Year 10 Boys’ School Wellbeing Day

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The Year 10 boys were treated to an incredible Wellbeing Immersive Experience at Saracens Rugby Club. They were offered PSHE sessions from Hope not Hate, JWA, the Clubhouse, and the Met Police. The students were also treated to a delicious lunch.

This experimental project was the brainchild of Ms Benarroch and it was amazing to see the boys engaged in some challenging topics in a positive way. Thanks to Ms Benarroch for organising an incredible day.

Thanks to Mr Simberg and Ms Ordman for accompanying the boys, and to Mr Tutty for helping to arrange the venue and to Kevin for arranging security.

We look forward to offering this experience to more students in the near future.

Black History Month

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Our amazing Mrs Abecasis and Mrs Katz created a phenomenal cross-curricular programme of events for Black History Month (BHM). Staff from almost every part of the curriculum found a way to integrate the themes of BHM into their lessons.

In Art, the students explored the work of Yinka Shonibare MBE, who created ‘Nelson’s Ship in a Bottle’ for the Fourth Plinth in Trafalgar Square. They looked at inspirational quotes from Black figures such as Shirley Chisholm, Michelle Obama and Martin Luther King.

Our Food Preparation and Nutrition department rose to the challenge of creating kosher-Covid compliant food tasting which was related to the African diaspora. This was certainly one of the most popular activities- thank you so much to Mrs Akintunde for bringing this all together.

Mrs Algranati had the students listening to Blues music, creating African drum rhythms, and absorbing the collaborations of Idan Raichel who has worked with Ethiopian Jews, Arabs, traditional Yemenite vocalists, a toaster and percussionist from Suriname, and a South African singer, among others.

In English, the students realised the danger of a single story. Our lives, our cultures, are composed of many overlapping stories. In her TED (Technology, Entertainment, Design) talk, novelist Chimamanda Adichie told the story of how she found her authentic cultural voice — and warns that if we hear only a single story about another person or country, we risk a critical misunderstanding. They had to rewrite a story which had been studied in the past in relation to the African diaspora and try to write it from their point of view. There was a lot of lively discussion in the lessons about the ‘hidden’ Black icons of our time, and of the Jewish contribution to the Civil Rights movement in America and anti-apartheid in South Africa.

History, French, Maths, Economics, Science, Psychology, and Business Studies all had their part to play in creating awareness of the often hidden contribution of the Black community to every aspect of our lives.

The JS department began with a Dvar Torah on the origins of race after the fall of the Tower of Bavel. The students watched a YouTube clip about racism in modern Israel and examined the religious response to racism. Rabbi Lerer’s excellent speech about the recent protests in America was also used.
Naftali Aklum came to the school to speak about Ethiopian Jews, their culture, some of their struggles in Ethiopia and thereafter in Israel. He also spoke about the journey to Sudan, using the film “The Red Sea Diving Resort” where his own brother was the Mossad agent. He shared his own experiences and how he overcame any misconceptions and started to believe in himself and his abilities.

This month’s experiences have provoked discussion, raised awareness, and increased interest in Black History and the contribution of the Black community to every aspect of our lives.

     

Interview with Michal Oshman

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HIPE created an unusual and exciting event with Michal Oshman, Head of Company Culture, Diversity and Inclusion at TikTok Europe and formerly responsible for international leadership and team development at Facebook. Throughout her career, Michal has trained and coached hundreds of tech leaders. She has three university degrees in psychodynamic and systemic thinking, sociology and anthropology.

Mrs Friedman interviewed Mrs Oshman, asking her the following questions:

Can you tell us a bit about your professional background, as well as your journey towards becoming religious? As a teenager, Michal was lost in her life. She tried too hard to be perfect all the time. Her career trajectory certainly mirrored her desire for outward perfection, gaining three degrees and working with the most cutting edge companies. Her work includes team development. This means that if you are clear about who you are in the workplace, you are more likely to inspire others around you. She joined TikTok a year ago where her role seems to be to establish the values of TikTok and how people in the company experience those values. She also helps people deal with challenges in life and make them feel that they belong to the company.

Where does Judaism / spirituality fit in? – Until age 38 she suffered with her own mental health. The lack of spirituality in her childhood, growing up in secular North Tel Aviv meant that she had no awareness of what Judaism had to offer. Years of therapy and medication did not really help. She did not even have any idea that she had a soul until she was 38. Michal was searching- literally searching Google as she typed in: anxiety/ depression/ Judaism. That last was a stroke of luck or a Heavenly hand. The articles of a Chabad professor (Freda Lowenthal) popped up and began to lead her on her journey of Jewish self-discovery.

How did that discovery change things? – Michal reconnected to her faith and heritage. She was curious. What does Judaism have to offer me? She realised that the deep ideas, once you allow them into your system- work. There is nothing more complete than a broken heart. She felt damaged and broken and learned that the best part of being broken is that you can mend yourself. You do not have to be perfect. Cracks are good.

