Founded in 1998, Columbus Jewish Day School is a pluralistic Jewish institution rooted in the philosophy of contemporary Jewish thought leader Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel. Their work goes far beyond telling students to memorize and regurgitate information. Rather, their students are taught to embody what they learn and grapple with complex overarching questions that speak...

Photo by Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch Michal’s story Born in Ethiopia, Michal Avera Samuel was only eight years old when her family set out on a dangerous journey from Gondar, Ethiopia to Israel. Prior to their proverbial Exodus, Michal’s eldest brother had been kidnapped by Mengistu’s army. This tragedy propelled Michal’s family, her parents and eight...