Cherished traditions and new beginnings

Our start of school last week was highlighted by the celebration of Tu BiShevat, also known as Rosh HaShanah LaIlanot – The New Year of Trees and the ushering in of a new chapter in our school history with the welcoming of Andrew Watt.

From our Primary School, participating in engaging sedarim, led and sponsored by the Jewish National Fund, and planting seedlings, to our High School celebrations in Houses and a special tree planting ceremony, honouring our new Principal, it was a week of new beginnings infused with a spirit of hopefulness and positive excitement.

We invite you to take a look at Ma Koreh in this week’s Ma Nishma for a selection of wonderful pictures of our students as they celebrated Tu BiShevat.

Below, you will find thoughtful reflections shared by our High School students as each House celebrated Tu BiShevat as it relates to the values and legacies of its namesake (Rashi, Szenes and Rashi), the ethos of our School and in consideration of new beginnings and growth which we look forward to experiencing under the leadership of Mr Watt.

Rabbi Daniel Siegel

Szenes House

Gabriel Sebban – Year 12

The Jewish festival of Tu BiShevat marks the New Year for Trees and the new blooming season for the fruits produced by these trees. Its purpose is to mark the time when people can begin to eat the fruit of these trees. In VaYikra (Leviticus), it states that fruit of trees may not be eaten during the first 3 years, the produce of the 4^th year is for God and thereafter the fruit may be eaten. Judaism sees many similarities between trees and a person. The roots and body of a tree are similar to those of a human; they keep us grounded and connect us to our past, while helping develop our future. The faith that Jews have in our religion connects us to it, showing our commitment to upholding the traditions and beliefs of our ancestors. The tree’s leaves and fruits are similar to our sharing the Jewish tradition. Having others see the leaves and fruits of our tree is like us having an impact on others, through showing our faith and acting through and for our beliefs. Hannah Szenes did this – her actions showing her commitment to the Jewish people and to our Jewish heritage. Her memory lives on as we stay committed to her ideals just as we remain committed to growing fruit from our trees. Trees are steadfast, even when buffeted by strong winds, standing up to strong challenges that threaten its existence, committed to remaining strong and enduring, just like Hannah Szenes.

Michal and Allegra with Andrew Watt

Allegra Goldman and Michal Wolstein – Year 12

A big welcome to our new Principal, Mr. Watt. We hope that our program today has given you an idea of the values that our School, and especially Szenes House, upholds. We know that your commitment to the School will be evident and we are excited to see what new possibilities it brings to our school life.

Rashi House

Mia Nahum – Year 12

As you all know, Rashi is known for his comprehensive commentaries on the Torah and the Talmud. Jews around the world use his commentary to grasp a deeper understanding and knowledge of our tradition. Furthering our Jewish understanding enables us to grow and bear fruit, as does a tree.

Tomer Belkin – Year 12

A tree needs to be planted firmly in the earth. The soil is not only the source through which nourishment is absorbed, but it also provides room for the roots to grow.

This is true of a person as well. The Talmud explains: A person whose wisdom exceeds his good deeds is likened to a tree whose branches are numerous, but whose roots are few. The wind comes and uproots it and turns it upside down.

But a person whose good deeds exceed his wisdom is likened to a tree whose branches are few but whose roots are numerous. Even if all the winds of the world were to come and blow against it, they could not budge it from its place. (Pirkei Avot 3:22)

A person can appear successful on the outside, with full branches and a fancy car. But if the roots are few – if there is little connection to one’s community and heritage – then life can send challenges that are impossible to withstand. A strong wind can turn the tree upside down. A person alone is vulnerable to trends and fads that may lead to despair and destruction.

But if a person, irrespective of wealth or status, is connected to community and heritage, then even if all the winds of the world were to come and blow against it, they could not budge it from its place.

Humans require a strong home base, where values and morals are absorbed, and which provides a supportive growth environment. In a world rife with negativity, we need a filter, a safe haven to return to and refresh. A community provides a protective shield – the soil where we can be ourselves, make our mistakes, and still be accepted, loved and nourished.

Nadja Avshalom with Andrew Watt

Nadja Avshalom – Year 12

May our new school year and our new Principal open us up to learning new things and growing as individuals, a school and a community.

Rabin House

Tai Oshlack – Year 12

The potential growth of our school tree is infinite. New branches will grow, leaves will be shed and leaves will sprout. But, no matter what, our roots and trunk, which anchor and support us, will always last. As new branches grow they will create opportunities for the leaves to follow the path and vision of the new branch as it searches for new sources of life for the tree that it now will call home.

Many years ago, here at Emanuel, a vision was created – to make a Jewish school where not only could one succeed academically, but also where the individual would grow and develop as a human being. Emanuel instills in us the ability to develop opinions and fight for what we believe in. This has assisted in the flourishing of our School, as each individual brings something new to our community.

As you know, the name of our House, Rabin, is in memory and honour of Yitzhak Rabin, the 5^th  Prime Minister of the State of Israel and a man of vision. Rabin had a vision for peace and did all in his ability to make progress towards this vision. Vision requires a balance between a yet-to-be-realised future and a present reality, between supporting and celebrating ourselves and supporting and celebrating others. As a school, and Houses within a school, we are challenged to live these balances every day. Rabin had a vision, yet to be realised, as do we, as a community and as individuals.

Ashne Amoils – Year 12

Common to our past Principals is the idea that change is necessary for growth and that vision is imperative to initiating and cultivating the required change for our growing community. Our school now has the opportunity to experience a new era of development under the guidance of Mr. Watt. I, am very excited to see what the next chapter of Emanuel’s history has in store for us. May we all flourish together.

Jade Reuveny – Year 12

Reflection on our shared Tu BiShevat celebration:

Following our Tu Bishevat celebrations I left the hall inspired. Our House programs refreshed our knowledge about Rashi, Szenes and Rabin and their vision and legacy which speak to us. We were encouraged to embrace their commitment to our land, people and religion, and to reflect, as well, on what we are committed to in our lives and how we will maintain this commitment. With the commencement of a new Principal, coinciding with the Jewish festival of Tu Bishevat, each House Captain along with Mr Watt planted a tree, signifying the growth we hope to experience under our new Head of School. I am inspired and filled with hope for the future of Emanuel School under the guidance and vision of the motivational and inspirational, Mr Watt.