Austin Jewish Academy students participate in Teffilah. Credit: Jon Kniss

This fall, the community marked the heartbreaking anniversary of October 7, followed by powerful Yom Kippur reflections and then a joyful Sukkot. Jewish day school education is a critical piece of a thriving Jewish community. Schools like the Austin Jewish Academy not only deliver excellence in learning, but they are fundamentally rooted in giving the next generation pride, joy, and resilience regarding Jewish identity.   

In the early days after October 7, AJA provided a safe and welcoming environment for more than 20 Israeli children for several months. Thanks to the school’s Israeli staff, teachers, and students, these kids felt a little bit of home in our halls.   

“My heart is warmed knowing we touched the lives of these families at such a difficult time. When my Israeli cousins came to the US during the 1991 Gulf War, their safety was assured, but they didn’t receive the nurturing environment we enjoy at the AJA,” said Gregory Jacobson, MD.  

Without the support of Shalom Austin and the greater Austin Jewish community, there wouldn’t be a strong and thriving Jewish day school like the AJA in the heart of Austin, one ready, willing, and able to make an impact by welcoming Israeli children.  

The school is also a place that builds Jewish pride day in and day out. The students delve into Jewish history and tradition, with hands-on learning that lets them shape their own identities guided by Jewish values. Each year students participate in a milestone ceremony, like reciting the ve’ahavta in first grade or leading a full service in fifth. Because of this preparation, AJA middle school students have extraordinary bar and bat mitzvah experiences focused on what the rituals mean to them.   

Sadly, that stands in contrast to the experiences so many Jewish people face right now, with the disturbing rise in antisemitism in this country. Many are directly impacted by this trend, particularly among college students. According to the FBI, 2023 saw the highest number of recorded antisemitic incidents.  

Unfortunately, antisemitism isn’t just an adult problem. The Anti-Defamation League’s 2023 Audit of Antisemitic Incidents reported 1,162 incidents in K-12 schools, a 135% increase from the prior year. 

AJA believes Jewish identity and education are more critical than ever. Jewish day schools, like the AJA, go beyond simply teaching Judaism. They provide a vibrant community where students explore their heritage, connect with their faith, and acquire the confidence to navigate the world’s complexities, including antisemitism.