Testimonials

What our parents have to say

“Our son’s short two years at DJCS have been an increasingly important and enjoyable part of our family life.  He has gained confidence, not just in his sense of himself as a Jew, but in many other aspects of his life.  His growing familiarity with Jewish folklore is fantastic, and he speaks knowledgably about these wonderful and important old stories; and the confidence he is gaining through such events as the Purim Play, for which he fills the important roll of stage manager, are irreplaceable experiences.  His attendance at the school is for him and for us, his parents, the opportunity to make a deep connection with a Jewish community that we hardly knew existed previously in downtown Toronto.  Our son’s experience is bringing us all closer to our Jewish roots and our Jewish neighbours too.”

Marc

 

“We have been parents at DJCS since 1999.  Both of our children have enjoyed (and continue to enjoy) their experiences there. My eleven-year old son actually doesn’t mind getting up on Sunday morning to attend his classes! Over the years we’ve had some truly wonderful teachers.  Joan, the principal, has consistently tried to populate her staff with warm, caring and engaging individuals. The school has always been responsive to the needs of modern Jewish families living in downtown Toronto, while maintaining a traditional grounding.  Furthermore, Joan strives to keep the curriculum dynamic by introducing new activities and incorporating new ideas. Since we’ve started at the school enhancements have included an arts activities selective and an extended high school option. DJCS is a warm and vibrant community that is an important Jewish hub in downtown Toronto.”

Lori MD, FRCP(C)

 

“The best part of DJCS is the quality of the teachers.  It is not always easy to send young children to extra school on Sunday mornings (and, in the case of our family, on Wednesday evenings).  It takes a particularly engaging, imaginative and experienced teacher to transform a reluctant pupil into a receptive and enthusiastic one.  In our experience, the teachers at the DJCS together create a rich, artistic, varied and fun Jewish curriculum.  Our children demonstrate repeatedly – especially around the holidays – how much they have learned and how joyfully they integrate this knowledge into the various festivities and celebrations. Every week, our gratitude for DJCS is renewed.”

Vivien

 

“DJCS has given us the opportunity to pass on a Jewish identity to our kids that we otherwise would not have been able to do. It does this in a relaxed and inclusive environment that doesn’t judge us on our level of “Jewishness”. The staff is energetic and committed, and the attending families all want to be there. Being at Bloor and Spadina doesn’t hurt either!”

Stephen

 

“During her seven years at DJCS my daughter has developed a strong Jewish identity, an extensive knowledge of Jewish history and a love for Israel.  We are an inter-racial family and DJCS provides a pluralistic and supportive learning environment that fosters a sense of inclusion for all its students. The teachers challenge the kids and keep the parents involved in learning. I know that the years my child spends in the Jewish studies and Hebrew programs are helping to create a solid ethical foundation for her as a member of the Jewish community.”

Paula

 

“We are an inter-married family with three teenage children living downtown.  As a direct result of the experience, friendships and education gained at DJCS, our children formally converted to Judaism and developed strong identity and pride in being Jewish.  Learning about the Jewish experience over the millennia, the special relationship with and relevance of Israel, and understanding the meaning of the Holocaust, all have a place in their collective consciousness now that would not be there were it not for DJCS. I can say with certainty that had it not been for the years at DJCS our children would not ‘feel’ Jewish and, in fact, would have been lost to the Jewish community, assimilated like so many other non-affiliated Jews. Joan, I will never forget the first time I came into your office and how you helped our family. Thank you for everything.”

Ted

 

“DJCS has been a wonderful experience for our entire family.  The school has developed a keen sense of what it means to be Jewish in our son, and kindled an interest in Jewish history and customs that will carry on after graduation.  He is proud of how well he can read Hebrew and keep up with the davening in shul and so are we.  My son’s Jewish education has also helped me stay in shape, as I am able to work out in the terrific new JCC facilities while my son is in class.”

Paul

 

What our graduates have to say

“DJCS taught me to take a pluralistic, open minded, enthusiastic approach to Jewish life and tradition.”

Rabbi Rachel, now a Rabbi in the Boston area

 

“A good-sized group of kids went to DJCS from Palmerston School every Wednesday.  We must have looked as if we were going to have fun because I remember one non-Jewish friend saying to his mom “I want to go to the Jewish school too!” My time at DJCS definitely enhanced my Jewish identity.”

Eli

 

“I have many fond memories of my time at DJCS.  I learned to read Hebrew, which helped me out a lot when I took interest in Torah study.  I really enjoyed singing in the Zimriyah. In my years at DJCS, I made many friends — some which lasted until today, many years later. I think I really benefited from my time there.  Getting to be with Jewish friends, having fun, learning Jewish things, helped keep my sense of Jewish identity alive and well, which I very much appreciate.”

