - 2023

JSCN HAS FACILITATED

TALKS ON JUDAISM FOR

8552 pupils

108 schools, 13,140 pupils, 187 schools, 16,581 pupils, 216 schools.

WORKING WITH 60 VOLUNTEER & 15 PROFESSIONAL EDUCATORS

Who can I get to do it?

It is best to use Judaism educational professionals or Certified Volunteers.

Where there is an established local Jewish community they are likely to have many years experience of presenting suitable material, and may well be capable of covering the topics you require.

Professionals should be able to demonstrate a track record specifically in Judaism, as well as referrals for their work.

Send us an enquiry (form below) and we'll try and point you in the right direction.

What will it cost?

Professional: each provider will have standard fees, and these may vary depending on time and distance.

Communities & Volunteers:  In cases where there is no set fee, it is usually appropriate to offer a donation to the organisation, or to an individual's designated charity. It would also be appropriate to offer to cover reasonable expenses.

ZOOM/TEAMS virtual visit:

Our Educators and some communities offer virtual presentations / some will additionally offer their own version of a Virtual Synagogue Tour.

JEWISH HERITAGE in the UK

Can my students find out about the history of Jewish life in Great Britain? YES In particular there are two Jewish Heritage projects who are interested in working with schools:- WE WERE THERE TOO - British Jews in the First World War CONNECTING SMALL HISTORIES - a collection of personal family histories from 6 locations around the UK JUST TICK THE BOXES ON THE FORM BELOW and will will connect you with those projects

Are there venues I can visit?

Yes. There are many Synagogues around the country which offer guided tours. The Jewish Museum in Manchester is a centre of excellence.

Where will I find a Community or Synagogue?

London, Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds, Liverpool and Glasgow are the largest centres of Jewish life. However beyond that there are over 100 small Jewish communities spread across the whole of the UK. Their ability to help you will vary from place to place. They are all listed on JSCN with either links to their website or direct contact details.

Are there times of year to avoid?

Yes, there are a number of times you should look out for.

Autumn is the time for the Jewish High Holy Days of Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur and Succot (the Days of Awe). These are some of the most important days of the year. Jews do not work or travel on these days, and will also be occupied with preparations and being with their families.

Avoid Friday afternoons , as many people will be preparing themselves and their families for Shabbat, which starts at sunset. This is especially problematic in the winter months when the days are at their shortest, and some people will not schedule any work on a Friday.

The Jewish calendar varies slightly each year, so check these and other important dates by using the Calendar link below. Jewish Calendar

What if I need my teaching staff to receive training?

An accredited training scheme is currently being created for the UK. We will carry details about this once it becomes available.

Are there any qualified trainers available now? Yes. Contact us and we will try and help.

Other Visitor Centres & Exhibitions:

Link - national holocaust centre, beth shalom, nottinghamshire, link - manchester jewish museum, link - jewish museum (london), link - lake district holocaust project, link - holocaust centre north (huddersfield).

JEWISH LIVING EXPERIENCE

The Jewish Living Experience is a mobile travelling exhibition designed by the Board of Deputies of British Jews. Aimed primarily at school groups, it enables visitors to gain an insight into Judaism as a living faith with a lifestyle that has been sustained for over 5,000 years.

Designed by education experts, the Jewish Living Experience Exhibition supports the teaching of Judaism in line with all agreed Religious Education and Citizenship curriculums.

Help for Primary teachers exploring the topic of the Holocaust

The HET guide, A Guide for Primary School Teachers, has information on literature created during and in response to the Holocaust, activities and reference materials.

Find it here: https://www.het.org.uk/images/downloads/Primary/A_Guide_for_Primary_School_Teachers.pdf

Survivor stories exploring the experience of the Holocaust

Northern Holocaust Education Group (NHEG) present life stories and experiences of the victims of the Holocaust, for schools, colleges, places of worship, civic authorities etc. northernholocausteducationgroup.org.uk

Remembrance Assemblies

JSCN is proud to partner with the project "British Jews in the First World War ~ We Were There Too".

