Being a non-Jew, I've visited the synagogue's museum as part of a school trip. and I could not believe the massive array of items collected there that I thought I would never see, in the flesh! The time and space coverage is cosmic in scale, and it completely taught me the Jewish experience: that it focuses on grand religious ritual, remembrance of past figures and events, and that its art takes cue from local elements.Be sure to check out the massive replica mosaic on the floor, which was made to imitate the same ones that actually existed in synagogues around the 3rd and 4th century.
This is the best shul in North America! They have awesome food and events. Beth Tzedec rocks!