Nitzotzot Fall 2018

Nitzotzot ‫ניצוצות‬ BOS TO N’S JE WISH COMMUNITY DAY SCHOOL / SPA RKS / Fal l 2 01 8

2 01 8 ANN UA L RE P ORT EN C LOS E D

COV E R I MAGE: Middle Schoolers and Nitzanim (Kindergartners) show off the rocks that they painted with wishes for the new year before placing them in the new JCDS rock garden.

@jcdsboston

CO NTE NTS

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From the Head of School

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JCDS Counts

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Meet Dorit Zmiri

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New Faces Update on Trustees

Teach Children According to their Needs

2018 Annual Report From the Board President

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From the Director of Development Va’ad Parent Association

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Family in Focus

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Financial Highlights

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Report of Gifts

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JCDS: National Leader in Pluralism From the Director of Admissions

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Sparks from the School Year

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Class Notes

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Alumni Connections Stay Strong

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Ambassadors for Inclusion

SAVE THE DATE

M A RC H 3 1 , 2 01 9 20th Annual

Matters Taste OF

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To Benefit JCDS, Boston’s Jewish Community Day School EVENT CHAIRS James Cohen, Nicole Gann, and Jen Kaplan AN UNFORGE T TABLE E VENING Cocktails and Hors d’oeuvres—Silent Auction Dinner—Intimate Conversations with Special Guests Dessert Reception—All at JCDS

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JOIN US To sponsor, donate an auction item, or purchase tickets, contact development@jcdsboston.org or 617-972-1733 SPECIAL PARENT PRICING AVAILABLE!

F ROM THE HEA D OF SCHOOL

‫מ ראש בית ה ספ ר‬

BOARD O F TRU S TE E S

Officers Elizabeth Waksman, President Fiona Epstein, Clerk Nathan Hayman, Treasurer Members Yaniv Bejerano Claudia Davidoff Galit Div Rachel Fish Joshua Gann Nancy Ganz Sophie Gildesgame, ‘06 Sari Korman Devra Lasden Sharon Levin Abe Menzin Howie Rodenstein Carey Schwartz Shiri Segev Adam Shyevitch Arnee R. Winshall, Founding Chair Head of School Dr. Susie Tanchel Founding Board Naomi Bar-Yam Yaneer Bar-Yam Rabbi Susan Harris Marc Kramer Vardit Ringvald Arnee R. Winshall Walter A. Winshall

I

was listening, spellbound and inspired, as our 7th graders described the community Mikveh they had designed as part of their Learning Adventure when I received the message that the Executive Director of the Covenant Foundation wanted me to call her back as soon as possible. I did—and shortly thereafter I learned that I was one of three recipients of this year’s Covenant Awards.

Once I got over the initial surprise at this unexpected and profound honor, I felt deep pride at the thought that we would have the opportunity to share the sacred work we do here at JCDS with a broader community.

The Covenant Foundation highlights innovative, inspiring work taking place in the field of Jewish education. I am so proud that the Foundation believes JCDS fits in that group. Even as our educational program continues to evolve, we remain deeply committed to enacting our founding mission as we build our intentionally pluralistic community.

It is essential our children know that they are also part of something larger than themselves. If they are only for themselves, we have not achieved our mission. We live in an interconnected world, and our destinies are intertwined. We aim for our children to understand their inherited responsibility to put their knowledge, skills,

and capacities into action. It is never too early to problem-solve, to strategize, to contribute, and to be kind, thoughtful, and loving.

In this edition of Nitzotzot, you will see examples of our community’s efforts to improve the lived experiences of people around us. As Jewish affiliations shift, we are helping other communities to become more pluralistic by sharing our experience and learnings (p. 6). Our alumni—who are prepared to navigate complexity, listen deeply, and collaborate across difference— are contributing to a better world through their everyday work (p. 16-17). And I am so excited that our students have begun designing Adaptive Technologies to meet the difficulties that people living with disabilities face each day (p. 18).

I am delighted to share the ways we are enacting our goal of having our children live lives of meaning and purpose. May their work today continue to reap benefits for many tomorrows.

B’shalom,

Dr. Susie Tanchel Head of School

LEFT: At the Tashlich ceremony, Dr. Susie Tanchel illustrates the importance of making small, meaningful changes as we start the new year.

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M E E T D OR I T ZMIR I, DI REC TOR OF J E WISH S TUD I E S A ND HE B R E W

‫ה כי רו את דו רית‬ How does an Israeli with a BA in Art History come to be the Director of Jewish Studies and Hebrew at a pluralistic day school in Watertown, MA? My teaching career began in Iran, during a tour of duty in 1977. We were stationed at an Israeli school under the Ministry of Education because the Iranian school desperately needed teachers in their school.

After my service, I received a BA in Art History from Tel Aviv University before moving with my family to Canada, where there was a need for Hebrew and Jewish studies teachers. I taught a variety of subjects, but I was mainly focused on raising my children. When we moved to the United States, I went back to school for my Masters in Judaic Studies from Hebrew College.

My most formative learning experience was developing and implementing the Jewish Studies curriculum at American Hebrew Academy (AHA) in North Carolina. It was a lot of work, but it was extremely gratifying. At AHA, I worked with people who had ties to JCDS, and heard amazing stories about the school. When my family was looking to move out of North Carolina, we decided that it would be a good fit to come to Boston and join JCDS. You have been at JCDS for over ten years! What has stayed the same, and what has changed?

The sense of community and joy that we cultivate here, which are, in my opinion, the best things about JCDS, have remained the same. The mission of creating a pluralistic school thoughtfully and purposefully has also been constant.

A lot has also changed over the years! When I came to JCDS, the Support Services department for students with learning challenges did not exist yet. Now, we have a robust and professional Support Services department that addresses the needs of all types of learners.

Additionally, new professional development initiatives are introduced each year. These changes reflect JCDS’s unwavering commitment to creating a community that is open, flexible, and extremely dedicated.

What is your favorite part of working at JCDS? I feel that being a teacher gives one the capacity to be both a student and a teacher. I truly believe that I learn from my students the most.

Teaching is also a kind of holy shlichut (service) because when teaching Torah, one has the opportunity to shape the hearts and minds of students. Learning tanakh is not just about the acquisition of knowledge and study skills; it is about derech chayim (moral teachings) and lessons that guide us throughout our lives.

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‫כיצד ישראלית עם תואר בתולדות האמנות הופכת לראש‬ ?Watertown-‫מחלקה ליהדות בבי״ס פלורליסטי ב‬

‫ בתקופת‬,‫הקריירה החינוכית שלי החלה ביד המקרה‬ ‫ בית הספר הישראלי בטהרן היה זקוק‬.‫שליחותינו באירן‬ .‫ ושם התחלתי את דרכי כמורה‬,‫למחנכת‬ ‫ למדתי תולדות האמנות‬,‫לאחר שרותי הצבאי‬ ‫ עברתי‬,‫ ולאחר שנות שליחותינו‬,‫באוניברסיטת תל אביב‬ ‫ אף שעסקתי בהוראת עברית‬.‫לקנדה עם בעלי ובנותי‬ .‫ עיקר מעייני היו נתונים לגידול שלושת בנותי‬,‫ויהדות‬ ‫כשעברנו לארה״ב המשכתי את לימודי לתואר שני במדעי‬ ‫ ומאחר ש״תלמוד מביא לידי‬. ‫היהדות בהיברו קולג׳‬ ‫ התקיים בידי להקים ולעצב את תכנית הלימודים‬,‫מעשה״‬ ‫במחלקה ליהדות של האמריקן היברו אקדמי בצפון‬ .‫קרולינה בשלבי הקמתו‬ ‫ על‬JCDS ‫ כישראלים החיים‬.‫וחזונו החינוכי שמעתי רבות‬ ‫ התרבות הישראלית‬,‫בחו״ל אנחנו נעים בין שתי תרבויות‬ ‫ אחד‬.‫ והתרבות האמריקאית אליה הגענו‬,‫ממנה באנו‬ ‫ המאפיינים הייחודים של‬JCDS ‫הוא האופן שבו הוא יצר‬ ‫סביבה דו תרבותית שבה מדברים בשתי תרבויות ושתי‬ .‫ דבר שדיבר מאוד אל ליבי‬-‫שפות‬ JCDS-‫מה נותר כפי שהיה ומה השתנה ל‬ ?‫בעשור שחלף מאז הגעת‬

