As part of our Beit Knesset (Synagogue/Shule/Temple/Congregation) unit, the Year 1 students went to visit TBI and St Kilda Shule. Students had a chance to consolidate their learning and make a connection to what was discussed during our Jewish Studies lessons. We had the opportunity to look inside the Aron HaKodesh (the Holy Ark), where the Sifrei Torah (Torah scrolls) are kept. We counted the number of the Sifrei Torah in each of the Baiti Knesset (synagogues) we visited and learnt about the decorations on the Parochet (the curtain over the Holy Ark).

We had an opportunity to look at the white Parochet which will be displayed at TBI on Rosh HaShanah and the coming high holidays. At St Kilda Shule we saw the dome ceiling which looks like a large Kippah and the students were invited to stand on the bimah and look at the Torah while making a connection to our previous unit about the Sofer STaM. The students were in awe as they sang and heard the sounds of the shofar.

Ravit Epstein

Junior School Teacher