Etz Chaim celebrates its bar mitzvah with new ‘illustrated Torah’

Etz Chaim Primary School in Mill Hill has celebrated its bar mitzvah by inaugurating its illustrated Torah at a party to mark the occasion.

The bespoke scroll, created by artist Michal Meron, features pictorial interpretations of the 54 weekly sedarot, with a special painting illustrating the Ten Commandments.

It also includes selected texts in Hebrew and English that are relevant to the weekly parashah.

Headteacher Hannah Martin said: “As a modern Orthodox school, we place importance on being able to engage creatively with the stories and Jewish values that come from the teachings of the Torah. We want children to be able to enjoy connecting with their Judaism in fun and easily digestible ways.

“The Illustrated Torah will help us do this and will provide the children with opportunities to interact with the texts in a fun, educational way.”

Parashah by pictures: Etz Chaim pupils examine their new illustrated Torah[Missing Credit]

The scroll was donated to the school by grandparents of Etz Chaim pupils, while individual sedarot were sponsored by parents, grandparents and friends of the school.

One of the first Jewish free schools, Etz Chaim opened in September 2011 and moved to its purpose built site in 2013.

Mrs Martin said, “Just like a child at their bar mitzvah, our school is stepping into a new chapter with a stronger sense of who we are, what we stand for and what we want to become.

“These early years have shaped us, and now, with a new sense of ‘adulthood’ and understanding, we’re able to make the changes that will help us grow into the very best version of ourselves. It’s a special moment, full of reflection, pride and hope for all that’s still to come.”