Year 10 Philosophy and Religion students spent a truly unforgettable day visiting Oxford University, the Oxford Jewish Congregation Synagogue and experiencing an inter-faith walk.
They arrived in Jericho, a famous historical suburb of Oxford, before heading to the Faculty of Asian and Middle Eastern studies and the Faculty of Medieval and Modern Languages. Students were privileged to meet the inspiring Dr Thea Gomelauri who is a renowned professor of the Hebrew Bible, Ancient Near Eastern-Religions and comparative Religions. Year 10 joined Dr Gomelauri for a tutorial and to learn about her work as the Director of the Oxford Interfaith Forum and the work the Forum does including providing webinars which our students are encouraged to attend.
Dr Gomelauri also introduced students to the work of Professor Lisa Miller who has written The Awakened Brain: The Psychology of Spirituality. Professor Miller was a recent speaker on the Oxford Interfaith Forum’s webinar series and gifted our students a signed copy of her book. The Oxford Interfaith Forum encourages interfaith walks, and students were inspired to undertake their own walk.
The next stop on the philosophers’ trip was the beautiful St Barnabas’ Jericho, Oxford’s Basilica. It is known for its hugely striking sanctuary, altar and Venetian bell tower. Students then met Alexander Massey for a tour and lecture at the Oxford Jewish Centre. Alexander is a leader of creative Jewish ritual and prayer, an interfaith activist and musician. They listened to Mr Massey give a fascinating lecture and got the chance to understand more about Jewish prayer and practice.
Year 10 students have been studying Jewish beliefs and teachings as part of the curriculum; exploring locations and discovering artefacts important to the religion was a great way to enhance their learning. The trip was a wonderful opportunity to bring this unit of study to life especially when hearing about individuals own experiences of religion and how it varies across the community.
