Singing the zemirah, or Jewish song, Vehi Sheamda, a song about perseverance against enemies, with arms wrapped around each other, students from all grades marked the return of the 20 remaining live hostages in Gaza on Oct. 13. After two years of tears, prayers and anticipation, we were offered an outlet to fully appreciate the day in all of its glory.
Even after a month already fragmented by the Jewish Holidays – with eight full days off and four half days – JDS chose to pause once more, using the limited time we have in school for reflection and ensuring students could process this historic moment together with intention and care.
While closing schools for national or global events is often due to tragedies, this moment was different. When the 9/11 terror attack occurred, classes were suspended. When the Challenger Space Shuttle exploded, classes were suspended. After the Columbine School shooting, classes were suspended. But in this case, JDS shut down regular classes not to mourn – but to celebrate.
Instead of a physics lab or a history lesson, the high school joined together after ZK to watch Knesset proceedings and speeches made by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Opposition Leader Yair Lapid and U.S. President Donald Trump.
Following the speeches, many faculty members volunteered to lead discussions about topics ranging from the specifics of Trump’s 20-Point Peace Plan to the historical context of Oct. 7. Some students processed through art, while others engaged in discussions about America’s role in the situation, and understanding the specifics of Trump’s plan.
The day was not just about celebration, but comprehension. Students compared perspectives and discussed what each leader’s words would mean for the future of Israel. We needed to be together as a community to have these conversations and understand these nuances.
To end the day, Jewish Life Chair Robert Shorr organized an optional zemirot, where students from all grades came together to sing and celebrate.
This day symbolizes the important role JDS embraced, not just as a school, but a Jewish educational institution. It reminded us that JDS’s role extends beyond academics, but about shaping who we are as Jews in the modern world. In guiding us through a pivotal moment for not only Israel but Jewry around the world, JDS helped us understand and appreciate this momentous day.
We acknowledge that we are still a long way from peace in the Middle East. This deal does not erase all the mourning both sides of the conflict have endured these past two years. Yet, this day offered us a moment to pause and be grateful for the potential of peace.
This day at JDS stood as more than a pause in the school calendar. By coming together to sing, question and reflect, we didn’t just witness history: we participated in it.
