EVENTS
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2021-2022 Events
Refugee Support and Education
People throughout the JCDS community--staff, families, students--are stepping up to heed the call of supporting Afghan refugee families resettling in our communities. This is detailed, complicated and also sacred work. This year, the Staff Social Justice Cohort and the Va'ad are spearheading a series of programming around Refugee Support and Education. Any questions or to get involved, please join the #SocialJustice Slack Channel or email us at Vaad@jcdsboston.org.
2022 programming:
People throughout the JCDS community--staff, families, students--are stepping up to heed the call of supporting Afghan refugee families resettling in our communities. This is detailed, complicated and also sacred work. This year, the Staff Social Justice Cohort and the Va'ad are spearheading a series of programming around Refugee Support and Education. Any questions or to get involved, please join the #SocialJustice Slack Channel or email us at Vaad@jcdsboston.org.
2022 programming:
- Parent-Child Book Discussion Night. February 15. 6:00-6:45pm.
- Student Craft Fair Zoom Info Session for Parents and Students. March 31. 6:00-7:00pm Interested in being part of the Student Craft Fair? WATCH our Zoom Info session and VIEW the slides to learn what you need to do to make and sell crafts, help with a booth, get ideas and materials, and why we're raising Tzedakah funds for new Ukrainian refugees. Please fill out this interest form to receive more information. Questions? Email naomigr@jcdsboston.org.
- Student Craft Fair & Education Event. May 20. 2:00-3:00pm Students will create and sell crafts; proceeds will go to the CJP Afghan Resettlement Fund. The event will also feature community Welcome Blanket creation and various education stations, music and fun! Students: sign up to be part.
Past Events
Medical Supply Drive to Support Ukraine
Thank you to everyone who donated to our Medical Supply Drive for Ukraine! We have now delivered several car loads of items that are en route to Ukrainian people in need via NuDaySyria. Thank you again for coming together as a community to support the people of Ukraine. --The Social Justice Cohort, Va'ad, and Student Council
Thank you to everyone who donated to our Medical Supply Drive for Ukraine! We have now delivered several car loads of items that are en route to Ukrainian people in need via NuDaySyria. Thank you again for coming together as a community to support the people of Ukraine. --The Social Justice Cohort, Va'ad, and Student Council
JCDS School Budget 101
Thursday, March 3, 2022, 8:00-9:00pm
Watch the Webinar
JCDS Board treasurer, current and alumni parent, Nathan Hayman, P'20, '22, '25, along with JCDS Board Development Committee co-chair and current parent, Richard Bennett, P'26, '28, invite parents to learn more about our school's finances at "JCDS School Budget 101". They will provide a high-level budget overview, information about how tuition is set, and why the school raises additional funds through donations.
Thursday, March 3, 2022, 8:00-9:00pm
Watch the Webinar
JCDS Board treasurer, current and alumni parent, Nathan Hayman, P'20, '22, '25, along with JCDS Board Development Committee co-chair and current parent, Richard Bennett, P'26, '28, invite parents to learn more about our school's finances at "JCDS School Budget 101". They will provide a high-level budget overview, information about how tuition is set, and why the school raises additional funds through donations.
Open Playground at JCDS
Sunday, January 23, 2022, 2:00-3:00pm
57 Stanley Ave, Watertown, MA
Join JCDS, Boston's Jewish Community Day School for a playground family mixer! Meet current and prospective families, and play on the JCDS playground and field. For children entering K - 2nd grade. Questions? Email KarenS@jcdsboston.org
Sunday, January 23, 2022, 2:00-3:00pm
57 Stanley Ave, Watertown, MA
Join JCDS, Boston's Jewish Community Day School for a playground family mixer! Meet current and prospective families, and play on the JCDS playground and field. For children entering K - 2nd grade. Questions? Email KarenS@jcdsboston.org
Erev MLK Jr. Day Virtual Parent Education Event
Hosted by the JCDS Va'ad
'A Night of Learning' with Author E. Dolores Johnson
Sunday, January 16, 2022, 7:00-8:00pm (via Zoom)
Join us for our 2nd annual Erev MLK Jr. Day virtual Parent 'Night of Learning' event. We are honored to have E. Dolores Johnson, author of SAY I'M DEAD: A Family Memoir of Race, Secrets and Love, share her personal story with our community.
