Dialogue between Abrahamic Communities

On Thursday 12 November, heads of RE from across the diocese gathered for a day conference with experts from the Jewish community to gain a deeper understanding of Judaism.
The experts included Sandra Teacher, who wrote the Judaism Annexe for the Department for Education, Sara Perlmutter from the Board of Deputies, Rabbi Dr Raphael Zarum, the Dean of the London School of Jewish Studies, Rabbi Michael Pollak, Secondary Schools Coordinator for UJIA and PaJeS, and Nic Abery, the Director of LooktoLearn.
The new GCSE RE curriculum coming into foce in September 2016 requires a far deeper knowledge and understanding of Judaism, so the RE heads were fortunate to be able to learn from the experts.
They arrived with a Torah scroll and numerous other artefacts which they used as a basis for an in-depth and informative explanation of Judaism, giving RE heads the confidence they need to approach the challenges ahead.
Amanda Crowley, Adviser for Catholic Education explained: ‘Many of our schools will continue to work with our visitors and are already planning deanery twilight sessions for next term.’
‘We are most grateful to our Jewish colleagues and look forward to working in future partnership’ she said.