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What if the small moments in high school—the friendships, the mentors, the unexpected opportunities—turn out to be the spark that shapes your future? In this episode, we sit down with Rymo Hymowitz ’21, whose journey from sewing in the JCHS Commons to designing sports bras at Nike reveals how creativity grows when students are truly known. Rymo shares how the deep sense of community at JCHS helped her transition confidently to a huge university and encouraged her to try new things without fear. She reflects on the teachers who guided her, the theater program that gave her real artistic ownership, and the Jewish life experiences that shaped her identity. It’s a journey that shows how JCHS empowers students to discover who they are—and who they’re becoming—long after they graduate.

To find out more about JCHS, visit www.jchsofthebay.org. Follow us on Instagram at @JCHSWolves, and on YouTube at @JCHSOnline.

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How is JCHS able to build championship-level teams — while keeping kindness and community at the core? In this episode, we sit down with Coach Marty Cohen, JCHS Assistant Athletics Director and Class of 2019 alum, to explore how the school’s athletics program reflects its values of balance, growth, and sportsmanship. From encouraging every student to “just try” a new sport to fostering mentorship between 9th graders and seniors, JCHS athletics is about far more than just winning games. Marty shares how a culture of respect and teamwork transforms players into confident leaders on and off the court. Tune in to hear how sports at JCHS nurture both excellence and empathy — one practice, one player, and one season at a time.

To find out more about JCHS, visit www.jchsofthebay.org. Follow us on Instagram at @JCHSWolves, and on YouTube at @JCHSOnline.

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What does it take to truly see your authentic self? In this episode of Thinking Out Loud, JCHS Director of Athletics and Zion Journey leader Sean Moler shares how the 10th Grade Journey to Zion challenges students to take “positive risks” — moments that stretch their limits while strengthening trust, reflection, and community. From navigating slot canyons to embracing deep silence by the river, the journey invites students to uncover courage and authenticity in unexpected ways. We unpack how this unforgettable week in nature transforms the way students see themselves — and each other — back at school.

Episode launch date: November 4, 2025

To find out more about JCHS, visit www.jchsofthebay.org. Follow us on Instagram at @JCHSWolves, and on YouTube at @JCHSOnline.

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What does it really mean to study the humanities in a world driven by data, speed, and technology? In this episode of Thinking Out Loud, Dr. Camilo Jaramillo, Dean of Humanities at JCHS, explores how literature, history, and art help students make sense of themselves and the world they live in. From mock trials and creative projects to deep dives into the ideas that have shaped society, Dr. Jaramillo reveals how JCHS students learn to think critically, communicate powerfully, and see connections others might miss. Tune in to hear how moments of discovery in the classroom spark curiosity and empathy that last a lifetime.

Episode launch date: October 28, 2025

To find out more about JCHS, visit www.jchsofthebay.org. Follow us on Instagram at @JCHSWolves, and on YouTube at @JCHSOnline.

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What if grades reflected only what students truly learned—not compliance or point-chasing? In this episode, Michael Brody, Assistant Head of School at JCHS, shares the school’s “Grading for Learning” philosophy, which prioritizes mastery over noise like attendance penalties or extra credit. He explains how policies like retakes and rewrites encourage intellectual risk-taking, while AP courses focus on authentic, college-level learning rather than test prep. Michael offers insight into how JCHS balances rigorous academic standards with fostering intrinsically motivated learners who love learning for its own sake.

Episode launch date: October 19, 2025

To find out more about JCHS, visit www.jchsofthebay.org. Follow us on Instagram at @JCHSWolves, and on YouTube at @JCHSOnline.

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How do you teach young people to navigate one of the most polarizing topics of our time in a productive healthy, and thoughtful way?  In this conversation, JCHS alum and Director of Jewish and Student Life, Adi Alouf, shares the story behind the school’s weekly “Lunch and Learn” series, launched after October 7, 2023. She explains why cultivating humility, curiosity, and engagement with complexity is so important. From weekly Lunch and Learn conversations to the life-changing Israel Journey, she offers a vision of education that builds resilience and depth.

Reading List: Lunch & Learn: A Model for Israel Education by Adi Alouf and Keira Gerstley for The Lookstein Center

Episode launch date: October 12, 2025 (due to Hoshanah Rabah)

To find out more about JCHS, visit www.jchsofthebay.org. Follow us on Instagram at @JCHSWolves, and on YouTube at @JCHSOnline.

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What if reading Torah could make us more humble, responsible, and courageous? In this episode, Dean of Jewish Studies Tamar Rabinowitz explains how slowing down, listening deeply, and engaging multiple voices in dialogue can shape a person’s character as much as their intellect. Her teaching emphasizes humility, responsibility, and moral courage—qualities urgently needed in a world of quick takes and easy answers.

Reading List: From Consumption to Production: Equipping Students to Create Torah by Tamar Rabinowitz for The Lookstein Center

Episode launch date: October 6, 2025 (due to Sukkot)

To find out more about JCHS, visit www.jchsofthebay.org. Follow us on Instagram at @JCHSWolves, and on YouTube at @JCHSOnline.

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How does the tension between structure and freedom allow for creativity to thrive? In this episode, Dean of Visual & Performing Arts Jennifer Sturgill explains her philosophy of teaching art as an exploration of open-mindedness. She illustrates this approach through a “notan” paper-cutting project, showing how structure, freedom, and attention to detail combine to spark creativity and confidence.

Episode launch date: September 30

To find out more about JCHS, visit www.jchsofthebay.org. Follow us on Instagram at @JCHSWolves, and on YouTube at @JCHSOnline.

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We are in conversation with Dean of College and Gap-year Advising, Lauren Cook. A 30-year veteran of College Admissions, Ms. Cook has worked on both sides of the process, as a college admissions officer for Mount Holyoke College and as a college counselor for students at JCHS. She is the former president of the Western Association for College Admission Counseling and also a member of the Fiske Guide to Colleges Counselor Advisory Group. Ms. Cook is much sought-after as an expert—she’s appeared several times in ABC-7 News’ “Getting Answers” program—and she is much sought-after here at JCHS by students and families who prize her incredibly calm, straightforward approach to the college admissions process, and her insightful and level-headed advice. To learn more about JCHS, visit www.jchsofthebay.org.

Episode launch date: September 22, 2025 (due to Rosh Hashanah)

To find out more about JCHS, visit www.jchsofthebay.org. Follow us on Instagram at @JCHSWolves, and on YouTube at @JCHSOnline.

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 In this episode, we’re talking with Rabbi Howard Jacoby Ruben, the Head of School at JCHS, who shares how a culture of courageous questioning, deep learning, and joyful belonging shapes everything from classroom discussions to community life. We’ll explore how the approach to learning at JCHS allows students to do more…. be more… as they enter into centuries-old conversations, wrestle with justice, and grow into original thinkers ready to engage the world with empathy and purpose. 

Episode launch date: September 16, 2025

Reading list: 

• An Ethic of Excellence by Ron Berger
• The Righteous Mind by Jonathan Haidt

To find out more about JCHS, visit www.jchsofthebay.org. Follow us on Instagram at @JCHSWolves, and on YouTube at @JCHSOnline.