Daphna Levin-Kahn – Head of Jewish Studies High School

Each month, we find out more about a nominated staff member. 

SPOTLIGHT ON … Daphna-Levin-Kahn

What is your role at Emanuel School?
That’s an interesting question! This year, I have four ‘hats’ at Emanuel – parent of teenagers(!), Jewish Studies teacher, Head of High School Jewish Studies and, Acting Head of Jewish Life, High School (until Term 4).

How long have you been at Emanuel School?
I’ve been working here since 2013, when I was lucky enough to join Michelle Favero and the team for our previous Capital Appeal that year for the development of the Kleinlehrer Family LINC building. After that, having managed to get my foot in the door, I have been part of the Jewish Studies team since 2014. This is my tenth year!

A variety of Jewish Programs

What do you enjoy about working here?
I love the freedom we have here, as a pluralist, inclusive school, to guide our students to think deeply about (everything) but especially their own Jewishness and the place of Judaism in their world, with all the complexity, diversity and innovation that contemporary pluralist Judaism has to offer.

I feel a personal affinity with the authentic Emanuel call to be active global citizens and have deeply enjoyed growing the network of community connections and relationships through the Jewish Studies programs and Jewish Life experiences.

I love the strong, caring community that is the staff and families at Emanuel; for real.

What have you learnt about yourself at Emanuel?
I have learnt which aspects of leadership I possess naturally, which I have developed and those I have yet to nurture or strengthen. 

Emanuel has amplified and enhanced my lifelong passion for the pursuit of Tzedek (Justice) and Shalom (Harmony) through my own Jewish living and service, and through the opportunities I have been able to provide the students. 

What is your favourite memory from your time at Emanuel?
I have way too many to pick just one! But one of my favourite memories from my Uni days would be having an extraordinary month playing with beautiful kids in a village in Ghana (2001).

What do you do to unwind/ what do you enjoy doing outside school hours?
When I am not driving kids around on a Sunday, I love a good, breathtaking coastal walk (we are so blessed in Sydney!) or meeting a friend for a “walk ‘n talk” or “chews ‘n schmooze”; and on Shabbat, I love getting stuck into a good book, especially historical fiction (learning by “accident”!).

What song do you know all the lyrics to?
I’d say most of the top pop songs from the 80s, but one I love to belt out with the music on very loud when on my own in the car is the Disturbed version (2015) of The Sound of Silence.

Fun Fact: the lead singer of the heavy metal band, Disturbed, used to be a Chazan (a Synagogue Cantor)! (Pentatonix do a great version that’s fun to harmonise with too – go try it!) 

Do you have a hidden talent and if so, what is it?
I think I’m pretty good at choosing the “right” gifts for people.

What do you wish you could tell your 12 year old self?
“Don’t worry, Daph! All those heated arguments with your Jewish Studies teachers and being sent out of class for asking the “wrong” questions about Judaism, will stand you in VERY good stead in about 30 years’ time….”

If you could pass on any wisdom to your students, what would you share?
Hmmm…. How long have I got?

• There are no “wrong” questions about Judaism, if you care enough to search for and consider the many answers you will find…
• There is good in everyone you meet. If you look for it, with open heart, mind and arms, you will find what unites us all: Our humanity and souls. 
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  Emanuel students taking part in Emoticomplicated