Jewish Community High School of the Bay

KEYSTONE SPOTLIGHT: Josh M. '24 focused on family history for his project, combing through hours of footage to create a documentary proof of concept about a family trip back to his grandfathers childhood home in Europe.
"24 years ago, my family traveled to where my grandpa Miki grew up in Europe before the Holocaust and filmed their trip with the intention of telling his story. I took notes minute by minute in order to catalogue it, so that way it will be easier for someone else to create the documentary someday."

Josh premiered his 10-minute "teaser trailer" at his synagogue and afterwards, hosted a Q&A panel with a few of the family members who were on the trip.
"It was extremely special to hear stories from this trip that I'd never heard before, and to learn the impact my grandpa had on so many people. I also learned just how powerful the trip was for its participants, and got to essentially see a reality TV show of my family, which was super fun!"

Keystone is a year-long, individual project for seniors. Students reflect upon their studies and their roles in both their immediate community and the larger world. Read more about the keystone project at jchsofthebay.org/keystoneproject

KEYSTONE SPOTLIGHT: Eloise G. '24 centered the work of animal non-profits in the bay area for her keystone, highlighting organizations that rescue and rehabilitate animals.

"For my project, I organized and hosted a fundraiser on April 14th, that had over 250 attendees and raised over $1,700 dollars for Yggdrasil Urban Wildlife Rescue, Palomacy Pigeon and Dove Rescue, Mickaboo Parrots, and Herd and Flock Animal Sanctuary. Additionally, one organization was offered a $20,000-dollar grant from ADOBE."

Attendees got to meet all kinds of creatures like possums, parakeets, squirrels, turtles, pigeons, and more, in order to learn about undervalued animals and the amazing work that the organizations do.

"One thing I didn't anticipate learning was how to write professional emails. I ended up doing a lot of outreach, which in total amounted to over 80 emails, 8 phone calls, and over 90 text messages. Another key takeaway for me was how to plan an event that someone would actually want to go to, and how to get people through the doors!"

Keystone is a year-long, individual project for seniors. Students reflect upon their studies and their roles in both their immediate community and the larger world. Read more about the keystone project at jchsofthebay.org/keystoneproject

The JCHS Literary Magazine is back! Congratulations to all of the students whose work was featured - and thank you to editors Shoshana C-R. '25 and Eden B. '25 for putting this remarkable issue together.

You can pick up a copy in the admissions office if you haven't already!

KEYSTONE SPOTLIGHT: Mia F. '24 explores how music and people impact our lives in different ways. After not having played piano for several years following the death of her piano teacher, Albena, she decided to host a memorial piano recital in her honor.

"I relearned pieces that I once learned alongside Albena and performed them at the recital with other former students, in the same venue that our recitals were in before her death. Over 40 people attended and it was an opportunity for us to honor her memory as a community.

Not only did I realize how much I needed the event for my own sake, but I also realized how much the rest of Albena’s former students needed it. I discovered that memory lives not only in us as individuals but also between a group of people all touched by the same person. Together we hold the collective memory of Albena through our love of music and our connections to the random things that make us think of her."

Keystone is a year-long, individual project for seniors. Students reflect upon their studies and their roles in both their immediate community and the larger world. Read more about the keystone project at jchsofthebay.org/keystoneproject.

KEYSTONE SPOTLIGHT: Inspired by his experience during lockdown, Tovi K. '24, used photography to explore the outdoors from every angle, and emphasize the importance of not confining oneself. He took over 100 digital photos with the goal of submitting them to competitions and sharing them with the JCHS community. His photos were featured at this year's Art's Evening.

"My project aims to remind people that nature contains so much beauty and to shine a light on the importance of quality time outdoors. After completing my keystone, I have a more extensive understanding of technical photography and was even able to learn how to use Adobe Lightroom Classic. "

Keystone is a year-long, individual project for seniors. Students reflect upon their studies and their roles in both their immediate community and the larger world. Read more about the keystone project at jchsofthebay.org/keystoneproject.

