Kadimah Scholars Program at Five years ago, Park School embarked on a groundbreaking collaboration with Kadimah Academy, Buffalo’s only community Jewish day school, and the Buffalo Jewish Federation. The visionary partnership introduced an unprecedented educational model in North America, by integrating Kadimah’s Hebrew and Judaic studies program into the fabric of Park School, a non-religious independent private school known for its diversity. It was an untested concept, making the three partners true pioneers. It also enabled Kadimah to maintain its 60-year legacy of educating Western New York’s Jewish community, without skipping a beat. No one knew for sure if the new venture would succeed, or how long it would last, and the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic threw grand plans into uncertainty just six months into the new program. Yet against such odds, the relationship between the three parties has not only endured but flourished since Day 1, creating a harmonious blend of cultural and religious education within a vibrant and diverse community. Now in its fifth year, the Kadimah Scholars at Park currently includes 34 children enrolled at Park from PreK through 10th grade, led by four experienced and committed educators, in two dedicated classrooms. At Park, the Kadimah Scholars curriculum seamlessly weaves Hebrew, Jewish history, traditions, prayers and Torah studies for our Jewish students with a robust secular education alongside their peers in regular classes, ensuring a comprehensive and well-rounded learning experience. Beyond academics, they also participate as proud Pioneers in Park’s full array of sports, music, art, drama, clubs and other extracurricular activities, while cultivating strong bonds across cultures and backgrounds. The mutual embrace between the Park and Kadimah communities has not only enriched the educational experience but has also led to shared celebrations of Jewish holidays and traditions on campus. This unique fusion of cultures has provided valuable experiential learning opportunities, epitomizing Park School's century-old commitment to education and multiculturalism. The partnership has been particularly valuable this year. In the face of recent global challenges, particularly the war in the Middle East and the rise of hatred and anti-Semitism, the importance of a supportive school community cannot be overstated. The nurturing environment at Park, with the support of their teachers and friends, has offered a haven for Kadimah Scholars, providing not just education but also solace and understanding during tumultuous times. As we navigate a world marred by conflict and division, the success of the Park-Kadimah partnership stands as a testament to the power of education in fostering empathy, tolerance, and a shared vision for a brighter future. It also serves as a beacon for other institutions aspiring to cultivate diversity, inclusion, and mutual respect within their educational ecosystems. While we all worry for those in harm’s way – especially the innocent victims on all sides of conflict – we hope and pray together for peace to come speedily, so that all of our children can be children again. By Jonathan Epstein President of Kadimah Academy / Kadimah Scholars at Park School 27
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