1. Starter Task We all have a favourite building. For
example - our house, a shop, school,
Shopping centre, place of worship etc.
What’s your special/favourite building?
What is it that makes your building special?
Extension task:
describe how you feel in your special place. What is it that makes you feel like this?

2. Learning aims: AT1 - To look at important objects in a synagogue.
AT2 - To understand the symbolism behind these objects.

3. By the end of the lesson:
All of you will know what a Synagogue is and some of the important features of a synagogue.
Most of you will know all the important features of a Synagogue and the symbolism behind each object.
Some of you will be able to evaluate the importance of the Synagogue for Jews and its features.

4. What did we learn about last lesson?

5. Key Words Everlasting: Something that lasts forever. 2. Symbolism:
Representing something
Synagogue:
The place where Jews worship.

6. What is a symbol?

7. What is a synagogue?
The word ‘synagogue’ comes from Greek; it means ‘a coming together’ or ‘a meeting place’.
Meetings
Worshipping God.
Centre for learning for children and adults. To learn the Hebrew language and how to read the torah.
Celebration of important occasions – Weddings, Births, deaths etc.
Relaxation.

8. Important objects and what they symbolise.
1. The Ark
This is the most important feature in a synagogue.
The Ark is a cupboard where the Torah scrolls are kept.
Symbolises:
Protection, safety and respect

9. 2. The Scroll Symbolises: The scroll is ‘dressed’ in special cover.
The scroll has the 1st 5 books of Moses handwritten on it.
Symbolises:
Covers show respect and keep the scrolls clean.

10. 3. The Bimah
A platform which stands in the centre of the synagogue.
The Torah is read from here.
Symbolises:
Stepping up to show respect and Gods word are above man.

11. WHAT DO YOU REMEMBER? What is a Synagogue? What is the Ark?
What is the Bimah?

12. The Everlasting Light (Ner Tamid)
Symbolises:
God is everlasting and always present.

13. Symbolises:
The Ten Commandments.
Two Stone Tablets

14. Star of David
Symbolises:
Shield against evil.

15. Everlasting Light(Ner Tamid): God is everlasting and always present.
Two Stone Tablets: The ten commandments.
Star of David: Shield against evil.
Bimah is a raised platform: Respect and Gods words are above man.
Ark is a special cupboard: Protection
safety and respect.
Scrolls have the 1st 5 books of Moses hand written on it: Covers show respect and protection.

16. CARD ACTIVITY!
Place your cards with the correct picture and correct sentence.

17. Questions Individual task:
Where are the scrolls kept?
Why are the scrolls covered up?
What represents God as
everlasting?
4. What does the star of David protects against?
BBB (big brain bonus)
Why do you think it is important to have symbols in a Synagogue?

18. Plenary
Look at the picture, can you tell your neighbour what it symbolises?
Open your planner on red/ green / orange

25. Homework
Design a Synagogue. Show the changes that you need to make to make the building more suitable for a synagogue. Include plans and notes.

26. ORTHODOX and REFORM JEWS
Today we learnt about the synagogue and its features.
Next week we will be learning about the different types of Jewish groups.
ORTHODOX and REFORM JEWS