Date: Friday, 13th Jun, 2008

The children of Naima JPS' Year 6 returned on 2nd June from an exciting week-long trip to Gibraltar in search of their Sephardi roots.

Accompanied by Mr Cohen, Mrs Partridge, Mrs Hill, and Borehamwood B'nei Akiva Head Daniel Finn, the group enjoyed a packed visit which took in a stimulating mix of historical, geographical, zoological, Jewish, and tourist sights.

The Year 6 pupils began their trip in the historic Spanish city of Cordoba where they visited the Old Synagogue (established in 1329), which was home to Maimonides (1135-1204), one of the two most-studied Jewish philosophers of all time as well as a distinguished physician. They also visited the Selwo Marina where they marvelled at performing sea lions, parrots, penguins, and pelicans, and spent some time in its adventure playground, tunnelling underground and scaling the climbing tubes.

After transferring to the Rock of Gibraltar, the children competed in the bowling alley, spectacularly carved out of the rock of the old city walls. They took the Gibraltar Official Rock Tour of the Rock's upper area. Covered by a nature reserve, it is home to around 250 Barbary Macaques. Commonly known as 'apes', these are the only wild monkeys in Europe. Travelling up to the reserve by cable car the children enjoyed the company of the apes, walked to the World War II tunnels, fascinating for their role in fortifying the Rock against the possibility of a German attack. Further along the rock they visited St Michael's cave, which features spectacular stagalmites and stalactites.

A wonderful Shabbat was spent in a highly spiritual Shabbat atmosphere. As well as prayers at the ‘Sha'ar HaShamayim' Synagogue and the Talmud Torah Minyan - a Service which is run entirely by children-time was found for spiritually charged dancing and singing at delicious mealtimes, and relaxing visits to the traditional ‘Key Ceremony' of Gibraltar and the Botanical Gardens.

Before their return to England the children visited another theme park, Isla Magica, where they really enjoyed all the fun of the fair.

The children benefited enormously from their informative, spiritual, and relaxing break. They learnt so much about their Sephardi heritage from the wealth of historic sights in Cordoba and on the Rock.

"We are all exceptionally grateful for this fantastic opportunity," said one of the group. "We thank Mr Cohen, Mrs Partridge, Mrs Hill, and Daniel. We will always remember this wonderful week and special Shabbat that you provided for us."