Working with Discovery Education the We Were There Too team of staff and volunteers have produced a suite of digital interactive Remembrance Assemblies for both primary and secondary schools. Using the same technology, we have also produced Community Remembrance presentations, for use in synagogues, residential homes, youth groups etc., or even individuals or families, which can be personalised to meet the needs of large or small communities.

Go to the brand new Remembrance section of our website to find out more about how you can use any of these free resources for your Remembrance service this November. If you have any questions please email contactus@jewsfww.uk and one of the team will be able to help! [NOTE: please quote Ref. 'Jewish Small Communities Network"]

LINK: Remembrance section  

STAND UP! - education against discrimination

JSCN is pleased to partner with STAND UP! - education against discrimination

STAND UP! provide anti-discrimination education with a focus on antisemitism and anti-Muslim hate, to young people in mainstream schools - in-person and  via Zoom/Teams. For more details please follow the link to StandUp!

[please mention "'Jewish Small Communities Network"]

LINK: STAND UP!  

RE Hubs Dedicated to supporting Religious Education, Religion, Values and Ethics and Religion & Worldviews teachers and practitioners in the UK

RE Today Supporting those teaching the major world faiths and non-religious worldviews. Publishing  teaching materials and offering CPD.

RE Matters Offers a wide range of continuing professional development (CPD) opportunites in Religious Education.

NATRE The National Association of Teachers of Religious Education. The association is dedicated to supporting and empowering professionals in the field of Religious Education.

NASACRE National Association of Standing Advisory Councils on Religious Education. Works to celebrate, support, strengthen and promote the work of local SACREs and represents their interests at a national level.

Talk & visit enquiries

London area: jewish museum.

The Museum provides an extensive education service, offering Outreach Visits to schools in London, Virtual Workshops Online,

CLICK HERE to find out more...https://jewishmuseum.org.uk/schools/

SCHOOL & SYNAGOGUE VISIT REQUESTS: COMPLETE YOUR DETAILS

Seasonal delays - september october.

SCHOOL & SYNAGOGUE VISIT REQUESTS: COMPLETE YOUR DETAILS FORM NOT DISPLAYING? click this alternative link 

HIGH HOLY DAYS for 2024 are 2nd - 25th OCTOBER restricted availability during this time

School & Group Visits

We welcome visits from schools, adult groups, scout troops, etc. We try to tailor the visit to suit the group, so a conversation is advisable in the first instance.

You will learn about our services, some history of our small community and what life is like living as a Jew in Bristol. The presentation will be tailored to the age of the group and there will be ample opportunity for questions & discussion.

If you would like to bring your group to visit our beautiful old synagogue and to learn about our religion please contact us at [email protected] .

• Jewish Cambridge
• Adult Education
• School visits
• Bar and Bat Mitzvah
• Bereavement

Synagogue visits for schools and other organisations

The Beth Shalom Outreach team provides and coordinates educational activities for non-Jews of all ages.   Beth Shalom volunteers are mostly professional teachers and educators involved in running educational activities for many years. They run school visits to the Synagogue building and teach Judaism in schools.

The most popular topics the outreach group has been teaching are: Introduction to Judaism, Shabbat at Home, Jewish Festivals, Bar/Bat Mitzvah Celebration, and other life cycle events.  

Many of our educational activities were zoom-based during the pandemic.  However, our in-person activities such as school visits to the Synagogue building and teaching Judaism in schools have now restarted so p lease do contact us through the website if you wish to discuss or arrange a synagogue or school visit.

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We are proud to be an active part of the wider community. Wembley Synagogue welcomes visits from primary and secondary schools. Hundreds of pupils come every year to see and hear about Jewish beliefs and practices, our holy texts and the way we pray. Rabbi Harris is also a regular visitor to local schools where he speaks at assemblies and to smaller groups.

If you would like to book a school visit, or arrange an assembly, please contact the Synagogue Office at

[email protected].

