THE JCDS PARENT CAMPAIGN
מסע התרמה
JCDS is exceptionally grateful for the generosity of parents toward our Annual Fund.
The Parent Campaign is part of the Annual Fund. If you are a current parent and make an annual financial contribution gift to the school, you have participated in the Parent Campaign. Your donation helps JCDS to:
- • strengthen academic programs,
- • make improvements to facilities, and
- • provide new and current families in our community with tuition assistance.
Every gift to JCDS is essential and appreciated.
Donate to the Parent Campaign




2022-2023 Events
Check this page for event updates and information!EVENTS
Past Events
Men's Torah Study Group - Winter Session
The unconventional zoom in on one line per week study approach is welcoming to all levels of learners. For past and current JCDS parents. Bagel Breakfast and coffee provided. Six Fridays, starting Fri. 1/13 8:00-9:15am.
Learn More
The unconventional zoom in on one line per week study approach is welcoming to all levels of learners. For past and current JCDS parents. Bagel Breakfast and coffee provided. Six Fridays, starting Fri. 1/13 8:00-9:15am.
Learn More
Ceramics in HaStudio - Winter Session
We are delighted to announce the Ceramics in HaStudio winter session dates led by current parent and artist Shirah Rubin, P'24 & '26. Space is limited! Six Fridays, starting Fri. 1/6 8:00-9:15am.
Learn More
We are delighted to announce the Ceramics in HaStudio winter session dates led by current parent and artist Shirah Rubin, P'24 & '26. Space is limited! Six Fridays, starting Fri. 1/6 8:00-9:15am.
Learn More
Kodesh l'Kol (Sing In Community)
Join the JCDS Community for a monthly evening of singing and inspiration. Oren Kaunfer, Madrich Ruchani (Spiritual Educator) brings our voices together as we sing nigunim and sacred melodies.
Wed. 2/15 7:30-8:30pm
Learn More
Join the JCDS Community for a monthly evening of singing and inspiration. Oren Kaunfer, Madrich Ruchani (Spiritual Educator) brings our voices together as we sing nigunim and sacred melodies.
Wed. 2/15 7:30-8:30pm
Learn More
Connect and Create in the JCDS Makerspace
Meet current and prospective parents for an evening in HaSadna הסדנה (The Workshop). Explore our tools with help from our Science Team. Create a personalized gift to bring home. Light refreshments will be served.
Mon. 2/13 4:00-5:30pm
Learn More
Meet current and prospective parents for an evening in HaSadna הסדנה (The Workshop). Explore our tools with help from our Science Team. Create a personalized gift to bring home. Light refreshments will be served.
Mon. 2/13 4:00-5:30pm
Learn More
ScratchJr JCDS Generations Create-Along
Coding is the new literacy! ScratchJr is an introductory programming language that enables young children to create their own interactive stories and games. In this ScratchJr JCDS Generations Create-Along, families will explore storytelling on ScratchJr as an avenue for practicing communication, collaboration, and problem solving. We will provide everything you'll need for you to help guide your grandchild through the story as they work on the programming. Join us in this hour-long virtual session. Together, we will read the story of Noah's Ark and then use ScratchJr to animate the story. Jess Blake-West, from the DevTech Research Group will guide us every step of the way!
Sun. 2/12 10:00-11:00am
More Info
Agenda
Coding is the new literacy! ScratchJr is an introductory programming language that enables young children to create their own interactive stories and games. In this ScratchJr JCDS Generations Create-Along, families will explore storytelling on ScratchJr as an avenue for practicing communication, collaboration, and problem solving. We will provide everything you'll need for you to help guide your grandchild through the story as they work on the programming. Join us in this hour-long virtual session. Together, we will read the story of Noah's Ark and then use ScratchJr to animate the story. Jess Blake-West, from the DevTech Research Group will guide us every step of the way!
Sun. 2/12 10:00-11:00am
More Info
Agenda
2/9 Community Book Read
Choose from three books selected especially for kids and parents to dive deeper into this year's social justice theme, Climate Justice and Action. In February, we'll come together--in person, at JCDS--to discuss! Happy reading! Thu. 2/9 4:00-5:30pm.
Learn More
Choose from three books selected especially for kids and parents to dive deeper into this year's social justice theme, Climate Justice and Action. In February, we'll come together--in person, at JCDS--to discuss! Happy reading! Thu. 2/9 4:00-5:30pm.
