Grandparents and Special Friends Day at RTA is more than a celebration—it is a reaffirmation of the school’s commitment to building strong Jewish communities.
Rooted in the Jewish value of L’dor V’dor—passing wisdom and tradition from one generation to the next—the event highlights the deep bonds between students and their loved ones. By bringing generations together, RTA ensures that students not only receive a strong academic education but also develop a deep appreciation for their heritage and the values that connect them to the Jewish people.
Passing the Torch: A Day of Celebration and Connection
The day opened with a warm welcome from the Head of School, Rabbi Elisha Paul. He spoke not only of the significance of intergenerational relationships in shaping Jewish identity but also of the ways these connections enrich a child’s sense of belonging.
Rabbi Paul also shared an update about RTA’s newly restored gym floors and announced that the gym would be dedicated in memory of Hirsch Goldberg-Polin, a former RTA student. This dedication will serve as a lasting tribute to Hirsch’s love for athletics and his enduring connection to the RTA community.
From words of reflection, the program moved into music. The voices of students filled the room, blending the familiar notes of Hatikvah with original songs they had written in response to the events of October 7th.
Guided by their music teacher, Mrs. Michal Lipp, our RTA students had turned to song as a way to process emotions and express solidarity with Israel and one another. That morning, their melodies carried an even deeper meaning, shared with an audience of grandparents and special friends who understood the weight of history and the power of resilience.
Next came a journey through personal history. Students and their guests sat together, sharing stories and building family trees. For some, it was an opportunity to learn something new about their heritage; for others, it was a moment to pass down cherished memories. Laughter filled the room as generations connected over names, places, and traditions that wove their families together.
The following are many of the photos from the event
The day’s final activity was a fitting tribute to Tu B’Shvat, which had been celebrated the day before—a hands-on planting experience symbolizing renewal and growth. As students and their guests placed seeds into soil, they reflected on a simple but profound truth: like plants, relationships need care and nurturing to thrive.
Whether strengthening family ties or deepening friendships, these moments of connection, like the roots they had just planted, would continue to grow long after the day had ended.
Strengthening Jewish Community and Identity
Before the close of the program, RTA grandparent Nannette Shor spoke about the importance of ensuring RTA’s continued growth as a vital part of the Richmond Jewish community. She encouraged attendees to invest in the school’s future and support enhancements to the gym facilities, reinforcing that sustaining and strengthening RTA is not only about today’s students but also about securing the future of Jewish life in Richmond.
This theme of intergenerational connection was echoed this past March when Rabbi Paul spoke at Congregation Or Atid’s Moadon program about the role of grandparents and mentors in transmitting Jewish traditions, particularly during Passover.
His message reinforced the idea that Jewish continuity depends on the active engagement of older generations in the lives of young people, a value deeply embedded in RTA’s mission.
Looking ahead to April, RTA’s 7th and 8th grade students will step into leadership roles by leading a Model Seder for active adults at the JCC. This meaningful tradition strengthens bonds between generations, providing students with an authentic audience—one that values and appreciates the traditions they are helping to preserve.
Just as they learn from their grandparents and special friends, they also take on the responsibility of passing Jewish traditions forward, ensuring their vibrancy for generations to come.
If you know of an active adult who would like to join us for this special event, please email Shari at Sbarck@weinsteinjcc.org.
As Grandparents and Special Friends Day came to a close, the joy and gratitude in the room were unmistakable. The day was a powerful reminder that RTA is more than a school—it is a community, a place where relationships across generations are nurtured, and where Jewish identity is strengthened through shared experiences and traditions.
For more information about RTA or to schedule a tour, please contact Lauren at lauren@rudlin.com.
Special thanks to Rivka Skeist for the article and help with photos.
