The Official Blog of Denver Jewish Day School

Alumni Profile: Kyra Lozow (Class of 2017)
  • Alumni

When asked to share some of her favorite memories from Denver JDS, Kyra immediately said, “Color war! It was absolutely one of the best experiences of my life, and it taught me so much. Someone has to start the cheer and come up with the dances. That push to take initiative, and so many parts of my DJDS education helped me grow into the professional I’m learning to be.”

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Alumni Profile: Kyra Lozow (Class of 2017)
  • Alumni

When asked to share some of her favorite memories from Denver JDS, Kyra immediately said, “Color war! It was absolutely one of the best experiences of my life, and it taught me so much. Someone has to start the cheer and come up with the dances. That push to take initiative, and so many parts of my DJDS education helped me grow into the professional I’m learning to be.”

Wings of Hope: DJDS Honors Memory and Fosters Resilience Through Art

In the face of tragedy, communities often find strength in coming together to create something beautiful. This was precisely the spirit that animated the recent "Wings of Hope" project at Denver Jewish Day School (DJDS). In a touching tribute to the Kutz family of Kibbutz Kfar Aza, victims of the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack, the DJDS community embarked on a journey of remembrance, healing, and hope, using donated toys to create a powerful symbol of resilience.

DJDS Student D'var Torah - Elie, 11th Grade (Yom Kippur)
  • Weekly D'var Torah

"The events of October 7, 2023, remind us of the fragility of peace and the urgent need for understanding and compassion in our world. It reminds us that we can never stop fighting for what we believe is right. As we gather to observe Yom Kippur, we are called to confront the pain and loss that many have experienced in the wake of this attack, reminding ourselves that history will repeat itself over and over. The Torah teaches us about the importance of community and the bonds that unite us. In the face of adversity, it is essential to come together, support one another, and foster healing."

DJDS completes renovation of Fidler-Macks Wing (Kindergarten - 3rd Grade)
  • Head of School/CEO
  • Inside the Classroom
  • Lower Division

Last month, DJDS celebrated the renovation of the Fidler Macks Wing (kindergarten through 3rd-grade). The 50’s wing, Fidler Macks Wing now has updated learning spaces, HVAC systems, plumbing, electrical, security, and a beautiful new look and feel in classrooms and common spaces. This transformative project has modernized our facilities and will enrich the learning environment for many of our youngest learners, paving the way for an even brighter future.

DJDS Student D'var Torah - Cooper, 10th Grade (Rosh Chodesh Elul)
  • Weekly D'var Torah

Now is a time to ask yourself: Who am I truly and what changes do I need to make? Elul reminds us that change is always possible. That is also what is so special about this school. There is never a wrong time to discover who you really are, and who you really want to be, and no matter what, Elul always offers a fresh start. Now is the time to present the best version of ourselves. Show your integrity, show your purpose, and most importantly, show your ruach. 

Alumni Profile: Jesse Blum (Class of 2000)
  • Alumni

As he reflects on DJDS, he remembers Mr. Cogan, his English teacher. He looked forward to attending this class. He says he appreciated the small class sizes, small student-to-teacher ratio, and high-quality teachers. To this day, he knows where his classmates are living and what they’re doing. Delivering his high school graduation speech, he recalls he confidently proclaimed, “I can be in the top 10 of my class with 8 total in the class”. He attributes his love of teamwork to Color War,  a competition in which students competed effectively together. 

Helping Hands and Tikkun (2023-24 School Year)
  • Lower Division
  • Outside the Classroom

On Friday, May 17 at Kabbalat Shabbat, Denver JDS Lower Division students presented checks to representatives of partner organizations within the Helping Hands Service Learning Program. Students spoke about their rewarding experiences with each organization before announcing donated totals. Six local partner organizations received a total of $2,094.90 raised during the 2023-2024 school year. Students also raised funds for sister organizations in Israel, donating $118.00 to each. 

Renovations before the Renovations at DJDS!
  • Athletics
  • Outside the Classroom

You may have heard a lot about this summer’s upcoming renovation -- but did you know that there have been many beautifications to campus happening in the past few years?

DJDS Moot Beit Din Team places 2nd in national competition
  • Judaic Studies

“It was so great to see our students bringing back an old Denver JDS tradition through this event," said Director of Judaic Studies, Benjamin Levy. "I’ve always appreciated guiding our students in taking a deeper dive into Jewish texts and cases because they simultaneously discover a deeper appreciation for their Judaism. Having fun being Jewish with other Jewish kids is a beautiful sight to see.”

Back to Back to Back! DJDS District Champs for 3rd Year in a Row
  • Athletics

For the third straight year in a row, the Denver Jewish Day School Varsity Boys Basketball team are District Champions. And for the third straight year, the Tigers defeated Belleview Christian in the district championship game. Saturday night’s game was a thriller, where DJDS secured a 43-40 victory in overtime, off of a three-pointer from senior David Romershteyn with 04.2 seconds left in the game. One of the most clutch shots in DJDS history.

Alumni Profile: Miri Kornfeld (Class of 2007) - an inspiring Denver JDS alum who’s channeled her passion for Israel and Judaism into an impactful and rewarding career with StandWithUs
  • Alumni

Reflecting on her work, Miri said the “superpower” of the Jewish community is, in fact, community. “Community has gotten us through years of persecution. We’re not going anywhere. Despite everything, every time it seems we shouldn’t be around anymore we come together and persevere. I know this is part of why we’re still around.”

Civic Spirit and Students' Passions Brought to Life in DJDS High School Elective
  • Outside the Classroom
  • Upper Division

So Dr. Leshem and Jeannie identified the problem: there was no Holocaust education in the state of Colorado. They passed a bill of legislation into law in 2020 to help fix that. But now they are stuck yet again. Now, Dr. Leshem and Jeannie are in the process of proposing new bills to help fix these issues. They are in the closing stages of finalizing newly drafted legislation to be proposed, but the key was that they were able to show the students the complexities of this entire process, and how much focus and perseverance it requires to enact change.

DJDS Senior Maya Friedlander is named 2023 Cross-Country All-American
  • Athletics

Maya and her team advanced to the 2023 USATF National Junior Olympic Cross Country Championships, where she placed 18th overall in the 17/18 age group category and was named an All-American. This marks the first time in DJDS history that a student has been named an All-American in any sport. Mazel tov Maya on a phenomenal Cross Country career. This is a well-deserved accomplishment and a testament to all of the hard work and dedication she has put in throughout her high school career

To Every Season--A Time for Yes
  • Outside the Classroom

"On October 20 of this year, my boss said, “Yes” and set Denver Jewish Day School on a transformative trajectory. Almost two weeks after the horrific pogrom Hamas inflicted on Israeli citizens, my phone and inbox started filling with people who needed our help."

Meet the new DJDS High School Girls Basketball Head Coach - Spencer Barclay
  • Athletics

“I am excited to build on the achievements of last season, and introduce new ways both mentally and physically to continue our growth and success as a program,” said Coach Spencer. “My main goal as a coach is to help each individual become the best versions of themselves and help instill confidence to grow and build character.”