Jewish Life at Clore Shalom
Jewish life is at the heart of our school community and extends far beyond the classroom. Throughout the year, there are many opportunities for our children to experience, celebrate and participate in Jewish life together.
Every day, the whole school comes together for T’fillah (prayer) during assembly, where we learn new prayers and songs and develop our understanding and enjoyment of Jewish prayer. One day a week T’fillah is led by Year 6 children in classes, giving them valuable opportunities to develop their confidence and leadership skills. Parents are invited to celebrate Shabbat with us at our Kabbalat Shabbat Assemblies. Our Friday Night Dinners and Challah bakes, are another special part of school life, bringing classes together to enjoy a Shabbat experience, share a meal and experience the warmth and joy of Shabbat together.
Our Jewish Life Leaders programme gives three Year 6 children each term the opportunity to take an active role in leading Jewish life across the school. They help prepare the Shabbat table and take responsibility for a range of other Jewish activities, helping to ensure that Jewish life is something that our children actively shape and lead. Festivals are celebrated throughout the school with whole-school experiences that bring our community together. These include creative activities such as making decorations for our Sukkah, or opportunities for new learning and exploration around Shavuot. We also invite parents into school to celebrate special festivals together at Pesach and Chanukah to learn, celebrate and enjoy the occasion as a whole community.
Our Jewish values also inspire us to look beyond our school and think about the contribution we can make to the wider community. Mitzvah Day provides opportunities for children to put these values into action, whether by visiting elderly members of the community or taking part in projects that contribute to wider society. We also work closely with our local Jewish communities through visits from Rabbis and youth workers, whilst also having the support of our Rabbinic Trustee – Rabbi DY. We have been building a relationship with Leo Baeck Education Center in Haifa which has young people coming from Israel to work at Clore Shalom.
Through all of these experiences, children develop a strong sense of Jewish identity, community and responsibility, while discovering the joy of celebrating and living Jewish life together.