Calderwood Lodge pupils, teachers and parents celebrated Simchat Torah in style this month, with the help of our dynamic school Chaplain Rabbi Moshe Rubin.

The entire school from Nursery to Primary Seven gathered in the assembly hall for a short but lively service.

To begin, Rabbi Rubin got the school warmed up by singing Mazel Tov to Mrs Carlton in celebration of her recent marriage. Then every class got up and performed a traditional Israeli dance led by Ivrit teacher, Shosh Greenberg.

During this process the Primary Ones where blessed by Rabbi Rubin. They gathered together under his tallis as he recited a prayed, accompanied by the whole school.

The school where then led in a rendition of ‘O da vee noo chai’ by Rabbi Rubin who urged pupils to punch into the air whilst shouting, “Oi!” There was also lots of drumming on the floor, adding to the excitement of the day.

Next, The Chatan Torah (Freddie Hyman) and Chatan Bereshit (Josh Lewis) came forward to perform the most important part of the assembly. Freddie read the prays to end the years Torah readings and Josh read the prayers for the beginning of this year’s Torah reading.

Finally the assembly came to an end with a special reading performed by Elliot Line.

By Lilah Cowen