Today our seniors closed out their college advising journey with Ms. Cook's annual bonfire! Into the flames went essays, tests, applications and anything else the Class of 2024 was ready to say goodbye to, marking the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. Congratulations seniors (and Ms. Cook!) on getting through this year's college admissions process!

Make sure to stop by the lobby to check out the display of art from the Class of 2024! Congratulations again to our senior artists on a spectacular and creative year!

Ms. Deans Environmental Science class on their highly anticipated Tide Pools Field Trip! Students collected data at Pillar Point Tide Pools, taking part in a long-term environmental monitoring program called LiMPETS - run by NOAA's national marine sanctuaries and their partners.

LiMPETS Monitoring National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

We're excited to cheer on JCHS alumnus Ethan Seder '17, who's making waves as one of the cyclors for the New York Yacht Club’s American Magic team!

"Cyclor" is a relatively new position created by the Emirates Team New Zealand, first introduced in the 2017 America Cup. They use their legs to help provide the power required for the hydraulics that control various systems on the boats, instead of the previous standard of using arms.

Often elite cyclists, Cyclors can produce 30-40% more power than arm grinders, making them more efficient in manipulating sail shapes and setting up the boat for optimal performance.

The team is currently training in Barcelona where they will compete in the 37th America’s Cup this fall. Go Ethan!

American Magic America's Cup

In Ms. Lichtenstein’s L’Chaim class, students learn about the meaning and history behind Jewish rituals and practices. This week, students have been discussing rituals around end of life and mourning practices.

The class visited a Jewish cemetery in Colma on Wednesday, and hosted alumni parent Leah Lamstein (mom of Alex ’23), who spoke about her experience as a member of the Chevrah Kadishah of her synagogue.

The visit to Eternal Home Jewish Cemetery was coordinated and organized courtesy of Sinai Memorial Chapel and students had the chance to participate in a Genizah, the ritual burial of sacred texts. The practice of burying old Torah scrolls, Mezuzahs, Tefillin, Haggadahs, and other sacred texts is related to the idea that sacred objects retain sanctity and deserve respect even once they have lost their original function. David Habib, Sinai’s funeral director, and Lisa Finkelstein, Sinai’s administrative and Chevrah Kadishah manager spoke with the class and also gave them a short tour of the cemetery’s historical tombstones and green burial area.

In today’s class, students had a chance to hear firsthand from Leah Lamstein about the Jewish purification ritual called Taharah, which prepares the body for burial. The Chevrah Kadishah is a group of usually anonymous volunteers who tend to the body between a person’s death and burial, and perform Taharah. This is perhaps the most selfless mitzvah you can perform as it is done without any expectation of recognition or reward.

This Yom HaAtzma’ut, students worked on a creative reflection using different art mediums like watercolor, poetry, collage, and more Students were asked the following questions:

1. What are you celebrating about Israel? What do you hope to be able to celebrate about Israel?
2. What future do you dream of / imagine this Yom Ha’Atzmaut (Israel Independence Day) for Israel, the Jewish community, and the world?

Afterwards, it was out to the courtyard for Israeli snacks, Turkish coffee, and BBQ! Happy Yom HaAtzma’ut!

Today is Yom HaZikaron, Israel’s Memorial Day. We honor and remember the soldiers and victims of terrorism who have fallen in defense of Israel. May their memories be a blessing.

Honors Photography student Remy R. ’25 is among the winners of the Bay Area-wide Creative Youth Awards arts competition for outstanding photography. Remy placed as a Special Awardee and will receive a cash prize.

Of this image, Remy said in their artist statement, “Creativity to me is about being receptive to the world around me and finding a way to interpret it uniquely, even if only slightly. It’s funneling everything I’m feeling and everything I’m going through in my life and channeling it all into something productive and tangible."

