PRESS RELEASE 21 January 2013 London School of Jewish Studies (LSJS)

The second National Conference for Jewish Studies Teachers thrills crowd of 200 Jewish Studies teachers from across the country
The IPDJS and LSJS held their second annual National Jewish Education Conference for Primary School Teachers, on the LSJS campus in Hendon, Northwest London on 15 January 2013. A record number of Jewish Studies teachers from 30 Orthodox Jewish schools nationwide took part in the conference making this the largest event of its kind in the UK. This year, the conference welcomed its first international delegate from Noam School in Zurich, Switzerland. The 200 plus attendees took part in a dozen sessions and workshops on a wide variety of topics including creative teaching strategies, practical methodologies, behaviour management and how to make lessons more exciting. The sessions drew together experienced and leading Jewish educators from across the country. New for this year, Heads of Jewish Studies assembled at the conference for a very special panel discussion about the issues children face approaching Judaism. The panel, chaired by LSJS Dean Raphael Zarum, featured Rabbi David Lister of Edgware United, Rebbetzen Via Kimche of Ner Yisrael, Rabbi Yehudah Pearlman of Manchester and Rabbi Malcom Herman of SEED. Chief Rabbi Lord Sacks sent a very special video message in which he called Jewish Studies, Our heroes. His words humbled the audience when he said, Someone who teaches changes lives and leaves a mark on future generations. Zehava Taub, experienced Jewish educator and wife of the Israeli ambassador gave the keynote address, in which she encouraged Jewish Studies teachers to ensure that they are thinking through the needs of every class they teach. Zehava, who recently qualified as a High School Principal in Israel, and has also worked for close to a decade as a school mentor for Israels Ministry of Education, thanked the teachers for all they do for pupils in our Jewish schools.

Jason Marantz, LSJS Chief Executive said, The National Conference for Jewish Studies Teachers is the only one of its kind and provides our Jewish Studies teachers with professional development they would not otherwise have the opportunity to receive. On-going training is an entitlement and LSJS are delighted to partner IPDJS to provide these wonderful learning opportunities for our Jewish Studies teachers. The IPDJS Director said, IPDJS are thrilled to partner LSJS to deliver this second conference, building on the success of last years conference. More and more Jewish children are attending Jewish Schools than ever before. Our Jewish Studies teachers deserve to be equipped with the skills and knowledge to make the Jewish School experience enriching and inspiring. One participant said, Each session was of a very high standard and I learnt a great deal, which I intend to put into practice! For more information please contact Jason Marantz at LSJS Jason.marantz@lsjs.ac.uk 020 8203 6427