Two for One: Teacher and Student Authors Read from their Childrens' Books
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- Written by: Wendy MacMillan
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With contagious enthusiasm and a clear passion for educating, Scarsdale High School teacher David Sherrin not only inspires his students to think deeply about the world around them, he also sparks their curiosity, encourages their empathy, and stirs their ambition. The meaningful impact that Sherrin has on his students was on full display at a recent reading of his latest children’s book, “The Rabbi Pirate,” at the Scarsdale Public Library on September 20 …That’s right, Sherrin’s creativity isn’t contained to his classroom, he’s also an author of three beloved children’s books!
While it was unsurprising that Sherrin’s masterful storytelling quickly captured the attention of his young audience at the library, Sherrin did surprise his listeners with an unexpected treat when he invited his former student, current 12th grader Max Spencer, to introduce his own recently published children’s book, “We Are All Immigrants.”
The influence of Sherrin’s 9th grade World History class can be witnessed throughout the colorful pages of Spencer’s heartwarming story. Told through the lens of a young boy, not unlike Spencer himself, “We Are All Immigrants” follows the main character throughout his day as he interacts with various people in his neighborhood. Not only does the boy get a glimpse of how every person's heritage helps to shape who they are...he experiences how these important neighbors and professionals help shape the fabric of our communities. In the author’s own words, the “Young boy learns about the various immigrant roots of everyone in his life, and begins to understand how most people in the United States immigrated to this country at some point. This is a child-accessible story explaining the immigrant roots of America, encouraging kids to ask about their family’s history and learn from others." We Are All Immigrants is a sweet and simple story with a timely, and tender-hearted message.
While it’s easy to recognize Sherrin’s influence on his former student, it’s also clear to see that his 9th grade teachings went far beyond just memorizing names and dates. Whether in a high school classroom or reading from the pages of his latest book, “The Rabbi Pirate,” Sherrin emphasizes the importance of virtues like kindness and empathy.
Not unlike his young protege’s book, The Rabbi Pirate also delivers meaningful lessons but cleverly cloaked in a pirate adventure sure to capture the hearts of his early readers. Based on the true life of Samuel Pallache, a 16th century pirate, diplomat, and rabbi, Sherrin’s book tells the tale of a young boy torn between his longing for adventure and his desire to do good in the world, just like his rabbi father.
In The Pirate Rabbi, Sam chooses to follow in his father’s footsteps but he ultimately finds the adventure he hoped for when he is called to help save his captured people. Throughout Sam’s journey to rescue his community members, he encourages his crew to work together, to share, and to lookout for others. When Sam and his crew happen upon a stranded ship, Sam convinces his crew that they should stop and help by saying, “The world is a better place when we help and care for strangers.” As the Historical Novel Society suggests, “This sweet story speaks to a child's wish for adventure, while also showing how kindness matters."
As an award-winning teacher, Sherrin relates that a big part of teaching is finding and valuing his student’s creativity, and he is proud to now be doing that for himself. Also a father of young children, Sherrin was initially motivated to write a children’s book that could be enjoyed by both children and adults alike, but with increasing levels of antisemitism in the world, he also feels heartened by sharing positive messages about the Jewish faith that can be read by a wider community. Whether seen on the pages of his artfully written children’s books or in the good deeds tendered by his former students…it’s undeniable that David Sherrin is making a difference in the world.
You can order your own copy of The Pirate Rabbi at Scarsdale’s local bookstore Bronx River Books. While you’re there, check out Sherrin’s other children’s books, Big Bad Wolf's Yom Kippur and The Baddest Wolf of All?
And be sure to pick up a copy of Spencer's “We Are All Immigrants” as all proceeds are donated to Hearts & Homes for Refugees, a New York-based organization that helps resettle refugee families.
Jonathan Thaler's Gallery of Nature Photographs
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- Written by: Joanne Wallenstein
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Though many of us have seen Jonathan Thaler taking photos at Scarsdale athletic events, it turns out his talents extend well beyond the field. A 26-year resident, Thaler explains his passion for photographing birds in Westchester.
“I have been an avid photographer for over 50 years, moving from film to digital, starting as a teenager and working through my adult life. My older brother is a professional photographer, my younger brother a graphic artist, and I am a Lighting Designer. We’ve always been an arts-oriented family and photography dovetails nicely. Subject matter has long been family, travel, and life events. In the more recent past sports photography and local SFD, SPD, and SVAC events. A paramedic at the Scarsdale Volunteer Ambulance Corp showed me pictures of bald eagles at the Verplanck Nature Preserve in Cortlandt a few years ago and that got me started on bird photography. It’s the most difficult type of photography I have done and has made me a better photographer overall. Who knew this existed on our doorstep? “
Thaler continued, “Birding in Westchester has become a popular pastime. "Merlin Bird ID" is a great free app from Cornell for identifying birds and "eBIRD" is a great web site for finding them.
