Jewish Journeys: Exploring Jewish Identity One Path at a Time
Within the loving, supportive walls of JCDSRI, students are encouraged to ask big questions, navigate complexity, and explore the joy of being Jewish in the 21st century. One of the most meaningful ways we do this is through our 4th and 5th grade Jewish Journeys program.
What began during the early months of the pandemic as a way to connect students more deeply to the broader Jewish community has grown into a powerful and lasting learning experience. The dynamic duo of Hillary Guttin and Andrea Allgood who coordinate T’fillah (prayer) and Kinnusim (all-school assemblies) and teach Yahadut (Jewish Studies), collaborate to bring Jewish Journeys to life with care, intention, and creativity. Together, they invite clergy, educators, artists, activists, and Jewish professionals from around the world to share their personal Jewish journeys with our students, both in person and over Zoom.
This year’s guests have included local leaders, rabbis across the Jewish spectrum, artists, political activists, and Jews by Choice. Through these interactive conversations, students gain insight into the diversity of Jewish life and see how Jewish identity can grow, shift, and deepen over time. We are deeply grateful to the many guests who have shared their stories and wisdom so generously. As a progressive, inclusive Jewish community day school, we believe there is no single “right” way to be Jewish. Jewish Journeys offers our students many role models and many paths—empowering them to begin shaping their own Jewish identities with confidence, curiosity, and pride.
Nature in the Neighborhood
Led by the ever-curious and inspiring Tiferet Rose, our youngest learners set off each week to explore the wonders of the natural world—right in our own backyard! Whether it’s a tiny insect hiding under a leaf or the way a breeze moves through the trees, students in Nature in the Neighborhood discover that you don’t have to go far to witness the beauty, science, and surprises that nature offers. With open hearts and observant eyes, they build a connection to their environment and develop a sense of stewardship rooted in exploration, inquiry, and joy.
Blowing the shofar
At JCDSRI, we begin each new school year by blowing the shofar – a wake up call to prepare us for the year ahead – and by saying the words of the Shehecheyanu prayer, a prayer that shares our gratitude for allowing us to arrive at this particular moment in time.
בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה י/י, אֱלֹהֵֽינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם, שֶׁהֶחֱיָֽינוּ וְקִיְּמָנוּ וְהִגִּיעָנוּ לַזְּמָן הַזֶּה
Baruch Ata Adonai, Eloheinu Melech Haolam, shehechiyanu, v’kiy’manu, v’higianu lazman hazeh.
Blessed are You Eternal Spirit who has given us life, sustained us and allowed us to arrive in this moment.
