27 May 2024

Ladies and gentlemen, tonight I wish to thank and applaud Stephen, however, before I do, indulge me for just a few minutes. It is beautiful to have Jo and Stephen’s children Adam and Daniel here this evening.

Firstly Steve, thank you for your kind words.

I am deeply honoured to be entrusted with this very important role in our community.

I stand on the shoulders of each of the dedicated and visionary leaders who have served this esteemed school before me.

I am deeply committed to upholding our values and ethos. I will serve Moriah College with dedication, passion and an unwavering focus on growth and excellence in each of our endeavours.

I am privileged to lead a group of exceptional volunteers who give an extraordinary amount of their time, skills, and expertise for the betterment of our college and community. I am looking forward to working with you and I thank you all in advance. I welcome David Taub and Gary Pinshaw to the board.

I am excited to work with Mira and your outstanding Executive and excellent team, each and every one of whom make the magic for our children day in and day out.

Daisy, a lot has been said about you, but I am just going to say that none of us could do this without you.

This is not the time and place for me to expand on my own vision for my presidency, that time will come soon.

I do want to say that I have taken on this responsibility because of the critical role that I believe Jewish education in general, and a modern orthodox Zionist focussed Jewish education more particularly, plays in our community.

The unfortunate events of the last few months and the very unfortunate events of the last few days in Melbourne, really hit Australia. We all have to be here and protect these institutions and make sure that there is continuity forever for our children and grandchildren.

Teaching our children to have a strong, unwavering belief in themselves and in their Jewish values, religion, and heritage and of course a love of and commitment to the existence and security of our beloved State of  Israel, has never ever been more important, actually vital, for our survival.

The events of October 7 and the hatred that has enveloped our world, and indeed our own beautiful country since then can only be combatted with light. For me EDUCATION IS THAT LIGHT. THAT IS WHY WE ARE ALL HEAR, AND THAT’S WHY I AM HERE!!!

Ladies and Gentlemen, this evening we gather in both celebration and reflection as we bid farewell to Stephen Jankelowitz, a leader who leaves an indelible mark on the College.  Stephen has dedicated nearly two decades of his life to the betterment of this remarkable school. His journey has been one of unwavering commitment and visionary leadership, always setting the highest standards and pursuing excellence.

Steven, if I go through every committee you have stood on and each of your achievements, we will be here all night, so I will only speak to a few highlights.

Stephen’s journey began in 2007 when he was elected to the College Board. Little did he know that this would be the beginning of a significant chapter in his life – a chapter characterised by selfless service to our community. Over the years, Stephen’s leadership has evolved and flourished, from his role as Honorary Treasurer to his tenure as Deputy President and, finally, his ascension to the Presidency in 2018.

Throughout his tenure, Stephen’s impact has been felt across every facet of Moriah College’s operations. His leadership of approximately 26 different committees, each addressing critical aspects of our institution’s governance and development, has been exemplary. From guiding the selection of two College Principals to spearheading key initiatives such as the formation of the Capital Management Advisory Committee, serving on the Moriah Foundation Board and also as President of Kehillat Moriah, Stephen has consistently demonstrated a deep understanding of the complexities of leading this organisation.

Under Stephen’s guidance, Moriah College has achieved a number of important milestones.

• Supporting the roll out of our strategic plan implemented in 2015 which served as a roadmap for excellence in teaching and learning, student growth, and community engagement
• The opening of our magnificent Early Learning Centre at the Queens Park campus with places for 80 children, aged two to five. This realised a long-held dream to have students from ELC to Year 12 on the one campus. With the opening of the Queens Park ELC, for the first time in Moriah’s history, we were able to give our students the opportunity to experience their Moriah education on a single campus from the beginning of their early childhood journey to the end of High School.

• The Board School Improvement Plan which focussed on three key areas of delivering superior academic outcomes, ensuring quality teaching and building a positive education culture.

The commemoration of our 75th and 80^th anniversaries were both a celebration of time passed and a commitment to honouring our rich heritage as well as fostering a sense of belonging within our community.

Yet, it is during times of adversity that true leadership shines brightest – and there have been many challenges over the past six years!

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented challenges, and Stephen’s leadership, in partnership with Rabbi Smukler, remained resolute and unwavering. The swift establishment of the B’Yachad Online Learning Platform ensured continuity in education, whilst his prudent financial leadership led to the repayment of significant debt, showcasing Stephen’s resilience and strategic foresight.

Finally, Stephen played an integral role in the development of the masterplan, which culminated in the SSDA approval to redevelop the High School on Queens Park Campus. Further to this, Stephen is the Co-Chair of the Capital Appeal Committee leading the project to raise funds for the redevelopment. The time that Stephen has devoted and the countless meetings that he has been involved in, is a testament to his dedication. His sound advice and guidance has catalysed the support of many key individuals and corporates. Over the next few months as the campaign builds even further, Stephen’s role will become even more critical, and we continue to be appreciative of his commitment to lead this pivotal Moriah initiative.

Ladies and gentlemen, for me, it is Steve’s personal journey that illustrates his love for and commitment to our college and the depth of his character more profoundly than anything else I have mentioned this evening.

The passing of his beloved Brenda z’l in October 2018, a few months after he became president and the immense pain and loss and the challenges of single parenthood that that brought would have deterred lesser individuals. Not Steve, on the contrary, his determination and resolve strengthened him and his unwavering dedication to both family and community served as a beacon of inspiration to us all.

As Steve’s role changes from President to Immediate Past President, we say thank you to a leader whose legacy will endure long after his departure. Steve, your vision and unwavering dedication have inspired us all, and your impact will continue to guide us in the years to come.

Steve, on a personal note, it has been a real honour and privilege to serve alongside you as your deputy for the past six years.

You have been a great mentor, and at the same time we have built a strong partnership that has ensured that we served the college in the best way we know.

Most of all Steve, you are a mensch of significant proportions, and I am very proud to call you my close friend.

When we embarked on this journey, we set a very clear goal, to leave Moriah College in a better state than when we started. Well, you have achieved that in spades, Steve.

On behalf of the entire Moriah College community, we extend our deepest gratitude for your service, your sacrifice, and your unwavering commitment to excellence. As you embark on a new chapter in your journey, know that you carry with you the gratitude and admiration of all those whose lives you have touched.

May your path ahead be filled with boundless opportunities, profound fulfillment, and the same sense of purpose that has guided you throughout your tenure at Moriah College. I know that whichever community organisation attracts you next is very lucky. I also know that it won’t be very long before that happens!!

And finally, we pray for the return of all the hostages taken captive and still held in unspeakable conditions in Gaza for over 234 days, for the safety and security of the IDF carrying out their defence of the State of Israel, and for a full recovery for all those injured in battle.

Am Yisrael Chai!

ROBBIE BLAU
COLLEGE PRESIDENT ELECT