Motti

 

“In my bat mitzvah year, I completed an independent research project on the role(s) of women in Judaism.  Little did I know that this project would be the beginning of a strong interest in issues of women and Judaism, from an academic and a personal perspective. DJCS was really my first connection to Jewish community and culture outside of my small family sphere. It led to high school studies in Israel, membership in a Near Eastern Studies house in College, becoming a fellow at the National Yiddish Book Center in MA, an organizer in the Boston Jewish community, and a Board Member of a local progressive Jewish organization. Today, Jewish community and family is an important part of my life, and I continue to seek out more knowledge of Jewish history, rituals and customs.”

Rebecca

 

What our teachers have to say

“The DJCS has a very special genuine atmosphere where everybody is welcome and accepted. I admire our wonderful students and their parents who take a great interest in the education of their children, events and programs and are always willing to cooperate. We have a dedicated staff who make it happen, and I commend our principal, Joan Schoenfeld, for her enthusiasm and exceptional professional qualities.”

 Marina Golovanevsky

 

“I love how down-to-earth everyone is here. The students and I always have such a good time in the Theater class. It never seems like we are working. That’s how much fun we are having! The students at the DJCS have a tremendous amount of energy and enthusiasm and they direct it in every single thing they do!  Every year the students impress me. They come back stronger, faster and always with great big smiles on their faces.”

Michelle Kahn

 

“I have greatly enjoyed assisting in the JK class at the DJCS.  It is my first year at the school and my experiences so far have been extremely fulfilling. As Teaching Assistant, my presence in the classroom has proven to be very important in aiding the teacher with her Hebrew lessons, enabling the kids’ retention of the material being learned.  When you realize the influence you have on children and their learning, it truly makes every teaching moment all the more worthwhile and rewarding.”

Sigal Konig

 

“In my 25 years as a teacher at the DJCS I have watched curious little boys and girls turn into members of the Jewish community.  I have been asked intelligent and thoughtful questions by 6 year olds:  “Who wrote these prayers and stuff? Who are the Palestinians? Who is God? Where is God? Why do we do these traditions?” And of course I get asked: ‘When is recess?’  and “What are we having for snack? Parents feel a sense of belonging in this venerable building at Spadina and Bloor and they can be as involved and included as they want to be.  Children come from every imaginable type of family – and all are welcome and included.  The Staff love the school and we all feel committed to the vision that Joan and the board has stewarded all these years. My son is at the DJCS and he is excited about his ability to read Hebrew and his knowledge and understanding of Jewish History.  My husband and I are happy to send our children to such a good school with such a committed staff and part of such a lovely community!”

Heidi Larman

 

“The DJCS gives children an opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions and activities about Judaism, prayers and Hebrew.  Parents are often included in the activities, creating space for whole family learning.  The pluralistic environment allows for interactive and collaborative learning.”

Elana Moscovitch

 

“I have been moved by the DJCS’s uniquely honest and unpretentious approach to providing Jewish education to a very diverse population of children and their families.” 

Ruth Schonblum

 

“Being part of the DJCS family has played a special role in my life for over fifteen years. Students learn in a welcoming, inclusive, and stimulating environment.  The staff members are all totally committed to providing their students with a meaningful and exciting Jewish education.  There are many programs, such as tallit making, family education and enrichment options that make our school even more special and unique.  It is amazing to walk through the halls of the school and observe so many happy and involved students.  I hope to continue my bond with the school for many years to come.”

Marsha Slavens

“The DJCS has been my “home” on Sundays for 26 years. I love the open and welcoming feeling that I get each week upstairs. I enjoy the challenge of meeting new students each year and in turn challenging them to study, question, consider and examine Jewish concepts and values. We usually have a good time as well. I came to the DJCS by accident but it is no accident that I have stayed here all this time. DJCS is a good place to be.”

Debbie Sherman

 

“I love teaching at the DJCS! This is my fifth year teaching here, and I am so impressed with the professionalism displayed by Joan, our principal, and the other teachers. Every month we gather together to discuss the previous month, and to plan special activities for the upcoming month. Teachers and students come from all walks of life, and everyone is valued. Families are included in family education days, optional lectures, pray and learn activities and model Seders. Students make friends, while deepening their attachment to the Jewish people and traditions. Come join us!”

Yehudit Shier Weisberg

 

“The DJCS is a very special school, where there is constant communication, participation and support between teachers and the administration and between teachers and parents.  There are many activities and interactions which create ties between Israel and the students and their families.  There is a feeling that the school is a community which behaves and supports each other like a family.  The diversity of the families reflects the school’s philosophy — that there are many ways of being Jewish.”

Ayala Winkler

 

“At our PD day in November, as I was enjoying the company of my co-workers, it occurred to me what a special group of teachers our Executive Director, Joan, had cultivated.  Besides feeling myself in the company of capable, experienced, and professional staff, I recognized how caring and full of midot the group around me was – truly a superlative group of role models for the next generations.”

Tally Wolf