The CESJDS Pawdcast: Recent Episodes
CESJDS
For 13 years, Rabbi Mitchel Malkus has led CESJDS with vision, optimism, and a deep commitment to relationships. As he concludes his tenure as Head of School, we turn the microphone around for a special Pawdcast episode reflecting on his leadership and the impact he has had on our community.Joined by longtime colleagues, Mitch reflects on the milestones, challenges, and moments that shaped his time at CESJDS—from educational innovation and community growth to navigating COVID, supporting our community after October 7, and preparing students for a bright future.
This episode explores one of the signature elements of a CESJDS education: our capstone trips. Rabbi Malkus is joined by faculty leaders and a student guest to discuss how these experiences bring learning to life in powerful ways.
In our newest episode of the CESJDS Pawdcast, we sit down with legendary educators Sue Zuckerman and Rochelle Sobel, along with alumna and CESJDS Associate Director of Alumni Relations Maya Arbor '17, to reflect on 40+ years of teaching, lifelong friendships, and the magic that makes JDS home. From powerful classroom moments to multi-generational connections, this episode celebrates the impact of our faculty — and looks ahead to Legends from the Lion’s Den on March 22 as we honor Sue, Rochelle, and alumna Abby Frank '89 during our 60th anniversary year.
Every Friday at CESJDS, our community comes together for Kabbalat Shabbat—a meaningful pause in the week that grounds us, lifts student voices, and helps us enter Shabbat with intention.On this episode of the CESJDS Pawdcast, Rabbi Malkus is joined by faculty and students to reflect on how Kab Shab has evolved over the years, how students help shape the experience, and why this weekly gathering continues to reflect the values of our Portrait of a Graduate. From moments of joy to times of reflection, Kabbalat Shabbat remains a space where our community listens, learns, and grows—together.
As part of our 60th Anniversary celebration, Rabbi Malkus sits down with several Hagshama families—alumni who have chosen to return to CESJDS as parents. They reflect on the lasting impact of their own JDS education, the sense of community that continues to shape their lives, and what ultimately led them to entrust the next generation to our school.Their stories highlight the deep connections, enduring values, and meaningful relationships that make CESJDS feel like home across generations.
In this episode of the CESJDS Pawdcast, Rabbi Malkus sits down with Publications Advisor Jessica Nassau and student editors Ella and Vivi to explore how students lead both The Lion’s Tale and the CESJDS yearbook—from writing bold articles to capturing unforgettable memories.Learn how our student journalists and editors balance creative freedom, ethical reporting, and school values—while setting a national example for independent school publications.
From JK through Grade 12, discover how CESJDS is cultivating changemakers through hands-on learning, Jewish values like Tikkun Olam, and real-world problem solving. Hear from students, faculty, and special guest Henrik Scheel—creator of Startup Experience—about the impact and evolution of our Social Entrepreneurship program.
Rabbi Mitch Malkus sits down with Dr. Jennifer Newfeld, Middle School Jewish Life Chair, Robbie Shorr ‘13, High School Jewish Life Chair, along with students, Zack M. (Grade 7), Eliana W. (Grade 11), and Josh D. (Grade 11), to explore how the school's Jewish life programming fosters community, celebrates pluralism, and deepens students' connection to their heritage.
In the latest CESJDS Pawdcast, Rabbi Mitch Malkus as he sits down with the Debra Herman Berger Director of Arts Education David Solomon, CESJDS Parent Naomi Gerstenblith, Bee K. (Grade 11), and Skye F. (Grade 12) to discuss the incredible impact of the CESJDS performing arts programming.
In the first CESJDS Pawdcast for the 2024-2025 school year, Head of School Rabbi Mitch Malkus sits down with Lower School PE Teacher and Safety Patrol Coordinator Amy Strong, Lower School Vice Principal and Guidance Counselor Rebecca Prigal, and two fifth grade students Benjy R. and Maya L. to discuss the Lower School Safety Patrol Program, and how it is one of the many ways that CESJDS begins to instill student leadership, citizenship, and responsibility in our students.
CESJDS Head of School Rabbi Malkus sits down with alumni Emily Odesser '09 and Kira Epstein Begal '00, and CESJDS Associate Director of Alumni Relations Benji Shedlo to learn about how the CESJDS k'hillah has extended beyond the classroom and into their personal and professional lives.
