On a recent wet and windy weekend, I found myself binge-watching a British crime drama mini-series called Adolescence. Created by Jack Thorne and Stephen Graham, and directed by Philip Barantini, this compelling show centers on a 13-year-old schoolboy named Jamie Miller, who is arrested for the murder of his classmate, Katie Leonard. The series delves into themes of toxic masculinity, social alienation, and the impact of chronic bullying via social media.
As I watched, I couldn’t help but draw parallels between the themes of Adolescence and those of Pesach. Both narratives explore liberation from oppression, resilience in the face of adversity, the importance of community and support, reflection and growth, and the hope of redemption.
Just as Pesach celebrates the Israelites’ journey from slavery to freedom, Jamie’s story highlights the struggle against social oppression and the strength required, but not always obtained, to overcome challenging circumstances.
While one could argue that Jamie failed in his struggle, the empty chair for Elijah the Prophet at the Seder table reminds us always of the hope of redemption. Can we ever truly give up on a 13-year-old child? Hope must always be there, waiting. Both Jamie’s story and the story of Pesach serve as a poignant reminder of the important work of BJE in strengthening the Jewish identity of our students and partnering with their parents in this endeavour. A child’s participation in BJE’s Jewish Journey extends beyond education; it encompasses a holistic approach to strengthening their identity while providing a principled moral compass to help navigate life, find resilience, and face and overcome adversity and disappointment with the support of a galvanised community.
These connections remind us of the enduring relevance of Pesach’s messages in our lives today. Whether through ancient traditions or contemporary stories, the themes of liberation, resilience, and hope continue to inspire and guide us.
Thank you for partnering with BJE this term. We have seen a significant uplift in enrolments!
We look forward to welcoming you back in Term 2.
I wish you and your families a joyous and meaningful Pesach,
John