Here, Thaler has shared photos taken at Verplank along with Sheldrake Environmental Center, Marshland Preserve, Malfitano Park and Carpenter’s Pond.
See more of Thaler’s photos here:
Rock the ’Dale Brings Music, Food, and Community to Scarsdale Village Center
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- Written by: Claudia Wang
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On Sunday, September 14th, Scarsdale’s Village Centre was filled with wondrous music, laughter, and the late-summer energy of friends and neighbours gathering together for a day that celebrated local talent, delicious food market stands, family-fun activities, and community connection.
From 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM, the Village hosted Rock the ’Dale, a community event presented by the Scarsdale Business Alliance and the Village of Scarsdale. As a part of the ongoing Destination Scarsdale initiative, the day brought together residents and passers-by of all ages for the live performances, family activities, and the weekly farmers market, all in the heart of our town.
The music lineup featured six local bands that brought their own unique sound to the centre of Scarsdale. Songs for Seeds opened the day with a lively family-friendly set that drew in the younger audience, while Conversing with Oceans, Louise in Trouble, and The Del Bocas followed with incredible indie, rock, and alternate-pop performances. By midday, Hot Lunch and The Modtones had taken the stage with upbeat sets that had listeners nodding along, smiling, and stopping to enjoy the music while browsing the farmers market or going out for lunch nearby.
Throughout the event, the Farmers Market was in full swing, with fresh produce, baked goods, and handmade items from local vendors. Scarsdale restaurants also joined in, offering lunch specials and outdoor service that encouraged guests to eat and enjoy the sunshine.
There was something fun for everyone! Children lined up for face painting, took part in art projects with Happy Place Creative Studio, and visited the Scarsdale Rotary Club’s booth, which offered family-friendly activities.
Cyclists taking part in Westchester County’s Bicycle Sundays stopped at the event as well, with Rock the ’Dale as a midway point for riders to refuel and enjoy the live music and community atmosphere.
Sunshine and the magnificent music flowed through that Sunday morning and early afternoon, as friends and family sampled local favorites, and celebrated Scarsdale’s vibrant village center.
SHS Welcome Back Barbeque
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- Written by: Claudia Wang
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On Tuesday, September 2nd, Scarsdale High School’s campus came alive not only with the excitement of a new academic year, but with delicious burgers, the laughter of reunited friend groups, and the wondrous feel of our Scarsdale school community reconnecting under a bright summer sky.
After welcoming an impressive 4,676 students back through its doors for the 2025–26 school year, SHS successfully ended the first day with a celebratory after-school barbecue hosted by the SHS Student Government. The event, held at the Brewster Road entrance started at 5:30 p.m., and it was truly a community-powered reminder of Scarsdale’s collaboration, student determination, and summer fun.
Supported by each class's government and cabinet, the barbecue was open to all students and faculty, and it offered more than just free food. With the summer sun casting a beautiful golden hue across the fields, students gravitated towards games like Spikeball and bean bag toss (cornhole), supplied and set up by student government members. Cheers and laughter filled the air as the friendly games sparked instant fun.
Groups of students clustered around benches or stretched out on the grass, exchanging experiences and stories from their summers apart. Teachers also found moments to relax and reconnect with colleagues after a filled day of new beginnings.
One of the highlights were the burgers offered to all, grilled earlier that day by student members themselves, who enthusiastically manned the barbecue stations. With beverages and a variety of sauces, the refreshments were a huge hit. The final touch for students’ sweet teeth was a local ice cream truck parked by the school fields, serving creamy treats that were nothing short of a lifesaver in the summer heat.
Free, joyful, and student-powered.
The Welcome Back Barbecue served as a symbolic start to our new school year that promises growth, learning, memories, and the Scarsdale school spirit.
Podcast Star Featured in Ad Campaign
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- Written by: Joanne Wallenstein
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Evan Lazarus, Scarsdale High class of 2016, is making waves in New York City. Currently, you can spot him featured in Openigloo’s (an apartment rental service) new ad campaign running on all NYC subways through early September.
Evan is also the co-host of the hit podcast Girls Rewatch, recently named one of Vogue’s top podcasts. Girls Rewatch is a podcast that explores millennial culture through the lens of what it means to be a twenty-something in the city today. With a mix of comedy and analysis, the show revisits beloved pieces of media and features standout guests like Lena Dunham, Iris and Judd Apatow, Megan Stalter, Andrew Ranells, and more. Girls Rewatch offers a sharp, funny, and fresh take on life, love, and culture today. Check it out here:
