JCDSRI celebrates double chai anniversary

Involved with JCDSRI are, left to right, Rashmi Licht, Sally Rotenberg, Marni Thompson-Tilove and Alison Walter.

September marked the 36th anniversary of the Jewish Community Day School of Rhode Island (JCDSRI). The community will celebrate the school’s milestone on Nov. 16 at Brown RISD Hillel with a Double Chai Benefit, including cocktails, dinner, dancing and a silent auction to honor the school’s success and celebrate its future.

The journey started at the Providence home of Sheila and Paul Alexander. While their children played upstairs, the Alexanders hashed out a bold idea with three other couples – also parents of preschoolers – Rabbi Alvan and Marcia Kaunfer, Joshua and Penney Stein, and Chuck and Ada Beth Cutler. They wanted a liberal, egalitarian school that provided a strong Jewish foundation for their children. They planned to open a Schechter Day School in the fall of 1978.  As Penney Stein recalled, “We were young and crazy enough to think we could pull it off.”  It helped that Alvan Kaunfer, the assistant rabbi at Temple Emanu-El, had been head of the Judaic studies department at Toronto’s Schechter school. Ada Beth Cutler’s teaching career began at a New York Solomon Schechter and Penney Stein herself was an educator with a Ph.D.

Over the years, the enthusiasm of the founding families has remained. Co-chair and current parent, Rashmi Licht said, “While the name has changed, the substance of the school has remained intact –the amazing teachers and staff continue to nurture the student body in hopes of making them into the best that they can be while providing the fundamentals of Jewish education.” The Double Chai Benefit will be honoring the first graduating class, their families, and the first teacher for the visionary leadership which is the foundation for the school.

Today, JCDSRI’s mission is to prepare confident, collaborative, critical thinkers for the 21st century. The school not only provides a top-quality education, it also offers families a strong sense of community.  “As a new parent, I was quickly embraced and welcomed with love into this school and so was my family. There is a magical feeling about JCDS,” stated Marni Thompson-Tilove, current parent and co-chair, “I’ve never encountered such a nurturing and attuned school, and devoted parent body.  I feel lucky to have my son attend.”

JCDSRI’s longevity is due to the strong support it has always received from the local Jewish community. Community supporters like Sally Rotenberg, alumni parent, board member and event co-chair, have come forth to ensure the evening’s success. “Alperin Schechter was our support system, our village, our community, helping raise our three sons,” she said. “Those friends are still our closest ones today. I am passionate about continuing the school. The positive energy at JCSDRI is contagious.” The Double Chai Benefit will help JCDSRI ensure a sustainable future. All proceeds raised at the event will go to JCDSRI’s new Fund for Excellence, which will provide funding for innovative programs and facilities.

ALISON WALTER is development director of the Jewish Community Day School of Rhode Island. For more information, contact her at awalter@jcdsri.org or 401-751-2470.