PJA Students Connect Through Remembrance and Celebration

PJA students and faculty recently engaged in a meaningful journey through three significant days on the modern Jewish calendar—Yom HaShoah, Yom HaZikaron, and Yom HaAtzmaut—each offering opportunities for remembrance, reflection, and celebration.

We began this period with Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day, focusing on themes of memory, resilience, and courage. Students connected with history through an activity based on Benno and the Night of Broken Glass, engaging in a heartfelt, age-appropriate exploration of the Holocaust. Our middle school community was honored to welcome Sonia Liberman, who courageously shared her personal story of survival during our Yom HaShoah commemoration led by the 8th grade students. 

We then shifted into Yom HaZikaron, Israel’s Memorial Day, where students in grades 4–8 participated in a respectful and age-appropriate ceremony led by our 7th graders. The gathering offered a space to reflect on the deep connections between loss, memory, and identity.

Our commemorations culminated with  Yom HaAtzmaut, Israel’s Independence Day. The day began with an all-school assembly filled with Israeli music, singing, and dancing. Students participated in a lively “Tour of Israel” hosted by our excellent tour guides - the 7th graders. The interactive stations highlighted Israeli geography, culture, and history. 

Throughout the week, Hebrew and Jewish Studies classes extended the learning with critical questions and thought-provoking inquiries to deepen students’ understanding of Jewish identity, connection to Israel, and the power of place and memory.

Thank you to all the staff and students who made this week meaningful and memorable!