The journal synthesizing activity is intended to combine aspects of the formal essay with that of a diary. Activities associated with lecture topics are written up as short journal entries of approximately five typewritten pages and are turned in during the weekly class session at which the related topic is being discussed. The journal project encourages a direct encounter of student with material, breaking up the doldrum of a lecture-only method of presentations. This document provides a sample syllabus for a Jewish Religious Heritage class. Fifteen lecture topics are provided, with accompanying suggested journal activities. Activities are many and varied, providing an opportunity for the student to develop methodology and preserve or alter deepseated commitments in his view of himself, society, nature, and history. The journal synthesizing activity enables the teacher to be less of a knowledge dispenser, and more of a knowledge facilitator, who leads the student to make discoveries and articulate values and conclusions. (Author/NHM)