Learn More
1/26 Kodesh l'Kol (Sing in Community)
Join the JCDS Community for a special evening of singing and inspiration. Next gathering: Hadar Boston Nigun Circle with Rabbi Deborah Sacks Mintz at Temple Beth Zion in Brookline. Thu. 1/26 7:30-9:00pm. Learn More
Join the JCDS Community for a special evening of singing and inspiration. Next gathering: Hadar Boston Nigun Circle with Rabbi Deborah Sacks Mintz at Temple Beth Zion in Brookline. Thu. 1/26 7:30-9:00pm. Learn More
1/15 Annual Erev MLK Jr. Day Adult Learning Series Event
Join us on Zoom for our 3rd annual Erev MLK Jr. Day Adult Learning Series virtual event with guest teachers Rabbi Or Rose and Imam Taymullah Abdur-Rahman Sun. 1/15 8:00-9:15pm.
Learn More
Join us on Zoom for our 3rd annual Erev MLK Jr. Day Adult Learning Series virtual event with guest teachers Rabbi Or Rose and Imam Taymullah Abdur-Rahman Sun. 1/15 8:00-9:15pm.
Learn More
Kodesh l'Kol (Sing In Community)
Join the JCDS Community for a monthly evening of singing and inspiration. Oren Kaunfer, Madrich Ruchani (Spiritual Educator) brings our voices together as we sing nigunim and sacred melodies. Learn More
Wed. 12/14 7:30-8:30pm.
Join the JCDS Community for a monthly evening of singing and inspiration. Oren Kaunfer, Madrich Ruchani (Spiritual Educator) brings our voices together as we sing nigunim and sacred melodies. Learn More
Wed. 12/14 7:30-8:30pm.
Kodesh l'Kol (Sing In Community)
Join the JCDS Community for a monthly evening of singing and inspiration. Oren Kaunfer, Madrich Ruchani (Spiritual Educator) brings our voices together as we sing nigunim and sacred melodies. Learn More
Wed. 11/16 7:30-8:30pm.
Join the JCDS Community for a monthly evening of singing and inspiration. Oren Kaunfer, Madrich Ruchani (Spiritual Educator) brings our voices together as we sing nigunim and sacred melodies. Learn More
Wed. 11/16 7:30-8:30pm.
Ceramics in HaStudio (The Studio)
Play With Clay In a Friendly Environment. No experience needed. Make functional art you can use or display in your home. Led by alumni parent and artist Noni Armony (P'09, '11, & '17). Upcoming sessions are FULL.
Learn More and Waitlist
Play With Clay In a Friendly Environment. No experience needed. Make functional art you can use or display in your home. Led by alumni parent and artist Noni Armony (P'09, '11, & '17). Upcoming sessions are FULL.
Learn More and Waitlist
HaSadna (The Workshop) Open Hours
Announcing weekly time for parents and caregivers to tour through the JCDS Makerspace, share thoughts, and offer ideas to support learning in the space! Thursdays through Nov. 3.
Announcing weekly time for parents and caregivers to tour through the JCDS Makerspace, share thoughts, and offer ideas to support learning in the space! Thursdays through Nov. 3.
Project Zug at JCDS
Sun. 11/6 6:30-8:00pm.
Give yourself the gift of connection and learning, JCDS-style! Every JCDS parent is a perfect fit no matter your background with the Hebrew language, Jewish text study, or religious identity.
Sun. 11/6 6:30-8:00pm.
Give yourself the gift of connection and learning, JCDS-style! Every JCDS parent is a perfect fit no matter your background with the Hebrew language, Jewish text study, or religious identity.
Fall Fest with JCDS
Sun. 11/6 2:30-3:30pm.
Meet JCDS' Music Teacher, Elah Grandel, for an afternoon of music, movement, and a seasonal craft! For children ages 2-6.
Sun. 11/6 2:30-3:30pm.
Meet JCDS' Music Teacher, Elah Grandel, for an afternoon of music, movement, and a seasonal craft! For children ages 2-6.
Snacks and Crafts in the JCDS Sukkah
Thu. 10/13 4:00-5:30pm.
Join Us in the JCDS Sukkah for songs, crafts, snacks, and balloons! For children ages 0-6.
Thu. 10/13 4:00-5:30pm.
Join Us in the JCDS Sukkah for songs, crafts, snacks, and balloons! For children ages 0-6.
BACK TO SCHOOL PICNIC
Meet teachers, connect with friends, and jump into the new school year!
Monday, 8/29/2022
Meet teachers, connect with friends, and jump into the new school year!
Monday, 8/29/2022
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.
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.
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.
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.

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.

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)
- 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

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.