It was wonderful to once again come together on campus for our annual Term 1 Grandparents Club event, welcoming our precious grandparents and special friends to the new school year to hear insights firsthand from our College leadership – Rabbi Smukler, Mark Hemphill, Lynda Fisher and Rabbi Gad Krebs.
As Moriah celebrates our 80th birthday, we kicked off the morning with a moving and inspiring video that showcased so many of Moriah’s highlights and extraordinary growth over the decades. The dreams and aspirations of our founders remain as true today as they were 80 years ago – to provide our children with a first-class Jewish and general education, steeped in modern orthodox Zionist Jewish values.
“Moriah is a pre-eminent school that delivers academic excellence and incredible co-curricular offerings, but we are so much more. We are a community school here to educate and grow greatness in each and every child, regardless of their academic ability, equipping our children with knowledge, role models and a true sense of belonging.” Judy Lowy, Foundation President
Judy also extended her deep appreciation to the late Maadi Einfeld – the loving wife of John I Einfeld, for recently leaving a gift in her will to Moriah.
Maadi’s gift will enable more children to receive a Moriah education and will ensure John and Maadi Einfeld’s values and beliefs live on and inspire others.
Words of wisdom from Rabbi Gad Krebs
College Rabbi, Rabbi Krebs, spoke about how fortunate we are in Australia to have our freedom, and not to experience antisemitism. The important goal of Moriah College is to instil in our children a deep sense of appreciation for what it means to be Jewish, an understanding of what our Jewish values are, and how they can remain committed and connected members of our community.
“Thank you for your support as we continue to do our important work in building and nurturing the next generation of our community.” Rabbi Gad Krebs
A treasure chest of memories
Year 10 Moriah student, Willow Lang, shared her precious treasure chest of memories since joining Moriah in Year 7 including leading prayer groups, chagim celebrations, counterpoint camps, a plethora of extracurricular programs, opportunities to give back to the community and, importantly, the friends she has made.
“We are not just individuals anachnu yehudim. We are Jews. We are part of one big family, united by our school experiences and memories for the rest of our lives.”
Willow Lang
Questions from our audience
Foundation Director Ryan Kassel moderated a Q&A panel comprised of College Principal, Rabbi Yehoshua Smukler, College Rabbi, Rabbi Gad Krebs, Head of High School, Mr Mark Hemphill and Head of Primary School, Mrs Lynda Fisher.
Rabbi Smukler shared how Moriah remains strong by placing students first, employing passionate, quality educators, remaining connected to the community and ensuring Moriah has the resources and facilities we need.
Mrs Fisher discussed the importance of early years learning at Moriah, to help our children access learning and social interactions and navigate the complexity of the world to become the best version of themselves. “The biggest investment people have to make for their children is to send them to Moriah as soon as possible.”
Mr Hemphill described what makes Moriah so special is that students are encouraged to ask questions, staff adapt to the way children think and we are truly inclusive. “We accept all children regardless of academic ability… As a school, we are catering, in a far better way, to a far broader range of students so every Jewish child in Sydney has the opportunity to come to Moriah and be included rather than excluded.”
At Moriah, we strive for excellence. Excellence in academics, co-curricular, in our focus on the wellbeing of every child, and in our focus on every child being a proud Jew with Jewish values who understands who they are and where they belong.
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