Advertisement

‘Rockin’ Rabbi’ introduces Quebec high school students to Judaism

Click to play video: '‘Rockin’ Rabb’ introduces Montreal high school students to Judaism'
‘Rockin’ Rabb’ introduces Montreal high school students to Judaism
WATCH: Pierrefonds Community High School is finding ways to make Judaism fun. As Global’s Elizabeth Zogalis reports, students from all backgrounds are invited to participate in the ‘Schmooze Club.’ – Dec 23, 2022

There’s a unique club at Pierrefonds Community High School.

Every Tuesday, during lunch period, PCHS students are invited to spend their break with Rabbi David Lazar — better know as “the rocking rabbi.”

“We want to give a multicultural program for kids who aren’t from the Jewish faith to come down and get a little dose and experience of our culture,” said Rabbi Lazar.

The schmooze club has been around for several years in different high schools across the West Island and serves to educate past the typical curriculum.

“They ask questions based on moral beliefs and different values and current events,” added Lazar.

Story continues below advertisement

Many topics are discussed with the rabbi but more importantly Jewish students are able to teach their peers about their faith.

Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day.

Get daily National news

Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day.
By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

“Judaism isn’t really talked about these days unless it’s Kanye West and antisemitic comments,” said Grade 9 student Melissa Emily Levine.

“I feel like it’s very important for me to get in touch with my culture and for me to bring my friends so they can learn about it,” she added.

Students with different backgrounds are encouraged to share their perspectives. For Grade 9 student Presley Cleaveland, it’s about learning other cultures.

“Other people’s religions have always been fascinating to me,” she said.

For Lazar, working with students keeps him young at heart.

“I’ve been doing this on and off for over 20 years and doing outreach with students, young adults also, and we throw holiday events for Purim or Hannukah,” said the rabbi.

The club is part of the community learning centre initiative introduced in 2006 by the education ministry to strengthen the connection between schools and communities.

Story continues below advertisement

Different programs are offered in over 90 english-language schools across Quebec.

Click to play video: 'Jewish people celebrate Hanukkah in time of rising antisemitism'
Jewish people celebrate Hanukkah in time of rising antisemitism

Sponsored content

AdChoices