Hosted by the JCDS Va'ad
'A Night of Learning' with Author E. Dolores Johnson
Sunday, January 16, 2022, 7:00-8:00pm (via Zoom)
Join us for our 2nd annual Erev MLK Jr. Day virtual Parent 'Night of Learning' event. We are honored to have E. Dolores Johnson, author of SAY I'M DEAD: A Family Memoir of Race, Secrets and Love, share her personal story with our community.
Learn More Here
E. Dolores Johnson was born in Buffalo, NY. She earned degrees from Howard University and Harvard Graduate School of Business. After a career in tech, she took an MFA equivalent course to learn creative writing. Johnson is a published essayist focused on inter-racialism.
E. Dolores Johnson was born in Buffalo, NY. She earned degrees from Howard University and Harvard Graduate School of Business. After a career in tech, she took an MFA equivalent course to learn creative writing. Johnson is a published essayist focused on inter-racialism.
Join JCDS for an evening with our Alumni Panel
Monday, December 20th, 2021, 8 - 9pm
Monday, December 20th, 2021, 8 - 9pm
Featured Alumni:
- Nadav Cohen '19
- Jacob Foster '15
- Margalit Glasgow '10
- Gabe Kaptchuk '07
- Maya Rubin '14
- Martha Schwarz '05
Moderated by Joanne Baker, Rosh (Head of) 8th grade, and Shira Deener, Head of School, you will:
- Hear from alumni who attended public and independent schools after JCDS
- Listen to reflections on their transitions to High School and beyond
- Learn how their JCDS education has served them in various settings
- Get answers to your questions!
Celebrate Chanukah with the JCDS community for Chanukah Makerspace!
Sunday, December 5, 2021
1:30pm - 3:00pm
Join JCDS for hands-on Chanukah STEAM projects. Stay for holiday songs, blessings, and a special treat! This will be an outdoor-only gathering. In the event of inclement weather, we will gather over Zoom for Chanukah songs and blessings. This event is geared towards families with children ages Pre-K-2nd grade.
Sunday, December 5, 2021
1:30pm - 3:00pm
Join JCDS for hands-on Chanukah STEAM projects. Stay for holiday songs, blessings, and a special treat! This will be an outdoor-only gathering. In the event of inclement weather, we will gather over Zoom for Chanukah songs and blessings. This event is geared towards families with children ages Pre-K-2nd grade.
Alumni Reunion Bagel Brunch
Sunday, November 28, 2021
10:30am - 12:30pm
It's back! All classes invited, all ages welcome! If you previously attended JCDS, even for a little bit, you are part of the JCDS Alumni Family. We hope you join us! Hosted by alumni parent Sari Korman, along with Aaron '10, Naomi, and Noah '21 Hunt, at their home in Chestnut Hill, MA. Please share with alumni you know!
Sunday, November 28, 2021
10:30am - 12:30pm
It's back! All classes invited, all ages welcome! If you previously attended JCDS, even for a little bit, you are part of the JCDS Alumni Family. We hope you join us! Hosted by alumni parent Sari Korman, along with Aaron '10, Naomi, and Noah '21 Hunt, at their home in Chestnut Hill, MA. Please share with alumni you know!
Fall Fest
Sunday, November 7, 2021
3:30pm - 4:30pm
Meet JCDS's Music Teacher, Elah Grandel, for an afternoon of music, movement, and a seasonal craft!
Sunday, November 7, 2021
3:30pm - 4:30pm
Meet JCDS's Music Teacher, Elah Grandel, for an afternoon of music, movement, and a seasonal craft!
Tell Us S'More!
Saturday, November 6, 2021
7:30pm
Meet and reconnect with our community! We'll gather together for an evening of JCDS storytelling by the (camp)fire + celebrating our community.
Saturday, November 6, 2021
7:30pm
Meet and reconnect with our community! We'll gather together for an evening of JCDS storytelling by the (camp)fire + celebrating our community.
Generations Tea
Friday, October 22, 2021
12:00pm (via Zoom)
Building upon last year's successful Generations programs, we invite you to a virtual conversation about what it means, in the words of Lord Rabbi Jonathan Sacks z"l, to "engrave your values on the hearts of your children, and they on theirs."
Friday, October 22, 2021
12:00pm (via Zoom)
Building upon last year's successful Generations programs, we invite you to a virtual conversation about what it means, in the words of Lord Rabbi Jonathan Sacks z"l, to "engrave your values on the hearts of your children, and they on theirs."
Sukkot Songs & Crafts at the JCDS Sukkah
Thursday, September 23, 2021
3:45pm - 4:30pm
Songs, crafts, and balloons.
Thursday, September 23, 2021
3:45pm - 4:30pm
Songs, crafts, and balloons.

