Every year, the WDS Dinner gives us a chance to come together to celebrate our school and the people who make it such a special place. This year, we’re especially excited to honor Shani and Adam Bensley, Ilana Ressler and Jared Dinkes, and Miriam and Ari z”l Loren, along with Deena Zlotnick, recipient of the Educator Award. We hope you’ll join us on December 13 to celebrate them and everything that makes WDS so meaningful to so many of us.

 

A WDS education is about more than what happens in the classroom. It’s about helping children discover what they’re capable of, build a strong Jewish identity, and grow into the people they can become. What our students learn here stays with them long after they leave WDS—in the Jewish homes they build, the communities they strengthen, and the role they play in shaping the future of Am Yisrael. And it takes a community - our teachers, families, grandparents, alumni, and friends - to make that experience possible.

 

Tuition alone doesn’t cover the full cost of a WDS education. Annual giving helps bridge that gap, supporting the day-to-day work of the school, our outstanding faculty, enriching academic and Jewish learning, and more than $1.5 million in tuition assistance each year. Together, these gifts help make this vision possible, ensuring that WDS can continue to offer an exceptional education and welcome families who want to be part of our community.

 

This year, we are introducing the Leadership Giving Circle: a way for families to make one annual commitment of $10,000 or more in support of WDS throughout the year. That commitment supports the school’s major campaigns, including the Anniversary Dinner and Shavuot Scholarship Appeal, as well as milestone events and schoolwide celebrations throughout the year. We’re grateful to the families who have already joined, and we would love to welcome yours.

 

The Rise and Shine Match offers another opportunity to make a difference. Qualifying new and increased gifts can be matched at 66.7% once our community reaches its collective goal. Eligibility depends on the giving history and amount of each gift, so please reach out to us at riseandshine@westchesterday.org if you’d like to learn more.

 

Whether you’ve been part of WDS for generations, have a child here today, or are connected to our school through someone you care about, you’re part of the community that makes WDS what it is. We hope you’ll join us on December 13 for an evening of celebration, gratitude, and connection. And, as always, gifts of every size are welcome and deeply appreciated.