Hasmonean High School for Boys prides itself in preparing pupils not only for university but also for higher Jewish education, usually in Israel. But not all students follow a uniform path in Jewish studies.
While a concentration on text-based learning may work for many students, “it doesn’t work for all,” explained Rabbi Doron Birnbaum, founder of the Beis Chazak programme which was launched in September 2019.
“The idea behind it was to give our students who weren’t engaged enough in our mainstream track, the opportunity to excel in their own way within this new tailor-made programme,” he said.
From an initial 15 boys, it has grown to 35 this year.
Beis Chazak was the successor to a previous programme called “Active Kodesh”. Open to years 11 to 13, it offers a focus on “their personal growth and journey of Judaism. We try to generate an atmosphere of achdus [unity} and to instil a sense of Jewish pride with all of our students.”
It provides “a full curriculum combined with trips and Shabbatonim. Last year we spent a beautiful Shabbat together in the Cotswolds which included water sports and survival activities.
“We aim for our active experiences to translate into real-world lessons for spiritual growth, mental wellbeing, and pushing through perceived limitations.”
The daily morning minyan is run by pupils “giving them a strong sense of responsibility and ownership over their spiritual journey,” he said.
As well as Rabbi Birnbaum, the Beis Chazak team comprises Avi Markiewicz and Rabbi Amram Landau, each focusing on “different areas of hashkafah [religious outlook] and Jewish philosophy, the fundamentals of Judaism and preparation for Jewish life after secondary school with our respective groups.”
They also enlist the help of educators from other organisations including Aish, Chazak and the Jewish Learning Exchange.
Beis Chazak students “often wish to engage us in challenging philosophical discussions and learn about some of the fundamental tenants of Judaism first, before engaging in the text based learning as well,” Rabbi Birnbaum said.
Apart from normal programming, other activities have included tzitzit-making, a new series on making davening more meaningful and a year-12 trip to tashlich.
“We are looking forward to starting our parent/son davening mornings this term, which allows parents to spend a morning at Beis Chazak with their son, and enjoy a special breakfast and shiur,” he said.
One Beis Chazak graduate, Ben Coleman, who went on to Yeshivat Aish Gesher in Israel, said, “I learnt a lot about Judaism and re-engaged in Gemara. Eventually I moved into the main Beis [study programme], and I am now applying to great yeshivahs in Eretz Yisrael.”
Ariel Mansouri, who is now studying economics at UCL after learning at Yeshivat Reishit in Israel, said “Beis Chazak strengthened me as a person and gave me the chance to develop a really close relationship with some amazing and supportive rabbis.”
One measure of success is whether alumni keep in contact with their rabbis after leaving school, Rabbi Birnbaum said.
“The vast majority” remain in touch. “Many still attend shiurim or events we
host through other associated educational organisations.”