What Does It Mean to 'Eat Jewishly'?
with Dr. David Kraemer
Sunday, June 6 2:00-3:00pm via Zoom
In the spirit of our Matters of Taste event this year, where chefs, musicians, and authors shared their crafts, we are excited to present our final learning opportunity of the 2020-21 school year. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of how and why the laws of kashrut developed over time. In line with his method of scholarship, Professor Kraemer identifies not only the law, but also the context in which the law develops.
with Dr. David Kraemer
Sunday, June 6 2:00-3:00pm via Zoom
In the spirit of our Matters of Taste event this year, where chefs, musicians, and authors shared their crafts, we are excited to present our final learning opportunity of the 2020-21 school year. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of how and why the laws of kashrut developed over time. In line with his method of scholarship, Professor Kraemer identifies not only the law, but also the context in which the law develops.

End-of-Year Celebration & Alumni Kabbalat Shabbat
Friday, June 11 1:00-2:00pm via Zoom
You are warmly invited to join a special virtual End-of-Year Celebration and Alumni all-school Kabbalat Shabbat! Anyone who previously attended JCDS, even for a bit, is part of the JCDS alumni family. We are especially proud to welcome our Class of 2017 alumni who are graduating from high school this year. Led by the talented Oren Kaunfer, our Madrich Ruchani (Spiritual Leader), this special gathering will include singing, stories, and surprises. Begin your Shabbat with a smile!
Friday, June 11 1:00-2:00pm via Zoom
You are warmly invited to join a special virtual End-of-Year Celebration and Alumni all-school Kabbalat Shabbat! Anyone who previously attended JCDS, even for a bit, is part of the JCDS alumni family. We are especially proud to welcome our Class of 2017 alumni who are graduating from high school this year. Led by the talented Oren Kaunfer, our Madrich Ruchani (Spiritual Leader), this special gathering will include singing, stories, and surprises. Begin your Shabbat with a smile!

Parent Education Event: Children's Health and Wellbeing During the Coronavirus Pandemic
Wednesday, April 7 9:30-10:30am (via Zoom)
Nika is Assistant in Medicine, Division of Emergency Medicine at Boston Children's Hospital. She and her husband, Ilan, live in Brookline with their three children, Kiva '25, Geffen '27, and Lev (one year).
Wednesday, April 7 9:30-10:30am (via Zoom)
Nika is Assistant in Medicine, Division of Emergency Medicine at Boston Children's Hospital. She and her husband, Ilan, live in Brookline with their three children, Kiva '25, Geffen '27, and Lev (one year).