‫בין המאפיינים הבולטים המלווים את בית הספר מאז‬ ‫ הקהילה הייחודית‬,‫ נמצאים חדוות הלמידה‬,‫הקמתו‬ ‫ כמו גם‬,‫ומחויבותה למורשת היהודית העשירה וערכיה‬ .‫החינוך המכוון להשקפת עולם פלורליסטית‬ ‫ והרבה השתנה במשך‬,‫אך ״אין בית מדרש ללא חידוש״‬ ‫ הוקמה מחלקה לחינוך מיוחד שתומכת בכל‬.‫השנים‬ ‫ חלה התמקצעות בכל‬.‫הצרכים המיוחדים של תלמידינו‬ ‫ ותכניות‬,‫ ובכל שנה נוספו עוד תחומי למידה‬,‫התחומים‬ ‫ שינויים המשקפים את מחוייבות בית הספר‬.‫לימוד שונות‬ .‫ליצור קהילה לומדת גמישה וחדשנית‬ ?JCDS-‫מה הדבר שאת אוהבת ביותר בעבודתך ב‬

‫ אחת הדמויות הנערצות עלי היא‬.‫אין ספק שההוראה‬ ‫ הן בתכונותיה‬,‫ הן בגישתה לחקר המקרא‬,‫נחמה לייבוביץ‬ .‫ובעיקר בענווה שלה כמורה‬ ‫ ללמד תורה זה מעבר‬.‫אני לא רק מלמדת אלא גם לומדת‬ ,‫ ומיומנויות למידה‬,‫ פיתוח חשיבה עצמאית‬,‫להקניית ידע‬ ‫ יש בידה לעצב את העולם‬,‫ כ״תורת חיים״‬.‫זו עבודת קודש‬ .‫ וללמדה זו שליחות‬,‫הרוחני והערכי של לומדיה‬

N E W FAC ES ‫פ ני ם ח ד שות‬ Meet the new faculty, staff, and trustees joining the JCDS community this year.

Kait Birghenthal, 3rd-5th Science and Development Associate, Victoria Brumberg, Middle School Math and Head of Department, Yaara David, 7th and 8th Grade Math

ROW 1 L E FT TO R IGHT:

Jessica Gulman, Gan Nitzan General Studies, Keren Hack, 5th Grade General Studies, Ziva Kovner, 1st Grade Hebrew and Judaics

ROW 2 L E FT TO R IGHT:

ROW 3 L E FT TO RIGHT: Jonah Peretz-Lange, School Nurse, Catherine Ross, K-2 Engineering, Lindsey Sherer, School Social Worker

Danielle Smith, 4th Grade General Studies, Jon Star, 6th Grade Math, Aliza VosLevitz, Office Manager

ROW 4 L E FT TO RIGHT:

UP DAT E ON T R UST E E S ‫ח בר נ אמ ני ם‬ Galit Div was born in Israel, and served in the Israel Defense Forces’ prestigious intelligence unit. After the army, she studied at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy.

Galit also holds an MBA from Tel Aviv University in Management and Organizational Behavior. Galit moved to the U.S. with her husband, Lior, as he was building his startup company, Cybereason. Galit and Lior have two beautiful children: Lia ‘25 and Guy ‘27.

Joshua Gann has a degree in Management and Marketing from New York University, and is a graduate gemologist and a third generation owner of Joseph Gann Jewelers. Josh served as the Va’ad Parent Association Co-Chair for two years and the Shabbaton Chair for one year. Josh was on the Board of Gann Academy for six years where he was a member of the security and facilities committees. Josh lives in Newton with his wife and former Board Member, Nicole, and their three children: Leah ’16, Joe ’19, and Micah ’24.

Thank you to these Board members who have recently completed their terms. We acknowledge their years of service and dedication to JCDS. Sara Riedner Brown (2011–2018) Nicole Gann (2009–2018) Alex Gurevich (2012–2018) Adele Newman (2007–2018)

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JC DS: N AT I ON AL LE AD E R IN PLURA LIS M

‫פלור לי ז ם מ ח ו ץ ל קיר ו ת ב ית ס פ ר נו‬

By Gavi Elkind, Director of Admissions

E

arlier this year, JCDS welcomed grandparents and special friends for our annual Generations Day. As part of the event, visitors were invited to participate in one of three t’fillah (prayer) options.

The first option was a traditional egalitarian shacharit service led by students, second was an art project that reflected a morning prayer, and third was a cooking class inspired by the week’s parashah. One grandparent remarked: “I wish Judaism had felt like this when I was in school. I would have been a much more engaged, committed Jew if it did.”

The t’fillah experience on Generations Day was not unique. In fact, it was representative of a typical JCDS morning that provides students with multiple opportunities to engage with prayer. As a pluralistic Jewish day school in which our families represent a broad spectrum of practice and observance, a key part of our mission is to offer our students varied, authentic, and intentional ways to experience their Judaism.

Pluralism at JCDS extends far beyond the religious sphere. It is the underpinning of teaching, learning, and being both inside and outside of the classroom.

Within our school community, pluralism is defined as the inclination and ability to: • • • •

Seek out multiple perspectives Honor difference Refine and challenge ideas Grow stronger in one’s own identity and in empathy for others

JCDS has remained committed to intentional pluralism as a core philosophy since its founding in 1995. Over the last 23 years, the school has expanded and deepened its expression of this important work.

We have upheld our commitment to honor diversity of all kinds and create safe spaces in which we hear and respect a multitude of voices.

Now, more than ever, we are seeing other Jewish organizations turn toward pluralism due to a few key factors. According to research, including from Combined Jewish Philanthropies’ recent demographic study, denominational affiliation in

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the Jewish community at large is decreasing, and individuals are becoming less interested in dividing themselves along denomination. Moreover, while acceptance of diversity in the world is certainly becoming more widespread, so too is increased polarization. As our world rapidly shifts around us, we are called upon to be in situations in which the people around us share different viewpoints. These forces contribute to a broader context in which pluralism is becoming a much-needed and sought-after way of being, both in the world and in the Jewish community in particular.

At this moment of tremendous shift, JCDS has been called upon as a national leader in the understanding of, and movement toward, pluralism. Jewish schools and organizations from across the country are approaching JCDS to learn about how we enact our pluralism of engagement. They recognize the need to better serve their evolving communities and more successfully prepare their children for a rapidly changing world.

Head of School Dr. Susie Tanchel is leading the efforts to share our work on the national stage with other institutions. Over the last two years, she has actively consulted with Jewish schools, many of which were formerly affiliated with one denomination, that are interested in learning more about pluralism.

Dr. Tanchel has also shared JCDS’s educational vision and philosophy with leaders from Jewish day schools and organizations from across the country at the Jewish Federations of North America General Assembly, the Prizmah Center for Jewish Day Schools Conference, and the Day School Leadership Training Institute of the Jewish Theological Seminary. She has conducted in-person consultation visits to day schools and federations, and welcomed teams of educators and leaders to JCDS to see pluralism in action in our classrooms.

RIGHT: Members of the JCDS Shavuot Pluralism Panel (left to right): Noni Armony, Rabbi David Lerner of Temple Emunah, Rabbi Mark Glass of Adams Street Shul, Rabbi Toba Spitzer of Congregation Dorshei Tzedek, Rabbah Lior Nevo, 7th Grade Toshba Teacher and Chaplain Intern at Hebrew Senior Life, Rabbi Jay Perlman of Temple Beth Shalom, and Avi Bukiet, 5th Grade Toshba Teacher and Co-Director of Chabad Center for Jewish Life BELOW: JCDS Founding Chair Arnee R. Winshall (second from left) with the leadership team from The Idea School of Tenafly, NJ

“During this time of great possibility and need for the Jewish community, we are excited and proud to be in a place as a school where we can share our resources, learnings, and discoveries with others,” Dr. Tanchel said.

Our colleagues in the Jewish community are finding great meaning and purpose in this sharing of ideas surrounding pluralism. Shira Hammerman, coordinator of the Quest for Teaching Excellence Program at the Jewish Federation of Greater Metrowest NJ, recently visited JCDS with several teachers. Shira reported: “My team was blown away. . . by the extent to which your values are evident in all that you do. I particularly appreciated the opportunity to. . . learn more about your approach to pluralism and to educating both the mind and the heart. It was exciting to hear how you are formalizing the approach and sharing it with others.”

This month, Dr. Tanchel will be one of three recipients of the Covenant Foundation awards. Each year, the Covenant Foundation honors three exceptional Jewish educators who have made a profound impact on Jewish life and education. Dr. Tanchel believes that this award represents an important moment not just for JCDS, but for pluralism at large.

“There will be more investment in JCDS as people begin to recognize the strengths and communal needs for the JCDS model of pluralism in day schools,” said Dr. Tanchel. “The Covenant Award provides JCDS the opportunity to share our educational vision and model with the national day school network.”

