We are delighted to host yet another Speed Meet, our monthly bespoke RMPS CLPL opportunities.
This month we are delighted to host Kerry Patterson the Manager of The Scottish Jewish Heritage Centre. The Centre is based in Garnethill Synagogue, the first purpose-built synagogue in Scotland. Thier displays show the development and contribution of the Jewish community to Scotland over the past 200 years. She will be discussing the work of the centre and how they aim to help pupils to understand Scotland’s Jewish heritage.
And read more about the centre here.
Recap of the Speed Meet
Kerry Patterson is the manager of the Scottish Jewish Heritage Centre.
In her detailed and engaging presentation, she talked about the centre
and the educational opportunities it can provide. She mentioned that the
Scottish Jewish Heritage Centre had over 1,546 pupils from 47 different
schools through its doors last year. The centre is located in Glasgow
City Centre within Scotland’s oldest purpose-built synagogue.
Kerry talked about how all educational visits include a tour of the main
Prayer Hall. For specific Judaism-focused visits, they spend up to an
hour discussing festivals and the building, explaining that it is an
Orthodox synagogue while also noting other types of Judaism (e.g.,
Reform) to show the breadth of the faith. During the tour the building’s
operational kosher kitchen is used to talk about the Jewish way of life
including the laws of kashrut, and Shabbat. They offer
activity/colouring sheets for younger pupils and an interactive
flashcard game about kosher food for older students.
Kerry mentioned a number of practicalities such as the flat fee of £50
that is charged per class. There are significant transport grants
(75-100% refund – 100% for SIMD 1 and 2 schools) are available to all
schools through Historic Environment Scotland. Visits are on Tuesdays
and Thursdays. The centre can accommodate 32 students in a session. The
centre does not discuss politics and staff cannot answer highly
specialised religious questions (e.g., for Higher RMPS). She suggested
that teachers would be better referring these to a rabbi. Kerry also
stated that the Centre does not provide speakers to go into schools;
this service is provided by the Jewish Council of Scotland.
This was an interesting and informative session which showed many of the
fantastic facilities and resources the centre can share with students.
Kerry was also very helpful in giving many practical tips about
organising a trip to the Scottish Jewish Heritage Centre.
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