When the French daily newspaper Le Parisien came out with its annual list of best high schools in the country, many people probably did a double take at the No. 1 ranked school—Beth Hanna, a Chabad-Lubavitch girls’ school in Paris.
Not surprised were members of the Jewish community who are familiar with the school, noting that it is a welcoming place that builds strong dedication to Jewish life and values, and has graduated many girls over the years.
Among those who were pleased but not surprised is Rabbi Chaim Shneur Nisenbaum, who works at the preschool-through-grade 12 Complexe Scolaire Beth Haya Mouchka, which includes Beth Hanna.
Remarking that the school has been highly rated for several years, Nisenbaum says “it’s very important that the Jewish school should rank high—not only on the media list, but also on the Ministry of Education list because the schools are chosen not for their Jewishness, but for their preparation for the national French exams.”
“In France,” he continues, “the national exams and diplomas are central to the people and the culture, as they play a major role in ensuring the future of the students. It is particularly true of the Baccalauréat that students take upon finishing high school. The good results are a sign that the Jewish schools won the pedagogic battle on the general [education] field.”
The Chabad school system in Paris was founded by the late Rabbi Shmuel “Moulé” Azimov, who left a profound imprint upon the Jewish community of Paris and beyond. He grew it so extensively that today more than 1,500 girls are enrolled in the different divisions of Beth Haya Mouchka, with some 700 students in the high school alone.
It is the largest Jewish school in France and one of the largest in Europe.
RABBI KRINSKY VISITS
Rabbi Yehuda Krinsky, Chairman of Merkos L’Inyonei Chinuch and Machne Israel, the educational and social services arms of the Lubavitch movement, visited the campus on Monday.
The Rebbe‘s personal secretary for over 40 years, Rabbi Krinsky was the guest of the regional Kinus Hashluchim convention of 150 rabbis who lead Chabad centers, educational institutions and humanitarian services in France’s capital.
He was welcomed at the school by Rabbi Mendel Azimov, co-director of Beth Loubavitch – Chabad in Paris, and Rabbi Messod Touboul, director of the school who is credited with leading it to excellence.
Photos of the visit are by Thierry Guez.
shaina azimov’s school!!!
Its the most amazing school!!
Im sure that the Rebbe and Rabbi Azimov are proud of it and of all the students….
looks like the Frierdiker Rebbe in the back