As we come to the end of term and approach the conclusion of 5785 it is time to reflect on the Jewish year that has passed.

It goes without saying that 5785 has been another challenging year for the Jewish people. We have seen another full year of war and the devastation that this has wrought. We mourn the loss of life and way of life of our Israeli brothers and sisters and also of the Palestinian civilians caught in the continuing conflict. 

We are acutely aware of the ongoing plight of the Israeli hostages who have now been held for 714 days. We pray for their speedy return to their anguished families.

On a domestic front, we remain shocked by the unrelenting rise of antisemitism and the apparent fractures that have emerged in our multicultural and multiethnic homeland.

Despite these overwhelming challenges, I am so proud that our school has remained an oasis of positivity and joy for our students and the wider school community. We have dedicated ourselves to ensuring that our students continue to feel delight and pride in the cycle of Jewish calendar and life events and in the rich array of curricular and cocurricular learning that takes place.

It is my view that through doubling down on joyous Jewish experiences we enable our students to develop a healthy and positive sense of their Jewish identities. In 5785 this came alive across the School as we invited our students to participate in the beauty of our traditions, celebrate the richness of our culture, to know and understand our history and to gain an appreciation of the wisdom that underscores Jewish philosophy.

As we step forward towards 5786 I take the opportunity to thank our extraordinary staff who have given so much of themselves to ensure that our students are able to thrive within the bubble of positivity that we have created at KDS.

I am so grateful to our parent body for entrusting us with the solemn task of educating their children. I extend my particular thanks to those that have volunteered on our School Council and its sub committees, the members of the KDSPA and the PSG in 5785 to enhance our strategy, community connections and safety.

Finally allow me to thank our wonderful King David students. On our most trying days, we are uplifted by the ruach (spirit) and warmth of our students. We are indeed fortunate to be granted the privilege of fostering the next generation of Australian Jews who enrich us with so much joy and nachat (pride). They make us proud in so many ways every day.

I wish the entire King David community G’mar Chatima Tova. May 5786 bring us peace, fulfilment, joy and unity.

Shabbat Shalom and Shana Tova,
Marc Light