Matters of Taste

MATTERS OF TASTE 2021 םעט לש ןיינע

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How did we pull off an incredible fundraiser under the circumstances during COVID-19?

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By Jaka Saarony, P (’20, ’22), & ’25, Board Member; Matters of Taste 2021 Provisions Chair

Countless times in my life, I have murmured “it takes a village”. When I am late for pick up and I frantically call a friend who happily steps in to pick up my child, my village comes to my rescue. When I pay a shiva visit for an acquaintance to ensure they have a minyan, I step up as her village. When the world helps me, teaches me, cheers for me, and when I am able to do the same, in turn, for the world, it is because of my village. This notion is truly part of the ethos of JCDS and why our school feels like a spiritual safe haven that functions as a village. So how did we hold a fundraiser when we were staying socially distant? We were a village. How did we bring a bit of JCDS into our homes to feel like we were “together”? We asked, and the village responded. Our Matters of Taste: Food for the Soul team considered multiple stakeholders, refined our options, and together we created a unique and fabulous event. Sound familiar? It is what our students learn: Intentional Pluralism. From the menu to the speakers to the video clips, a collaboration of ideas coalesced into an event that nourished our souls when we needed it most.

Shirah Rubin P’24 & ’26, artist and current parent, and Vered Singer, our amazing Art & Middle School Hebrew Teacher, led the making of over 300 student-made hamsas. Shari Levitz, Director of Development Operations and Communications, coordinated the team’s efforts, heroically dedicating 70+ hours a week with friendship and professionalism. Rebecca White, Institutional Advancement Associate, and Facilities Assistant Nick Sutherland, stepped in to deliver and move and wrap and provide hands on deck whenever we needed.

Jen Kaplan P’23; Sari Korman P’11, (’13), & ’21; Shiri Segev P’11, (’14), & ’22; Natty Hoffman P’28; Jill Baker P’17, ’19, (’21) &

’23; Laura and Guy Shechter P’23 — current parents and their children — showed up at JCDS on the weekend prior to the event with masks and can-do attitudes, and helped assemble and pack 300 boxes. Deliveries were made by teams of the most reliable people I know: Krause-Grosmans P’19 & ’22; Barmazels P’16 & ’18; Borensteins P’18, ’20, & ’22; Bakers; Goldsteins P’25; Haymans P’20, ’22, & ’25; Hoffmans; Badiks P’25 & ’28; and Horowitzes P’25. Of course, we had our Matters of Taste: Food for the Soul event chairs, Laura and Guy Shechter, masterfully leading us throughout the planning and execution process and to them we are so very grateful. I recently learned from my daughter that Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks zt”l once said, “In life, ask not, ‘what can I gain?’ but ‘what can I give?’ You will travel more lightly and with greater joy. You will enhance the lives of others. You will feel that your life has been worthwhile. Be a blessing to others and you will find that life has been a blessing to you.” The act of communally creating an inspirational event that, in turn, inspired others to support our school, exemplifies why we choose JCDS: We want our children to light and grow their flame while tending to all the flames around them.

Matters of Taste is the annual signature fundraising celebration for JCDS. Proceeds benefit the JCDS Annual Campaign, which enables us to enhance our premier educational program of rigorous academics, intentional pluralism, and joyful Jewish community. View the full program at https://mot.jcdsboston.org/livestream/. Details about our spring 2022 event will be shared soon!

1 Eyal Simko, The One

Up Group emceed the program and transitioned guests to the After-Party.

2 Alumni parent Rabba

Claudia Marbach P’06,

’09, & ’11, delivered a meaningful D’var Torah.

3 Alicia Jo Rabins

award-winning writer, musician and Torah teacher, shared her poetry and song.

4 Chef Douglass Williams

of MIDA spoke about his journey as a chef and healing through food.

5 Hamsa Installation of 300 hamsa gifts together as one assembled by artist and current parent Shirah

Rubin before they were packed into each festive gift box.

6 Guy and Laura Shechter

Matters of Taste: Food for the Soul Co-chairs.

7 Joanne Baker, JCDS’ 7th & 8th Grade English

Teacher, Rosh 8th Grade, spoke about feeding the soul through literature.

8 Gourmet Comfort Food

for the Soul featured a red wine poached pear salad, Moroccan chicken tajine, and a dessert trio prepared by Dushez

Caterers. 9 Jonathan Safran Foer, author and uncle of Leo ’27, and former 8th Grader

Ma’ayan Rosenbaum ’21

rounded out the literature segment.

10 Layla ’21 and Oren

Kaunfer, Madrich

Ruchani (Spiritual

Educator) gathered us in song to end the program.