BJH: Rabbi Fuchs, please tell us about JEWELS School and what’s new since we last spoke.
Rabbi Fuchs: Thank you for the opportunity. JEWELS School is an incredible place. It’s the only Jewish school in Maryland for children with special needs. These children receive expert special education, therapy, and lots of love!
BJH: That sounds wonderful. It’s such an important resource for our community. How is all of this funded? It must be quite expensive for each student.
Rabbi Fuchs: It is costly. We have a dedicated board of directors who believe finances should never prevent a child from being accepted to JEWELS. To provide scholarships, we fundraise around $1.5 million annually.
BJH: How many students are currently enrolled?
Rabbi Fuchs: We have 87 students across 12 classes.
BJH: Are they all at the 31 Walker campus?
Rabbi Fuchs: No, we have 8 classes at the main building, 2 satellite classes at Bais Yaakov, and 2 at TA/Yeshivas Chofetz Chaim. These schools truly care about the community and graciously welcome JEWELS. We are grateful for their acceptance and support.
BJH: I see your annual campaign is coming up on January 20th. Can you share the campaign theme?
Rabbi Fuchs: Our theme is “Hold My Hand / Change My World.” At JEWELS, we work together: the community holds our hands, the teachers and therapists hold the children’s hands, and we hold the parents’ hands. Together, we change the world.
BJH: How many staff members work at JEWELS?
Rabbi Fuchs: There are 140 staff members in total. They are truly amazing—talented and compassionate. Our staff give their hearts and souls to JEWELS. We invite the community to come in and see them in action. The creativity and passion are inspiring. Even the office staff and administrators are involved—it’s one big family. Everyone cares about each other, and the positive energy is contagious. Despite the challenges we face, there is so much happiness in the air.
BJH: How do you create such an atmosphere?
Rabbi Fuchs: It starts with Mrs. Bamberger, who views every child and staff member as family. The directors and administrators follow her lead. The theme is always the same: strive for the best possible outcome for each child.
BJH: Your campaigns seem to energize so many people. What’s your secret?
Rabbi Fuchs: The secret is our JEWELS. Anyone who knows them can see how inspiring they are. They are pure and precious neshamos who motivate us all. They need us, and we need to be there for them.
BJH: Have other cities adopted the JEWELS model?
Rabbi Fuchs: Yes, we are proud to have inspired similar programs in Miami, Chicago, and Passaic. Our team works closely with the directors of these schools, offering guidance and support. We would love to see more Jewish communities adopt the JEWELS model, and we’re happy to assist them.
BJH: What about your future plans?
Rabbi Fuchs: Our oldest students are 15 and 16 years old, so we’re now focusing on expanding our life skills programs to help students transition successfully into adulthood. We’re also planning to expand our current building. We’ve outgrown the space, and we’re starting construction on a 10,500-square-foot addition.
BJH: Will this addition have a pool?
Rabbi Fuchs: Yes, it will include a therapy pool, along with additional classrooms, office space, therapy rooms, and a gym.
BJH: That’s so exciting! Keep up the amazing work, and best of luck with the upcoming campaign. Can you share the campaign link?
Rabbi Fuchs: HoldMyHandJewels.com
