On Thursday 29th August, our four Year 11 Study of Religion classes came together to experience places of worship for Judaism (synagogue-Temple Shalom) and for Islam (mosque- Gold Coast Masjid). At the Jewish synagogue, we listened to Rabbi Adi Cohen who showed us the Torah, the Shofar (ram’s horn), and the representations of the Twelve Tribes of Israel which were displayed in stained glass windows. He gave us valuable insights into his religion, helping us to achieve a better understanding for our exam. Next, we travelled to the mosque, where we met with Imam Salik, who answered our relevant questions about his religion and daily life as a practicing Muslim and teacher. We also saw the musalla (prayer rooms) for both women and men. Overall, we had a great day gaining a more comprehensive understanding of the Jewish and Islamic religions and culture.
We extend our thanks and appreciation to Mrs Maitland and Ms Honey for organising this extremely valuable experience for us.
Sharli Lanyon and Lucy Matus
On 29th August, Year 11 SOR classes were fortunate enough to visit the Synagogue at Temple Shalom Gold Coast, and the Islamic Society of Gold Coast. This experience provided deep insights into the significance of faith, tradition, and community in both Judaism and Islam.
In the synagogue, Rabbi Adi Cohen taught us about the reverence of the Torah and the observance of rituals like Shabbat, highlighting the Jewish community's dedication to their beliefs and the continuity of their traditions despite historical challenges. The sense of history and the importance of community gatherings were evident in every aspect of their worship.
At the mosque, Shaikh Moulana Abdul Salik taught us the significance of the call to prayer and the practice of following Allah, underscoring the discipline and humility central to Islamic faith. The simplicity of the mosque illustrated the deep commitment to purity and submission to God in daily life.
Both visits emphasized the strength that comes from adhering to one’s faith and the beauty of religious community. Despite differences in rituals, both religions share a common focus on living out their beliefs through consistent practices and communal support. Ultimately, the visits to the synagogue and mosque revealed that, while the practices may differ, the essence of faith—connecting with something greater and fostering community—remains a unifying force across different religions.
Xavier Joseph and Angus Nunan.