In the final PAWdcast for the 2023-2024 school year, Head of School Rabbi Mitch Malkus sits down with the Center for Health and Wellness Co-Directors Rachel Soifer and Melissa Gartner and Health and Wellness Fellow Ellie S. (Grade 10) to discuss our approach to health education and student support.
Head of School Rabbi Mitch Malkus, Bishop McNamara High School (BMHS) President/CEO Dr. John Barnhardt, and students Abby C. (CESJDS Grade 11) and Khadi B. (BMHS Grade 11) discuss how our unique partnership has led to discovering commonalities among our different cultures.
Head of School Rabbi Mitch Malkus sits down with Athletic Director Becky Silberman, Board Member and President of the CESJDS Booster Club Geoff Chesman, and students Tali L. (Grade 10) and Caden M. (Grade 10) to discuss what makes the CESJDS athletic program unique.
Head of School Rabbi Mitch Malkus sits down with Dean of Students Roz Landy, Middle School Language Arts and Social Studies Chair Deborah Feigenson, and CESJDS Parent Jana Sharp to discuss the school-wide read The Gift of Failure by Jessica Lahey.
Rabbi Mitch Malkus sat down with High School Dean of Students, Roz Landy, Middle School Guidance Counselor Deb Amchin, and Lower School Assistant Principal and Guidance Counselor Rebecca Prigal for a discussion on building resilience and empathy during times of war in Israel and crisis in our community.
Head of School Rabbi Mitchel Malkus sits down with Lower School Principal Rabbi Matthew Bellas, Lower School Math and Schedule Coordinator Jennifer Rittberg, and Lower School Language Arts, Social Studies, and DEIJ Coordinator Kim Sherk to discuss what to look and preparing for a child's first school experience.
Rabbi Mitch Malkus sits down with Director of the Center for Excellence and Engagement in Jewish History and Jewish History Teacher Rachel Bergstein to discuss the 10th grade Jewish history project and how it helps students draw a connection between their personal history, world history, and Jewish history.
Head of School Rabbi Mitch Malkus sits down with Uppser School Stem Coordinator and Middle School Math and Science Chair Cassandra Batson, and CESJDS STEM Fellows Darya D. (Grade 11) and Johnathon G. (Grade 9) to discuss the STEM Center Fellows program and hear student perspectives on leadership and community engagement through the program.
Head of School Rabbi Mitchel Malkus sits down with Director of Educational Support Services Lenore Layman, Upper School Academic Dean Aileen Goldstein ‘96, and Middle School English Teacher David Carrington to discuss how Student Led Learning Conferences engage students in the learning process and empower them to become more effective learners.
Head of School Rabbi Mitchel Malkus sits down with Lower School Principal Rabbi Matthew Bellas to discuss how our the CESJDS Lower School is using the Tanakh/Bible Standards and Benchmarks Program to engage students in Jewish life and learning.
Head of School Rabbi Mitchel Malkus sits down with Middle School Principal Dr. Eliana Lipsky to discuss how our Middle School Innovation Minimester encourages students to value process over product and turn their passions into creative actions that positively impact the world around them.
Head of School Rabbi Mitchel Malkus sits down with Director of College Guidance Sue Rexford to discuss the individualized college process at JDS. Our talented college guidance team spends a lot of time getting to know our students and families to help them through this important milestone
Head of School Rabbi Mitchel Malkus sits down with David B. Smith, Charles E. Smith’s grandson to share his reflections of his grandfather, grandmother, and his family’s vision for JDS.
Sue Rexford, Director of College Guidance, sits down with Dr. Sharon Alston, Vice Provost for Undergraduate Enrollment at American University, to discuss common questions students and their parents have during the college application process.
In part one of our two-part series, Rabbi Matthew Bellas, Lower School Principal, sits down with Gayle Elster, Guidance Support Specialist and Gurim Guidance Counselor, and Rhonda Kleiner, Kindergarten Teacher, to discuss various perspectives of Kindergarten readiness.
Listen to senior Talia Shemony have a conversation with newly-named Director of Athletics, Becky Silberman