For Some, It’s End of Year

Some experiences are not easily forgotten. They hang in our memories as vivid snapshots; moments of pride, enjoyment or amazement; times when expectations are exceeded in a way that we remember forever.

Such an experience was unanimously stamped with this merit when more than 400 Jewish families joined to celebrate Jewish learning and the achievements of their children at the JEMs end of year party, held at the Kesser Torah College Hall on Thursday evening.

The event also focused on the more then 45 teens from Kesser Torah College and Moriah College who volunteer their time every week with the children.

JEMs founders, Rabbi Yossi Shuchat and his wife Rivky, hosted the evening, attended by the Honorary Gabrielle Upton MP, Rabbis, community leaders and representatives from Kesser Torah College and Moriah College.

Rabbi Shuchat said the event was an opportunity to show the children how important their acheivment in Jewish studies and Hebrew is and how valued the teens’ contribution to the community is.

JEMs aims to create within the children and teens, and by extension to their families, a pride and love towards Judaism and to foster strong communal involvement.

The spotlight of the night was firmly on the children and teen volunteers who take part in the JEMs program each week. Every child took part in class performances of songs in both Hebrew and English as well as performances and presentations. The student volunteers who assist in the program presented the children with certificates and gifts.

The children who attend JEMs do not attend Jewish day schools and are given the opportunity to integrate with the teen volunteers who do attend Jewish day schools, creating communal integration.

Rabbi Shuchat said the evening was a success in giving JEMs families an opportunity to see the spirit and enjoyment of Jewish learning by their children.