Graduating Senior Reflects on Years Working at BJEP By: Dani Carrus

It is the end to another year of learning at BJEP, and for both the seventh graders and myself it is time to say goodbye to BJEP. As I sit down here to write this blog entry, I began to reflect on my last three years working at BJEP.  There are so many different components to an education at BJEP but one thing that stands out about the education at BJEP is the community.

In Judaism there is a value of “Kol yisrael arevim zeh lazeh” (All of Israel is responsible for one another.). “Kol yisrael arevim zeh lazeh”, means that we are responsible for our fellow Jewish person whether they sit in the desk across from us, or are halfway across the world in Israel. There are few places I have seen this played out as well as in BJEP.  “Kol yisrael arevim zeh lazeh”, is played out in my classroom each year, where I see students work together to support each other. It is played out between grades as my seventh graders mentor and work with first graders this year. It is played out in every family program and every community program put on by BJEP. Every week, every month, and every year it is played out by the hard working staff.

Over the last three years I have had the pleasure of working with amazing staff members and co-teachers. Every week their dedication to their students and their commitment to “Kol yisrael arevim zeh Lazeh” has been inspiring. I will miss working in and with this amazing community.