For the last 10 years various synagogues have been running very successful education and workshop sessions for Year 9 school children.The schools sign up for morning or afternoon sessions where the children are welcomed into a Jewish space, given an overview by a Holocaust educator,hear a survivor speak about their personal story and experience and take part in a workshop as well as a short memorial candle lighting ceremony.

In February 2016, Finchley Reform Synagogue will again be hosting 8 sessions for about 700 schoolchildren and 200 teacher training students.These sessions are hugely popular and were fully booked by the schools within just 3 days of the dates being offered in June 2014 for February 2015.The project is given civic validation by the attendance of eg the Barnet mayor,local MP Mike Freer and church people.After a brief introduction the sessions usually begin with a welcome from one of the  local rabbis,including our Rabbi Mark.

Volunteers  from synagogue communities across north London are trained each year to help facilitate the workshops but there is always room for more volunteers to come and host;be greeters,offer refreshments mid session and generally be friendly smiley people to give the young people a good experience of being in a Jewish environment.

The subject matter can be challenging but volunteering at this extremely valuable and worthwhile project is important and deeply rewarding too.

In 2016 there will be morning and afternoon sessions on Monday 1 Feb,Tuesday 2 Feb,Wednesday 10 Feb and Thursday 11 Feb.

If you would be interested in coming along to help at any of the sessions,please contact Annie Simmons and Jon Freedman at synmanager@frsonline.org.