Where's the Ruach at?: Part One

Welcome back! Did you miss us? After reading my previous article, you’re probably asking yourself, “It’s been some time… We’ve implemented change… Where’s the ruach at?” Well, fellow tiger, I’m here to explain just where that missing spirit is. Ruach cannot just come from bringing back old traditions, and it certainly will not suddenly emerge with new shiny developments. 

The “old RMHA” spirit has to come from a place of both the old and the new. The time has come to revolutionize the institution. 

Do not be disappointed, the ruach is not completely missing, nor is it widely present-- it is simply at its beginning stages of growth. With Dr. GT’s Wednesday assemblies staying consistent, and their newly engaging Ashrei games, the Tefillah program is proving to thrive. Tefillah demands a strong sense of unity, spirit, and determination, the three most defining aspects of ruach. With each week the student body prays louder and louder, setting the precedent for future leaders to use their voices in times of urgency or energy. 

Along with the improving Tefillah approach, the long-anticipated Big-Little program is finally being implemented, and this time, with innovative improvements. 9th-grader Julie Steiner, Student Council Liaison, has designed a more streamlined system. It is a system that begins by grouping specified grades together, analyzing the connections made within those groups, and using those observations, pairing together the perfect Big-Little match. Through this, Julie masterfully begins to bridge the gap between middle and high schoolers, one of the utmost characteristics of the “old RMHA ruach”. 

By bringing back old traditions with a modern twist, both GT and Julie contribute to the restoration of the DJDS ruach we so badly need. As Thomas Jefferson once said, “... institutions must advance also to keep pace with the times.” This is precisely what DJDS is preparing to do. 

While these programs may very well be instrumental in reigniting school spirit, it is ultimately up to the student body to execute those suggestions offered by said programs. Tefillah can occur every single Wednesday but it is the students’ job to chant those prayers. Big-Little can take place every month, yet it is the students’ initiative to step into that role of being a Big/Little. Not only this but the environment that we create for ourselves is quite possibly the foundation upon which that enthusiasm lies. 

When students are putting others down, being exclusive and hostile, there is no incentive for the person on the receiving end to be passionate about our school, because their perception of the school community has been tainted. It is not difficult to be kind, patient, and caring. DJDS legends like Jerry, Alana Kaufman, Caleb Wedgle, Ms. Knowles, Hannah Merenstein, Mr. Hay and so many more, made an impact by their sense of compassion and eagerness-- most certainly not for a sense of arrogance or animosity. 

Of course, life brings about stresses, but it is imperative that we, teachers and students alike, ensure to hold ourselves with the Midot ingrained in our Jewish identities such as Chesed (Loving-Kindness). 

Undoubtedly school spirit will not re-emerge suddenly overnight, but with the help of tradition, innovation, and most importantly goodness, I believe the “old RMHA” can be restored. Although the ruach may be resurfacing, there is still much work to be done, and I’m excited to see where it takes us Tigers.