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Alumni Reunited in Jerusalem!

Ramaz News

students and faculty smiling for photo

Last week, Jonathan Cannon hosted 30 of our 40 alumni from the class of '21 who are spending their gap year in Israel at a reunion in Jerusalem. Traveling from all over Israel to reconnect with their old classmates, alumni spent the evening catching up, sharing stories and dinner, and reminiscing over their Ramaz memories. Some US faculty even Zoomed in to chat with our alumni. This gathering was sponsored by our Alumni Association and took place at Shir Hadash, the shul of Rabbi Ian and Rachel Pear '94. A special thank you to Effie Landau '13 who was onsite to organize the event. We are always here for our Ramaz alumni.

Read Jonathan Cannon's recap letter:

 

Dear Ramaz Class of '21 Parents,

 

Last night, I has the absolute pleasure of hosting your children at the Israel reunion, organized by the Ramaz Alumni Association.

 

It was a pleasure to see that #RamPride remains strong among our alumni, even when they are across the globe and involved in so many different projects. Over 30 out of the 40 alumni who are spending their gap year in Israel were in attendance. They spent the evening catching up, swapping stories, sharing dinner, and even recording interviews about their experiences in Israel and at Ramaz. Some of the Upper School faculty even Zoomed in and chatted with the alumni.

 

Your children conveyed a love for the school, a sense of how well prepared they felt for their programs, and deep respect for faculty and family. They also shared some wisdom and advice as to how we can improve in certain areas, including encouraging students to take part in a gap year. I never cease to be impressed by the thoughtfulness, ability to articulate a viewpoint, and passion for Judaism, Israel, and community that is evident in every Ramaz graduate.

 

One of my many takeaways is the breadth of programs that were represented last night. We have a diverse, modern Orthodox student body, and they were each able to explain how their spirituality, observance, and Israel awareness is being developed in each one. Seeing them listening and learning from one another will be one of the highlights of my visits to Israel. It reinforced the reality that there is at least one program that will meet the needs and dreams of seniors.

 

The truest pleasure for an educator is when their former students are flourishing once they have moved on, and if last night's gathering was any indication, the alumni from the class of 2021 are thriving.

 

A special thank you to Rabbi Ian and Rachel Pear '94 for hosting us at their shul, Shir Hadash, and to Effie Landau '13 for helping us with set-up and tech support just three weeks after making Aliyah.

 

You should be very proud; they are a credit to you and Ramaz and I look forward to continuing to learn about their journeys.

 

If you would like to view pictures from last night, click here.

 

Shabbat Shalom,

 

Jonathan Cannon

Ramaz Head of School

  • Alumni News
  • Israel