UJIA JAMS Further Expansion in mainstream schools

As part of its expansion plans UJIA JAMS now operates in 20 schools across London. Below are just some examples of the work UJIA JAMS does in conjunction with mainstream schools to bring informal Jewish education to life.

Here are some comments about what has been happening in schools recently...

Bancrofts

Since the beginning of September Bancrofts have run assemblies on Rosh Hashanah and Three Religions and One Land. Going forward they hope to run assemblies on the Israel-Gaza situation and arrange interfaith assemblies bringing together Jewish, Muslim, Hindu and Sikh pupils.

City Boys JSoc has got off to a flying start with pupils attending Shacharit (morning prayers) and 'Nosh & Learn' with guest speakers and a tasty lunch. Regular discussions take place to plan for future assemblies including Jewish festivals. Pupils even helped to build the UJIA JAMS Succah -- even arranging a sponsored sleep raising money for the school charity.

Habs Boys So far this year, under the new J-Soc, Habs Boys have enjoyed two 'Nosh & Learn' sessions. The first saw guest speaker, Livia Benisty, talk about the festival of Succot whilst pupils tucked into pizza and the second drew a large crowd to hear from Bnei Akiva's Zak and Mark about Modern Day Israel. Audience participation was greatly encouraged and it was impressive to see the youngest students getting involved in controversial debates.

Habs Girls
At Habs Girls it has always been a tradition to pass the J-Soc down through from year to year and with each year comes a new committee and new ideas. The aim this year is to make Habs JSoc inspiring and interesting for girls 11-18 and to develop the Habs Jewish community. They run weekly assemblies and two Nosh & Learn sessions each week. A joint Chanukah party and 'Bagel Bash' with the boys school is in the pipeline.

Henrietta Barnett
This term was the first terms with the UJIA JAMS programme and it's certainly been eventful. Speaker topics have included Creation vs Evolution, Ethiopian Jewry and World AIDS day. Looking forward to the next term, participants will enjoy discussions on Multicultralism in Israel and Jewish Women's Aid. In addition a Chanuakah Party is planned with the Israeli Dance Institute. Thanks UJIA JAMS for helping us launch the new-look HBS Jewish Society!

Merchant Taylor School
Merchant Taylors J-Soc meets every Thursday lunchtime where they host guest speakers either from charities or prominent figures in the Jewish community. Committee members also run presentations and encourage group discussions. This year they are planning to make Merchant Taylor School hoodies with all the proceeds going to a charity of their choice.

North London School
North London School enjoyed their first term with UJIA JAMS and despite pouring rain they managed to build a Succah which was used and provided a lot of fun. They also had a visit from a Mitzvah Day representative which inspired the whole J-Soc and has led them to prepare their own Mitzvah Day event at school, following the Blue Peter "Operation Smile' initiative. This is going to be just after half term and everyone is really excited!

Northwood College Jewish Society Northwood College have successfully held two meetings so far this year. The first was on Rosh Hashanah and preparing for the Jewish New Year and included a range of activities such as guessing foods. The second was on Simchat Torah focusing on genesis and the story of creation. In the next half term they will be looking forward to holding a Chanukah party.

University College School Rebuilding the UCS J-Soc has seen it become one of the most lively and active societies in the whole school. In recent months the J-Soc has welcomed a large group of speakers ranging from charitable volunteers to Rabbis, and from deputy ambassadors to youth movement workers.

To find out more or arrange a UJIA JAMS session at your school please contact shelley Turnberg