The Jewish Life Department at Masada College encourages students to connect with their heritage through both formal and hands-on learning.

It inspires them to explore various expressions of Judaism, deepen their understanding, and actively celebrate their Jewish identities.

By engaging in practice, community involvement, and social action, students take pride in making Judaism a personal and meaningful part of their lives.

Jewish Studies Curriculum.

At Masada College,  Jewish Life is grounded in the belief that learning is a lifelong journey. As students grow, their Jewish identity and spiritual connection deepens and evolves. Throughout this journey, students are encouraged to explore their own personal connection to Judaism while fostering respect for the diversity of Jewish practice and thought. Formal and experiential learning are integrated to enrich the journey of Jewish connection from ELC through to Year 12.

ELC & Junior School.

Our Jewish academic curriculum centres on five pillars of Jewish learning: Prayer, Israel, Mitzvot, Jewish Texts, and General Jewish Knowledge, creating outcomes that reflect both academic depth and a deep connection to Jewish values, spirituality and the land of Israel. Students are immersed in Jewish culture through regular engagement with Hebrew, developing foundational language skills that unlock access to our ancient heritage.

Senior School.

Students in Years 7–10 engage with an enriching Jewish curriculum that thoughtfully incorporates meaningful projects designed to deepen their connection to their faith, identity, and connection to Israel. These projects provide students with opportunities to explore their own personal connection to Judaism, in the context of their family history and genealogy, while fostering a respect for the diversity of Jewish practices and thought. Students have the opportunity to engage with ancient Hebrew and biblical texts, adding depth to their cultural understanding.

Highlights include the Year 7 Shabbat Unit, the Year 8 Jewish Notables Project, the Year 9 Roots Heritage Project, and the Year 10 Jewish Exploration Project, where students conduct high level research and present on topics of their choice, showcasing impressive range, depth, knowledge and insight.

In Years 11 and 12, students participate in a curated senior Jewish Life program focused on preparing them for Jewish life beyond school. Through thoughtfully designed workshops, students engage in meaningful conversations around controversial topics in Judaism, incorporating analysis of ancient Jewish wisdom and writings, while developing critical thinking skills and the confidence to navigate complex discussions. Students have the opportunity to study Modern and Classical Hebrew as HSC subject choices. The program equips students with the knowledge, skills and confidence to be adults who can access and actively participate in and engage with the Jewish community, ensuring they graduate as culturally literate, engaged, knowledgeable and committed members of the community.

Hebrew Curriculum.

Hebrew learning at Masada is delivered by highly qualified and experienced teachers who bring exceptional expertise to our program. Our HSC students have a strong history of consistently performing at the top of the state in both Modern and Classical Hebrew, reflecting the academic excellence that defines our Hebrew studies. This outstanding performance is supported by our vibrant Israeli demographic community, which provides regular exposure to authentic Hebrew language and culture throughout the school day.

As a proud Zionist school, our love of Israel is central to our identity, and Hebrew holds special significance as the language of our homeland. Beyond its contemporary importance, we maintain a deep reverence for the study of ancient texts and biblical literature. Older students who choose to pursue this pathway have the opportunity to engage with these foundational sources of Jewish wisdom as an elective option, while all students encounter texts within our broader Jewish academic studies.

Hebrew is a vibrant part of life at Masada College, infused into every aspect of our campus. We have a dynamic community of native Hebrew speakers, with Israeli students receiving extended Hebrew language learning. Hebrew can be heard throughout the school from the classroom to the playground, creating an immersive environment where language learning happens naturally. Hebrew learning at Masada is integral to the curriculum from ELC right through to Year 12, fostering both linguistic competence and cultural connection.

Jewish Holidays & Commemorative Days.

Jewish holidays and commemorative days hold a cherished place at Masada College, allowing students the opportunity to take an active role in our assemblies and celebrating key moments in the Jewish calendar.  Our informal Jewish Life team provides dynamic, experiential programmes that complement formal learning. We celebrate Chaggim with joy and community spirit, marking festivals such as Purim, Pesach, Shavuot, Rosh Hashanah, Sukkot, and Chanukah. We gather to remember Yom HaShoah and Yom Hazikaron, culminating in a global celebration of Israel’s birthday on Yom Ha’atzmaut. These experiences foster a deep pride in Jewish identity within our multicultural Australia and strengthen our connection to Israel.

Living Historians.

At the heart of our Living Historians programme lies a profound journey of connection, memory and hope. Our students have the extraordinary privilege of sitting with Holocaust survivors, bearing witness to their firsthand accounts of both unimaginable darkness and triumphant human spirit. Through intimate group interviews and creative expression spanning drama, visual art, music and writing, students become guardians of these precious narratives. Their work culminates in a deeply moving community showcase where they present their artistic interpretations alongside handcrafted gifts for the survivors and their families, forming vital links in the unbreakable chain of Jewish memory.  In preserving these stories, our students learn that in remembering, we do more than honour the past. We strengthen the eternal flame of hope that no darkness can extinguish.

Masada Israel Tour (MIT).

MIT is a four to five week journey that opens hearts and minds, offering
Year 10 students an immersive exploration of Jewish heritage, culture, and identity.

Through meaningful encounters with Israel’s ancient sites, vibrant cities, and diverse communities, students develop a deep understanding of their connection to Israel as the Jewish homeland and gain appreciation for the rich cultural, historical, and spiritual traditions that have shaped Jewish life across millennia. The programme includes an optional visit to Poland to bear witness to the Holocaust and honour the memory of those lost.  The programme has a focus on illuminating Jewish contributions to art, music, medicine, and countless other fields that have enriched human civilisation.

Students return home transformed, carrying with them not only unforgettable memories and lifelong friendships, but also a strengthened sense of Jewish identity and a profound appreciation for their heritage that will guide them throughout their lives.