Head of School Blog
Passover Community Message
Dear Gesher Community, The seder is a ritual that invokes memory and attachment. This year, the space between us is scary. It is odd and at odds with our memories and expectations for ritual behavior. But with the space between us, anything is possible: to grow without gathering, to connect without congregating, to create […]
Be strong, be strong, and we shall strengthen one another.
By Philip Blumenthal President, Gesher JDS Board of Trustees Gesher community, These are trying times. The entire world is enduring challenges and pressures that most of us could never have imagined. All of us have seen significant disruption to our routines, while many of us are concerned about the health of loved ones and […]
The Importance of Teaching Advocacy
This past week, I attended the AIPAC (American Israel Public Affairs Committee) conference. 18,000 Americans representing a variety of political affiliations, races, religions, and backgrounds came together from both sides of the aisle to advocate for a strong relationship between Israel and the United States. I attend AIPAC each year because it is important for […]
What is Institutional Advancement?
A Gesher supporter recently asked me to define ‘Institutional Advancement’ (IA). It’s a term referenced in many different settings and can take on different meanings depending on the organization. A quick Wiki look-up provides a broad definition: “the division of an institution focused on the improvement of the entity, primarily involved in fundraising activities. It […]
Growing Kehilat Gesher
By: Amy Pernick, Director of Admissions The late-winter and early-spring seasons are exceptionally busy times for the Gesher JDS admissions office as new applications are coming in, classroom visits for prospective students are scheduled and faculty are given the first opportunity to meet the new students eager to join our Kehilat Gesher (Gesher Community) next […]