(Courtesy of Westchester Day School) The Westchester Day School and Westchester Summer Day community once again came together for a day of camaraderie, sports and wellness at the highly anticipated sixth annual summer outing, held at the Fenway Golf Club in Scarsdale.
Despite some rain in the lead-up to the event, nothing could dampen the spirits of those in attendance. As one WDS alum humorously remarked, “The worst day on the golf course still beats the best day in the office,” setting the tone for a day that promised both relaxation and excitement.
The outing offered something for everyone. Golf enthusiasts teed off on Fenway’s stunning 18-hole course, while tennis lovers enjoyed both a clinic and a competitive tournament. The afternoon also featured a wellness session, with Pilates and pool time providing a perfect blend of fitness and relaxation. Whether on the greens, the courts, or by the pool, participants found their stride, making the most of the day’s offerings.
Rabbi Rockoff, head of Westchester Day School, captured the essence of the event, stating, “We came together to celebrate community, achdut and friendship, with a goal toward strengthening Jewish education in Westchester. Whether you were on the golf course, the tennis court, poolside or simply enjoying a scrumptious barbecue among family and friends, this day was about coming together and supporting a cause that we all hold dear.”
It was heartwarming to see the community growing, with attendance by current parents, grandparents, alumni parents, young alumni, lay leadership, faculty, friends and supporters.
The summer outing honored Diana and Dan Schwartz, who received the נושאי הקהילה (Emerging Leadership) Award. Special recognition was given to WDS faculty, PTA, students and parents who spearheaded the innovative programming and partnership between WDS and Kibbutz Alumim, a kibbutz in the Gaza Envelope with a miraculous story of survival from October 7.
“WDS holds a special place in our hearts. It is where Diana went to school, where we’ve met so many of our lifelong friends, and it’s where Diana and I met 22 years ago as camp counselors at WSD. And look at us now—we celebrated our 16th anniversary last week!” Dan stated. “This school, this community, has been an integral part of us from the very beginning, and we are grateful for the role it has played in our lives and now in the lives of our children, who feel the warmth of the school every day.”
The only thing better than summer days are summer nights, and this event was no exception. The festivities continued with cocktails and dinner as the setting sun provided the perfect backdrop for an evening of relaxation and connection, where old friends reconnected, and new friendships were forged. The highlight of the night was the entertainment provided by Israeli DJ extraordinaire, Gil Aldad, whose beats kept the dance floor busy.
As the day came to a close, it was clear that this year’s summer outing had achieved its goals: to bring the community together, celebrate shared values, and raise the necessary funds to continue providing exceptional education at Westchester Day School.
The school is deeply grateful to all who participated and to its generous sponsors. Your support ensures that the WDS community remains strong, connected and committed to its mission. Here’s to many more days—and nights—like this one.
