A Vision Realized
Fifty years ago, a group of dedicated visionaries in Delaware recognized the need and the importance of providing an education to Jewish students that integrated Judaic and general studies into an academically excellent curriculum. These visionaries recognized that despite the hurdles they would face, it was vital to create an institution that would engage children and provide them with an outstanding education grounded in their Jewish tradition. That school, the Albert Einstein Academy, officially opened November 11th, 1969 with just a handful of students.
In the 50 years since it began, the school has instilled in thousands of children and their families an appreciation for their Jewish identities, joy in living Jewish lives, and a commitment to the Jewish peoples’ future. Multiple studies on the impact of a Jewish education on an individual’s decision to participate in Jewish life as they become adults, point to a substantially increased likelihood of choosing to identify Jewishly and to lead a life of Jewish ritual and practice. This fact was not lost on the leaders of the community 50 years ago, and is not lost on the leaders of today as they plan for the future of the school.
Golda Meir’s Sentiments
“Your school constitutes an important link in the chain of Jewish education which must be expanded and strengthened for the sake of our Jewish generation.”
Letter from Golda Meir
On November 11th, 1969, a group of committed Jews formed a board of directors and established Albert Einstein Academy to provide a form of Jewish education not available at that time.
It was during these early years that longtime Einstein President, Sarita Gross, received a letter from Israel’s Prime Minister, Golda Meir. In it, Golda conveyed her deep commitment to Jewish education and wishes for the success of Wilmington’s newly established Jewish Day School.
This letter has great significance as a personal message from one of Israel’s most consequential leaders of the 20th century. It also marks the 50th Anniversary of Golda Meir becoming Israel’s first woman Prime Minister. How meaningful to celebrate both our founding and Golda’s visionary leadership in 2019.
We like to think Golda Meir would have looked upon Albert Einstein Academy with great pride and joy, knowing we are as committed today as we were 50 years ago to the wonderful legacy we’ve inherited from visionaries like her.
“We just returned from a trip to Israel with my children, who attend AEAJDS. Our Israeli tour guide was amazed with their background knowledge of the history of Israel, the religious customs and biblical knowledge, and their awareness of the overall culture. I knew they were in good hands but WOW my children absorbed so much more than I realized from this amazing school. We are thankful for all of the care and nurturing from the teachers and staff at Albert Einstein Academy!”