Jewish Student Union
by Ryan Imani
The Jewish Student Union at The Science Academy STEM Magnet is dedicated to helping students learn about Jewish culture, history, and traditions in a fun and welcoming way. Its main goal is to create a space where students can explore a different culture, ask questions, and understand how Jewish traditions fit into the larger world. By teaching about Jewish holidays such as Hanukkah and Rosh Hashanah, the club aims to show students that these celebrations are about more than customs; they're also about history, identity, family, and community. As club president Ari Sirkovich shared, “The holidays we talk about in the club are more than just celebrations; they're about identity and building connections.”
The club took part in the annual Club Rush, an event where students can explore the different clubs available through a fun and informal introduction at the beginning of the school year. During Club Rush, members of the Jewish Student Union set up a table to introduce the club to new students. Ari explained, “Club Rush is our chance to show people what the club is about and make it feel welcoming right from the start.” This event is crucial for attracting new members and making the club more inclusive and approachable for everyone, regardless of background.
The Jewish Student Union (JSU) meets most Wednesdays in the school library. I attended a recent meeting where the topic was the history of the Jewish people. Ari led the discussion with a slideshow featuring historical photos and key events.
“I like using slideshows because they help bring history to life,” he said. “When you can see pictures and videos, it’s easier to connect with the material.” The meeting felt more like a conversation than a lesson, with students actively engaging and asking questions about what they learned. The casual, friendly atmosphere was enhanced by pizza, making it feel less like a formal lecture and more like a community gathering.
I briefly interviewed Ari to get his perspective on the club and its goals. He mentioned that one of the club’s main priorities is inclusivity, saying, “You don’t have to be Jewish to join the club. It’s all about curiosity, respect, and openness to new ideas. Our goal is for everyone to leave with something new they didn’t know before.” This reflects the club’s welcoming approach, where students of all backgrounds are encouraged to join and learn together in a fun, supportive environment. If you’re interested in learning more about JSU, stop by one of their meetings in the library.
Recently, the JSU sponsored a STEM Talk with a 90 year old Holocaust survivor. She was originally born in Germany but when she was very young, she and her family moved to France to escape the hostile Nazi government at the time in the 1930s. They hid there for many years and had many close calls with German soldiers. Eventually the war ended in 1945 and she moved to the newly-formed country of Israel, where she met her future husband. In 1971, they moved to Canada and then to Los Angeles. She has joined a Holocaust memorial organisation to help teach the younger generation about this significant moment in human history. After this talk, many students asked specific questions about her experiences.
For further details on this STEM talk hosted by the Jewish Student Union, click here.
