Field Trip to Exeter Synagogue
Our final field trip was to Exeter Synagogue, in preparation for the next stage of our journey through early Hebrew traditions and our first encounter with the Hebrew Bible. Even those of us who thought we knew Exeter well had difficulty finding the building; it is hidden away down a small unprepossessing alley, unassuming and unannounced. Once through the door, however, we had a real sense of entering a sacred and much loved space – a deep well of worship behind the anonymous façade.
During our fascinating 2½ hour visit we were given an idea of the long history of Jews in the West Country, whose roots stretch back to pre-Expulsion times. Indeed, Jews have lived and worshipped in Exeter for over 250 years. The synagogue, which was built in 1763, is the second oldest Ashkenazi synagogue in English speaking countries and is small, beautiful and happily, still used regularly for services. Although neither the synagogue nor the community are big enough to support a full time Rabbi, it is maintained and run by volunteers; one of them, Richard, was our welcoming guide for the day.
Once the Anglo-Jewish historical context had been set, Richard gave us some insights into the form of Jewish services and talked about Jewish prayer and ritual, including the ways that the sacred scriptures are used. The Torah is at the very centre of worship and study, and the beautiful Hebrew scrolls are housed in a tabernacle/ark which is one of the focal points of the synagogue building. They are brought into the body of the synagogue during services with deep reverence and ritual, and then the appropriate reading for that day is given in Hebrew (with worshippers following in a parallel translation Torah if needed).
We left the synagogue and headed to Claire’s home for some lunch and a period of reflection.
We were all moved by the new insights into the Jewish story of rejection, exile and persecution. The Ashkenazi Jews came to the UK from Germany and Eastern Europe, and so the connection with the events leading up to, and during, the holocaust is strong.
At the same time the story of survival, and its roots in strong faith, was also profoundly moving and inspiring. The reverence for the sacred scriptures and the rituals of the Jewish faith (both in and out of the synagogue) seemed to us to create a rhythm of living which goes back to ancient times but creates meaning for people today. This feels particularly relevant as we explore the ancient roots of our own faith tradition and how that exploration and understanding may deepen our connection with the Divine in our own daily lives.
Our heartfelt thanks to Richard and to all members of the Exeter Synagogue community for sharing so willingly with us.
Tuesday 26th May 2015
Written by Jan
