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Yom Kippur 

30/9/2014

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Being sorry, being forgiven and being able to forgive yourself, are just a few key ingredients to leading a happy life. They are integrated into the notion of having a moral compass, a conscious guiding us through the paths of what we believe to be right and wrong. The ability to be truly sorry for when we go against this, and then being able to forgive ourselves, is no less significant in this cycle of atonement. These themes are reflected upon in most worldwide religions, each with their own underlining story, rituals and traditions. The Jewish festival of Yom Kippur mirrors the significance of these attributes. It is based on the parable of Jonah, a powerful story told in the Torah.  

Yom Kippur takes place ten days after the Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. The Jewish people use the days in between to say sorry to whoever they have wronged in the past twelve months. It is a time to not just say the words, but to express their sincerity in whichever way best suits the situation. It is a time to acknowledge their wrongdoing towards people in their lives and towards God. This is done through building new bonds in relationships, fasting and giving money to charity. TrueTube has provided an assembly script and film for this religious festival. The assembly script provides activities, key features and the history of Yom Kippur. The short, accompanying film takes to the streets of London, revealing the personal apologies of the public. Facing guilt, letting go of bitterness and moving forward from conflict, offer an escape from the hatred too often attached to such matters. These principles do not have to be limited to religion. It is something we should all strive towards and a key lesson for students to learn. 

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Navaratri

24/9/2014

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The cultural and religious fabrics running through India, are completely intertwined. The numerous Hindu festivals are not just celebrated in the heart of this country, but throughout the world. Bursting with colour, passion and personal meaning to the individual people involved, these religious celebrations undoubtedly hold a firm place within the history and future of Hinduism. One particularly important tradition celebrated around this time of year is Navaratri. It lasts for nine days around early autumn and celebrates the female aspects of God’s character.

This tradition stems from the notion that God is neither male nor female. According to Hinduism, God is a spirit without a body and part of everything within existence. Hindus believe God can take the form of a variety of Gods and Goddesses, each one symbolising a significant characteristic. Navaratri is a time to reflect upon the power of the Mother Goddess and the gift of life. We all depend on the ability of women to give new life through birth, and this tradition reflects such gratitude. In Hinduism, all forms of God depend on Shakti, the female side of God’s personality. There are many forms of Shakti, each one symbolising a different, yet important female characteristic. Durga, the warrior incarnation of the supreme mother is particularly worshipped in this tradition. The protective, caring, loving and strong aspects of the female personality are emphasised through the rituals, beliefs and underlining story. 

TrueTube has provided an assembly script which highlights the key elements of this Hindu tradition. It includes the story of the Goddes Durga, key features about the religion itself, and suggested activities. The accompanying film explores the life of a young Hindu called Jai and his personal religious journey. The colour and passion underlining Navaratri does not have to be limited to the Hindu world, let it come to life in your early morning assembly. 

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Paving the way for the future

12/9/2014

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I have already gathered a patchwork of wonderful memories from this internship and I still have three months of content left to add to it. Last night, I returned home for a two day stay in The Royal Foundation of St Katherine’s. I was there to celebrate something that meant a lot to everybody involved. I am part of the ‘Time to Shine’ internship scheme funded by the Rank Foundation. The programme offers people the chance to get their foot in the door in the world of work. Graduates in particular, are all too familiar with the face of rejection when searching for that dream job. Time to Shine gave me the opportunity to finally apply my degree of Religion, Philosophy and Ethics to a workplace. As a marketing and research assistant at TrueTube, I have tried my best to put everything I have into the role.

Stepping out of my comfort zone has certainly been a key part of scheme, but has led to experiences I wouldn't change for the world. If you had said to me a year ago I would be sailing around the UK, presenting at the University of Oxford, attending award ceremonies at the Houses of Parliament and even singing the introduction theme song to an animation, I wouldn't have believed you. Primarily, I wouldn't have thought the variety of these different activities would be available under one job description. Secondly, I would have completely lacked the confidence. I remember the very first school I visited had only about fifteen people in the audience. I could hardly sleep the night before, and was a complete bundle of nerves on my way to the classroom when it was time to do my presentation. Feeling sick to my stomach, I just went for it and ended up doing exactly what I had planned. No slip ups, no stuttering and good feedback at the end. I just took the plunge. Since then, I have tried to apply the same attitude to all the daunting opportunities this internship has thrown at me. Daunting, but exciting. Every single time, finding the courage to do things I never thought I would do, has paid off. At the Royal Foundation of St Katherine’s Dock, I presented my ‘Time to Shine’ story in front of an audience which would have terrified me nine months ago. I was still nervous this time round, but I knew I was capable of doing a good job of it – and I did. I do not yet know what the future holds in store for me. Wherever fate takes me, I know the wonderful memories of this internship will pave the way for me. 

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    Jessica Toogood
     


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