Virtual Classrooms: Primary

Distance learning for you and your students

Our award-winning workshops can now be experienced through distance learning. On these pages you will find all the information you need as teachers to select a workshop topic that best suits your students.

All our workshops are based on a guided exploration experience of our unique collection of authentic objects enabling students to ask questions about what is means to be Jewish in Britain today.

Totally Torah (KS1 & KS2)

Discover why the Torah is central to Jewish life. Find out fascinating facts about how the Torah is treated, interpreted and beautified.  

Shabbat Shalom (KS1& KS2)

Explore Shabbat rituals and traditions and the symbolism of artefacts. Learn how Jewish famlies prepare for Shabbat and Havdalah.

Miracles of Chanukah (KS1 & KS2)

Discover the story of Judah and the Maccabees and the miracles of Hanukah through a guided exploration of a beautiful Hanukah lamp.

Passover: Seder, Symbolism, Story (KS2)

Discover the story of Moses and the Exodus from Egypt by exploring symbolic foods of Passover and the importance of the Haggadah.

Lasting Legacies (KS2 - Years 5&6 only)

Discover the impact of the Kindertransport from one person’s testimony. Students will hear first-hand testimony from a former Kindertransport refugee.

Sacred Spaces: Virtual Visit to Bevis Marks Synagogue (KS2)

Join us for our virtual visit to a Jewish place of worship. In this virtual tour, your students will experience a Sephardic synagogue built in the 18th century and still used today. Discover what happens inside a synagogue from weekly readings to prayers. Hear from a Rabbi about their role within synagogue and community life.

Journey to the Kindertransport (KS2 Years 5&6 only)

Learn about what life was like for Jewish people in Germany before the Second World War and discover experiences of children who went on the Kindertransport.

How it works

PRINCES ROAD SYNAGOGUE

Home to liverpool old hebrew congregation since 1874, we are open for tours our synagogue is go compare/trip advisor's #3 'hidden gem' site to visit in the uk. it is #1 'hidden gem' in the religious site category.   visitors have been visiting our outstandingly beautiful synagogue since 1874   pre-booked tours (for which a charge is made) can be organised for both adult and school groups.  tours last approximately 45 minutes., please contact the synagogue office to arrange a booking at [email protected] or call 0151 709 3431.

The Reform Synagogue in South West London

Additional Resources For Teachers

We have created the following materials for teachers planning visits to our synagogue.  We hope that you will find them of use when preparing for your school visit or after having visited.  They are not intended as a substitute for a visit by your school but to help you in teaching the subject of Judaism to children and young people and to enable you to get the most from your visit.

They have been created and made available to you by the generosity and hard work of one of our members, Mike Freedman, who was an RE teacher and is now a member of our School Visits team. (To visit his excellent website that has loads more information on Judaism devised especially for teachers just click this link ).

Things You Should Know Before Your Visit

To download these resources just click on the link to open the PDF files then use the ‘save as’ option to save them to your computer:

• Index and Summary of Resources
• Synagogue Visit
• Torah and Laws
• The Ten Commandments
• Important Ideas in Judaism
• Ritual Objects
• Receipe for making Chollah
• SPTiberian Font Keyboard Map
• Your name in Hebrew
• Whole set (Zip file)

The materials are, of course, free of charge to use and are developed in order to enhance young people’s understanding of Judaism, because we believe that through understanding comes greater tolerance and respect for the differences between people and faiths.

However if you feel you would like to make a donation so that we can continue our important work in improving harmony between faiths and those who are exploring the world of faith and belief, your contribution would be most welcome.  Please click on this link if you are able to do so.

We hope you enjoy the materials and find them of use.

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We welcome the opportunity to teach about our synagogue and Jewish life. We host visits from schools and interfaith groups, and our Rabbis are also happy when invited to speak at community events.

We value the opportunity to teach about Jewish life and what it means to be Jewish. Over the years we have hosted many groups from primary and secondary schools as well as colleges and interfaith groups. Visiting groups have learned about the synagogue building, Judaism, customs and rituals, the Torah, Shabbat, festivals, the Hebrew language and Jewish life.  We also partner up with other local progressive synagogues in providing Holocaust education workshops as part of the Holocaust Learning UK initiative. 

