Last week, I stopped at Staples in Natick, MA, to recycle several old cell phones my parents had stored away. As I walked into the store, I noticed the number of children with their parents, arms full of supplies, shopping for the new school year. It instantly reminded me of the iconic 1996 Staples commercial featuring Andy Williams’ “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year.” The ad showed a gleeful parent gliding through the aisles with a shopping cart while the children trudged behind with gloomy faces. To this day, I think it’s one of the most brilliant ads ever created.

For the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh, back-to-school season is also one of the busiest times of the year.

Security

Our team of three dedicated professionals are crisscrossing the community, leading trainings at Jewish day schools, early childhood centers and religious schools. Between August and September, they will run close to 20 sessions, ensuring that students, parents and faculty feel safe, secure and ready to thrive in their learning environments.

Scholarships

Our Development Team is working hard to secure another cycle of Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) dollars, which provide critical scholarships for families in our Jewish day schools and early childhood centers. These funds make Jewish education possible for so many in our community. (If you’d like to learn how you can receive a 90% state tax credit while directly supporting these scholarships, please reach out; we’d love to talk with you.)

Early Childhood Education

We are now in the second year of implementing ElevatED, a national initiative created by the Jewish Community Center Association of North America, the Union for Reform Judaism and Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA). This effort strengthens and uplifts the already excellent early childhood centers in our community. We know that Jewish early childhood education not only shapes children’s first experiences; it builds lasting Jewish connections for parents and entire families.

College Engagement

At the university level, our partners are already welcoming record numbers of students back to campus. The Edward and Rose Berman Hillel Jewish University Center, Penn State Hillel and Chabad on Campus are buzzing with activity, offering Jewish students a vibrant and comforting home away from home. National research from JFNA shows that since October 7, 2023, Jewish interest and engagement—especially among young adults—has surged. We see that happening right here in Pittsburgh.

So yes, back-to-school really is “the most wonderful time of the year.” For parents, it’s a moment of pride and excitement. For kids, remember summer vacation will be back in just about 300 days.

Shabbat Shalom.