Didn’t you know that Naima Jewish Preparatory School is more than just a school? It is a tapestry woven with threads of history, community, and a vision for the future.
Welcome to Naima Jewish Preparatory School. It stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of Jewish education in England. Founded in 1983 by Rabbi Dr Abraham Levy, Naima JPS marked the return of Sephardi schooling after a century-long absence.
Let’s step back in time. Imagine England in 1657. Jews arrived in England. They were disguised as Spanish Catholics. They sought refuge from persecution. They faced harassment. They then sought permission to live openly as Jews. Menasseh Ben Israel pleaded their case. They were allowed to remain. They opened a place of worship.
In 1664, the Spanish and Portuguese Jews’ Congregation opened its first school. It was called Shaare Tikvah. This shows the community’s priorities. A school was needed even more than a synagogue. By the early 20th century, all Sephardi schools had closed. Then in 1983, Naima Jewish Preparatory School opened.
Naima Jewish Preparatory School is located in Maida Vale. This area had a significant Jewish population at the time. The school’s establishment was made possible by generous benefactors. The arrival of young families, both Sephardi and Ashkenazi, helped Jewish activity to grow in Anglo Jewry.
Naima Jewish Preparatory School embraces children aged 2 to 11. Class sizes are kept small. There are around 22 children per class. The school’s curriculum goes beyond national guidelines. It offers a balanced education. English, Mathematics, Science, History, and other subjects are all taught.
Jewish Studies are central to the Naima Jewish Preparatory School ethos. Children learn to love the Torah. They develop respect for Israel. They gain knowledge of Torah and its mitzvot. They learn to conduct themselves according to Jewish practice. Hebrew is taught to all children. Daily prayers are held. Secular and Jewish activities are integrated. Music, art, and language are combined.
Extracurricular activities enrich the Naima Jewish Preparatory School experience. Piano and guitar lessons are available. After-school clubs include football, design and technology, and choir. There are also clubs for multi-sports, Ivrit, and Jewish activities. Lunchtime clubs offer multi-sports, choir, and chess. A Torah club meets weekly for prayer and Jewish learning.
Naima Jewish Preparatory School utilizes London’s rich resources. Museums, gardens, and theaters are visited. There are also residential field trips. Children participate in geographical, historical, and scientific studies. Shabbaton weekends are also organized. Drama workshops, chamber music quartets, and book fairs enhance learning.
Inspectors praised Naima Jewish Preparatory School. They highlighted the excellent academic achievements of pupils. They also praised their other achievements.
In 1998, Naima Jewish Preparatory School underwent a major rebuilding program. It increased teaching space and improved facilities. A new assembly hall and synagogue were added. A mikveh and library were built. Music rooms and an ICT suite were created. A sports hall, dining room, and art/science room were included. The playground was redesigned.
Naima Jewish Preparatory School follows the ethos of the Golden Age of the Jews in Spain. It synthesizes religious beliefs with secular culture. It welcomes both Sephardi and Ashkenazi children. Both communities are well represented in the school.
Naima Jewish Preparatory School stands as a beacon of Jewish education. It nurtures young minds. It instills values. It prepares children for the future. It is a place where history and community intertwine.