Not looking for G-d but finding yourself – The big realisation was that it is not all about me. As a Jew, you are part of something which has been there for thousands of years. Michal found her answers in Chasidic wisdom.

Why do you end each chapter the same way? ‘If you change nothing, nothing will change’. Can you explain this? – You need to do this. What is the thought in your head which is not helping you? Can I get rid of it? If I don’t change it how can I help myself? One way to change is to admit that I make mistakes.

One chapter is about making space for others – most self-help books are about me not we. Her book is different as she posits that you could make yourself less so you can make more space for others. By reducing your own ego you can have more sensitivity to others.

Making mistakes is a sense of completion- what was your ‘best’ mistake? She thought one boyfriend was ‘the one’ but on the day she thought he would propose he said ‘I know we are being serious, but if we were to go to a desert island I would not take you’. At the time it broke her- she felt she would never be loved and was like that for two years. He broke her heart and her confidence. But now she is here with her husband and four children. ‘This too shall pass’ – please G-d we should all have a long life and we have to believe that the things which seem to break us will eventually pass.

After the interview, ice coffee, grapes and rogelach were on offer, as well as the chance to buy HIPE ‘merch’ such as a card holder that goes on your phone case which says: ‘Feel like you will achieve, and you will achieve’ .

The second part of the event was a guided learning session, using sources about the ability to achieve. Sixth Form students worked with girls from Years 10 and 11 to delve into the texts to understand the Torah perspective on confidence.

It was a fabulous, inspiring morning for all the students. Thank you to our HIPE team, Mrs Friedman and to Michal Oshman for facilitating this unique event.

   

 

 

Boy’s School Football News!

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The first match of the football season was played last week by a strong Year 8 team against Saracens High School in the U13’s Barnet Cup. Hasmonean were victorious with a 3-1 win.

This week, our school was represented by the Year 9 team for the U14 Barnet Cup vs Archer Academy, Finchley. Hasmonean were again triumphant with a 4-3 win! Well done to our footballers!

200 students at Beis

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It was lovely to see over 200 students at Beis on Monday 18th October.

Jack Petchey “Speak Out” Challenge!

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This November, two of our students reached the 2021 Grand Final of the Jack Petchey “Speak Out” Challenge! Over 9,000 young people participated this year, and only 15 make it to the Grand Final.

Alegria B won the Barnet Regional Final outright with her original and humorous study of her own name and the challenges which it can present to some. In addition, as a semifinalist, Natan B, whose subject was “Is Big Tech a Force for Good?” was also invited to compete.

The Final will take place on Wednesday 29th November at the Cambridge Theatre. Congratulations to both Alegria and Natan for reaching the Final. Thank you to Mrs Jacobson and Mrs Serfaty for supporting our students. It is a remarkable achievement for two students from the same school to have reached the Final.

 

Young Writers’ Competition – Extract from WIZO Facebook

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WIZO, together with The Jewish News and PJ Library in the UK held the prize giving ceremony for their Young Writers’ Competition. The pupils put pen to paper and wrote about the topic ‘Courage’ and the winner in the high school category was Maya G. Ms Brice accompanied Ariella G, who accepted the prizes on Maya’s behalf. Guest judge, Ivor Baddiel, described Maya’s essay as magical. Maya and the Hasmonean English department were each gifted an iPad.

Photo from Wizo FB page:
L-R: Maureen Fisher, WIZOuk CEO, Lauren Hamburger, Director of PJ Library in the UK, Ariella G (rep. of Maya G collecting the prizes on her behalf), Daisy W, guest judge Ivor Baddiel, Daniel S, Annabel Stelzer, WIZO Chair and Fran Wolfisz of The Jewish News

THE WINNING ENTRY:

Simchat Beit HaShoevah – Girls’ School

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On Thursday 23rd September, Chol Hamoed Succot, the Girls’ School Hall resonated with the sounds of music, laughter and song as around 200 girls (Years 7-8 followed by Years 9-13) had the most fantastic evening.

With waffles on offer and the HIPE team to hand, everyone enjoyed a safe and fun-filled evening.

Thank you to Mrs Paster, Mrs Epton, Mrs Rand, Mrs Friedman, Miss Gelley, and Miss Sprei for joining in the fun. And, of course, thanks to the one and only Kevin, without whom no school event would be complete.

 

Girls’ School Erev Yom Kippur

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The Erev Yom Kippur Yom Iyun was short, yet perfectly formed.

HIPE ran a fun, informative and interactive session with Years 7-9. They explored the three key concepts of Tefilla, Teshuva and Tzedaka. These words are repeated throughout the day, they are both simple and profound and unlock the intricacies of the Yom Kippur Tephilla. They looked at everyday habits, which can be so hard to break, and linked this to the concept of Teshuva. The students were asked to write down aspects of their lives that they could improve upon, ranging from the general ‘ME’ to the more specific ‘to be more careful about how I say Shema’. The third task was to choose a time frame to take on the new habit, such as ‘Once a week I will really focus on my Shema’. This was written on its own small notecard.