Dr. Tanchel looks forward to expanding the school’s work in the area of pluralism with the launch of a JCDS Innovation Center later this year. In addition to focusing on exciting advancements in the fields of teacher research and a Jewish approach to STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics), we will advance our work as pioneers in the area of pluralism with a focus on Commonplaces (essential content areas) and our Habits of Mind and Heart. As a school community, we will continue to find meaningful opportunities to share our vision, philosophy, and work with the broader Jewish community.

PUTTING PLURALISM INTO ACTION Pluralis m is more than a c o re value at JCDS; it is integra t ed throughout the curriculu m a n d programming. Some e xam p les o f pluralis m at work at JCDS in c lu de:

T’fillah Electives Coordinated by Oren Kaunfer, Madrich Ruchani

Interfaith Curriculum Initiative Led by Andrea Silton

Chevruta Work With Ayelet Lipton in Grade 4

Understanding Our Differences Curriculum in Grades 3-5

Mikveh Learning Adventure Led by Jared Matas in Grade 7

Pre-Shavuot Pluralism Panel Middle School

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F RO M T H E D IR EC TO R OF A DM I SSIO N S

‫מרא ש מ ד ור הר ש מ ה ו קבלה‬ Dear Families, Long before Tevye, Golde, and their children sang about them in the iconic song from Fiddler on the Roof, our Jewish people understood the importance of traditions.

Traditions lend meaning and purpose to our lives. They connect us with our community, our family, and our history. They help us mark and make sense of important moments of transition.

At JCDS, we have created many meaningful community traditions. Our first graders receive their first Siddur (prayer book) from their families at their Milestone event.

Our middle school students spend weeks planning an elaborate Purim carnival for our lower school students. Eighth graders build the beautiful Sukkah in which the whole community gathers for meals and conversation during Sukkot. JCDS students look forward to these traditions with excitement and joy.

Though each of our JCDS traditions is intentional and thoughtful, my favorite is our annual Tashlich tradition. On Erev Yom Kippur, we all dress in white clothing and walk together as a school to a beautiful bridge overlooking the Charles River. Older students sit with their younger buddies as we tell stories and sing songs. When we are ready to symbolically cast away our misdeeds, our eighth grade leaders line the bridge and offer handfuls of birdseed to their community.

Finally, before returning to school, our eighth graders set goals for their collective leadership in the year to come.

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This Tashlich ceremony represents so much of what makes JCDS special. We practice Jewish traditions and rituals that lend meaning, purpose, and value to our lived human experience. As a community, we reflect both on what we are proud of and how we miss the mark, and work together to become better versions of ourselves. Taking seriously the responsibility and privilege of leadership at JCDS, we call upon our older students to be thoughtful, positive role models. We honor moments of transition by giving them the attention and intention that they deserve.

As we embark on a new school year, we are in the midst of other important transitions.

We are thrilled to welcome the largest Kindergarten class to JCDS that we’ve had in four years. Our 23 Nitzanim (Kindergarteners) and their families, as well as our transfer students to Grades 1-8, reflect the diversity both of our JCDS community and the Greater Boston Jewish community at large.

As our newest students immerse themselves in our JCDS traditions, we look forward to watching them learn, connect, thrive, and grow into leaders. I invite you to explore JCDS to see for yourself what makes our pluralistic community so special.

L’shalom,

Gavi Elkind Director of Admissions

Know a family interested in learning more about JCDS? The Admissions Office is always open!

U P CO M I N G EV ENTS :

Chanukah STEAM Fair at JCDS Sunday, December 2

Admissions Information Session Wednesday, December 5

JCDS joins Jewish Arts Collaborative to celebrate Chanukah with the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston Wednesday, December 5

All School Kabbalat Shabbat at JCDS Friday, December 7 For more information or to schedule a tour, please contact Gavi Elkind at 617-972-1733 or GaviE@jcdsboston.org.

JCDS COUNTS Learn more about this year's Gan Nitzan (Kindergarten) class!

We were delighted to welcome a diverse and engaged group of families into the JCDS community this year.

% Returning vs. New Families

23

1/3 2/3

Students = Largest Kindergarten class in four years

18 # of preschools and daycares represented

> 50% % of Kindergarten students who speak more than one language at home

returning families new families

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Welcome to Massachusetts

# of Towns Represented

25% % of parents who are Jewish communal professionals

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T E AC H C H I LD R E N ACCOR DI N G TO T H E I R N E E DS

‫ח נך ל נ ער ע ל פ י ד רכו‬

By Karen Bernanke, Director of Support Services, and Gavi Elkind, Director of Admissions

E

ven for the students who run into their classroom each day with bright smiles and eager eyes, school can feel frustrating at times. In the early elementary years, some students face difficulties learning to read.

Some find the library a daunting place where words and letters tumble together. Others have moments of frustration during Hebrew time when a second language feels out of reach. For others, math can make them feel anxious because numbers are not easy to decipher. School is meant to be a healthy challenge for all students, but it shouldn’t feel impossible. When any element of the school experience is difficult, the Support Services Department at JCDS is there to help.

Walking through the halls of JCDS on a typical day, one might observe a classroom of students practicing self-awareness skills as they explore social-emotional development with the Director of Support Services. In the room next door, a small group of children might be decoding tricky sentences with our Lower School Reading Specialist. In another classroom, students may be wearing noise-cancelling headphones, working with an occupational therapist on their pencil grips, or talking about group dynamics with the Social Worker over a friendly lunch. In the Middle School, students might be found practicing executive functioning skills under the guidance of our Middle School Learning Specialists, or working one-on-one with teachers as their individual special education goals are addressed.

In ways like these, the Support Services Department at JCDS works closely with students and families every day to ensure that each child feels successful at school. The team—made up of a Director of Support Services, a lower school Reading Specialist, two middle school Learning Specialists, a Hebrew Support Specialist, and a Clinical Social Worker—takes a holistic, comprehensive approach to meeting each

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student’s unique set of challenges. Every conversation, meeting, and strategy is rooted in an unwavering commitment to each student’s particular needs.

The Support Services Department reflects the “Whole Child” approach to education, which strives to foster each student’s social-emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being, in addition to academic progress.

A child struggling with literacy, for example, may also experience powerful emotions that will impact his or her self-confidence, relationships with peers, and ability to learn other subjects. By taking a team approach to working with students and families, the Support Services Department is able to carefully consider all of the factors in a child’s life that will help him or her thrive.

As the proverb goes, “It takes a village to raise a child.” Our Support Services team is grateful to be part of the safe, nurturing JCDS village that helps our students learn, grow, and blossom.

In addition to individualized work with children and families, Support Services collaborates closely with teachers and outside organizations to implement programs in the classroom that support all students’ social-emotional development. Curricula, such as Zones of Regulation and Open Circle, help students develop critical tools for recognizing and regulating emotions, cultivating empathy, and developing positive relationships. JCDS partners with Gateways: Access to Jewish Education and Facing History and Ourselves to help students deepen their understanding of inclusion, identity, and community.

Mixed-age programming at JCDS, including the buddy program, gives older students the opportunity to cultivate valuable leadership skills as role models for the younger students. Through this important work, the JCDS Support Services team helps students develop an awareness of their ways of interpreting the world, and an appreciation for the differences they notice between themselves and their peers.

ABOVE: The Support Services Team (left to right): Adva Schneider, Debbie Kopelt-Kintish, Naomi Getto, Karen Bernanke, Ilene Weiner, and Lindsey Sherer

Supporting students at JCDS is a collaborative process. Our team of professionals works closely with teachers to address various learning styles and to approach each student with a holistic view. Each child is known, nurtured, challenged, and provided for. With our caring approach, we see children gain confidence and make positive strides toward new levels of success.

“

As the proverb goes, ‘It takes a village to raise a child.’ Our Support Services team is grateful to be part of the safe, nurturing

“

To meet ancillary needs, such as speech therapy and occupational therapy, Support Services has teamed up with The Boston Ability Center (BAC), a state-ofthe-art pediatric wellness center that is dedicated to helping children reach their highest level of function in every area of development. BAC provides JCDS with highly qualified on-site therapists to serve students within the school setting.

JCDS village that helps kids learn, grow, and blossom.

– Karen Bernanke, Director of Support Services

RIGHT: A Zones of Regulation chart designed to foster selfregulation and emotional control

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S PA R K S FROM T HE

SCHOOL YEAR ‫שנת ל ימוד ים תשע״ ח‬

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7

6

4

5

10

11

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1.

