Day of Learning

DAY OF LEARNING

ןויע םוי

The Torah dedicates many verses and chapters to the genealogy of families. Many parshiot list the names of the parents, and of their children, and of the next generation of grandchildren. The legacy of remembering those who came before and brought us to where we stand today is a foundational value and principle of a Torahcentered life.

JCDS observed its very first Day of Learning on December 21, 2020 in memory of Michael Horen z”l, the grandfather of Zoe Gechter ’26. Zoe’s mother, Elisha, approached us about creating a meaningful day of learning to honor his memory and his life’s work.

Last May 5th, we honored Betty & Gil Hoffman, z”l with a Day of Learning in their memory. Betty and Gil were the beloved grandparents of Gil Hoffman ’28. Gil’s parents, Natty and Carl Hoffman, were excited to honor them on this particular day because May 5th is National Children’s Day in Japan, where Betty and Gil lived happily for many years. One of the ways that Children’s Day is celebrated in Japan is with the flying of fish-shaped flags, called Koi ABOVE: Yotzer Or artwork from the Nobori. When the flag is hung, the family 1st grade's milestone. OPPOSITE TOP: Yotzer Or artwork says a prayer that their children should from the 1st grade's milestone.grow up strong and healthy. It is a day of OPPOSITE BOTTOM: 8th grade celebration and hope for the future of the T'fillah elective upcycled hubcaps next generation. Gil’s first grade teacher, Nikki Cohen, told her students that one way of honoring people is by doing special things related to their lives. Gil’s class read a book together about this special day and did an art project. The entire school participated in the Day of Learning by doing a related craft, writing wishes for their future, or writing about things that make them happy.

On these special Days of Learning, all learning that happens at school is dedicated in memory of the family members whom we are honoring. We are so grateful to the Gechter/Horen and Hoffman families for including the JCDS community as they honor the life and memories of these special and most beloved grandparents. Learning the names and stories of previous generations helps us understand where we come from, the extraordinary legacies we carry, and the many unique contributions each of us can offer to our community in this generation.

A Day of Learning is a meaningful way to honor, celebrate, or memorialize a loved one. For more information or to sponsor a Day of Learning, contact the Development office at 617-972-1733 or development@ jcdsboston.org to discuss an opportunity that is right for you.

In May, students in all grades decorated Koi Nobori and enjoyed popcicles as part of the Day of Learning activities.