To arrange a school visit please complete the attached form and email it to [email protected] .

In this section

• Talks / Short Courses
• Lunch & Learn
• Rosh Chodesh Group
• Converting to Judaism
• Modern Hebrew Ulpan
• School Visits

Recent thoughts…

Honoring stewart spivack: a humble leader’s 70th birthday, new year fete and the return of cheder, when words are not enough, upcoming events, el-squared cheder classes (ages 5-13) new term begins, saturday september 21, 10:20 am to 12:30 pm, commemoration event (hybrid), monday october 7, 8:00 pm to 9:15 pm.

Manchester Jewish Museum Schools visit, Chris Payne 2021

Here, at Manchester Jewish Museum, we give your students playful, engaging and imaginative ways to explore the historic synagogue and stories in our gallery through film making, baking and exploration activities!

Our museum includes a learning studio with kitchen, an educational gallery, as well as a recently restored synagogue, providing the perfect hands-on environment for schools wishing to learn more about Jewish culture.

This year we have updated our school offer and are currently offering two new engaging sessions for your students to enjoy: Synagogue & Stories and Holidays & Challah . These can also be booked together as one full day, giving your students the full Manchester Jewish Museum experience. These workshops can be adapted for different age groups, so please do get in contact if you’d like to know more about what they involve!

Prices and Booking

• £200 flat fee per 2 hour workshop for a class of up to 35 students
• £350 for both workshops (a full day visit) for a class of up to 35 students
• We can cater for two classes at one time on a workshop (max of up to 70 students). The cost of one workshop for two classes is £350.

School bookings must be made a minimum of 4 weeks in advance.

Please email [email protected] for any enquiries and please download and fill in the form below with your school details so we can best support your booking.

We are a small, but busy museum, so please provide multiple dates for your visit so we can best cater for you! Please note this is an enquiry form and bookings will be confirmed by a member of our team.

DOWNLOAD THE ENQUIRY FORM

Please note that we are a small team and it can take a few days to get back to you. We aim to respond to all enquiries within a week.

If you have any non-booking enquiries please email [email protected]

Synagogue & Stories workshop

2 hours £200 per workshop.

Explore diverse Jewish communities and religious practices inside one of Manchester s oldest synagogues, and creatively capture the incredible real-life stories on our gallery.

Our two-hour Synagogue & Stories workshop includes:

• Discovery of the most important features and items held inside our Synagogue, from the Torah scroll and Ten Commandments to the Tebah and the Ark;

• Hands-on investigation of religious items and Judaica held in our collections;

• Exploration of Jewish identity and diversity, and the various reasons Jewish people made Manchester their home;

• Creation of either an exhibition or documentary film, where students investigate and share fascinating stories from our gallery.

School visit at Manchester Jewish Museum, Chris Payne 2021

Please download and fill in an enquiry form if you’d like to book a workshop and send to [email protected]

Holidays & Challah

Learn about Jewish festivals, including the Sabbath and Passover, through exploration of stories, rituals and food.

This interactive two-hour workshop includes:

• Discovery of Sabbath traditions, after which students get to plait and bake their own challah bread in our learning kitchen;

• Interactive exploration of the Passover story and traditions, including sampling of foods from the Seder plate;

• Reflective time on our museum gallery, where students can further engage with Passover themes such as journeys and freedom.

School baking Challah Bread, Chris Payne 2021

Please download and fill in an enquiry form if you’d like to book a workshop and sent to [email protected] .

Secondary Learning

Our existing workshops are suitable for most KS3 classes. Please do reach out if you’d like to bring a group of GCSE students and we’d be happy to explore how we can support your visit.

Email our Creative Producers at [email protected] for more information on what we can offer for secondary schools.

Please note that we are a very small museum team and it can take a few days to get back to you. We aim to respond to all enquiries within a week.

