Leah

For which grades did you attend Pardes? What year did you graduate from Pardes?

I am a Pardes lifer! I attended from kindergarten through  graduated in 2010.

Where did you continue your education after graduating from Pardes?

I am currently a PhD Candidate in Systems Engineering at the George Washington University. I hold a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Arizona.

What did you love about Pardes Jewish Day School?

I am so grateful for my Pardes classmates. Over the years, they helped create an environment that was intellectually challenging without being competitive. We all supported one another and remain close friends to this day.

What is one word that best describes the school? Tell us why you chose that word.

Community. The Pardes community stays with you longer after you leave the school. As you get older, you face more challenges and it’s invaluable to have a strong community on which you can rely during those times.

From your own experiences, why do you believe it was important for you to attend a Jewish Day School?

It was important for me to attend a Jewish Day School because it gave me a strong sense of both personal and Jewish identity in which to ground myself. While one will undoubtedly grow throughout one’s life, it’s valuable to spend your early formative years in such a supportive environment.

In what ways did Pardes Jewish Day School prepare you for life?

Foremost, Pardes prepared me academically. When I entered public high school, I was able to take all honors and AP classes and those classes then set me up to succeed in the many more years of schooling to come… 

What would you tell a someone who is considering Pardes Jewish Day School for his/her child?

A lot of private and charter schools can have hyper-competitive academic environments. In my experience at Pardes, I was challenged academically without that negative competition. I also feel that the focus on Jewish values like Tikkun Olam (repairing the world) shaped how I think about my personal values and the impact I want to have on the world. 

We are proud of our graduates! Do you have any other accomplishments you would like to share?

I was recently selected as one of 14 fellows for the 2023 Design & Technology Program of the Fellowships at Auschwitz for the Study of Professional Ethics (FASPE). Fellows participate in a two-week program in Germany and Poland, which uses the conduct of design & technology professionals in Nazi-occupied Europe as a way to reflect on ethical issues currently facing architects, engineers, designers and other technologists today.