Editorial – 20/06/2019

Dear Parents,

The Parsha opens with Hashem’s instructions to Aharon Hacohen to light the menorah in order to ‘raise light’ for the Jewish people. The Menorah as an icon is profoundly significant – Midrash Raba discusses the fact that the offerings in the Beis hamikdash were only extant for the life of the temple whilst the lights of the Menorah continued to burn during the Chanukah story and to this very day.

The Midrash continues to say that, when a person builds a home, he makes the windows narrower on the outside and wider on the inside so that the light from the outside should illuminate the interior of the house. However, the Menorah of the Beis Hamikdash (and all subsequent Menorahs) emanates light to the outside in order to illuminate the world.

We are very proud that Hasmonean’s symbol is the Menorah – we aim to always teach our students that they are part of this important concept. Our actions and deeds need to illuminate the world wherever and whenever they are perceived. This is essential and a really important lesson which we can learn from the Parshah.

I hope that you will be able to join us at our own festival of light: The Boys’ School Celebratory Afternoon next Thursday 27th June at 3.30pm in order to share in our nachas and joy.

Have a wonderful Shabbos,

Mrs D Lebrett
Headteacher
Hasmonean High School for Boys