Jewish Studies Department

From the Jewish Studies Department

In the lead-up to Rosh Hashanah this year, Primary School classes explored themes, names, rituals and customs associated with the Jewish New Year. In learning about the shofar the students explored the connection between רפוש and the word רפשל – which means ‘to improve’. Making this connection, they reflected on how the shofar serves as a call for us to improve ourselves, our relationships and our world. They also learnt the word הנש has connections to the words הנשמ – meaning ‘repeat’ and יוניש – meaning ‘change’. Reflecting on these meanings we discussed how this time of year is one that promotes positive change and growth in our lives. With the traditional greeting of הקותמו הבוט הנש – they learnt we are not only wishing that person a good and sweet year ahead, but also wishing them changes that will bring goodness and sweetness in their lives and our world. As we all know, Rosh Hashanah 2021/5782 in lockdown was like no other. We were separated from family who did not live with us, and from friends, unlike previous years when we could all celebrate together. In many instances, grandparents were home alone for Yom Tov but through Zoom, they were able to connect with their children and grandchildren – they may have been alone in the physical sense but they were together in spirit and on-screen.

Project Heritage

Year 6 launched the Project Heritage website as a culmination and celebration of their journey learning about the lives of nine special living Historians.

This year our Historians were: Robert Magid OAM, Emanuel grandparent Miriam Sonnenshein and Year 6 grandparents Michael Besser OAM, Vera Faludi, Naomi Goldrei, Ron Hirsch, Kari Schaefer, Anne Slade and Susan Sweller.

During Term 3 lockdown, students conducted three interviews via Zoom to learn about the lives, history, heritage and values of their Historian. With information from the interviews and photographs and artefacts provided by the Historian, students began to create various pieces of work inspired by their Historian including a biography, poem, creative writing and art work. These works were collated onto a website and shared with the Historians and Year 6 families.

A huge mazal tov, kol hakavod and toda raba to our very special Historians, the Year 6 students and all the teachers involved in Project Heritage this year. The following words were shared by our students during our presentation launch: Jordan Arnott: “Each of our Historians has lived a full and interesting life. Through the challenging times and happy times, they shared with us the importance of family, friendship, values and persistence in life.” Noa Grojnowski: “It’s not every day that children and adults have the opportunity to learn about history and heritage through the personal lives and experiences of a different generation.” Aviv Farhy: Thank you so much to all our amazing Historians… to Michael, Vera, Naomi, Ron, Robert, Kari, Anne, Miriam and Susan. You each gave so generously of your time to share your heritage, history, life and family with us. Your special qualities, values and outlook on life have been inspirational for us all.” Adam Carpenter, Head of Primary Jewish Life

Mordechai Joseph, AKA Popsie, sharing his life story with Year 6 via video recording from England

From the Jewish Studies Department (continued)

From the Jewish Studies Department (continued)