Podcast Transcript: Help One Hundred Schools Featuring Gesher Jewish Day School
Karl Boehm (Host):
Welcome to Help One Hundred Schools. Today’s episode features a wonderful school as part of our Elevation Initiative, designed to highlight and support worthy schools like the one you’re about to meet. If you wish to learn more, support, or subscribe, please visit helponeschool.com for additional information. Now, let’s move on to today’s featured school. Aviva, welcome to the show!
Aviva Walls (Guest):
Thank you! I’m so happy to be here and excited to share more about Gesher.
Karl Boehm:
We’re thrilled to have you. For the benefit of our listeners, can you please introduce yourself?
Aviva Walls:
Absolutely, and thank you so much for the work you’re doing to support small schools like ours. My name is Aviva Walls, and I am the Head of School at Gesher Jewish Day School in Fairfax, Virginia, which is about 45 minutes outside of Washington, D.C.
Karl Boehm:
Let’s jump right in. Why do families choose your school for their students?
Aviva Walls:
Families choose Gesher because they want to be part of a small, meaningful, thoughtful community, and they want their children to have a strong Jewish identity. We provide both. We have around 150 students, from Pre-K through 8th grade, and being a small school means we know every student, every family. Families are part of this tight-knit community where they support each other, which is especially valuable when you’re building a family. Our sense of tradition and community are two major reasons why people choose Gesher.
Karl Boehm:
What a wonderful environment! What’s the story behind Gesher?
Aviva Walls:
One of my favorite stories! “Gesher” means “bridge” in Hebrew. The school was founded in the early ’80s with the idea that families in Northern Virginia shouldn’t have to cross a bridge into Maryland to access Jewish education. So, Gesher was built as a bridge to connect Jewish families with education here. Over time, that metaphor has taken on a deeper meaning. We see ourselves as a bridge between generations and across the Jewish community. It’s really become part of our school’s identity.
Karl Boehm:
That’s so meaningful. What are some unique aspects of Gesher that you want the world to know about?
Aviva Walls:
I think the first is our grassroots foundation. Our families were involved in everything from building bookshelves to developing curriculum when the school started. Even though we’ve professionalized our operations, we’ve kept that homey feeling. We call ourselves “Mishpacha Gesher” – the Gesher Family. Our community stretches across Northern Virginia, bringing together students from diverse backgrounds.
Another unique aspect is our 28-acre campus. From our youngest students in Gan Katan (our 4-year-old program) to our middle schoolers, the students use the land in their learning. We have trails and a vernal pond for outdoor exploration and experiments, so nature is a huge part of our education.
We also have a deep commitment to our country. Many of our families are military or Foreign Service, so we talk a lot about patriotism and serve families who serve our country. And we’re purple – our school color – because we bring together people from across the political spectrum, and that’s something we’re proud of.
Finally, our Jewish identity is deeply woven into everything we do, including a strong connection to Israel. Our eighth graders even take a capstone trip to Israel every year, which I had the honor of chaperoning last year.
Karl Boehm:
That’s incredible. What an important time in history to have such a bridge to Israel.
Aviva Walls:
Absolutely. Our students and their families felt a strong sense of relief and pride knowing they didn’t have to hide or be afraid of their love for Israel. It truly made our community stronger.
Karl Boehm:
What is Gesher’s mission and vision?
Aviva Walls:
Our mission is to provide a rigorous education rooted in Jewish values, preparing students to lead meaningful Jewish lives. We want them to think creatively and critically in a pluralistic Jewish environment. We also teach our students about civic responsibility. For example, our eighth graders wrote their own legislation last year—something you don’t often see in middle schools.
Karl Boehm:
That’s amazing! What confidence that must instill in them.
Aviva Walls:
Yes, it really does. We also emphasize state and national history. Our sixth and seventh graders visited Richmond, Virginia, where they learned about the state’s history, including difficult parts like the slave trade. They also learned about Virginia’s proud accomplishments and how to think critically about our history.
Karl Boehm:
That’s wonderful. If someone is interested in learning more or getting closer to Gesher, what’s the best way to connect?
Aviva Walls:
The best way to reach us is through social media or our website. We’re on Facebook and Instagram, and our website is gesher-jds.org. We always welcome visits, but starting with our website is a great place to learn more about us.
Karl Boehm:
I need to come explore those 28 acres myself! I don’t think our listeners realize how big that is.
Aviva Walls:
Yes, it’s really special. Fields, trails, outdoor spaces – it’s incredible to see.
Karl Boehm:
Aviva, thank you so much for being on the show!
Aviva Walls:
Thank you for having me!
Karl Boehm:
Thank you for tuning in to Help One Hundred Schools. If today’s feature struck a chord with you, we encourage you to share it. Your support bridges the gap between deserving schools and families looking for a place where their children can thrive. Want to dive deeper or help more? Visit helponeschool.com. Remember to subscribe so you never miss an inspiring story that could make a difference in education. Together, let’s light up the path for schools, one school at a time. Until next time, be the change in education.