Adult Group Visits

Walking with Delight Tour, Chris Payne 2021

We currently offer a range of group experiences at Manchester Jewish Museum, from self-guided visits to interactive food-based experiences. These packages are still being developed and tested, so your visit will help to us to shape and grow our group experiences.

We can take bookings  up to   5 weeks in advance  of your visit.

Visit our Group Bookings page to read more about the packages we offer and to how to make a group booking.

Community Groups

Museum Foodie Group Eat the Archives, Chris Payne 2021

Our community groups are a great way to connect with people, learn new skills and have a great time while engaging with history and culture.

We currently have the following groups which you can join:

• Jewish Culture Club
• Foodie Group
• Song-Writing & Poetry Group
• The Crafty Corner
• Artist’s Network

To find out more click the link below.

DONATE & SUPPORT

• Sale of Chometz
• Do you want some matzah for your Seder Table?
• Seder In A Box
• How Can We Help?
• Ask the Rabbi
• Meet the Council
• Photo Gallery
• Kiddush Sponsorship
• Table Tennis Club
• Loaves of Love
• Thursday Club
• Hakol Newsletter
• Torah and Tea
• Talmud Shiur
• Let’s Start Davening + Bagels, Lox & Torah
• Rambam Shiur
• Ladies Discussion Group
• Retired Gentlemen’s Shiur
• Shiur For Ivrit Speakers
• Solihull Judaica Store
• Stanley Middleburgh Library
• Privacy Policy

School Visits

• Daily Inspiration
• Visiting Solihull
• Shabbat Times
• Kol Nidrei Appeal
• Tax Efficient Donations

Solihull Shul

The Small Community with the Big Heart

For more information please contact our Visits Co-ordinator: Marina Kaplan –  [email protected]  or 07825 611 562

We regularly welcome guests from near and far, ranging from local school children studying Judaism as part of the national curriculum to visitors from all over the world. We are delighted to offer local school children and other organised groups the opportunity to visit our Synagogue, and to learn more about how we practice our faith and help develop respect and tolerance for all citizens of the United Kingdom.  CLICK HERE to submit a visit request online or CLICK HER E to download a printable form.

To ensure the safety of all users of our building we ask everyone to sanitise their hands prior to entry. Wearing of masks is encouraged but not mandatory. We have ample ventilation and suggest that you dress warmly if the weather is cold as we will have more doors and windows open than usual.

Anyone with symptoms of COVID are requested not to enter our campus.

Prior To Your Visit

• We are open for visits year round Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday 10.00 am – 3.00 pm, on Thursday we can only host groups of up to 40 pupils and on Friday we are only open in the morning. We are not open on Jewish Religious Holidays.
• We can host up to 90 pupils in one group.
• The visits usually last about an hour.
• As we are entirely funded by donations we do ask for a donation of £2.00 per pupil (minimum of £55.00 per visit).
• There is car park access for small coaches and mini buses. Large Coaches usually park on Monastery Drive adjacent to our entrance gates.
• We have facilities for children to eat packed lunches, and a safe play area for young children outside the building. There will be a charge of £10 per group to cover our cleaning costs.
• The Synagogue is on one level and there is easy access for pupils in a wheelchair.
• You are welcome to take photos or videos during your visit although for security reasons we would prefer it if you did not post these on any websites or social media.
• Due to past problems in chasing up payments we can no longer confirm a booking until payment has been received.  If payment is not received in full 14 days before the visit date the booking will be cancelled.

We will do our best to match the visit to the age and expectations of our visitors. A typical visit includes:

• A general introduction to the synagogue, Jewish traditions, customs and festivals. • An explanation of the various religious items within the synagogue. • A look inside the Ark, and an opportunity to see a real handwritten Torah scroll up close. • An explanation of any other topics that you would like us to cover. • There is plenty of time to ask questions during and at the end of the visit.

A visit to the Synagogue helps children absorb the lessons that they have learned in school as part of their introduction to Judaism When pupils have been fully prepared for the visit, they derive the maximum benefit. The following link gives a brief overview of what you can expect to see during your visit. http://www.bbc.co.uk/education/clips/z834wmn

Should you wish to visit the Synagogue prior to bringing your pupils we would be delighted to help you work out a mutually convenient time.

