Ma Koreh
Adam Carpenter – Head of Jewish Life Primary
Since returning to school from the Pesach break, during our morning tefillah we have been counting the days of the omer up to Shavuot. Finally we are at day 48!
Our learning this week has included peulot led by Josh and Mia about shmitah, reflections and artistic representations of the Mount Sinai experience and thinking about Torah, mitzvot and the עֲשֶׂרֶת הַדִּבְּרוֹת (The 10 Utterances – or 10 ‘Commandments’).
Today, we celebrated Shabbat and Shavuot as the Emanuel School Community in ceremonies for Years K-2 and Years 3-12. A theme we explored was the importance being part of a community or קהילה. Just as our ancestors gathered together as a community to receive the Torah, we too gathered to share in community, Torah and tradition. After years of isolation and disruption, we have all missed coming together as a community and this was the first time in a long time that Primary and High School students and staff have come together to create and feel a sense of community.
We welcomed the JCA to share with the students how they support and nurture our school and broader Jewish community. Our ‘bikkurim’ donations of tinned and packaged food will be collected by OzHarvest to support those in our community who cannot afford regular, healthy meals and food.
Years K-2 students enjoyed a wonderful Shabbat celebration filled with ruach, singing and brachot with Mister Owen and Morah
Spira. We were treated to a special Shavuot story by Rabbi Ninio and a Shavuot ceremony where students learnt about the story of Ruth, how Shavuot is celebrated on kibbutz. As well as thinking about important mitzvot and teachings from our Torah, we heard from students in Year 1 who created an ‘11th Commandment’, for people to follow.
The 3-12 Shavuot ceremony and Torah reading was led by students across Primary and High School. Following the reading of the עֲשֶׂרֶת הַדִּבְּרוֹת (The 10 Utterances – or 10 ‘Commandments’) a choir of Year 5 and 6 students led by Josh New sang Etz Chayim Hi (The Torah is a Tree of Life). Following a video Vox Pop of students reflecting on Shabbat and how they show honour to their parents, students spoke on the story of Ruth.
A joyous Shabbat celebration followed, filled with ruach and involving siblings across Primary and High School leading the Shabbat table blessings.
Story of Ruth RUTH – Year 12 students
A huge todah rabbah and kol hakavod to the many students involved in the planning, organisation and running of today’s celebrations. It was a true Emanuel community endeavour.
Happy Shavuot – חַג שָׁבוּעוֹת שָׂמֵחַ
