Celebrating Jewish Heritage Month: Lawrenceville Alumni Share Their Stories

This month, Lawrenceville is honoring the many generations of Jewish Americans who helped form the fabric of America's history, culture, and society. Four alumni, who graduated between 1960-2002, discussed their experiences as Jewish American students at Lawrenceville and how their time at the School continues to influence them. The panel discussion, moderated by Blake Lynch ’25, featured Adena Blum ’02, Martin Gruss ’60, James Raved ’87, and Jonathan Weiss ‘75.

Each of the panelists talked about their experiences as Jewish students at Lawrenceville - and Blum’s may have been the most life altering. She came to the School considering medical school and ended up at Brandeis for Judaic studies. Blum became close to current School Rabbi Lauren Levy after taking her Great Jewish Books course, joining the Jewish Students Organization, and tutoring students studying for their bat and bar mitzvahs (including Levy’s daughter. Emma ‘09). “[Lauren Levy] really set me on the trajectory for the rest of my life,” Blum said.

When asked about favorite Lawrenceville-related memories, Raved talked about driving writer, professor, political activist, Nobel laureate and Holocaust survivor Elie Wiesel to campus to dedicate two Torahs to the School. The Raved family donated a Kosher Torah and Ark and the family of Jesse Hertzberg '90 donated a Holocaust Torah. “I had this incredible opportunity to spend a few hours in the car with him, just basically conversation going wherever he wanted it to go,” he said. 

Each of the panelists praised the education they received at Lawrenceville, particularly skills learned around the Harkness tables. Gruss, a Lawrenceville Trustee Emeritus, referred to the School as “the place where I grew up. I was an underachiever kind of kid and, after three years at Lawrenceville, I came out alright.” He has since shown his appreciation through his support for the Gruss Center of Visual Arts, the Gruss Center for Art and Design, and the endowed chair for the School Rabbi.

Weiss, current president of Lawrenceville’s Board of Trustees, said his experience, of being around so many inspiring classmates who had different opinions - and learning to “debate, discuss, and argue,” but ultimately respect those opinions - was critical to his education. “These are skills that no matter where you go in life, the ability to interact with others with whom you may not agree, but to do so in a civil manner, are tremendous skills that, frankly, society needs you to emulate,” he said. 

Moderator Lynch found the panelists’ descriptions of their personal connections to Lawrenceville “profound and inspiring.” She further explained, “The academic rigor at Lawrenceville can be overwhelming at times, and willingness of the panelists to share some of their personal experiences with the workload puts into perspective how our hard work will pay off in the long run. Whether they were sent to the school or opted to apply, all four of the panelists loved their experience enough to return to campus, get involved with the school, and give back to students through their storytelling.”

Lynch continued, “Speaking to the panelists allowed me to connect with a great group of Jewish alumni, and was a great honor. Each of them shared stories and advice that I will carry throughout my academic and professional career.”

For additional information, contact Lisa M. Gillard H'17, director of public relations, at lgillard@lawrenceville.org.