World Religions Field Trips Enlighten Seventh Graders

As part of the Grade 7 social studies classes at North and South Hills Middle Schools, students have the opportunity, with parent permission, to visit different houses of worship in the community to strengthen their understanding of world cultures

This year, students and staff visited three different locations: Adat Shalom, a Jewish synagogue, The Muslim Unity Center, an Islamic mosque, and Kirk in the Hills, a Christian church.

Volunteers at each location taught about various themes with regard to the practice of each religion, touching upon their history, customs, and rituals. Some of those topics included the sanctuary, or sacred space for prayer, high holidays, the major days of celebration or remembrance, sacred scripture, the readings on which their religion is based, garments or vestments, which are the clothing worn by leadership or people of faith, and symbolism, which could be found in various items, ideas, and actions throughout a service.

After visiting Adat Shalom, a few North Hills students shared what they learned and found interesting. Drew O’Farrill Diaz (grade 7) recalled, “When they wrap the tefillin (leather strap) around their arms, they have to do it a certain way and pray towards Jerusalem,” while Brady Chamberlain (grade 7) was surprised that the first service of the week was at night and not in the morning. Connor Ealy commented about the large plaque that lines the back wall of the sanctuary, and said, “One thing I found interesting is the list of names of people who’ve died, up to 80 years ago, because they have to show love and respect for each other, even if they don’t like each other. I think that’s good for society today because there’s so much hate.”

At the Muslim Unity Center, students came away with a better understanding about Muslim fasting and prayer, and the hijab head scarves that Muslims sometimes wear, all of which are customs the students may encounter with friends and neighbors. Olivia Herrin (grade 7) from South Hills said that it was interesting to learn about so many similarities between other cultures and religions. Ayla Deluca (grade 7) from South Hills added, “I like how we get to learn about the culture and…understand more about how they dress.”

The final field trips to Kirk in the Hills will take place in May, when students will learn more about Christian customs and culture.