Largest Synagogue in Germany Reopens

Frankfurt’s Westend Synagogue, the largest synagogue in Germany, has reopened after six years of renovation. Built in 1910, the landmark had been distinguished by an elaborate dome, but it was heavily damaged during the Nov. 9, 1938, Kristallnacht (Night of Broken Glass) that saw attacks on Jewish homes and institutions throughout Germany. The exterior walls survived, however, and the synagogue was rebuilt after World War II. It reopened in 1950, a more modest structure than it had been. The most recent renovation followed similar lines.

Schooled in Summer Plans Summer school anyone?

England’s Oxford University is offering 24 courses for adults over two three-week sessions--July 3-22 and July 24-Aug. 12. Mornings are devoted to seminar meetings; afternoons are free, and evenings feature lectures and social and cultural events. Fees, which include tuition, single room, all meals, lectures and receptions, are $3,300 for one three-week session, and $6,200 for two. Air fare is additional. Contact Oxford/Berkeley Program, Department 37A, UC Berkeley Extension, 55 Laguna St., San Francisco, Calif. 94102; telephone (415) 252-5230, Ext. 37.

In Santa Fe, N.M., St. John’s College is offering its fifth annual Summer Classics Seminar Series July 16-Aug. 5. Classes include literature, philosophy and opera. Tuition, which starts at $950 a week, includes accommodations and meals for six nights and seven days, six seminar sessions, excursions and receptions. Contact Summer Classics, St. John’s College, Santa Fe, N.M. 87501; tel. (505) 984-6104.

After Le Shuttle There’s Le Swap

Hertz has a new program for travelers shuttling a rental car from England to France through the Channel Tunnel. Le Swap combines round-trip tickets for Le Shuttle, the tunnel transit, with one-week car rentals and a swap of right-hand-drive for left-hand-drive cars--or the reverse. Renters can go from Folkestone, England, to Calais, France, or vice versa, and drop the car off on either side of the Channel at trip’s end with no drop-off fee. One-week cost for an economy car picked up in Britain starts at $259, in France at about $320. Information: (800) 654-3001.