2nd Grade Learning Adventure Making musical instruments for t’fillah

2.

In the Sukkah 4th Graders enjoy a lunch and learn.

3.

4.

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8

13

16

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Tashlich Ceremony Students gather for the symbolic tossing of birdseed into the Charles River.

Reflections 8th Graders each share personal reflections about their JCDS experience.

5.

Alumni Parent Social Parents gather for a movie night and schmoozing.

6.

Middle School Soccer Go Blaze!

7.

First Day of School

8.

Sunrise Shacharit Students join together for a beautiful (and chilly) outdoor prayer experience.

9.

6th Grade Learning Adventure Minimizing waste at JCDS

10. 8th Grade Graduation Ceremony Dr. Susie Tanchel congratulates students from the Class of 2018.

11.

The Joy of Jewish Songs Oren Kaunfer leads students

12.

First Day of School

13.

Mindfulness A 5th Grader practices mindful eating.

14. 4th Grade Learning Adventure Designing a climate controlled playground 15.

Rosh Hashanah Shofarot Middle School Sabra Advisory and 3rd Grade made emojis depicting emotions they felt upon hearing blasts of the shofar.

16. Alumni Reunion JCDS Alumni and their parents stay in touch at the annual bagel brunch.

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At the End of Year Celebration (left to right): Avi Minder, 3rd Grade General Studies teacher, Jordana ‘23, Rose ‘23, Adi ‘23, and classmates shared in song, dance, and laughter.

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LEFT: Maya Rubin ‘14, Mayaan Lipiner, Middle School and 3th Grade Hebrew teacher, and Maya Beck Levisohn ‘14

CLA S S N OT E S

JC D S ‫בו ג ר י‬

BELOW: Alumni Lunch gathering of Class of 2014 to mark their graduation from high school

Class of 1998

In school?

Working?

Volunteering?

Traveling?

Involved in your community?

Getting married?

Having a baby?

Let us know what’s happening in your life by emailing your updates to news@jcdsboston.org.

If you previously attended JCDS for any length of time, you are part of the JCDS alumni family.

To learn more about the annual Alumni Reunion Brunch or to help plan other activities, contact Sophie Gildesgame, ‘06, Alumni Liaison and member of the JCDS Board of Trustees, at sophie.gildesgame@ gmail.com

Sarah Winshall is an independent film producer in Los Angeles. Sarah received a BA in cinema studies from NYU and a master’s degree in Media Studies from The New School. A Co-Founder of Smudge Films, she champions personal films with unique worldviews. Her recent feature, Clara’s Ghost, made its world premiere at the 2018 Sundance Film Festival and will be released by Orion Classics in the winter of 2018.

Class of 2006 Tali Warburg’s parents, Tamar and Phil Warburg, were thrilled to share some joyous news: Tali and Jeff Goldstein are engaged and plan to be married next summer. Jeff grew up in Newton. The couple met in D.C. where they were both working. Now both are in graduate schools in New England.

Class of 2011 Ziv Stern is doing an honors major in Linguistics, an honors minor in Greek, and a minor in Theatre at Swarthmore College. Ziv enjoyed his gap year in Jerusalem where he lived in the student village on Mount Scopus and was a visiting student at the Polis Institute for Languages. This coming summer, he will be a research fellow in Linguistics at Swarthmore.

Class of 2012 Eli Braginsky is entering his junior year at UMass Amherst. A member of the Kappa Sigma fraternity, he is majoring in Operations and Information Management. Last summer, he ran a branch office for Vector Marketing in Concord, New Hampshire.

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Class of 2015 Jacob Foster was recently elected student council president at Gann Academy. Prior to that, he served as leader of the Gann Conservative Club and participated in JSA, an American nonpartisan youth organization that helps high school students acquire leadership skills and the knowledge necessary to become effective debaters and civic participants.

This past summer, he was a Tikvah scholar at Yale University and attended the Summer Leadership Experience at West Point.

Talya Lerner was selected as a Bronfman fellow.

She joins 25 Jewish 11th graders from all over the U.S. and one from Canada for a five-week summer study program in Israel this coming June. The Bronfman Fellowship, founded in 1987 by Edgar M. Bronfman, z”l, allows for young Israeli and American Jews to engage with one another on topics relating to the community at large.

A LU M NI CO N N EC T IO N S STAY S TRONG: I T A L L G OE S B AC K TO J C DS

‫ה ת פ ת ח ו ת מ קצ ו עי ת ב הו ר א ה‬

By Joanne Baker, 7th & 8th English Teacher and Rosh 8th Grade

B

efore college classes begin each fall and again when they are over in the late spring, JCDS alumni Tali Anisfeld ’12, Shachar Berkowitz-Regosin ’13, Jessie Shiner ’13, and Liel Dolev ’12 appear beaming at my door. Their visits spark non-stop conversation and contagious laughter. Getting together has become a delightful tradition for us all.

As their former 7th and 8th grade English teacher, I am over-the-moon that these young adults seek to spend time with me. What I find most striking about our get-togethers is that the dialogue always leads back to JCDS. Each graduate credits the school and its community with who they have become as people and as students. They cherish the bonds they have with one another and with one another’s families.

They express immense gratitude for their unique camaraderie, saying, “What we have is rare.” At our most recent gathering, I asked them to tell me more.

Shachar began by saying that in middle school, she realized how much she loved and appreciated JCDS because, as she said, “I was totally comfortable just being me.” Tali thoughtfully voiced, “I always felt a

ABOVE: (from left to right) JCDS alumni Tali Anisfeld ’12, Shachar Berkowitz-Regosin ’13, Jessie Shiner ’13, and Liel Dolev ’12 BELOW: The annual student vs. staff kickball game from the 2012-2013 school year

sense of responsibility, not just for myself, but also for others in the community because that’s just how it is at JCDS.” Liel acknowledged that his confidence grew enormously in middle school because “our teachers respected us, listened to us, and made us feel we could accomplish pretty much anything.”

Tali and Shachar noted that in high school (Gann Academy), the kids who had come out of JCDS were completely at ease speaking up and creating positive challenges for teachers and classmates. Jessie acknowledged that this was also true for her in public school, and that other kids were “way less willing to take risks and speak their thoughts freely in front of others.” She added that when applying to college, “I actually chose Sarah Lawrence because I wanted to recreate my JCDS experience and go to a small school where teachers are always accessible to their students.”

Before departing, Tali spoke for all in saying: “Each of us recognizes, as we’ve gotten older, the uniqueness and power of our relationship with one another. It’s all about ruach (spirit), values, respect, and community.

My college friends are blown away by how rare and powerful my friendships are with these guys. We all know it will be like this forever. It’s crazy, but it all goes back to JCDS!”

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AMB A SSA DO R S FO R I NC LU S I O N

‫ה ת פ ת ח ו ת מ קצ ו ע ית ב הו ר אה‬

By Jared Matas, Director of STEM Innovation and Gary Alpert, Educational Specialist and Director of Ambassadors for Inclusion at Gateways: Access to Jewish Education

F

ive years ago, JCDS piloted Gateways: Access to Jewish Education Ambassadors for Inclusion (AFI).

This program introduced disability awareness to third graders. Thanks to generous funding from the Ruderman Family Foundation, the partnership has since expanded to a school-wide initiative with students in all grades participating in age-appropriate lessons and activities.

JCDS has become a regular pilot site for AFI programs, giving our students the first exposure to these important initiatives before they are shared with other Jewish day schools and congregational schools.

In the fall of 2017, we used our combined knowledge and skills to partner on a Middle School disability awareness STEM project. The goal was two-fold: to create STEM programming that would be intellectually stimulating and to give students an opportunity to solve problems that make a meaningful contribution to the world.

The program we designed for JCDS students was inspired by the Tikkun Olam Makers Makeathon that took place at the 2017 Ruderman Inclusion Summit. At this event, teams comprised of engineers, designers, artists, and people with disabilities competed to design and prototype solutions to everyday problems experienced by people with disabilities.

At JCDS, we created our own version of a (mini) makeathon. To guide us in this process, we invited Mohammed “Moh’” Sayed, an inventor and writer of a semi-autobiographical graphic novel, Wheelchair Man, to JCDS. Moh told our students about his remarkable life that brought him from Kabul, Afghanistan to Watertown and shared some of the challenges that he faces going about his daily life in a wheelchair.

