Last night I had the pleasure of attending the MJDS Gala.
I went to MJDS from K5 through 8th grade. When I first started, we were in the old Emanu-El building by UWM, tucked upstairs. Then we moved into the current JCC building for my first and part of second grade, and eventually into the building MJDS calls home today. I was in the 5th graduating class.
Years ago, when I was in college, I attended a gala for what I believe was their Chai anniversary. Alumni surprised attendees and we all broke out into Israeli dancing around Congregation Beth Israel, where it was hosted. I still remember that moment so clearly—teachers, parents, and students all holding hands, filled with joy and community. That night, I knew it was the only school I could ever see sending my children to.
Of course, there are the academics—learning Hebrew, Jewish studies, and everything in between—but what truly stands out is the community. It’s a family. Students across grades know each other, and their families do too. You build real relationships, and that sense of connection doesn’t just disappear when you graduate. It stays with you.
One of the things I love most about MJDS is that it is a pluralistic school. It brings together so many different parts of our community in such a thoughtful and beautiful way. I’ve now been a parent there for 15 years, with just two years to go, and I can already feel how much I’ll miss having that building as part of my everyday life.
While I’ll still have connections—with my niece and nephew there, and my sister on staff—it will be different. One tradition that continues to bring me so much joy is Friday morning Shabbat Sing. Started by Gev Eisenberg and Gev Morgan (now Dunn), it has grown into something truly special. Families come, kids sing, and there’s this feeling of warmth and joy—hamishness—that gently carries you into Shabbat.
This school has truly helped shape who I am today—what it means to be a mensch, to be welcoming, to hold onto tradition while embracing others.
And last night was a reminder of something even bigger. Seeing community members from so many organizations—JCC, MJF, Yeshiva Elementary, Bader Philanthropies, JFS, and more—showed just how interconnected we all are. There is real strength in that support, in showing up for each other.
It was also especially meaningful for us at Mosaic to be part of the event in another way. We provided the kosher meals and all of the desserts for the evening. Being able to contribute to such a special night—and then hearing how much people enjoyed the food—was incredibly rewarding. To be both a guest and part of the experience is something I don’t take for granted.
Shabbat Shalom—may it be a restful and fulfilling Shabbat. 