Pedagogy of Partnership - Habits of Mind and Heart
An Interactive Introduction for New Families
Join Shira Deener, Head of School, and members of our faculty and staff in a conversation with JCDS parent and co-founder of the Pedagogy of Partnership, Allison Cook, for an intimate introduction and interactive experience of our core educational pedagogical principles. This is not a presentation!
Thursday, March 4, 2021 at 8:00 p.m. (via Zoom)
An Interactive Introduction for New Families
Join Shira Deener, Head of School, and members of our faculty and staff in a conversation with JCDS parent and co-founder of the Pedagogy of Partnership, Allison Cook, for an intimate introduction and interactive experience of our core educational pedagogical principles. This is not a presentation!
Thursday, March 4, 2021 at 8:00 p.m. (via Zoom)

MEET CURRENT AND PROSPECTIVE FAMILIES
Sunday, January 24th, 2021, 1:00 - 2:30pm
Sunday, January 24th, 2021, 1:00 - 2:30pm

JCDS Alumni Reunion
Sunday, November 29, 2020, 10:30am (via Zoom)
Sunday, November 29, 2020, 10:30am (via Zoom)

- How do we develop our students' capacity to become change agents in today's complex world? How can we build students' capacity to really know themselves and others, recognize and care about injustice, and act? This will be a time to share, listen, and learn from each other as we continue to further refine our school's response to these critical questions.
- Monday, January 4, 8:00pm
- Monday, January 11, 8:00pm
- Monday, January 18, 8:00pm

- Monday, October 12, 8:00pm
- Monday, October 19, 8:00pm
- Monday, October 26, 8:00pm

Generations Tea with Shira Deener
Friday, October 16, 2020, 10:30-11:30am (via Zoom)
Friday, October 16, 2020, 10:30-11:30am (via Zoom)

- Monday, August 10, 8:00pm
- Monday, August 17, 8:00pm
- Monday, August 24, 8:00pm

Student Craft Fair
Fri., May 20th
Updated Shopping Hours: 12:20-1:15 or 2:15-3:00pm
JCDS Gymnasium
We are so excited for the first ever JCDS Student Craft Fair! We are looking forward to this special celebration of creativity, social justice and tzedakah! Students and families are invited to the JCDS gym to shop student-created crafts with 100% of funds going to support UNICEF's work for the children of Ukraine.
Crafts will include:
Important information about how to "buy" at the Craft Fair:in order to make the Fair equitable and accessible to all, in the spirit of anonymous Tzedakah (and to prevent a lot of students walking around with cash at school,) we have set up a special pay-by-ticket system:
There is still time to make crafts! Want to volunteer? Please fill out this Craft Fair Interest Form to let us know!
Any questions? Email Naomi.
Fri., May 20th
Updated Shopping Hours: 12:20-1:15 or 2:15-3:00pm
JCDS Gymnasium
We are so excited for the first ever JCDS Student Craft Fair! We are looking forward to this special celebration of creativity, social justice and tzedakah! Students and families are invited to the JCDS gym to shop student-created crafts with 100% of funds going to support UNICEF's work for the children of Ukraine.
Crafts will include:
- JCDS Spirit Items
- Beaded keychains
- Bookmarks
- Magnets
- Wood burned keychains
- Multicolored Crayons
- Ceramics
- Duct tape pouches
- Bracelets
- Notecards
- Special "paint over stains" booth by Joanne Baker (bring those stained clothes!)
Important information about how to "buy" at the Craft Fair:in order to make the Fair equitable and accessible to all, in the spirit of anonymous Tzedakah (and to prevent a lot of students walking around with cash at school,) we have set up a special pay-by-ticket system:
- If you would like your child to be able to shop at the craft fair during school hours, please make your donation (via Unipay in the Donation section, drop down for Craft Fair) by (new time) Wed., May 18th so students have tickets to shop with during school hours.
- All students and staff will receive the same number of tickets, regardless of family donation.
- Students should not bring cash to school.
- All students making crafts will get an additional ticket to shop!
- Parents may pay cash at the fair and are invited to shop from 12:20-1:15 or 2:15-3:00 and are welcome to stay for Kabbalat Shabbat.
There is still time to make crafts! Want to volunteer? Please fill out this Craft Fair Interest Form to let us know!
Any questions? Email Naomi.