Our students were tasked with developing solutions to challenges faced by people with various disabilities. In a very intensive and deliberately fast-paced makeathon, the students had 72 minutes to brainstorm, design, and build solutions. Scenarios included a mother who had a stroke and has to help her children zip their jackets without the use of her left arm, a student with cerebral palsy who

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LEFT: Combining STEM programming and disability awareness, middle schoolers designed and built prototypes of potential solutions for everyday challenges experienced by people with disabilities.

needs to press the small on/off button on a computer, and a person in a wheelchair who wants to maintain independence when getting in and out of bed and opening heavy doors.

With the clock ticking, the students tackled the task at hand, using materials such as Legos, paper, cardboard tubes, paper clips, and playdough. While they developed their ideas, the groups gave prototypes to Moh to test in his wheelchair, allowing the budding engineers to iterate and make changes to their designs based on real-user feedback.

Following the success of this program, it was clear that our makeathon was an effective way to apply the engineering design process familiar to all JCDS students. It provided a framework for students to utilize their problem-solving skills to address and create solutions for real-world problems.

The aim of this learning experience was for students to view the world around them differently. For example, they might notice the curb cut and have a new understanding of how it could be used by a person in a wheelchair. Upon seeing steps at an entrance to a building, they might imagine engineering solutions to make it accessible to all. When the barista in a coffee shop yells out a name, perhaps the students will think what else could be done to accommodate deaf customers.

Based on the success of this program, AFI recently announced that for the 2018-2019 academic year, several Boston Jewish day schools will be participating in a regional version of an Innovation for Inclusion Makeathon.

Participants will come together via live streaming. They will be presented with a real-life challenge. Each school will have a “need knower,” a person with a disability who will be available to the students to help them navigate their ideas and test their prototypes. In the spring, these students will come together to present their inventions to the larger community.

It is very exciting to see the development of this program from an idea that started at JCDS to one that is expanding into a much larger regional event. Stay tuned to see all the innovative solutions the students develop!

2018 ANNUAL REPORT F ROM THE BOA RD PRES IDENT

‫מנשיאת ח ב ר הנאמני ם‬

2018 ANNUAL REPORT

Dear Friends:

As a parent, trustee, and now board chair this past year, I have numerous occasions to be in the school each week. Entering the building on Friday mornings is a favorite of mine. A trio of musicians, drawn from our staff, fills the main hall with song and joy. Students and parents alike are motivated. Through the music and everyone’s pleasure in it, I am further inspired to lend my energies to serving the JCDS community.

Every moment at JCDS is an opportunity for learning and growth. From the Kindergarten through eighth grade Learning Adventures— week-long collaborative learning projects—to the new hot lunch program, the school culture is infused with Jewish values. The curriculum engages students in conversations about the world around us.

At JCDS, Hebrew is a living, breathing language that is part of everyday life for students and families. I see in both my JCDS sons a heartfelt connection to the language.

The excitement with which my first grader learned to name every item of his snow gear in Hebrew was thrilling for me as a parent.

The ease with which my eighth grader navigated his surroundings during our recent family trip to Israel was deeply gratifying; his facility with the language enabled him to feel very much at home during our stay. This is all thanks to the Hebrew program at our school.

I am privileged to work with our board of trustees. This cohesive group, dedicated to JCDS and to serving its mission, is comprised of leaders in fundraising. They are attentive to putting our finances to their best use.

They share in the common goal of all of us at JCDS to engage our students in learning, social-emotional development, and growing into citizens of the world who carry a sense of menschlichkeit with them.

We reached a major milestone with our fundraising this past year: the 2018 Annual Campaign raised well over one million dollars! We could not have achieved this success without you—our supporters—and we are so very grateful to the friends, community members, parents, grandparents, alumni, and alumni parents who made this happen.

We are deeply grateful to the anonymous donor who initiated a Challenge Match to help us reach our fundraising target. Our community members responded generously, and their increases over prior year giving were instrumental in achieving the match and surpassing our Annual Campaign goal.

We greatly appreciate the leadership of the anonymous donor, and we are thankful that our trustees led the way with increased gifts.

Parent participation in this year’s Annual Campaign likewise was stellar, achieving a rate of 96%. We thank all of those who were involved in these efforts and especially our Development Committee and wonderful professional staff.

The 2018 school year is underway with our largest Gan Nitzan class in several years. I am sincerely proud to partner with Dr. Susie Tanchel, Head of School, in helping to steer and guide our school. I applaud Susie’s winning the esteemed Covenant Award for her leadership in Jewish education. My hope is that this award shines a bright light on our school. I invite you to join in, and increase your support of the wonderful work that happens here.

Kol tuv,

Elizabeth Waksman President, JCDS Board of Trustees

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2018 ANNUAL REPORT F RO M T H E D IR EC TO R OF D E VE LOPM E N T

‫מר א ש מח ל קת‬ ‫פי תוח ות רומות‬ Dear Friends, What does it mean when a donor makes a matching challenge gift? Beyond the generosity of the donation and the statement of belief in the school, it is a way of saying to the community: join me in support of that which we love.

but rather, it is community building. The endeavor of investing in the school is not something to be done by others on a parallel track, but is entwined with the overall culture of kindness that makes the school so deeply cherished.

Looking back on the year in development, I was touched by our anonymous donor’s commitment to JCDS in the form of a matching challenge and equally touched by the replies of the generous many who said with their gifts: yes, I will join with you, and I will give more because I am inspired by your example. This partnership among donors resulted in gifts totaling well over one million dollars in 2018, a 21% increase over the prior year.

Even as we celebrate the accomplishments of 2018, the 2019 fiscal year is well underway. Financial aid to families, capital improvements, teacher support, and strengthening the endowment are among the school’s highest priorities. As you consider your giving in this school year, keep in mind that you are part of a culture and a community that listens to you. Where you lead, others will follow.

Together with the Development Committee and many dedicated volunteers, we continue to build the school’s culture of philanthropy. This is a mindset that says giving to the school is not something that happens alongside of building community,

With appreciation,

Jennifer London Director of Development and Communications

J CDS VA’A D YOUR PARE NT A SSOCI ATI O N

THE MISSION OF THE JCDS VA'AD HORIM (PARENTS ASSOCIATION) IS TO ENABLE PARENTS

JOIN

TO ENRICH THE JCDS

to create connections and build community

COMMUNITY THROUGH PARENT SUPPORTED

VOLUNTEER

PROGRAMMING

to help make it all happen

AND EVENTS.

PARTICIPATE IN THE PARENT CAMPAIGN to give your support at www.jcdsboston.org/donate

2020 N ITZOTZOT NITZOTZOT / FALL / FAL 201 L 2801 8

C0-Chairs (left to right): Jenny Gomeringer, parent of Emma ‘25, and Norah ‘28, Julia Khodor Beloborodov, parent of Ilana ‘16, Lior ‘22, and Maya ‘26, and Jaka Saarony, parent of Shai ‘20, Sadie, and Max ‘25

To get involved, please contact us at vaad@jcdsboston.org

2018 ANNUAL REPORT FAMI LY I N FO C US

‫ב או ר ה ז רקו ר‬ CL AUD IA DAV I D OFF A N D JOSEP H K A H AN

By Naomi Gurt Lind, parent of Akiva ‘18 and Gideon ‘22

E

very step in Claudia Davidoff ’s fascinating life journey has inexorably led her to JCDS. Hers is not a traditional path. Her children were educated elsewhere, and her connection to the school came in a roundabout way. And yet, it is somehow bashert (destiny). The journey is bound up in history, a deep profound commitment to education, and an abiding longing for Jewish connection.

Born in Mexico to a Sephardi mother and an Ashkenazi father, Claudia’s childhood was mainly secular. Her parents’ milieu was artistic and intellectual. Her father had come to Martinique (and then to Mexico) in 1941 on the Capitaine Paul Lemerle, the same ship that carried Claude Lévi-Strauss and other intellectuals. The family was immersed in books and art. Her mother’s parents’ bookstore and avant-garde gallery became a meeting place for artists and thinkers of the time, many of whom were Jewish. Yet like many in the generation that escaped Europe just before calamity came, Claudia’s parents imparted their Jewish heritage to their children only minimally.

Even still, Claudia’s father had a strong interest in Israel and a desire to support the young country. He made his way there in 1967 when the war broke out to see what he could do to contribute to the effort. After the war ended, he brought his family to the Holy Land. Upon arrival, young Claudia was thunderstruck: “This is my home. This is my country. This is where I belong.”

Her focus quickly became bound up in the land of Israel and in discovering and

reclaiming her Jewish identity. Along this journey of self-discovery, Claudia realized that Jewish identity is the birthright of every Jew, and that identity expresses itself uniquely in every Jew. Through her individual explorations, Claudia found her way to Harvard Hillel where the diversity of approaches offered her a chance to learn and develop as a Jew. There she met her husband, Joseph Kahan. Claudia also made personal connections that led her to take an interest in JCDS where she serves on the Board of Trustees.

