Hillel Community Day School, Rochester, NY

09/23/2026

We were honored to welcome Rabbi Stein of Temple B’rith Kodesh to Hillel for the first edition of our new “Rabbis as Content Experts” program with our 5th and 6th graders!

Through questions and conversation, students explored the history of Temple B’rith Kodesh, founded in 1848, and considered how its story fits into the broader history of Jewish life in America. Rabbi Stein also shared what he is most passionate about as a Jew and as a rabbi.

The visit gave our students the opportunity to learn directly from a local Jewish leader, ask questions, and engage in thoughtful discussion about their history and heritage.

We are grateful to Temple B’rith Kodesh for partnering with us on this first program and look forward to welcoming rabbis from synagogues across Rochester as we continue the series!

09/22/2026

Learning about the natural world, one life cycle at a time! 🐊🦀🐝

Our students observed model pieces and worked together to sequence the life cycles of an alligator, Luna moth, horseshoe crab, octopus, and bee.
They looked closely, compared stages, asked questions, and used their observations to make sense of how each creature grows and changes.
Who are we? We are observers and scientists! 🔬✨

09/18/2026

One Moment. One Lesson.

This week, I kept returning to the image of our students standing beside the water for Tashlich.

There was movement all around them — children talking, water shifting, a community gathered together.

And within all of that movement, there was also an invitation to become still.

To think about what should be released.

To consider what should be carried forward.

To listen.

This week we read Parshas Ha’azinu, on Shabbat Shuva.

Ha’azinu begins with a call to listen.

That feels especially meaningful in these days between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.

We spend these days speaking many words — prayers, apologies, hopes, commitments.

But perhaps before those words can truly change us, we first have to become quiet enough to hear what needs our attention.

I saw that same idea across Hillel this week — in learning, reflection, Jewish life, and in the invitation to become ambassadors for this year’s Matching Campaign.

Belonging is not passive.

When something matters to us, there comes a moment when attention becomes responsibility.

Perhaps teshuvah begins there.

Not with an answer.

But with the willingness to listen — and the courage to respond.

Ha’azinu. Listen.

Shabbat Shalom.

Sonia Newman

09/17/2026

09/17/2026

Yesterday, our students gathered by the water for Tashlich, led by Rabbi Winston and joined by Rabbi Avi, who we had the pleasure of hosting.
Together, our students reflected on the year behind them, participated in this meaningful tradition, and looked ahead to the new year.
We loved having Rabbi Avi back with our Hillel community for such a special morning. Shanah Tovah! 🍎🍯

09/16/2026

Ambassador signups are now LIVE for this year’s Matching Campaign! 🎉

On October 20–21, our Hillel community will come together for one of our most important fundraising moments of the year. Our ambassadors play an important role in helping us spread the word, reach more supporters, and build momentum for Hillel.

Help us make this year’s campaign a success by signing up to be a campaign ambassador today atthe following link:

https://causematch.com/hcds-signup

Together, we can strengthen the programs, people, and experiences that make Hillel such a meaningful place for our students and families—and continue Building a Jewish Community of Purpose.

09/15/2026

A fresh start for a new school year! 📘✨

Our students received their 2026–2027 Hillel planners, personalized with important dates, Jewish resources, and everything they’ll need to stay on track throughout the year.

We love seeing Hillel reflected in the little details that help make the school year feel like our own.

09/14/2026

Hands-on learning in action! 📊🪙
Our students put their math skills to work through a coin-flip data collection and analysis activity, gathering information, recording their results, and working together to make sense of what they observed.
Experiences like this help students see math as something they can investigate, test, and apply instead of just something they complete on a worksheet.

09/10/2026

Today, our students gathered for our Rosh Hashanah Model Seder, led by our Shlichim, Elior and Reut Dahan. 🍎🍯
Through the tastes, symbols, blessings, and traditions of the holiday, students had the opportunity to experience Rosh Hashanah in a joyful and meaningful way. ✨
Experiences like these help Jewish learning come alive—giving students opportunities to participate, ask questions, build memories, and strengthen their connection to Jewish life and community. ❤️
We are grateful to Elior and Reut for helping our students begin the new year with learning, reflection, and joy.
Shanah Tovah! 🍎🍯🐝

09/09/2026

Something exciting is coming this fall! 🎉

On October 20–21, our Hillel community will come together for one of the most important fundraising moments of the year: our Matching Campaign.

For two powerful days, every gift will help strengthen the programs, people, and experiences that make Hillel such a meaningful place for our students and families. 💙

Your support helps sustain academic excellence, joyful Jewish learning, student support, and the vibrant community experiences that shape a Hillel Community Day School education.

Save the date: October 20–21! We can’t wait to share more and come together as a community in support of this special campaign.

Together, we can make an even greater impact as we continue Building a Jewish Community of Purpose. ✨