We have a Judaica resource shop on the premises, which can supply you with artefacts for teaching RE. You are welcome to make an advance visit to browse our stock or email us with a request for a specific item which we can have available for you to pick up on the day of your visit. We also have a library with a large number of books, DVDs and teaching aids that you are welcome to browse through. We look forward to welcoming you to our synagogue.

For more information please contact our Visits Co-ordinator: Marina Kaplan – [email protected] or 07825 611 562

Information for schools and groups

School visits - we welcome schools to experience this unique building.

Secondary School Sessions

Educational Resources

Loan Boxes Now Available

Downloadable resources, more resources, for visitors, book your visit, any questions.

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• BOOK A TOUR

Plan your school visit​

We offer pupils a tailored experience to support their learning on Judaism, immigration and the Holocaust era. We have several spaces available during a visit; the historic Synagogue, the Scottish Holocaust-era Study Centre, and an operational kosher kitchen, plus displays in the Succah to support studies of the Holocaust and refugees to Scotland.

We hope that visiting will helping pupils to understand Scotland’s Jewish heritage and demonstrate its place in the wider Scottish history and culture.

We welcome primary and secondary pupils from all backgrounds. Please note that the Learning Kits are designed for upper primary and secondary-age students. Non-school groups are also very welcome to visit the Synagogue, please contact the Heritage Centre by email or phone to discuss what we can offer. Travel subsidies are available to help support a visit – see section below for information.

If you are planning to travel by coach, please note that we are located within Glasgow’s Low Emission Zone.

To help you plan a school visit, we offer a number of options, which can be combined. Download the full menu below:

School visit options.

1. Synagogue Tour

A guided visit around the oldest purpose-built synagogue in Scotland, opened in 1879 and still used as a place of worship.

Students will learn about the features of the building, view a Torah scroll and have the opportunity to try on a prayer shawl and head covering.

2. Kashrut- Jewish Dietary Laws

Visit the Synagogue kitchen and see how it is designed to meet kosher rules. Explore the Jewish dietary laws set out in the Torah that still underpin the Jewish way of life for many.

 3. Immigration – Making a life in the Gorbals

Find out where Scotland’s Jews came from, their reasons for migration and what they did here. Students will learn about individuals who came to Scotland and find out about the immigrant experience.

4. Learning Kits: Refugee Stories

Working in small groups, pupils find out about an individual who came to Scotland as a refugee before the outbreak of the Second World War. The Kits are based on original archival material and interviews.

5. Scotland a Sanctuary

The display in the Succah includes an illustrated timeline and panels showing events leading up to the Holocaust in Germany, how people responded in Scotland and how refugees found safety here.

For full information about all visit options:

Book a school visit.

The cost per class visit is £50. To enquire about booking a school visit, please download and email the enquiry form to [email protected] or phone 0141 332 4151 to discuss further:

Apply for a Travel Subsidy

We are part of the Scottish Government’s Heritage Travel Subsidy for Schools Scheme. Scottish schools can apply for up to 75% of transport costs (up to £300) for each class visit to the Scottish Jewish Heritage Centre. The scheme is administered by Historic Environment Scotland on behalf of the Scottish Government, and requires a simple application form to be submitted to them – see this page for more information and for the form. 

Thanks to generous assistance from our funders, we are able to offer some additional financial assistance in appropriate circumstances, to schools for travel costs that fall outwith the Scottish Government’s scheme. Please contact [email protected] for more information.

Cancellation Policy

We can refund school visits which are cancelled more than 24 hours before the scheduled start time. If a cancellation or rescheduling is requested within 24 hours, the original booking must be paid for.

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Due to Coronavirus, the building is currently closed for all services and activities

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We are delighted to offer tours of our beautiful Central Synagogue. As one of the oldest synagogues in London, the Central attracts tourists from far and wide throughout the year. We offer frequent tours for schools .

