Term 1 Reflections and Looking Ahead

As Term 1 comes to a close, it is wonderful to reflect on a term filled with connection, celebration and meaningful Jewish learning across our BJE community.

One of the highlights of the term was our Purim Fairs at Rose Bay Public School and Bellevue Hill Public School. The joy, colour and excitement were truly felt as students and families came together to celebrate. These moments remind us that strengthening Jewish identity happens not only through learning, but through shared joy — when we come together, walk a little taller, and celebrate who we are with confidence and pride.

We were especially excited to return to Rose Bay Public School with the introduction of a new BJE Enrichment class. Being back on campus has been incredibly meaningful, and it has been a pleasure to see students engaging so positively with Jewish learning, strengthening their connection to Jewish life in a way that feels relevant, joyful and empowering. Interested in joining our Enrichment Program? Click here to learn more

This term also saw the reintroduction of our Seder presentations at both Bellevue Hill Public School and Rose Bay PublicSchool. These presentations allowed students to explore the story of Pesach through discussion, ritual and song, helping them connect ancient traditions to their own lives and deepen their understanding of our shared story.

A central part of BJE’s work continues to be our Hebrew classes, which play a vital role in strengthening Jewish identity. Hebrew is more than a subject we teach — it is a bridge to our texts, our prayers, our culture and our people. As cultural thinker Ahad Ha’am so powerfully observed, “More than Jews have preserved the Hebrew language, the Hebrew language has preserved the Jews.” By giving students the skills and confidence to engage with Hebrew, we are helping them develop a deeper sense of belonging, pride and connection to Jewish life both here in Australia andaround the world. Explore all Hebrew classes here.

We are also proud to have launched our inaugural BJE Bubs group, which meets every Wednesday morning and is always open to new enrolments. Made possible through the generous support of NSW Government funding, this program now brings together around 20 Jewish mums each week, creating a warm and welcoming space for young families to connect, learn and begin their Jewish journey together. These early experiences help lay the foundations for a lifelong relationship with Jewish life and community. Know someone with a bub? Feel free to pass it on. Learn more here.

Meanwhile, the BJE Hub in Bondi continues toflourish, offering meaningful Jewish experiences every Monday and Thursday afternoon. The Hub has become a vibrant gathering place — one where learning, friendships and Jewish pride grow stronger together.

As we approach Pesach, we are reminded of enduring themes of freedom, resilience and hope. Pesach invites us to tell our story, to ask questions, and to come together as families and communities. As Elie Wiesel so beautifully expressed, “Judaism is not only a religion; it is a way of life, a way of questioning, remembering and belonging.” We hope this Pesach provides time for meaningful conversations, joyful gatherings and moments of reflection that strengthen these bonds. We wish all our families a Pesach filled with warmth, connection and meaning around the Seder table.

Following Pesach, we look forward to the Ash Levi Leadership Camp, and we wish the Youth Engagement Team and all students attending a safe, joyful and deeply meaningful experience. Camp offers students a powerful opportunity to build friendships, strengthen identity and return home with confidence and pride in who they are.

BJE is also currently preparing a submission for the Royal Commission into Antisemitism. At times when members of our community feel challenged or unsettled, the most powerful and effective response is to strengthen Jewish life — to enhance our commitment to Jewish learning, to build strong Jewish homes, shuls and schools, and to wear our identity with pride. As part of this important work, I am keen to hear from members of our community. If you would like to discuss or share an experience of antisemitism in a non-Jewish school setting, please reach out to me at ceo@bje.nsw.edu.au. Your voice matters!

To learn more about our programs and upcoming opportunities, please visit www.bje.org.au. Thank you for your ongoing support and partnership. We look forward to continuing to grow, celebrate and learn together in Term 2.

Warm regards,
John Hamey
CEO, BJE

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