On every last Thursday of the month in room 322, students gather to discuss Jewish faith, holidays, and traditions. Jewish Student Alliance creates space for students to come together, discuss Jewish faith, create friendships, share experiences, and build a positive community with one another. Jewish Student Alliance welcomes all students, not just those who follow the Jewish faith, encouraging others who express interest in the faith or other religious backgrounds to join club meetings. Students established the Jewish Student Alliance this year after realizing they wanted a way to share their faith and beliefs with others.
This year at Sierra Vista, the Jewish Student Alliance held events where students could participate in various activities. On November 20th, the Jewish Student Alliance held a Hanukkah Party that allowed students to light the Menorah, a Jewish lamp that symbolizes triumph and light over darkness.
Jewish Student Alliance advisor, Ms. Simon, dedicates her time to promoting and fostering the club. “I love being able to share my culture with others. I love being able to discuss my experiences with the students and comparing our customs and traditions, not all Jews are the same. I also love being able to discuss our shared values and traditions.” Ms. Simon shared her growing concerns regarding antisemitism within the world, expressing, “Another main reason why I created the club is for a safe space for students to express their concerns and feelings about the extreme increase in antisemitism, especially since Oct 7th. Antisemitism has increased dramatically worldwide since October 2023, with various Jewish organizations and civil rights groups reporting percentage increases that range widely by region. Some countries experienced a surge of over 400% in incidents in the immediate aftermath, while others saw an increase of over 700%.”
Jewish Student Alliance President, Mark Rozenberg (12), only devoted to Judaism, commits himself to passionately leading the club. “We started this club this year because my friend and I, who are Jewish, would discuss world events with Mrs. Simon, who is also Jewish. That is why the Jewish Student Alliance was created to show inclusiveness and teach about Judaism.”
Jewish Student Alliance Vice President Seth Willgard (11), who considers himself a Messianic Jew, devotes himself to the club. “In 8th period Spanish last year, Ms. Simon, Preston, Mark, and I all discussed current issues within how people of Jewish faith are seen in the wake of rising antisemitism. As members of a hated and minority religion, we believe our responsibility is to share and preserve our heritage. So, the Jewish Student Alliance was created to enlighten Sierra Vista’s students and staff about Jewish culture and traditions.”
The Jewish Student Alliance continues to plan for the future, already planning events such as holding a Holocaust Remembrance Day on January 27 and hosting a Seder for Passover in the Spring, as well as a Shabbat in the near future.
