This week, Kindergarten students and several Middle School students were treated to a visit from CJDS Alumni Grandparent and longtime CJDS supporter, Fran Alpert, and her daughter, Alumni Parent Chava Alpert. Fran (and her husband Bernie Alpert z"l)‎ were licensed Israel tour guides and field archaeologists who founded Archaeological Seminars in Jerusalem and Dig-for-a-Day, a hands-on experience that combines excavating, sifting, pottery examination, and exploration of an extensive archaeological cave system located within Beit Guvrin National Park. Fran shared her knowledge while showing Kindergartners artifacts they could touch and explore. 

Afterward, Middle School students who wear tefillin during t’filot had the special opportunity to meet Fran and Chava. Following the passing of Bernie, Fran sought a meaningful way to honor his memory. As historians and archaeologists, Fran and Bernie traveled the world, and many of the artifacts they collected are now displayed in our Beit Midrash. No matter where they went, Bernie always brought his tallit and tefillin. Fran shared moving stories of Bernie’s journey with tefillin—how he began wearing them regularly as an adult, paused during a time of spiritual struggle, and eventually resumed the practice daily, whether in a far-off country, at a synagogue minyan, or while facing east toward Jerusalem from their bedroom window.

To honor Bernie’s memory, the Alperts donated our tefillin cart, which provides several pairs for any CJDS student to use—whether daily or on a trial basis.

During the visit, students reflected on why they’ve taken on the mitzvah of tefillin and how the practice deepens their spiritual connection to God and the Jewish people.

We thank Fran and Chava for their ongoing commitment to CJDS and for their meaningful and memorable visit!