Noah Strasser, Class of 2024

How long have you been a student at B’nai Shalom Day School?

13 years- my entire life. I started when I was 1 because at the time there was no Infant Room.

What is your favorite memory from B’nai Shalom?

I have a lot of memories from Kindergarten. I had Ms. Nancy and I remember the 100th day of school. It was fun- my sister helped to hide 100 Hershey kisses in the room, and we had like 100 M&M’s and 100 pretzels. I think we were one of the first classes to watch eagles hatch which was definitely really cool- we watched them on eagle cams. 

Why, in your opinion, is a B’nai Shalom education important?

It's really important, especially in Lower School and Preschool, to grow up with kids that are Jewish like you. Learning how to write and read in Hebrew, I mean, talking is important, but writing and reading is what really helped me to connect to my Jewish identity. And also learning about the Torah and studying with Ms. Edna. It helped growing up in the community and knowing lots of Jewish people, which is very important. 

You have kind of already touched on this, but why do you think the Jewish components of your education were important?

I have many friends that didn't go to B'nai that are Jewish. Like, I was at BBYO yesterday and I was writing down who I wanted to vote for. I had to ask my friends how to write it in English because I am so used to writing in Hebrew because I write in it so much. It just becomes part of you. You really see the difference in how connected people are with their Judaism when they go to a school where you can go to Tefillah all year your entire life.

What will you miss the most when you leave B’nai Shalom?

Having close connections with my Jewish identity in school. And I’ll miss the personalized time and getting help when I really need it. My next school won’t be as personalized as it is now. 

Where are you going for 9th grade?

Greensboro Day School- Go Bengals! 

What are your goals after you leave B’nai Shalom? 

I always want to be playing sports, so I hope to play high school and college sports. I want to go to college, don’t know for what or where yet, but I know I want to go. 

Why do you think a parent should choose B’nai Shalom to educate their child?

If you want your child to get a Jewish education or your child has never been to a Jewish School, I would say definitely yes. Choose B’nai.