JSU’s founder and Executive Director, Rabbi Chaim Neiditch, was invited to be the keynote speaker at the baccalaureate graduation ceremonies of two Atlanta-area public schools; Chattahoochee High School and Centennial High School. Typically, these ceremonies had been known to have overt Christian religious themes, but in an indication of the JSU’s reach and influence, this year’s ceremonies were markedly different.
Rabbi Neiditch with some of the JSUers who wore yarmulkes throughout their graduation
Yet, although the Rabbi may have surprised some graduates they had a surprise for him of their own. JSU graduating seniors donned yarmulkes, for the first time in public, as a way to display their pride and to honor their personal hero. The teens sat beaming in their seats, watching their classmates and teachers absorb the wisdom that had been bestowed on them throughout their years of high school. “You inspired us, Rabbi.” said Bryan Koblitz. “We were just so proud that you were representing us up there and wanted people to know that Judaism has been a big part of our high school experience and that is all thanks to you and JSU.”
The Rabbi is a regular feature in the halls of public high schools across greater Atlanta. He is a hero to the thousands of teens who turn to him as their sole to connection to Judaism, community, and inspiration.
When talking about his work, Rabbi Neiditch recounts waking up very early in the morning to make it to Jewish Student Union meetings with challah dough, convection ovens, kiddish cups, and Hebrew name bracelets in tow. There are over 2,000 Atlanta high school students for whom JSU is a consistent community and a source of on-going positivity and learning.
Addressing the graduating classes, parents, and faculty members, Rabbi Neiditch’s speeches touched on the importance of family, setting life goals, and believing in oneself. Parents in the audience were delighted to see the prominence given to the Jewish Student Union and to hear from the Rabbi who meant so much to their children. However, no one was quite as exuberant as the teens who had received Jewish pride and a deep sense of belonging alongside their high school diplomas.