Moving onto Tephilla, HIPE presented two options: all the girls agreed that it was unfair that if one person was late to class, the whole class should have detention; most also agreed that if a few girls did well, everyone could have an ice cream party! This suggests that we do want to be a part of a community so we can benefit from the good that so many do. Hence the fact that the language of Tephilla on Yom Kippur is in the plural. To create a practical approach to this, each student was given a bookmark with the words ‘One who davens for another…will himself first be answered.’ On the reverse was a name of another student. Going forward, this markers, in the siddur of each student could focus their Tephilla on another student.

The activity continued with each student tying her notecard to a biodegradable balloon, to be released outside. Rabbi Fachler explained that human beings are the only creation who can look up. We look up to Hashem when we are in trouble, and we look up when we are full of joy. With that, hundreds of pink and yellow balloons were joyfully released.

Parts of the programme were run by the JS staff who explored the theme of appreciating Yom Kippur as a day of opportunity to change and start the new year with a clean slate. The students explored the obstacles to meaningful change based on the writings of Rabbi Dr Avraham Twersky and spoke about how to overcome negative labels that we have placed on ourselves. The session finished with the students filling cards to put in their Machzor with their hopes and prayers for the year ahead.

Years 10 and 11 also heard Rabbi Peretz Goldstein, of SEED in Borehamwood. He wove in a great range of personal anecdotes to show the girls that Judaism is a religion of love. Even though we argue with our friends and family, we do all love each other. Even though we may ‘argue’ with Hashem, He still loves us. He is ‘Avinu Av HaRachaman’; our Father who loves us. However, why is He ‘Avinu’ and not ‘Imenu’- our Mother? The comparison Rabbi Goldstein brought was from a Holocaust story, where mothers had to choose which child to save. A mother’s love is individually focussed on each child, whereas a father’s love is less targeted. We want a father’s love on Yom Kippur as it is unconditional. Yet, we must also fear a father in a way that we do not fear a mother.

He developed the concept of Teshuva by breaking it down into small chunks, using the idea that ‘big ideas define little people and little ideas define big people.’ Start small. Each small step in personal change create huge growth in a person.

The Sixth Form were privileged to hear a very special speaker, Mrs Chavi Teller. Immediately after giving birth, Chavi was placed in an induced coma with Covid-19 pneumonia. They heard the story of her life-changing recovery and why the hospital staff nicknamed her “the miracle lady.”

Thank you to Rabbi Bennett, the HIPE and all the JS staff who created this inspirational programme, taking the girls into Yom Kippur in a way which will empower their Tephilla.

A Trio of Cambridge Psychologists

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This October, three alumni of Hasmonean Girls will be embarking on their next academic adventure. Hannah (Kings), Hannah (Jesus) and Aurelia (Lucy Cavendish) will all be taking their places at Cambridge to read Psychology.

Hannah studied Maths, Further Maths, Chemistry and Psychology at A-level, following her academic success with a year at MMY. She wrote of her time in Sem: ‘It just made me appreciate the diversity within our nation and the connection we all have to each other – there’s a reason why almost everyone has an “only in Israel” story. My favourite part outside of the learning was visiting ancient places and walking where our ancestors did.’ While in Cambridge, Hannah is excited to ‘start the journey of learning how I can positively affect the future of healthcare, mental health and psychology.’ Ultimately, she would like to work with schools helping to improve approaches to neuro-divergent children.

Aurelia had two gap years after completing A-levels in Maths, Economics and Psychology (as well as an EPQ). For her first gap year, she attended TVA, a Bnei Akiva Sem. The programme included learning, working on Kibbutz, teaching English and touring the Land. Her second year was spent working as a special needs (SEN) teaching assistant in a primary school. At Lucy Cavendish, Aurelia will be studying PBS (psychological and behavioural sciences) with the option of adding sociology and philosophy modules. Her dream is to be a clinical psychologist but as she loves working with children the path of educational psychology is also an option.

Hannah studied Psychology, Maths and Chemistry at A-level followed by a year at Michlalah. She particularly appreciates the support given by Hasmonean in creating her Personal Statement and giving her the confidence to apply for Jesus. Her year in Jerusalem was an amazing experience where she was able to be completely immersed in Torah studies, whilst also discovering more about our connection to Eretz Yisrael through the many Tiyulim organised by Michlalah. Hannah is really looking forward to the next three years at Cambridge. Her time in Israel has affirmed her desire to make Aliyah and train as a clinical psychologist once she has completed her degree.

All three young women are wonderful examples of what can be achieved through sheer hard work and the support of school, family and friends. It is not easy for a young, religious woman to go up to Cambridge- by going together, they can support each other and contribute to the rich Jewish student life around Thompsons Lane, as well to the wider student community.

Good luck to you all!