As a philanthropist, Claudia has committed significant resources to a few key institutions, each of which has roots in her unique upbringing: The Israel Museum, Rabin Medical Center, and JCDS. Advancing the school’s sacred mission is something that brings her great joy.

At JCDS, Claudia found much that aligned with her basic values: an individualized approach to learning, emphasis on community, dual language education, innovative elementary education, inclusion, and most especially, religious pluralism.

In her words, “Children have to understand the values and traditions that exist in a Jewish home and to have respect for every Jew.” For Claudia, this unique pluralistic approach sets JCDS apart and makes it a jewel in the Boston Jewish crown. The school’s core values inspire Claudia’s devotion and her generosity.

At JCDS, Claudia found much that aligned with her basic values: an individualized approach to learning, emphasis on community, dual language education, innovative elementary education, inclusion, and most especially, religious pluralism.

Claudia has cultivated her Jewish identity throughout her life. Her dedication to Judaism gleams in her eyes. Along her journey, coming to JCDS feels to her like coming home.

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2018 ANNUAL REPORT F I NA NCIA L HIGHLIGHTS

‫חדשות מא ג ף ה כ ספי ם‬

Revenue Contributions 21%

Other Income 5% Grants 2%

Net Tuition 72%

Expenses Supplies & Services 8% Facilities 7%

Debt Service 7%

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NITZOTZOT / FAL L 2 01 8

Salaries & Benefits 78%

2018 ANNUAL REPORT R E P O RT O F GIFTS

T H ANK YO U F O R YOU R S U P P O RT !

‫תרומו ת שנת תש ע״ח‬ ‫תודה על תמיכ ת כם‬

JCDS is profoundly grateful for the generous financial support provided by parents, alumni, parents of alumni, grandparents, trustees, friends, and businesses. Donations to the JCDS Annual Fund underwrite academic programs, professional development for faculty and staff, and the flexible tuition fund that allows us to welcome a diverse range of families to our community. The donors listed below made gifts to JCDS between July 1, 2017 and June 30, 2018.

$ 5 0,0 0 0 A N D A B OVE

Anonymous Joanne and Paul Egerman Sari Korman and John Hunt Joseph and Rae Gann Charitable Foundation Claudia Davidoff and Joseph Kahan Legacy Heritage Fund Bonnie and Marty Tenenbaum $36,000 - $49,999

Anonymous Arnee R. and Walter A. Winshall $ 1 8 ,0 0 0 - $ 3 5 ,9 9 9

Anonymous Combined Jewish Philanthropies (CJP) Rita and Herbert Gann Gayle and Jerry Klusky Lizbeth and George Krupp Julie Altman and Alex Sagan Rosalyn and Richard Slifka $ 1 0,0 0 0 - $ 1 7,9 9 9

Anonymous Betsy Hecker and John J. Barter Facing History and Ourselves, Inc. Diane Troderman and Harold Grinspoon Phyllis Hammer Joan and Peter Hoffman Peggy and Marvin Menzin Elizabeth Waksman and Darren Orbach

Heather Reisman and Gerald Schwartz Shiri and Ilan Segev Michelle Barmazel and Kevin Steinberg $5,000 - $ 9,999

Anonymous Lois and Milton Cail Shoshana Jacobs and David Charytan Nicole and Joshua Gann Patti and Louis Grossman Susie and Howie Rodenstein Sarah Luria and Thomas Schwarz Vivamax, LLC Tamar and Philip Warburg $2,500 - $4 ,999

Anonymous Shelley Baker Teri Berenson Marci and Joram Borenstein Sara Riedner Brown and Stephen Brown Rena Gray Fein and Robert Fein Lillian Freedman Catharyn and Mike Gildesgame Google Matching Gifts Program Winnie Sandler Grinspoon and Steven Grinspoon Maria and Alexander Gurevich The Joseph and Anna Gartner Foundation Stephanie Karger Devra and Donald Lasden

Fiona Epstein and Jon Pollack Jaka and Gadi Saarony United Health Group $1,000 - $2,499

Anonymous Sarah M. Allen Shirah Rubin and Bret Ancowitz Jill and Marc Baker Ifat and Yaniv Rubin Bejerano Ruth Nemzoff and Harris Berman Barbara Lapidas-Brown and Larry Brown Claire and Daniel Caine Emily and Doug Charton Chelsea Hebrew Free School Endowment Fund Ada Beth and Chuck Cutler Brenda and Jerry Deener Dina Horovitz Fund Galit Cohen and Lior Div Eran and Yukiko Egozy Talia and Yoni Engelhart Renee and Steven Finn Beth Polasky and Samuel Furgang Zelda and Elkan Gamzu Nancy Ganz Peni Garber Dena and Jason Glasgow Sarah and Joshua Gortler Rabbi Susan Harris Carla Naumburg and Joshua Herzig-Marx Dr. Susie Tanchel and Jen Kaplan Barbara and Leo Karas

Robert Laverdure Sharon Levin and Rabbi David Lerner Sharon Feiman-Nemser and Louis Nemser Adele and Andrew Newman Pnina and Sidney Orbach Debra Gelber and Avrom Pfeffer Suzanne Priebatsch Barbara Skydell Safran and Dr. Arthur Safran Ranella Hirsch Saul and Daniel Saul Ellen and Steven Segal Nicole Lamberg and Adam Shyevitch Nancy Rigelhaupt Smith and Howard Smith Judith Katz and Dean Solomon Ruth Weinrib and Paul Weiss Alison Wintman Ina Bachman and Eli Wylen Judy and Albert Zabin $5 00 - $999

Stephanie Goldenhersh and Gary Alpert Susan Shevitz and Larry Bailis Julia Khodor Beloborodov and Mark Beloborodov Deb Gaffin and Richard Bennett Dina and Paul Berger Mozelle and Joel Berkowitz Jennifer Dupee and Joshua Bers

Harvey Bock Rabbi Ira Korinow and Sally Bock Joyce and Michael Bohnen Monica and Richard Cantelli Charitable Adult Rides & Services, Inc. Hanania Cohen Lisa and Arieh Coll Susan and Stewart Cook Orly Mishan and Timothy Crawford Deborah Skolnick Einhorn and Marshall Einhorn Terri and Solomon Eisenberg Dena and Gary Elovitz Fran Elovitz Jennifer London and Steven Feinstein Helen Tager-Flusberg and Martin Flusberg Leslie and Michael Gaffin Sophie Gildesgame (’06) Susan Hirsh and Charles Glick Katya Brezgunova and Igor Gomberg Steven Goldstein and Rabbi Steve Greenberg Judy and Chayim Herzig-Marx Allison Cook and David Hirsh Amy and Jonathan Imber Elizabeth and Dan Jick Andrea and Jonathan Kamens Ellen and Robert S. Kaplan

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2018 ANNUAL REPORT R E P ORT OF GIFTS co n tin u e d ‫ה מש ך‬

‫תר ומ ו ת ש נ ת ת ש ע״ח‬

Rabbi Alvan and Marcia Kaunfer Elizabeth and Daniel Kraft Emily Beck and Jon Levisohn Stephanie and Yair Listokin Margot Mann Susan and Bob Martuza Amy McFadden Alisa Berger and Samuel Moyn Carol Saivetz and Harry Penn Sarah Markovitz and Jacob Pinnolis Shulamit and Jehuda Reinharz Ruth Langer and Jonathan Sarna Laura and Guy Shechter Margery Sokoloff and Jeffrey Shoulson Judy and David Skolnick Gilda Slifka Jenna Andelman and Gavin Steyn Deborah and David Wang Lisa Kempler and Bruce Weinstock Tamara Charm and Oren Weisberg Debra and Brad Weiss Dominique Weyl Sonya and Sean Wilder $250 - $499

Elisa Deener-Agus and Michael Agus Shirley Baker, z”l Karen Bernanke Wendy and Jonathan Bernays Lisa Burns Eric Cushing

24

Rachel Fish and Dave Cutler Yaara and Eyal David Rachel and Behzad Dayanim Yael and Eyal Dvir Gail Elson Marlene and Larry Engelhart Janet Zerlin Fagan and Mark Fagan Elisha and Sam Gechter Naomi and Phillip Getto Janet Yassen and Irle Goldman Jenny and Tim Gomeringer Jennifer and Seth Gordon Esther Gross Sherry Israel Sandy Falk and Rabbi Dan Judson Rabbi Sylvan Kamens and Rhoda Kamens Barbara Kaplan Shira Horowitz and Maurice Karpman Dr. Shira Novack and Raanan Korinow Elana Fein and Doron Korinow Ellen and Michael Krause-Grosman Sharon and Igo Krebs Naomi Gurt Lind and William Lind Susan Rodgin and Warren Manning Ilana and Natan Margalit Miriam and Raphael Mishan Gem Mutlu Arthur Novakoff Miriam Newman and Michael Pinnolis Elizabeth and Robert Pressman Tamar and Michael Propp