“My aim in taking this photograph was to capture the feeling of dissociation and unsteadiness and demonstrate how pervasive they can be even when in an otherwise fun and cheerful environment, like an arcade. I chose to take this photograph at this angle to emphasize how in moments like these, it’s easy to lose yourself and spiral into a negative or unhealthy mindset. This angle helps to exaggerate the space to look and feel like it goes on into the distance for a long time, making the viewer seem small in comparison and as though the exit is extremely far away. Along with elongating the image, this angle also captures the semi-warped reflection of the machines in the window’s glass, further adding to the effect.”

The Creative Youth Awards were founded by the Bay Area Creative Foundation to foster artistic expression and creativity in high school students. They recognize a range of creative disciplines including art, dance, film, music, photography, and writing.

7th and 8th grade Filmmakers! Unleash your inner Spielberg as you learn the essential basics of filmmaking. From capturing stunning visuals to crafting compelling stories, you will delve into every aspect of the filmmaking process. You’ll learn basic cinematography skills, the basic grammar of filmmaking, editing techniques, and get an introduction to chroma key and simple foley techniques. Get ready to let your creativity shine on the big screen!

The JCHS Filmmaking Boot Camp runs August 12-15, 2024 from 9 AM - 3 PM (w/ a lunch hour). Participants will need a laptop computer with either iMovie, Final Cut Pro, or Premiere loaded. Filming will take place on student phones and cameras provided by the school.

Ages: Rising 7th - 8th Graders
Cost: $350 per Student

Love LEGOS and Robots? Join JCHS for LEGO-My-Kiddo.

This four-day EV3/FIRST LEGO League camp develops strong building and programming skills essential for the FIRST LEGO League program for students 9 to 14 years old. The previous year’s FIRST LEGO League game is used as a challenge to provide a fun activity while the students are learning.

Students will be provided with a solid foundation in programming with the EV3 programming language. The class will largely be self-paced, with each group of students working to develop an understanding of the system and ultimately competing in a simulated FLL challenge by the end of the week. Experienced FLL students will have the opportunity to work deeper and develop a stronger set of problem-solving skills. The camp will be maxed at 12 students to allow a high degree of individualized experimentation and learning.

All camps are taught by experienced instructor, John Hagen, who has been working with FLL Robotics Competitions since 2007.

The camp runs from Monday, August 12- Thursday, August 15, from 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM.
Recommended Ages: Rising 6th - 8th Graders
Cost: $350

Today is Yom Hashoah Ve-Hagevurah, the Day of Remembrance of the Holocaust and the Heroism. On this day we remember the six million Jews killed in the Holocaust.

A big congratulations to the Visual & Performing Art’s students and ProCom on an amazing Art’s Re/View! “Emergence” was officially the biggest Art’s Evening to date featuring 92 students and over 300 guests! The disciplines represented included, drama, visual arts, music, photography, and filmmaking. Even the event poster and marketing materails were designed by a student: Senior, Adriel Rozenblum. Thank you again to everyone who came out!

Embracing the spirit of the Portland Journey, a cohort of our 11th-grade students volunteered at GLIDE this afternoon. Students handed out meals for dinner, part of GLIDE’s Daily Free Meals Program. Thank you to our students for volunteering and to Ms. Alouf for organizing!

As the Journeys wind down to a close, here’s a glimpse of the Class of 2024 in New Orleans.

The 12th grade journey focused on forging authentic “Tzedek” (justice) oriented connections with communities outside of our own. This Journey asks about the importance of preserving cultural practice for diaspora communities and how it relates to meaning-making and resilience.

Students visited to the Ashé Arts and Cultural Center, the Museum of the Southern Jewish Experience, the New Orleans Jazz Museum, and Whitney Plantation to explore these questions. They learned about the renaming of Harmony Circle, spoke with guests of MACCNO in a discussion about “what it means to be a good guest,” and danced at Lafayette Square at a jazz concert in support of the Youth Leadership Council.

They’ve also had a chance to explore the French Quarter, take a river tour, and explore the bayou by kayak.

We hope you enjoyed the journey, Class of 2024, and we can’t wait to see you back home!

