RELG 402 - World's Living Religions
Visit to a Synagogue
The visit is an option - it is not a requirement of the Course, but it will probably be very helpful for understanding people who have different religious views.
A visit to another religion or denomination is similar to a cross-cultural exchange.
Be prepared to encounter differences in world-view, religious practice, music, language, standards of dress.
Be prepared to exercise tact, politeness, flexibility and patience.
There is a small Messianic Jewish Church in Clovis, "Children of Israel" or "B'Nei Yisrael", but no Orthodox, Conservative, or Reform Jewish synagogues in either Clovis or Portales. There are Orthodox or Reform synagogues in Lubbock, Amarillo, Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Las Cruces, and El Paso.
One of the goals of this course is to understand religions as they are lived and practiced by real communities. This assignment provides an opportunity to move beyond the textbook and class notes, by experiencing a Jewish worship service and reflecting on your experience. You will be expected to reflect on the relationship between belief, ritual, community, and sacred space.
The assignment is designed to help you develop skills in observation, description, analysis, and self-reflection while engaging respectfully with a religious tradition other than your own.
If you decide to visit a synagogue
Locating and contacting a synagogue is part of the assignment. Jews moving to a new location face this problem also, and it will be part of your experience.
Before attending, you should research the synagogue if possible (Web Page? Facebook? Yellow Pages? Notice Board? Street Address? Phone Number? Type of synagogue (Orthodox, Conservative, Reform, Messianic)? Days and times of meetings? Name of the rabbi or rebbe?
Contact the synagogue to determine whether visitors are welcome and whether any advance arrangements are necessary.
When attending the synagogue. Upon arrival, introduce yourself to a greeter if there appears to be one, and follow his/her instructions.
Do not take notes during the visit, but allow yourself to experience the visit, and try to take part in the service as far as is comfortable for you.
As soon as possible after the visit, take time to make notes on the following questions:
- How easy was it to find the synagogue?
- What did the synagogue look like from the outside?
- How was the worship space arranged?
- What objects or symbols were prominent? (Ark, Torah scrolls, prayer shawls, etc.)
- What was the sequence of events during the service?
- What languages were used?
- How were the prayers conducted?
- Was there music? Congregational participation?
- How did participants interact with one another?
- Were there times for hospitality, instruction, or celebration?
- What did you observe about the demographics of the congregation?
- What were your interactions with members of the synagogue?
- What surprised you?
- What challenged you?
- What questions emerged from the experience?
For your Essay, you should describe the visit in enough detail that a reader who was not present could visualize the experience. Your essay should include:
- The Name and address of the synagogue visited
- Date and time of the service
- Type of service attended
- Approximate length of the service
- The name of the Rabbi or other leader
- How you prepared for the visit
- Your first impressions upon arrival
- The setting and atmosphere
- The order of worship
- The role of sacred texts
- The actions of leaders and congregation
- A theme from the Sermon
- Significant rituals or practices you observed
- Your personal reflections on the visit
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