Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School

For 13 years, Rabbi Mitchel Malkus has led CESJDS with vision, optimism, and a deep commitment to relationships. As he concludes his tenure as Head of School, we turn the microphone around for a special Pawdcast episode reflecting on his leadership and the impact he has had on our community.

Joined by longtime colleagues, Rabbi Malkus reflects on the milestones, challenges, and moments that shaped his time at CESJDS—from educational innovation and community growth to navigating COVID, supporting our community after October 7, and preparing students for a bright future.

🎙️ Tune in now at https://www.cesjds.org/pawdcast or wherever you stream your podcasts.

Prizmah

What a year it's been. 💙

These numbers tell a story of learning, growth, belonging, and partnership. Thank you for helping make it all possible as we celebrate CESJDS' 60th anniversary. Will you join us in creating even more moments like these with an end-of-year gift? www.cesjds.org/donate

✨ 171 new students joined our CESJDS family
✨ 500+ community members gathered at LEGENDS
✨ 40+ off-campus field trips brought learning to life
✨ 2,500+ challahs baked by our Kindergarten students
✨ 409 college acceptances celebrated
Together, we're building the next chapter of the CESJDS story.

With just two weeks remaining before our Annual Fund closes on June 30, we're asking every member of the CESJDS community to help support a strong and bright Jewish future for our students. We are officially 5% away from reaching our annual goal.

Will you join us? www.cesjds.org/donate

Cue the cheers, high-fives, and happy dances! 🎉☀️🦁

From Moving Up to one last Morning Meeting and all the fun in between, our students made the most of every moment on the final day of school.

Summer, here we come! 💙😎

💙 Looking back with gratitude and forward with excitement.

Our 8th graders gathered for their Siyyum to celebrate their Middle School journey through student reflections, performances, and expressions of thanks. We are proud of all they have accomplished and excited for the road ahead. Mazal tov, Class of 2030!

Prizmah

After years of learning, growing, leading, and building community, the Class of 2026 is ready to take the next step.

We're excited to share the colleges, universities, gap year programs, and other opportunities that await this remarkable group of graduates.

Explore the full list on our website at https://bit.ly/4kBmEM9 or in this week's

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✨ "Our Ruach, Stronger Together" ✨

The Aba and Sara Marcus Siddur Ceremony and Siyyum was a beautiful celebration of our 5th graders and all they have accomplished during their Lower School years. As they turn the page to their next chapter, we celebrate the learning, leadership, friendships, and spirit that brought them to this moment. 💙

Prizmah

✨ Celebrating milestones big and small! ✨

Our Gurim and Kindergarten students marked the completion of a year filled with learning, growth, discovery, and joy. Their Siyyumim celebrations were a wonderful opportunity to reflect on all they have accomplished and to celebrate the journey ahead. Kol Hakavod to our youngest learners! 💙

Prizmah

Two weeks ago, on what would have been Omer Balva ’19 z”l’s 25th birthday, family, friends, alumni, and community members gathered at CESJDS for a morning minyan followed by a beautiful dedication ceremony in his memory.

We honored Eyal Balva (Omer's father) and Jon Missner (Omer's best friend's father) with an Aliyah to the Torah.

The program featured reflections from current parent Elias Saratovsky, CEO of Birthright Israel Foundation ; Elliot Brandt, CEO of AIPAC; alumni parent Jon Missner; Shahar Balva ’14, Omer’s sister; and Head of School Rabbi Mitch Malkus, who shared moving words about Omer’s life, character, and enduring legacy.

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Through the generosity of the Balva family, both the Sephardic Minyan and the CESJDS Dining Hall were dedicated in Omer’s memory, creating lasting tributes to his impact on our school community.

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Thank you to Eyal and Sigal Balva for this meaningful dedication and to their children Barak ’10, Shahar ’14, and Itai.

May Omer’s memory continue to be a blessing and an inspiration to all who gather in these spaces.

From classroom learning to leading shaharit, our 1st graders reached an exciting milestone at the Yosef and Sima Nagler Haggigat HaSiddur Ceremony. 📖✨ Surrounded by family and friends, they received their first siddur and celebrated a year of growth, learning, and achievement.

Prizmah