Summer Reading Celebration

“If I am not for myself, who will be for me? 
If I am only for myself, what am I? 
And if not now, when?” 
Rabbi Hillel, Pirkei Avot

The three parts of this well-known quote from Pirkei Avot (Ethics of our Fathers) drive the three-year cycle of PJA’s Middle School Summer Reading Program. At the end of each school year, students are offered a wide selection of books to read over the summer months, and when they return to school in the fall, they dive into the theme with discussion groups, reflections, and artwork. After many years as a middle school program, PJA’s Summer Reading Program expanded this year to include 5th graders as well.

This past summer’s theme was the final line of Hillel’s quote: “If not now, when?” and challenges all of us to take action.   

5th-8th grade students and faculty gathered this week for their Summer Reading Celebration, which featured two (virtual) special guests: Elizabeth Mehr and Jacob Glass. Both are PJA graduates (Class of 2019), current students at Ida B. Wells High School, and inspiring changemakers in the local community. Ms. Mehr shared about her work with the Oregon Youth Hotline and Planned Parenthood Teen Council, while Mr. Glass spoke about his work leading the Portland Youth Climate Strike. Both speakers recalled PJA experiences, including their 8th Grade Capstone work, that informed, inspired, and prepared their current “think for yourself; work for the world” changemaking.

Following the virtual guest speakers, students discussed books they read over the summer and completed a collaborative art project, a protest sign capturing the changemakers featured in books. These books will remain the focus of study for Humanities classes over the next few weeks of artistic and poetic work.