Support for education future proofs our community

are dedicated to creating a pathway for students on their Jewish journey.

In a noteworthy display of communal collaboration over the past month, our Jewish day schools, BJE and BPJE, marked JCA Campaign 2023 with activities including learning about the importance of tzedakah, playing JCA's allocations game and, even, baking. This year, JCA launched Cookies for Community – a chance for students to make and sell their goods, donating proceeds to the campaign. The initiative gave younger members of the community the opportunity to feel pride in being able to do good for others.

Reflecting on the last year, Masada College Principal Mira Hasofer was effusive in her praise of students. "The highlight has been watching our students give back to the wider community through different events and organisations. I love coming to work every day because I get to work with the future and that never changes for me. These children … every single one, they are our future leaders, our future parents. They are the future of this community and our Jewish community nationally and internationally."

Board of Progressive Jewish Education President Rabbi Rafi Kaiserblueth spoke to JCA about the organisation's progress in the current environment. “As demographics and economics continue to grow, change and evolve, you're seeing many more parents who cannot send their kids to Jewish Day Schools. BPJE fills that role for families looking for a place to continue their kids' Jewish education, but not through Jewish Day Schools. We fill that niche and give them a space for that Jewish education. We're going to see numbers grow more and more in the future. Jewish education is not cheap and we're doing our part to help continue and sustain that. One of the biggest things we're most proud of is starting a new campus in Byron Bay. Approximately 30 students have joined a monthly program – it's a big growth area for us. My hopes for the future are continued, sustainable Jewish community learning."

There have also been increased enrolments in the programs run by the NSW Board of Jewish Education, which

Mount Sinai College and Emanuel School have both experienced strong enrolments this year. Both schools rely on JCA to support special needs’ education and fee assistance for families who need financial support.

Kesser Torah Principal Rabbi Yaacov Chaiton said his school is the place where they are growing the minds of their students in Jewish Studies and in General Studies. “It is a place where we believe in the children and their infinite ability, a place where they nurture their character as people who give and care for others and involve themselves in communal affairs.”

Principals at all Jewish Day Schools reinforced the message that JCA support for their school was essential. JCA creates an environment where we are responsible for each other, ensuring a culture of collaboration that benefits families.

As a sector, this year Jewish education received $4,764,900 from JCA. This could not have been achieved without generous funding from donors to our local Jewish community.

If you have yet to support JCA Campaign 2023 campaign, visit the website www.jca.org.au