Rising up for Moriah
Principal and alumnus Mira Hasofer said, "The world has changed ... and the way we prepare our graduates to enter the workforce must change with it.
More than 2600 members of the Jewish community came together for Moriah College’s Rise Up Capital Appeal event last week in aid of raising funds to rebuild the college’s high school.
“It’s a once-in-a-generation opportunity to shape our future – to align the pedagogical with the physical – to make an investment in our children and grandchildren, and our Jewish community, that will pay dividends for decades to come,” Moriah College president Robbie Blau said.
Through videos, student performances and special appearances from descendants of the founders of the college, the audience was taken on a moving journey through Moriah’s 81-year history.
Principal and alumnus Mira Hasofer said, “The world has changed … and the way we prepare our graduates to enter the workforce must change with it.
“What we need now and what the future demands is a technology-infused environment where creativity, critical thinking, communication and collaboration can continue to grow.”
A highlight of the event was a video message from Israeli President Isaac Herzog, who praised Moriah for its unwavering commitment to nurturing the next generation of Jewish leaders. On display at the event was a gift from the State of Israel: a two-tonne rock uncovered near the Kotel in Jerusalem, which will become a central feature in the new building.
Moriah immediate past president and Capital Appeal co-chair Stephen Jankelowitz said, “Just as the Kotel has witnessed the triumphs and trials of the Jewish people throughout the centuries, it will symbolically ground us in our values and heritage.”
More than $55 million for the project has been raised so far.
Moriah Foundation president and Capital Appeal co-chair Judy Lowy said, “What we do here tonight is bigger than any one of us. When we give, we send a powerful message to our families about what is important to us.”
An inspiring performance of Birkat Kohanim was performed by an orchestra of more than 100 alumni, conducted by Russell Hammond and accompanied by a choir of 120 primary school students led by Roberta Goot.
Prior to the main event, attendees were treated to a vibrant student showcase which featured a performance by the senior jazz band as well as a display of creative work from the Early Learning Centres, visual arts, design and technology students and alumni.
“It was an incredible night,” said one attendee. “To see the alumni orchestra, to feel the history and legacy of the school and to witness the entire community come together – people were in tears, it was so powerful.”
For more information on the campaign, visit riseupmoriah.org.au
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