Yearly Archives: 2021


HSJS Update 12/5/21


Today we celebrated Hanukkah, learned about the actual origin of the dreidel, explored the history of Chasidism in Europe and the transition to city life, and vigorously debated latkes vs. hamentaschen; and that was just in our elective classes!Wishing you all a light-filled last night of Chanukah, lots of Mazal for final exams, and a […]

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HSJS Update


Today we explored the mystery surrounding the ancient Aleppo Codex in Biblical Archeology and the very timely issue of decisions regarding medical treatment in Jewish Bioethics. We practiced getting centered through Jewish Mindfulness and Confirmation and first year Hot Topics rounded out our afternoon.

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Weekly update 10/24/21


What a joy to learn, socialize, and engage with everyone in-person as we explored everything from Yiddishkeit and Ashkenazic Culture to Biblical Archeology to Jewish Identity and Tradition and more!We’ll meet next on November 7, same time and place. Have a great couple weeks!

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Weekly update 9/26/21


Today we made sweet noodle (lokshen) kugel, began “digging” into Biblical Archeology (sorry, I couldn’t resist), talked about what makes up our identity as humans and, specifically, as Jews, and more!Our next session is Sunday, October 10, from 3:30-5:30. We’re watching the COVID numbers regularly, and will give ample notice of our return to in-person classes.Chag […]

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Weekly update 9/19/21


We had a great opening day, enjoying a spirited round of elective speed dating so that our students could rank their choices among the roughly 15 elective options. I’ll use those rankings to build our calendar so that there’ll be a nice mix of classes to sample over the course of our school year.We’re in […]

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Register today!


It’s not too late to join our ruach-filled community!  HSJS is open to all Jewish high school students, regardless of synagogue affiliation. We meet on Sunday afternoons, roughly 2X/month, and we’re set to offer another year of engaging and meaningful Jewish learning starting on September 19, from 3:30-5:30 pm.  You’ll be able to explore everything from Jews and Science Fiction to […]

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HSJS Update 4/25/21


We shared an incredible final session today, with Rabbi Rapport leading us in a study of the origin of Kabbalah, oneness, Tikkun olam, brokenness, repair, and the ocean. Make sure to ask your kids about it! We also reflected on this most unique year of study and camaraderie and recognized many notable student achievements.We expect to be […]

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HSJS Update 4/18/21


We enjoyed our last full learning day this week, looking at Golems and related themes in The Jewish League; examining how the Jewish community is responding to Asian-American and Pacific Islander racism and hate crimes; exploring Jewish identity in the modern age in first year Hot Topics; and preparing for Confirmation on Shavuot. Next week is […]

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HSJS Update 4/11/21


We lost no time today digging deeply into our elective and core classes, examining issues around voter ID laws through a Jewish lens, what sorts of things go into forming our Jewish identity, and other compelling topics.We’ll see everyone next Sunday, April 18, for our second to last session!

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HSJS Update


There were some common themes today in both Jewish Sources on Racial Justice and LGBTQ Judaism, with both classes bringing a Jewish lens to our discussions of the recent, anti-Asian massacre in Atlanta. Confirmation class is more than ready to lead the second night seder and our first year Hot Topics students enjoyed a thorough, […]

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