A group of around 30 Jewish Family Alliance (JFA) students from the the Middle School campus came together at the home of Stella Etebar ’30 for a monthly dinner and gathering. Students gathered to not only celebrate the weekly Jewish Holiday of Shabbat, but also to gather and share cherished moments with other students who they may have never met before these dinners.
This Shabbat was extra special for the community because it was right before the Jewish Holiday of Purim, which is a holiday to celebrate the Jewish Salvation against the Greeks.
Aria Katan ’31 reflected on what it is like to be a part of this community as a new student at the Middle School.
“It’s been great,” Katan said.“This has been a great learning environment for me to grow as a person.”
Sophia Kamrava ’29, a 9th grade leader of the JFA Community, shared why she chose to take on this role.
“I wanted to bring the Harvard Westlake Jewish Community Together,” Kamrava said.
For these 9th graders, it is their last opportunity this school year to collaborate and celebrate with other middle school students before they move to the upper school, making these moments even more cherished.
Leia Logan ’29 reflected on what she has learned from these experiences so far at the Middle School.“I have learned how to bring my community together and strengthen my identity,” Logan said.
Although all of these students came from completely different grades and backgrounds, they were easily able to bond with each other over Jewish Rituals, whether similar or not.
The Jewish Family Alliance looks forward to seeing many returning and new faces at their next gathering and celebration.
