Theology and Pentateuch Class Synagogue Visit

Recently, the Postulants in Sister Gabriella’s Theology and Pentateuch courses visited Sherith Israel Orthodox Synagogue on West End Avenue for an hour-long tour led by Rabbi Saul Strosberg.
The students had several observations and comments at the conclusion of the tour, as they were able to integrate material and concepts from Sister Gabriella’s course. Concerning similarities in sacred music, one student commented, “I loved his answer to my question on music and am interested in learning more about the oldest recorded melodies for sacred texts. His two chant tones correspond perfectly to Dorian and Mixolydian in melody (yet, the rhythm is very distinctive to Middle-Eastern / Eastern chant).” Another said that she “enjoyed getting to play the Shofar and feeling like Rabbi Saul invited us into a fun and meaningful experience.” Regarding references to the sacred text, the Torah, A student reflected that “It was beautiful to see how devoted they are to their laws and traditions as a way of loving God. Their devotion to raising their families was very beautiful also.” Another student “loved seeing and learning about the Torah scrolls and how they’re read and reverenced in their worship.” One student commented on the welcoming atmosphere of the Synagogue: “I was struck by the familiarity of the place (how similar it feels to being in a church) and how gentle and loving Rabbi Saul was to us upon our first encounter and throughout the whole Q & A.”