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• Immanuel College Beit Midrash

The Jewish Year

Rosh Hashana

In the days running up to Rosh Hashana – the New Year – pupils have the opportunity during Shacharit to hear the blowing of the Shofar and recite the special prayers. A full school Tefilla and assembly erev Rosh Hasahana is led by the prefects to inspire the school before the start of the New Year.

Succot

When Succot is during term time, there is a succah erected near to the dining room so all pupils have the opportunity to eat their lunch in it for the duration of Succot. Jewish Studies lessons take place in the Succah with each year group having a special activity.

Chanukah

When Chanukah falls during term time, pupils join together to light the chanukiah, sing Chanukah songs and enjoy doughnuts and Chanukah ‘gelt’.  It is also an opportunity to raise money for charity – Zedakah – by holding a Chanukah fair. Last year, the Chanukah fair raised £1,000 for the school's chosen charities. There is also an end-of-term Chanukah concert where parents and pupils are entertained by the musical talents of students.

Yom HaShoah

Lower Sixth students who have recently returned from a 7 day, life-changing trip to Poland during the winter break, lead sessions for lower school pupils on Yom HaShoah, to explain to them about the atrocities that befell the Jewish People during the years of the Holocaust. Pupils also take part in commemoration ceremonies in the local community such as the Metropolitan Police and local synagogues.

Tu Bishvat

On Tu Bishvat, the holiday celebrating the 'birthday of the trees', pupils join in programmes within their Jewish Studies classes and often enjoy a fruit 'seder'. The Beit Midrash organises the pupils to make fruit baskets which are distributed via charity, GIFT. Students also take fruit platters and baskets to local senior citizens homes.

Purim

When Purim falls on a school day it is celebrated with great Immanuel energy and style. Pupils and teachers indulge their freedom to adopt a new identity for the day in numerous and interesting ways. The reading of Megillat Esther is a memorable occasion as a large screen that depicts the story in English with humorous photos and captions makes it a memorable occasion. Other activites during the day include the buying and exchanging of mishloach manot, student-led fundraising activities and a purim seuda for each form group.

Pesach

Pesach is not celebrated at school as it always occurs during the Spring Break. In the run-up to Pesach, pupils will learn about the Hagaddah and the Seder night rituals.

Yom Ha’atzmaut

Yom Ha’azmaut at Immanuel College is celebrated with great zeal. Pupils dress in blue and white, and often many pupils adorn themselves with Israeli flags. During morning tefillah, the additional Hallel prayers are recited. Sixth Form pupils arrange a charity fair and Israel-orientated activities focussing on the history of the State of Israel and the positive impact Israel has made on the world.

Beit HaMidrash Pre Chag programmes

Prior to each upcoming chag (Festival), every formal Jewish Studies curriculum lessons in years 7-9 has a Beit Midrash session in which the Chag is explored through an appropriate informal activity (Tochnit).
In addition the Beit Midrash team will organise a larger scale activity that takes place on or close to the date of the chag.

Activites in recent years have included:
• A Chanukah Beauty Spa for Year 10 and 13 girls
• Purim Carnival
• Lag baOmer Barbecue
• "Chanukah X-Factor” in conjunction with the Drama Department
• Shavuot “review-the-whole-torah-in-one-hour” (Reduced Shakespeare Company style)