News Detail
Building Community
Moadim L’simcha! Wishing you all many occasions for rejoicing! Sukkot, one of the three pilgrimage festivals, is marked by joyous gatherings in community. This aspect of the holiday reminds me of the Brandeis 2023 vision of building community within our school and within our broader community.
Yesterday’s PA Fall Harvest Sukkot Supper was an uplifting example of how our community celebrates together and as we strengthen our connection to one another. Shaking the lulav, decorating the sukkah, playing and dancing with friends, or just schmoozing over a delicious meal all made for a wonderful opportunity for us to enjoy our Brandeis community.
Sukkot is also a perfect time to highlight a new service learning program, which helps our students build community outside the walls of our building! With the launch of our Brandeis 2023 vision, we have been seeking opportunities for our students to connect in meaningful ways with our broader community. This year, our eighth grade students are participating in the Legacy Heritage Better Together program, a year-long intergenerational service learning program partnership with one of our long-time community partners, the San Francisco Campus for Jewish Living (formerly The Jewish Home; abbreviated SFCJL).
Through the Better Together program, our students will travel to SFCJL to participate in monthly structured meetings, engaging in activities alongside residents at the SFCJL campus, which are designed to foster meaningful relationships between students and seniors. Students will also be devoting two periods a month in their Judaic studies classes to studying Jewish texts and values connected to the importance of the connections they are creating.
Yesterday morning Ms. Baumer and I set out with 22 students for our first visit at the SFCJL. Upon arrival, we were given a tour of the beautiful facilities, learning about the many programs and services available to the residents. After the tour, we headed to the synagogue, where we were greeted warmly by twelve residents, five staff members, and SFCJL’s rabbi, Rabbi Marder. Our students settled down in pairs beside the residents.
After a series of introductions, our students engaged with the residents in a round-robin getting-to-know-you activity. Some of the questions that the students and residents discussed were name all the places you have lived and your reason(s) for moving; out of all the places you have lived, which place (or places) was your favorite and why?; and describe something you wish you had done differently in your lifetime or past year and describe something you are especially proud of.
Time flew by, and before we knew it, it was time to head back to school. Students and residents parted with kind words, and are already looking forward to seeing one another next month. And in two weeks, the other half of the eighth grade will visit with the residents for their opening session!
On the bus, students had a chance to reflect upon their experience. I was so proud of the students and grateful for their impressions. Here are just a few:
“It was inspirational to hear their stories.”“It was so nice talking to them and hearing their amazing stories.”“Some people tried really hard to communicate with us.”“I really connected.”“The campus and people are amazing!”
I can’t wait to see the intergenerational connections that will take shape this year, as our students continue to grow and learn from this experience and find their place as contributing members of the broader community.