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School tours of the Central Synagogue are rewarding experiences for all who take part. Many school children benefit from a wide-ranging Religious Studies curriculum, in which they investigate the central elements of all the major world religions. To bring the theory alive, we very much enjoy showing school groups around the Central Synagogue. We point…

Find out more about school tours

Virtual tours

View our virtual tour of our synagogue.

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ENGLISH HERITAGE

Window to Judaism

An educational visit to singers hill synagogue, professionally guided tours around one of the uk's most beautiful & historic synagogues., come along. explore judaism with us, our tours are led by professional tour guides who will take you on an inspiring educational visit to the west midlands oldest synagogue, still in daily use. , the educational visits we offer meet the statutory requirements laid upon schools to provide a basic curriculum of religious education from foundation stage,  key stages 1-4 and sixth form., on your visit with us we will cover the following subjects:, the torah scrolls, jewish traditions, the jewish symbols, interactive tour - q&a's  & much more, our tours are interactive. visitors are welcome to ask questions..

Singers Hill Synagogue situated close to the Mailbox in the heart of the City, has been the main Jewish place of worship in Birmingham and the Midlands for over 160 years.

Designed by Yeoville Thomason (who later went on to design the Council House in Victoria Square), it is one of the few Grade Two Star listed Synagogues in the County and is full of history and splendour.

The interior has recently been refurbished and visitors are able to see many biblical scenes, events in our recent history, festival depictions and symbols of our faith illustrated in our unique stained glass windows.

Our professional guided school tours give a flavour of Judaism and explain many of the key elements of our faith.

The tour lasts for approximately one and a half hours. The content is designed to fit in with the requirements of National Curriculum and there is plenty of opportunity to ask questions – so please think of some interesting ones!

If you wish for a specific aspect of Judaism to be focussed on during the tour please arrange this when making your booking and we will do our best to accommodate your requirements.

Separate adult tours are also available.

Please note:

Please act in a respectful manner while in the building.

All boys and men are required to have their head covered while in the Synagogue. This can be any kind of hat or cap, or skull caps can be loaned.

No food or drink of any kind may be brought in to the synagogue.

Cameras are welcome.

Some background of Judaism is not necessary but is highly recommended.

An Award Winning Synagogue

English heritage's, most improved place, the west midland's oldest , functioning, newly renovated victorian, grade two star listed building, home to the jewish community, in and around birmingham.

Singers Hill Synagogue

Birmingham Hebrew Congregation

Ellis Street, Birmingham, B1 1HL

0121 643 0884 / [email protected]

Most frequently asked questions

Question: What days are tours available?

Answer: When available tours are conducted Monday to Thursday only. The earliest time for a tour to commence is 10:00 am. Tours are not conducted on Fridays.

Question: What is the duration of the tour?

Answer: Approximately 80 to 90 minutes.

Question: Is there coach/bus parking?

Answer:  Parking is not available on site. The coach can park outside the synagogue to disembark the children. The coach usually parks outside the Synagogue on double yellow lines but, provided the driver stays with the coach all has been well over the last few years of this practice. Please leave bags on the coach.

Question: What happens if the school party is early/late arriving for the synagogue tour?

Answer: You need to contact the office at the synagogue (0121 643 0884), if you are running late the tour can commence on your arrival but may have to be curtailed.

Question: If the party arrives earlier than the agreed appointment is there anywhere to wait.

Answer:  Unfortunately, there is nowhere suitable to wait, if arriving by coach it is best to remain on the vehicle. Alternatively, we are very close to the Mailbox with all its attractions where you could look around.  Please try to arrive punctually.

Question: Is food and drink allowed to be consumed in the synagogue?

Answer: No. Food or drink is not allowed in the synagogue; it all has to be Kosher.

Question: Is any head wear to be worn?

Answer: Yes, particularly for the boy and male members of staff / assistants; it is optional for girls. The synagogue can supply Kapels (skull caps) if required.

Question: How many can there be in a group?

Answer: The maximum numbers of pupils in a tour are limited to 40; that does not include teachers and assistants.

