Hanukkah is a time to celebrate light, resilience, and togetherness, and this year, the CJA community embodied all three at our annual Latke Lunch celebrations. With more than 400 guests in attendance, our school was filled with the warmth and joy of students, staff, parents, grandparents, alumni, and community members coming together to celebrate the Festival of Lights. The aroma of fresh latkes, the sounds of laughter and music, and the shared spirit of connection created a truly meaningful celebration.
This year’s annual Latke Lunch for Grades 1–9 was a beautiful reflection of the strength of our community. Guests gathered to enjoy performances by our students, reconnect with one another, and share in a tradition that brings generations together. It was especially meaningful to welcome alumni and community members alongside our current families, reinforcing the enduring bonds that make CJA such a special place.
We were also thrilled to introduce a new event this year: our Early Years Latke Lunch, welcoming over 250 guests, including our youngest students and their families. This special celebration offered a joyful opportunity for families to experience Hanukkah traditions together within the school community, creating memories that will last for years to come. Seeing parents, grandparents, children and other family members share latkes, songs, and smiles was a powerful reminder that the foundation of community begins early.
None of this would have been possible without the incredible dedication of our Parents Association volunteers, who cooked over 1,600 latkes to ensure that every guest felt welcomed and well fed. Their time, effort, and generosity are a true testament to the spirit of giving and collaboration that defines CJA.
At CJA, we believe in the power of community and the light we create when we come together. This Hanukkah, our Latke Lunch celebrations reminded us that the brightest light is not just found in the menorah, but in the connections we share, the traditions we pass on, and the community we build together.