Emanuel School students have baked babkas alongside grandparents, relatives and family friends at an event celebrating Jewish tradition and connections across generations.
The Sydney school hosted its L’Dor V’Dor Kabbalat Shabbat and Babka Bake with its Year 7 cohort last week, bringing families together to share stories, traditions and experiences before Shabbat.
The event followed the successful introduction of the program for Year 5 students earlier this year and is expected to become a regular tradition within the Emanuel School community.
L’Dor V’Dor, meaning “from generation to generation”, is a central principle of Jewish life and reflects the school’s focus on legacy, connection, Jewish life and identity.
Through activities such as the babka bake, students are encouraged to form strong and joyful relationships with the people who have shaped their lives while deepening their connection to Jewish tradition and community.
Emanuel School principal Linda Emms said the event reflected the school’s aim of building relationships that endure across generations.
“At Emanuel, we believe that one of the most important roles of a school is to nurture the intergenerational relationships that help young people develop a strong sense of identity, belonging and purpose,” Ms Emms said.
“Our L’Dor V’Dor Babka Bake brought students and their loved ones together in a way that honoured both Jewish tradition and the unique stories that connect our community.”
Ms Emms said the event showed the school’s commitment to strengthening intergenerational ties.
“As students baked alongside grandparents, relatives and family friends, they were sharing far more than a recipe. They were sharing memories, values and experiences that help shape who they are,” she said.
The event was delivered through Gesher, Emanuel School’s community engagement program, with support from the Emanuel School Foundation and Jewish Life teams.
Gesher, the Hebrew word for “bridge”, creates opportunities for students, grandparents, alumni and families to connect through shared experiences that strengthen the school community.