Question: Is there a charge for the tour?

Answer: Yes, there is a fixed cost of £70 for up to 21 children. Tours of 22 pupils and above are at a cost of £3.25 per child. This cost covers the professional guide and towards the cost of maintaining the synagogue. There is no charge for teachers, assistants or any supervising adults.

Question: When do we need to pay?

Answer: You will need to pay within 5 working days of making the booking. NB. THE BOOKING FOR THE TOUR IS NOT GUARANTEED UNLESS FULL PAYMENT IS RECEIVED WITHIN FIVE WORKING DAYS OF THE BOOKING CONFIRMATION. 

For BACS payments use: Account Number: 69837738, Sort Code: 40-51-62.

Question: Do you have available a risk assessment?

Answer:  No different authorities and organizations have their own requirements. Therefore, to make your own assessment you are welcome to visit the synagogue prior to your visit. Please arrange this by email to  [email protected]  or by telephoning 0121 643 0884 .

Additionally:

In advance of your visit you must advise us of the full name(s) of the lead teacher(s) and all adults-accompanying the children on the visit.

Please do not bring bags into the grounds or premises.

Please be respectful by keeping noise to a minimum whilst in and around the synagogue.

Date June 2019

To make a booking: Please email us on: [email protected]  or use the contact form below.

Please provide us the following information and we will endeavor to accommodate you as soon as possible.

Please ensure you book your tour well in advance to avoid any disappointment.

Your name, your Email, the organisations name, number of people coming and ages.

Please provide us with preferred dates and any other necessary information.

If you require further information please call us on 0121 643 0884.

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Contact Us:

Email: [email protected]

Tel:  + 44 (0) 121 643 0884

Fax: + 44 (0) 121 643 2273

Birmingham Hebrew Congregation 

Birmingham, United Kingdom, B1 1HL

Youth & Teens

Little ones.

Web & Graphic Design by: T Shneor

Richmond Synagogue

Lichfield gardens, richmond, surrey.

School visits

Richmond synagogue school  visits.

For the last few years, Richmond Synagogue has run regular school visits on a Friday morning from 10 a.m to 11.45, regularly hosting up to ninety children and several accompanying teachers and parents. The schools either come from the borough of Richmond itself or as far away as Hounslow and Wandsworth. The visits are for years 3 to GCSE.

Run by an experienced team of trained volunteers, the visits are structured and experiential,  as well as educational and great fun for all involved.  Teachers, parents and volunteers often seem to enjoy the visits as much as the children!

Visits are typically requested to enhance the learning of the Religious Education curriculum in school, so it is not surprising that those who have already spent some time learning about Judaism do seem to benefit the most.

What happens on a visit? The children assemble in the synagogue’s main sanctuary, where they learn about the features that are essential to any synagogue around the world and what actually happens there.

Then they divide into three smaller groups:  one  group  is  shown the Torah scrolls and learns about how they are written, when they are used and what is actually written on the scrolls.  Meanwhile another group has the Shabbat table experience, during which they learn about a typical Friday night and get to sample some grape juice and challah bread.  A third group learns about some Jewish symbols such as the mezuzah and may even try on a tallit or prayer shawl and a cap or kipah.   They will also touch on any festival that is close to the time of the visit.

After they have visited all three stations, they are quite ready for a drink of juice and a biscuit before we say shalom or goodbye. While school visits are useful as an adjunct to the curriculum, it is often felt that they are just as important in building good local community relations and understanding.

If you are interested in arranging a school visit, please contact the Synagogue Administrator Email  –  [email protected]

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School and Group Visits

We are delighted to host sessions for any school as well as adult groups who wish to learn more about synagogues and Judaism.

We can tailor your visit to suit the needs and interests of participants, be they school groups with specific curriculum requirements or interested adult groups.  We can al;so provide visitors to schools to teach about Judaism.  Sinai has been awarded the quality sign of "School Welcome" status by Leeds Local Authority.

Please contact the School and Group Visits for further information.