NITZOTZOT / FAL L 2 01 8

Ziva Mann and Ezra Robison Leorah Ross Bryna and David Silbert Lisa Wasserman Sivan and Ezra Zuckerman Sivan John and Glenda Speyer Onir Leshem and Jeffrey Spiegel Linda Hsu and Marc Steinberg Miriam and Ehud Telem Yevgenia Khodor Tolan and Michael Tolan Rosalen Vineberg Ana Gordon Volpi and Matthew Volpi Jennifer and Amiel Weinstock Yal Day New Day Care Center, Inc. Bracha L. Zeitler Dorit and Ofer Zmiri UP TO $249

Anonymous (5) Mara and Stephane Acel-Green Robin and Matthew Adwin Ellen Wolfson and Mona Albawi AmazonSmile Elizabeth Anisfeld Susan and Joel Appelbaum Yael and Alex Asen Keren Hamel and Ytshak Avrahami Barbara Bach Beth and Adam Badik Joanne Baker Jordana Schuster Battis and Seth Battis Danielle Bejerano (’17) Madelyn Bell

Alla and Leonid Beloborodov Gary Berenson Jerome Bloom Nancy and Jacob Bloom Shira Bloom (’15) Zach Bourque Jill Breed Toby Bresky Jonathan Bresman Miriam Brody Ben Caine (’07) Tehila and Ian Cherubino Shira Deener and David Chodirker Class of 2022 Class of 2023 Class of 2025 Tova Mirvis and Bruce Cohen James Cohen Barbra Batshalom and Moshe Cohen Conway Office Solutions Ann and Sidney Cramer Yoninah and Michael Cramer Mark Dwortzan Florrie, z”l and Henry Einhorn Jeralyn Ellowitz Diane and Bill Forman Donna and Jonathan Frankel Tamar D. Galper and Allan Galper Celia and Dr. Steve Gamm Lauren and Jonathan Garlick Sari and Walter Gazda Suzanne Gelber Carleen Gentry Yael Getz Schoen and Gad A. Getz

Jesse Gildesgame (’05) Sari Dweck and Larry Ginsburg Ellen Bohn Gitlitz and Mark Gitlitz Elise Gladstone Laurie and Richard Gliklich Ruth Gold Josh Golden Carol Goldman David Goldstone Amy and Steven Gortler Beth and Julian Gott Rabbi Art Green Nancy Nozick-Grodin and Michael Grodin Neena Tenney and Paul Gross Ruth and Richard Grossman Gloria and Joe Gurt Galit and Michael Heimlich Carol and Michael Hirsh Marilyn and Michael Horen Roni and Shai Horovitz Muriel Horowitz Sue and Robert Housman Cindy and Dr. Daniel Jacobs Dvora Jonas Cydney and Norman Josephy Judith and Bill Kates Charlotte Ross and Matthew Katz Rachel Pressman Kaunfer and Oren Kaunfer Kenneally-Ovesen Group Debbie Kintish Andrea and Aviel Klausner Judy Izen and Myles Kleper Deborah Simonds and Stuart Kolodner Emily and Stanley Kotler

2018 ANNUAL REPORT R E P O RT O F GIFTS co n tin u e d ‫ה מש ך‬

‫תר ומ ו ת ש נ ת תש ע״ח‬

Dan and Ruth Krasner Linda G. Krause Carol and David Krentzman Vicki and Peter Krupp Yael Kubo Annette Lakein Orit Kent and Meir Lakein Kitty Stein and John Langell Claudia Kreiman and Ebn Leader Lynda Fink and Maury Lederman Meg and Eli Lederman Hila Romi and Akiva Leibowitz Katherine Levesque Marsha and Michael Levin Shari Levitz Jerry Pearl and Ellen Levy Nancy and Ralph Lieberman Karen and Joseph Linitz Miriam Seidman and Asher Lindenbaum Shira and Rudie Lion Nicole Chamoy and David Lipsitt Beth and Ariel Lisogorsky Florence and Arjun Manglani Miriam and Rajiv Manglani Francine Margulies Cheryl Weiner and Jared Matas Susan Weiner and Jason Mazur Keren McGinity Harriet and Fred Merkowitz Gordon Meyer Lara Michal Skarf and Joshua Meyer Judith and Harold Meyer Barbara and Bernard Meyers

Milendorf Real Estate Development Gavriel Elkind and Jacob Mirsky Lynnie and David Mirvis Thea Breite and Susan Moser Robin Munger Shira Musher Melissa Appel-Nahmias and JP Nahmias Jennifer and Joel Newman Marina Umaschi Bers and Patricio O’Donnell Oracle Corporation Eleanor and John Pearlman Susan and Gerald Pinnas Sally Plone Angela Sigal Poock and Jeremy Poock Rosemary Porto Rabbi Rebecca Weinstein and Dan Posner Ina and Jerry Regosin Elaine and Toby Robison Alisa Rodny Debi Zilberman and Jamey Rosenfield Rose, Chinitz & Rose Judith Rosenbaum and Rabbi Or Rose Laura Miller and Ken Rosenstein Natasha Ross Aviva and Jeremy Rothman-Shore Marion Gribetz and Robert Rubin Diane and Adam Safer Salesforce.com, Inc. Barbara and Michael Sawyer Dr. Barry Schneider Diane and Jack Schuster Ethel and Lester Segal

Michael Segal Rabbi Talya Shalem Robyn and Bruce Shoulson Deborah Horwitz and Steven Shoyer Elaine and Joseph Siegel Daniela and Seth Silverstein Lee Silverstone Barbara and Barry Skarf Emily and Marc Sloat Francene and Cantor Scott Sokol Helene Sokol Rachel Goldberg and Brian Sokol Rachel Spiller Karin and Leo Sprecher Heather Hill and Jon Star Marcia Summers Alissa and David Talamo Sandy and David Tall Susan Cohen and Matthew Teitelbaum Martha Hausman and Rabbi Andrew Vogel Yonina Hoffman-Wanderer and Jeremy Wanderer Sivanne and Boaz Waserman Shaina Wasserman Phyllis Holman Weisbard Maurine Welling Elise White Judy and Joseph White Rebecca White Sally Wieder, z”l Krystyna and David Wolf Luz Arevalo and Ed Zabin Gerald Zuriff

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2018 ANNUAL REPORT R E P ORT OF GIFTS co n tin u e d ‫ה מש ך‬

WE HAV E T R I ED TO BE AS ACCUR AT E AS P OS S I B L E I N O UR L I S T I N G S. WE AP O LO G I Z E F O R AN Y E R RO R S O R

‫תר ומ ו ת ש נ ת ת ש ע״ח‬

O M I S S I O N S T HAT M AY AP P EAR . P L EAS E CO N TAC T T H E D EV ELO P M EN T O F F I CE AT 617- 97 2 -1 7 3 3 W I T H AN Y R EQ UES TS F O R F UT UR E L I S T I N G S.

M O R ES H ET EYTA N A

ENDOWMENT FUNDS

LEG AC Y SOCI E TY O U R S T RO NG HE RITAGE

‫מ ו ר שת א יתנ ה‬ The Moreshet Eytana Legacy Society recognizes the generosity of those individuals and families who have included JCDS in their estate plans. All planned gifts, such as bequests and deferred gifts providing life income, qualify a donor for membership in this society. Members of Moreshet Eytana, translated from the Hebrew as “Our Strong Heritage,” have thoughtfully provided for the strength, integrity and value of the JCDS experience for generations to come.

Anonymous Fran Elovitz Linda Brodt and Paul Katz Dr. Susie Tanchel Albert and Judith Zabin

The JCDS Endowment helps provide financial stability for the school. Generous donors have contributed to endowed funds that extend the school’s ability to offer flexible tuition. We express deep gratitude to the families and friends, past and present, whose gifts help insure that JCDS remains a diverse and inclusive community. For information on how to establish or support an endowed fund, please contact the development office.

