The London School of Jewish Studies has been proud to host a special programme for more than 50 gap year students who have had to return from seminaries, yeshivot and other educational programmes in Israel.
An initiative of Carine Stanton, whose nieces were affected by current events, the programme launched on Monday 23 October with morning shiurim covering the Tanach, Gemara and Halacha. These included fascinating talks on Hilchot Shabbat and the development of Chanukah, given by St John’s Wood Youth Director Toby Weiniger and Rabbi Michael Pollak. LSJS Chief Executive Joanne Greenaway spoke about her work at the London Beth Din surrounding resolving complex Get cases.
Now in its third week, Rabbi Barry Kleinberg and Rabbi Raphael Zarum have engaged the students with Jewish Thought and Practice shiurim, on topics such as the Rambam and Jewish Philosophy. Other educators have included Rabbi Danny Baigel, Rebbetzin Dr Hadassah Fromson Debbie Meyer and Michelle Sint.
During the afternoons, there were outings such as a Jewish tour of the British Museum, games at a board game café, sporting activities and volunteering opportunities. These were all run in partnership with organisations including Bnei Akiva UK, GIFT and The Warehouse, a non-profit community project promoting physical and mental wellbeing.
Sammy Garfinkel, who has returned to the UK from a pre-army Mechina programme, said: “I’ve liked how everyone’s been together learning, I feel that we needed it. I’ve particularly liked Rabbi Zarum’s shiurim and the trip with him to the British Museum – that was awesome. I really enjoyed the boxing and Krav Maga too. That was really fun and a chance to be active rather than cooped up.”
We all hope and pray that all the students will be back in Israel soon, continuing their gap years as planned. In the meantime, LSJS is around to provide support.
