We are so pleased that more than 100 grandparents joined our online Grandparents Club event that was held on Wednesday 23 March.
A warm welcome from our Foundation President
In welcoming our guests, Moriah Foundation President Judy Lowy spoke of the importance of remaining connected and engaged with you – our wonderful grandparents, keeping you updated about the work of The Foundation, and providing you with the opportunity to hear from our College leadership about Moriah life.“You play such an important role in the lives of your family, and as grandparents of Moriah, you understand how critical it is that we provide our children with a first-class Jewish and general education, giving them the best possible start in life.”
Thanking our grandparents and donors for their support of The Moriah Foundation, Judy shared that together, we have assisted so many families through the pandemic; helped children who otherwise would not have the opportunity to receive a Moriah education; invested in our educators; brought innovative programs to our children; supported inclusion and in the not-too-distant future, plan to launch a capital appeal to upgrade our buildings and facilities.
In reflecting on the Foundation’s ten-year anniversary, and ongoing commitment to continuing to invest in our children, Judy invited grandparents to play an active role in The Moriah Foundation. “Whether it’s through volunteering, contributing to our campaigns, attending our events, or being advocates and ambassadors for our school, we welcome your support.”
Judy invited Rabbi Smukler to introduce our keynote speaker, Rabbi Krebs, and thanked Rabbi Smukler for his outstanding educational leadership, delivering academic rigor, excellence in teaching quality, and a positive education culture, with Jewish values at the core of all that we do.
Inspiration from our College Principal
Describing Moriah as not only the cornerstone, but the bedrock of our community, Rabbi Smukler noted that it is our grandparents who are the critical vanguards of Moriah College, keeping our community strong and on track.
In thanking our grandparents for the sacrifices, they have made and will continue to make for their children, Rabbi Smukler reflected that “as grandparents we want our grandchildren to be the next powerful strong links in the glorious golden chain in Jewish identity.”
Rabbi Smukler introduced our new College Rabbi, Rabbi Gad Krebs, sharing that he has already made a significant impact on the school in the short time he has been with us and is uniquely placed to promote Jewish continuity for Sydney and beyond.
Our keynote speaker, Rabbi Krebs
In a warm and open address, Rabbi Krebs spoke about his own personal journey in exploring and connecting with his Jewish heritage, and his search for a deeper understanding as to why his Jewish identity is so important.
Rabbi Krebs shared that since commencing as College Rabbi at Moriah, he has witnessed the strong sense of connectivity and pride that our children have with their Jewish identity. “When I walk onto the campus, I see an unbelievable fertile ground. There is such a beautiful thirst for Jewish identity among the students and so much potential that we are going to nurture, flourish and bring to fruition.”
Rabbi Krebs spoke of the vision he has to work together in partnership with our Moriah family to make Moriah College a source of inspiration for the entire community.
Highlighting the importance of creating multiple portals of Jewish engagement for our children, Rabbi Krebs noted that we can connect our children to their Jewish identity in a myriad of ways, based on each child’s individual priorities and interests.
Rabbi Krebs reflected that it is the grandparent role to show our children that Judaism is about love and acceptance. In sharing Jewish experiences with our grandchildren, whether it be at a Pesach seder or a Shabbat meal, we should create an atmosphere in which our children feel loved, embraced and accepted, and where the door for Jewish continuity is always open to being expressed in different ways.
In conversation with our Foundation Director
In conversation with Rabbi Krebs, Foundation Director Ryan Kassel explored whether our children are less engaged with their Jewish identity than previous generations.
Rabbi Krebs shared the evolution of Judaism and Jewish expression, noting that previous generations tended to focus on ritualistic traditions, and our current generation of children are looking for deeper connections and greater understanding of what their Jewish identity means to them.
Rabbi Krebs expressed his positive outlook for Jewish continuity among our children, predicting that our community will go from strength to strength. “Even if our children don’t engage with Judaism in the same way as previous generous, it doesn’t mean they are less connected.”
In closing, Rabbi Krebs noted that our greatest leaders will come from within our Moriah community and emphasised the importance of nurturing our children, and investing in their growth.
The morning concluded with a video of our musical scholars and some Purim celebration highlights.
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