Anonymous The Catharyn and Mike Gildesgame Flexible Tuition Fund The Winnie Sandler Grinspoon and Steven Grinspoon Flexible Tuition Fund The Joan and Peter Hoffman Flexible Tuition Fund Joseph J. Marbach Memorial Flexible Tuition Fund Krupp Fund for the Future - Inspired by a leadership gift from George Krupp and supported by: Anonymous Sari Korman and John Hunt Barbara and David Listokin Stephanie and Yair Listokin

8 T H G R A D E C L AS S GI F T Every year, eighth grade families come together to help fund a particular need for JCDS. With these gifts, families create a lasting legacy that honors their children’s time at the school.

Debra and Aaron Askanase Marcia and Joram Borenstein Orly Mishan and Timothy Crawford Yael and Eyal Dvir Mark Dwortzan Yael Getz-Schoen and Gad A. Getz Elise Gladstone

Shiri and Ilan Segev Richard Slifka Bonnie and Marty Tenenbaum

A LUMNI DONOR S Ruth and Richard Grossman Allison Cook and David Hirsh Sandy Falk and Rabbi Dan Judson Sharon and Igo Krebs Orit Kent and Meir Lakein Sharon Levin and Rabbbi David Lerner Naomi Gurt Lind and William Lind Stephanie and Yair Listokin Marion and Abe Menzin Nicole Lamberg and Adam Shyevitch Gal and Orit Steinberg Michelle Barmazel and Kevin Steinberg Linda Hsu and Marc Steinberg

We are pleased to highlight alumni giving. As young donors, their expression of tzedakah represents an important milestone in the school’s growth as an institution.

Danielle Bejerano (’17) Shira Bloom (’15) Ben Caine (’07) Jesse Gildesgame (’05) Sophie Gildesgame (’06)

GIF TS REC EI VE D I N ME MO RY OF Abraham Bers Jennifer Dupee and Joshua Bers Ella Bloom Jerome Bloom

Rachelle Chodirker Jeralyn Ellowitz Kathy Green Carleen Gentry Rabbi Art Green

Jacob and Joyce Carmen Jerome Bloom

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Daniel Greenberg Shirah Rubin and Bret Ancowitz Dina and Eli Horovitz Dina Horovitz Fund

Yaffah Korinow Rabbi Ira Korinow and Sally Bock The Joseph and Anna Gartner Foundation Henry Linschitz Karen and Joseph Linitz

Valentina Milendorf Michael Milendorf

Alvan Tall Joanne Baker

Eva May Powers Judy and Joseph White

Roz Volow Jerome Bloom

Stanley Sacks Jerome Bloom

Maurice Wolf Jerome Bloom

2018 ANNUAL REPORT REPORT OF GIF TS co nt i nued

JCDS is honored to be the recipient of gifts in memory and in honor of faculty, students, alumni, and friends. We are pleased to list those individuals who have been so honored.

‫המשך‬

‫תרומו ת שנת תש ע״ח‬

G IF TS RECE I VE D I N HO NO R OF JCDS FACULTY AND STAFF

3rd Grade Teachers: Laura Ball, Debbie Kintish, Meg Lederman, Maayan Lipiner, Avi Minder, Emily Perlman, Alla Shimron, Vered Singer, and Stanley Wolf Dr. Susie Tanchel and Jen Kaplan 6th Grade Teachers: Laura Ball, Rita Dunn, Ben Einsindler, Naomi Getto, Irina Kader-Braginsky, Tami Levy, Josh Mocle, Matt Rowe, Andrea Silton, Vered Singer, and Ilene Weiner Mara and Stephane Acel-Green Aaron Askanase Orit Kent and Meir Lakein Joanne Baker Shirley Baker, z”l Sharon and Igo Krebs Orit Kent and Meir Lakein Krystyna and David Wolf Laura A. Ball Anonymous Educational Leadership Team Members: Karen Bernanke, Emily Charton, Glenda Speyer, Dr. Susie Tanchel, and Dorit Zmiri Joanne Baker

Ben Einsindler, Naomi Getto, Carissa McKinney, Josh Mocle, Vered Singer, and Dorit Zmiri Annette Lakein Glenda Speyer Miriam Brody Dr. Susie Tanchel Susan Shevitz and Larry Bailis James Cohen Claudia Davidoff Carol and Michael Hirsh Alisa Berger and Samuel Moyn Elizabeth Waksman and Darren Orbach Susie and Howie Rodenstein Sarah Luria and Thomas Schwarz Maurine Welling Rebecca White Elise White JCDS STUDENTS AND COMMUNITY MEMBERS

Jacoby (’22), Asher (’26) and Zoe (’26) Adwin Susan and Bob Martuza

Yakira (’21), Nadav (’23), and Lior (’21) Engelhart Marlene and Larry Engelhart

Marion and Abe Menzin David Goldstone

Nicole Gann Luz Arevalo and Ed Zabin

Maya (’23), Rose (’23), and Lily (’26) Nahmias Devra and Donald Lasden

Emma Gomeringer (’25) Carol and David Krentzman Amy, Steven, Fozzie (’20), and Orli (’23) Gortler Sarah and Joshua Gortler Lianne Gross (’08) Gerald Zuriff Bayla Kamens (’14) Toby Bresky Asher Karpman (’25) Muriel Horowitz

Miriam Newman and Michael Pinnolis

Naomi Getto James Cohen

Yochanan Cramer (’22) Ethel and Lester Segal

Irina Kader-Braginsky Sharon and Igo Krebs

Maayan Deener-Chodirker (’21) Brenda and Jerry Deener

Jared Matas Susan Weiner and Jason Mazur

Elana (’19), Ari (’22), and Shira (’25) Skolnick Einhorn Florrie, z”l and Henry Einhorn Judy and David Skolnick

Ethan Matas (’22) Susan Weiner and Jason Mazur

Lillian Freedman Shirley Baker, z”l

Gersh Battis (’26) Jordana Schuster Battis and Seth Battis

Alisa Berger Dina and Paul Berger

Akiva Mann-Robison (’20) Elaine and Tobias Robison

Marion, Abe, Lev (’18), Ari (’20), Isaac (’22), and Eve (’25) Menzin Cornelia Tenny and Paul Gross

Lia Abigail Fein Korinow Deborah Skolnick Einhorn and Marshall Einhorn

Miriam Bennett (’26) Hadara Ancowitz (’26)

Atara Z. Manglani (’23) Florence and Arjun Manglani

Rachel Fish, Dave Cutler, Ezra (’23), Asher (’25), Nadav, and Amital Rabbi Alvan and Marcia Kaunfer

Elisha (’17), Meital (’19), Maor (’21), and Alanna (’23) Baker Shelley Baker

Gan Nitzan Teachers: Tehila Cherubino and Sarah Kanigsberg Dominique Weyl

Middle School Teachers: Joanne Baker, Laura Ball, Rita Dunn,

Elana Skolnick Einhorn (’19) Shirah Rubin and Bret Ancowitz Marion Gribetz and Robert Rubin

Ellen Krause-Grosman Linda G. Krause Miriam Kubo (’26) Hadara Ancowitz (’26) Yael Kubo Ziv Lakein (’18) Annette Lakein Max (’23) and Aviva (’26) Lederman Lynda Fink and Maury Lederman Ari (’18) and Matan (’21) Lerner Marsha and Michael Levin Naomi Gurt Lind Dr. Barry Schneider

Lily Nahmias (’26) Hadara Ancowitz (’26) Frieda (’23) and Rose (’24) Naumburg Daniela and Seth Silverstein Rafael Rothman-Shore (’24) Rachel Spiller Ma’ayan Schuchert (’21) Sally Wieder, z”l Yuval Segev (’22) Miriam and Ehud Telem Kayla Shechter (’23) Elaine and Joseph Siegel Rachel Goldberg and Brian Sokol Helene Sokol Noa Vineberg (’15) Rosalen Vineberg Elizabeth Waksman Laurie and Richard Gliklich Dr. Susie Tanchel and Jen Kaplan Deborah Horwitz and Steven Shoyer Sonya and Sean Wilder Arnee R. and Walter A. Winshall Madelyn Bell Kitty Stein and John Langell Suzanne Priebatsch Ranella Hirsch Saul and Daniel Saul

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N O N P R OFI T OR G U. S. P OSTAG E PA I D B OSTO N MA P E R M I T N O. 5 5 0 5 8

N ITZOT ZOT MAGA Z I N E C RE DI TS

Editorial Miriam Seidman Communications Manager Mara Littman Interim Communications

Jennifer London Director of Development and Communications

Printing

Photography

Signal Graphics

Gary Alpert Miriam Seidman Elana Skolnick Einhorn ‘19

Layout Design Miriam Seidman

SPA R KS MAG A Z IN E / FA L L

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