Tracey Schreier as an angel in the school play,with her twin brother Gavin.
The hymns I once sang as a child are beautiful and I can’t help but sing along even now,when I hear them. I still remember the words to each one,as I remember the story of Jesus (and the role of the angels). This is because they were taught to me in my formative years;in the years that children lay their spiritual,emotional,social and cognitive foundations.
Scott Morrison claims that“children in public schools should not face curbs on Christian traditions. Like anyone else,they should be able to do Christmas plays,they should be able to talk about Easter. That’s our culture. There’s nothing wrong with it."
Only there is something wrong with it. Firstly,that's not culture. That's religion. And secondly,who is the"anyone else"? My children are Jewish and don’t take part in Christmas or Easter. Morrison seems to think “anyone else” means children whose parents have enrolled them in a private Christian or Catholic school. These children have become"everyone else"in Morrison's view.
In 1960s South Africa,my parents had little choice but to enrol me at the Anglican school. There was no Jewish school in Welkom and the public schools,they believed,mainly catered for Afrikaan children. As soon as my brothers turned 12,they were sent to a Jewish boarding school in Johannesburg.
Years later,when it came my turn to choose a school for my children,I realised that I would prefer they came home singing Shabbat songs and were Moses or Esther in the school concert,not an angel. Today we celebrate Jewish New Year and I am grateful my children know and are familiar with the synagogue service and the prayers.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison says children in public schools should be allowed to put on nativity plays.Credit:AAP
My children,I decided,should not grow up ignorant of their religion. So I sent them to a Jewish school. I felt they needed to learn our rituals,be fluent in our practices and knowledgeable about our values. I am sure that is how many parents feel when choosing a Catholic or Anglican or any other denominational school for their children.