Last week, we hosted a truly memorable event that filled our hearts with joy at our Early Learning Centre (ELC) at Dover Road. As part of our ongoing commitment to family values and fostering a strong Jewish heritage, we welcomed grandparents to a special Kabbalat Shabbat celebration. This year’s event was even more special as we commemorated the 80th year of our beloved College.
As the event unfolded, I took the opportunity to share a piece of history with the grandparents and children present. I explained that they were standing on the very site where the original King David Preparatory School had once stood. For some of the grandparents, this was a poignant reminder of their own children attending the school in previous years. Incredibly, some of the grandparents themselves were proud graduates of Moriah College. The sense of continuity and connection was truly remarkable.
I informed everyone that the upcoming week also marked the yahrzeit (anniversary of passing) of the esteemed founder of Moriah College, Mr Abraham Rabinowitz. It was a meaningful coincidence that we were celebrating such a heartfelt event in the very same week. Having been a part of the original Moriah College as a student starting in Year 3, I had the privilege of meeting Mr. Rabinowitz on a few occasions. He was a visionary man, passionate about education and devoted to the success of the College. Remarkably, he had no children, but he embraced each and every student at Moriah as if they were his own. To him, the children who attended Moriah were his legacy, and he poured his heart and soul into ensuring they received the best education and cherished their Jewish heritage.
I couldn’t help but imagine how much joy and pride Mr. Rabinowitz would have felt if he could witness the gathering of grandparents enjoying the Kabbalat Shabbat with their beloved grandchildren. It would have been the fulfillment of his lifelong dream to see that Moriah College had become a place where Jewish education and heritage are treasured, and a strong bond between generations is nurtured.
As I looked around the room at our Grandparents’ Shabbat, what touched me deeply was the inclusivity of the occasion. While some children didn’t have their actual grandparents living in the same city, they were not left out. Some loving friends stood in place of grandparents, including Judy Wilkenfeld, an alumna of the College. Judy’s mother, Betty, had been one of the original teachers at the old Moriah College in Bellevue Hill. It was wonderful to witness the genuine bonds formed between these special friends and the children they supported.
The day started with challah baking downstairs, where grandparents and grandchildren shared in the joy and tradition of the activity. Later, we moved upstairs to the Hamakom Hall, where the children sat with their grandparents. As everyone received their songbooks, the room filled with the sound of children and grandparents singing Shabbat songs together.
A highlight of the Shabbat was when Aria Faludi’s grandmother came to the family table to light her special candles on unique candlesticks she brought from home. This ritual has become a cherished tradition, with grandparents sharing inspiring stories of how they obtained their candlesticks and kiddush cups. We finished the event with everyone singing the beautiful song “Oseh Shalom”.
Afterwards, a grandparent approached our College Principal Rabbi Smukler to express their appreciation for the experience. They said that occasions like this were precisely why they chose Moriah College for their grandchildren—a place where they could witness the joy of learning and embrace their Jewish heritage with naches.
Over the years, Moriah College has made a concerted effort to involve grandparents more actively in their grandchildren’s education, through events like this Kabbalat Shabbat, as well as art and music programs where grandparents can engage in their grandchild’s journey. This deeper connection brings forth the true essence of our family-oriented school.
In some cases, our Grandparents’ Kabbalat Shabbat events serve as an educational opportunity for grandparents who may have forgotten certain traditions or rituals from their own past. Witnessing the Shabbat experience with their grandchildren can reignite a sense of nostalgia and encourage them to embrace a more observant and meaningful Shabbat in their own homes.
The historical significance of this year’s Grandparents’ Shabbat added an extra layer of meaning to the celebration. To stand on the same site where Jewish education has been flourishing for over forty years was awe-inspiring. It showcased the essence of family values, generational bonds, and the enduring strength of our Jewish heritage. We are looking forward to Grandparents’ Shabbat services at our Glenayr and Queens Park campuses soon, where we can come together to celebrate the unity, joy, and inspiration these gatherings bring to our Moriah Family.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Velvel Lederman (affectionately known as Uncle Velvel) was one of the first Moriah students to return as a staff member. He has been teaching at Moriah since 1978 and after an incredible 45 years, his enthusiasm is still as strong as ever! Click here to watch Uncle Velvel sharing his Moriah memories as part of our ’80 in 80 Video Project’.
moriahcollegeblog.com 