MICHAEL SIEFF
But I’m going a step further here by pointing out that attending school is a privilege in our country and one that is not available to every child. An appreciation of education is deeply-rooted in the Jewish psyche and has always been treasured among our people. Countless theories are offered to explain why it is that Jews have historically been more educated than the average population of the countries in which they have lived.
These range from the mandated study of Torah and Jewish culture ingrained from a very young age, to the fact that Jews, often forced to be nomadic, were not permitted to own land or conduct business in many countries and therefore developed transportable expertise in the study of law, medicine, accountancy and more.
We may never know exactly why we have a characteristic acumen for learning but we do know that some of the world’s greatest scientists have been Jewish and that despite the fact that we make up less than 0,2 per cent of the world’s population, 20 per cent of all Nobel Prize-winners have been Jewish.
Furthermore, Jews have been recipients of all six awards: Physics, Chemistry, Medicine, Literature, Peace and Economics. Astoundingly, 41 per cent of Economics Nobel Prizes have been won by Jews. Our numbers are small but our impact is undoubtedly significant.
These are remarkable statistics that support the belief that many among us are blessed with brilliant and enquiring minds and that leadership is an intrinsic part of our heritage.
That’s why, although education is not a core Chev responsibility, we are involved in supporting it as an investment into the future of our community.
It’s top of mind at this time of year as we assist 75 students with the enrolment and (unsubsidised and therefore costly) fees at remedial schools; provide long-term student loans to over 100 tertiary students and do the sums on the monthly contributions we pay toward Jewish nursery, primary and high schools for 150 children.
Not only is it cool to go back to school, it’s an invitation to greatness.
May our partnership continue to thrive!
Feedback@jhbchev.co.za
