Community to celebrate Mr G’s 90th birthday
'He believed in every child, often long before they believed in themselves.'
The Yeshivah-Beth Rivkah Colleges community will gather this Sunday, 19 July, to celebrate the 90th birthday of Mr Shmuel Gurewicz, known to generations of students, parents, staff and alumni as “Mr G”.
The event will honour Mr G’s decades of dedication to Beth Rivkah Ladies College, where he is remembered as a constant presence who never sought recognition but became woven into the story of the school through his commitment, kindness and care for others.
Mr G’s approach to education was inspired by the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, of righteous memory. Inspired by the Jewish concept of chinuch, meaning education, his belief was that every child possesses a unique God-given potential waiting to be uncovered. Rather than focusing solely on academic instruction, he sought to help each student discover their strengths, deepen their Jewish identity and recognise their own inherent worth.
“He believed in every child, often long before they believed in themselves,” his daughter Dassi said.
Alumnae from across the decades, along with current families, staff and friends, are expected to attend the celebration, which will include memories, laughter and tributes.
The event marks not only a birthday but also an acknowledgment of the impact one individual can have through a lifetime of showing up, helping others and strengthening a community without seeking the spotlight.
In Jewish tradition, honouring those who have dedicated their lives to the community is regarded as both a privilege and a responsibility. As Mr G reaches this milestone, the evening will give those whose lives he has touched an opportunity to express their gratitude and celebrate a legacy built through personalised impact rather than grand gestures.
Current and former members of the Beth Rivkah community are invited to attend. Please RSVP: tinyurl.com/br90bday