by Cheryl Maayan

In a time of crisis, day school leaders both lay and professional are thrust into the public spotlight. What we say matters. The timing of our communications and the order in which we disseminate them hold meaning and purpose, impacting the sense of worth of our various constituents. In this issue of Kaleidoscope, you will peek inside the window at a few day school leadership challenges and the approaches that some day schools have taken to lead through this crisis. Read more.

by Steven Lorch, Head of School at Kadima Day School (CA)

Tragic events, whether personal, national, or global, evoke responses which psychologists refer to as stages of grief (after Elisabeth Kübler-Ross’s book On Death and Dying). For heads of school, the ways in which we publicly give expression to these inner experiences can sometimes reassure, promote confidence, and help members of our communities cope more productively with the grief that they, too, are experiencing. Read more.

by Rabbi Tully Harcsztark, Principal at SAR High School (NY)

These are dark times. But in the midst of these difficulties, our children are experiencing a revitalized sense of Jewish pride. Asking “What do our kids need to know now?” can help ensure that they have the Jewish confidence to stand up with strength, moral clarity, and conviction. Read more.

by Giselle Ellis, Gann Academy (MA), Jason Feld, Akiba Yavneh Academy (TX), Renee Klyman, Ben Porat Yosef (NJ), and Lydia Levin, Bialik Hebrew Day School (ON)

With so many Jewish day schools and yeshivas welcoming temporary Israeli transfer students into their doors, we invited four schools to describe how they supported these students during this time of great stress and trauma. Read more.

by Adam Tilove, Head of School at Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy (KS)

At a meeting on Tuesday, October 10, just days after the terrorist attack in Israel, my colleagues at the Kansas City Independent School Heads Association asked me if I was okay. I told them, “No, I am not okay, and no Jewish person they know is okay either.” They asked if there was anything they could do to help. Read more.

by Merrill Hendin, Portland Jewish Academy (OR)

Like many community Jewish day schools around the country, at Portland Jewish Academy (PJA) we don’t always have uniformity of opinion about Israel among our kehillah, especially amongst our parent/guardians, faculty and staff, and alumni. How do we hold two truths in our hearts, minds, and bodies at once? How can we love Israel and also be honest about her flaws? Read more.

by Meir Israel, Board President, Hebrew Academy of Montreal (QC)

The events in Israel served as a catalyst for our school community to reevaluate and fortify our security measures. By taking a proactive and comprehensive approach, we aim to provide a safe and secure environment for learning and growth. Read more.

by Elliott Rabin

Recently, some members of Prizmah’s Learning Specialist Reshet participated in a conversation facilitated by Dr. Rachel Fryman to share what their schools are experiencing, learning and doing for Israeli transfer students and their families. They spoke candidly about what they’re seeing, how they’re working to support the students, and where they have needs for more resources. Read more.