By Jessica Davis, JTNews Correspondent
Though bidding a fond farewell upon their graduation, students at the Community High School of Jewish Studies also used the May 19 ceremony to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the school’s first graduating class.
“Students come to the CHSJS for two main reasons: to connect with Jewish friends, and to continue their exploration of Jewish learning, culture and community,” said principal Liora Minkin. “Our program is unique in that most courses are electives — students are responsible for their own learning — choosing what and with whom to study.”
Classes range from classic to contemporary. Staff members are rabbis, cantors, educators, communal workers and other Jewish role models in the community. They represent all branches of Judaism. A program of the Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle, the school, also known as “Hebrew High,” is a community institution that welcomes students in grades 9-12 from the Greater Seattle area. Its mission is “to promote Jewish identity by providing high school students with a quality Jewish education in a positive academic and social environment.” This fall, 170 students started the year.
Winter term featured a visit from two Israel Defense Force soldiers from Seattle’s partner communities of Kiryat Malachi and Hof Ashkelon. The school also had its first annual Purim Teen Idol Talent Show, which included a variety of musical and juggling performances. During spring term, five students attended the March of the Living in Poland and Israel. They followed the three-kilometer route of the death march from Auschwitz to Birkenau. “This tour of hell is one that will stay with me for the rest of my life,” said Talya Gillman in an essay she wrote about the trip.
“I was thrilled to be able to learn about the culture and connection I shared with everyone else that was a part of Hebrew High,” mentioned Briana Goldstein, who graduated last year. Her mother graduated from Hebrew High in 1974 and her brother will graduate next year.
“Over these 30 years, Hebrew High has gained a fine reputation in this community,” said Carol Starin, assistant executive vice-president for education at the Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle. “Our teachers are the reason Hebrew High is successful.”
Rabbi Yechezkel Kornfeld was recognized at the graduation ceremony, held at the Stroum Jewish Community Center on Mercer Island, for his 26 years of service teaching at the school.
“I have written letters of recommendation, performed weddings and unfortunately attended funerals of former students,” wrote Kornfeld in the evening’s program. “Hebrew High has been and continues to be a microcosm of Jewish life and community.”
Rabbi Dan Bridge urged the graduates to search for answers and test their dreams. Several students were acknowledged with awards, including the Joel Starin Community Service Award, Hilda and Benjamin Asia Award, Principal’s Leadership Award and the Reynold and Martha Atlas Torch of Learning Award.
Knitted hats and teddy bears completed by Hebrew High Knitters were on display during the evening. Fall term students created and donated the hats for people who have lost their hair during chemotherapy treatments at the Overlake Cancer Resource Center. Spring term students chose to continue knitting the caps, and participate in the Mother Bear Project, which donates hand-knit bears to young rape victims primarily in South Africa.
The evening featured a number of senior speakers, including Alyssa Gail Novick and Deborah Anne Weiser who shared memories of their favorite classes, and Laura Levy Kanter who asked the question, “What does it mean to be the chosen people?”
Students Benjamin Lehrer and Stephen Douglas Poleschuk provided some live musical entertainment with a song they composed called “Piano Duet: Euphoric Passage.”
At the end of the evening, a video presentation was featured capturing old and new photographs of this year’s graduating class.
For more information about CSJHS courses, visit www.jewishinseattle.org or call 206-774-2237.