The Class of 2025 is in Portland!

The 11th Grade Journey asks how we can translate our commitment to justice and Jewish values into practical, hands on work. Through active collaboration with each other and other communities, we move beyond the typical idea of “charity,” and in engage in socal justice work — not just as individuals, but as one part of a whole.

Through , our students have engaged in community service work with organizations such as Kenton Women’s Village, , and Dignity Village. They’ve also had some free time to explore Portland as a class and engage in activities like a hike in Wahclella Falls and roller skating!

Enjoy your Journey, Class of 2025!

The Class of 2026 is in Zion! The 10th grade journey embraces the transformative power of nature in finding one’s authentic self and connecting to community.

Students have been alternating between hikes in Snow Canyon State Park and Zion National Park, as well as rock climbing. While heavy snowfall prevented outdoor climbing in Lambs Knoll, the class and ProCom were quick to pivot to indoor climbing with the same enthusiasm. 🧗🏽

In addition to the hikes and climbing, 10th graders have had a chance to take a shopping trip in Springdale, do some night hikes and take in a little stargazing.

Have a fun on your journey, Class of 2026 — Keep exploring!

And they’re off! The Class of 2027 is in Ojai!

The 9th Grade Journey focuses on discovery, learning to over come obstacles, and building community both with one’s class and by asking “what type of person, student, and community member do we want to be?” Students will work on team building, go on hikes, engage in ropes courses, and more.

Have fun on your Journey Class of 2027!!!

While we’re still in Women’s History Month, stop by the library to check out Ms. Gluck’s display and explore her curated selection of recommended reads!

Mr. Pollock’s AP US History class began their journey through the 1950s. From the intersection of political statements with fashion trends to the chilling backdrop of the Cold War, they’ll unravel the economic boom, as well as social conservatism. As the class navigates through this era, they’ll look for the ‘Cracks in the Veneer’ of its ideals and aesthetics.

We’re getting into the Purim spirit early with a carnival, costume contest, the annual “Punderdome,” hamantaschen making, and more!

Purim commemorates a time when the Jewish people went from darkness to light and we celebrate the tables turning on our fortunes with a whole lot of topsy-turvy fun!

🏊‍♀️ Wolves Swim made a splash today at their meet vs IHS and Convent. Their strokes were on point, their spirits high, and their determination unmatched. 🏊‍♂️💦

In the past week, JCHS has continued to offer Days of Learning with an evening session last Thursday that welcomed the entire Jewish community, and a session today for students—both designed to inform and also uplift the voices, questions and comments of participants.

Today’s workshops for students included:

•The Israel-Gaza War and the American Presidential Election
•How to Handle Feeling Intense Political Disagreement
•The Genocide Case in the International Court of Justice
•Writing Prayers for Peace
•Jews, Identity Politics, and the University: What Does it Mean to “g off to college”?
•Humanitarian Aid and Gaza
•What Does the Torah Say about War in Israel?
•Poetry in Times of War
•Virtual Tour of Kikar HaChatufim (Hostages Square)
•What’s Happened Since The Last Day of Learning?
•When Do Anti-Zionism and Antisemitism Overlap?
•Skills for Better Communication, Conflict Reduction, and Mutual Understanding

Last Thursday night, parents of Bay Area Jewish teens joined us to hear sessions that included:
•How to Parent Teens During Heightened Times of Stress and Trauma
•Managing the College Search as a Jewish Student
•Media, Language, & Context: Unpacking the Slogans and Signs Around Us
•The History of Zionism and the Arab/Israeli Conflict... 120 years in 45 minutes

Sessions were led by members of the Professional Community, JCHS parents, and outside speakers.

Thank you to our ProCom and guest speakers –Jaime Rapaport, Marc Dollinger, Masua Sagiv, and Rabbi Dean Kertesz – for leading sessions and working with students to navigate these difficult conversations.

Scholars, scientists, writers, artists, mathematicians—and all remarkable educators. On this we celebrate all the women who inspire and empower our students at JCHS.