Aileen Goldstein '96
Few CESJDS alumni can say they give back to the School on a daily basis. Aileen Goldstein, Class of 1996, is a member of this exceptional group. Aileen has spent seven of her ten years as a professional educator at CESJDS.The commitment to the CESJDS community from the Goldstein family runs very strong. Her father, Norman Goldstein, served as Board President from 1992 to 1996 and continues to be active on the Board today. Two of her brothers, Eliot (Class of 1990) and Michael (Class of 1997), attended CESJDS as well.
As the Department Chair for Jewish History and Israel Engagement, Aileen's work extends far beyond the five courses she teaches. Responsible for the senior class trips, she organizes and staffs the Jewish heritage tour through Eastern Europe and the Israel experience. Aileen also runs a daily minyan focused on student leadership and supervises all Israel-related clubs on campus.
She always knew she wanted to be in education, but it was at CESJDS that Aileen felt inspired to teach Jewish history. "When I was at CESJDS, I felt I had more meaning in my life and there was a reason for me to be in school beyond learning," Aileen explains. She feels most rewarded while watching her students have that same "a-ha" moment while within the four walls of the schools or while on the other side of the world on the senior trip.
Aileen says, "There is something so exciting about helping youth craft their Jewish identity and find personal meaning in Judaism." As a true believer of Jewish summer camping and experiential education, Aileen aims to bring that creativity back to the classroom.
Everyday, Aileen continues to be motivated by the vibrancy and vitality of the CESJDS community and the responsibility of helping to maintain the School's pluralistic Jewish environment in and outside of the classroom.