Gallery of Grads – A Cleveland Jewish News special section, May 28, 2021

Gaery of Grads

GALLERY OF GRADS

MAY 28, 2021

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A Cleveland Jewish News Special Section

Phillip Bradshaw

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MAY 28, 2021

GALLERY OF GRADS

Getting to know some of the class of 2021 T

his year’s high school and college graduates have endured a senior year like no other. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, they’ve learned to adapt in new ways on a regular basis. Now looking ahead to futures beyond the pandemic and the next

chapter of their lives, a handful of local graduates told the Cleveland Jewish News about how Judaism has impacted their school experiences, plans for the future and what they’ve learned along the way.

Reagan Anthony Graduation date: May 22 College: Tulane University in New Orleans Residence: Pepper Pike Synagogue: The Temple-Tifereth Israel in Beachwood Jewish activities: Camper and counselor at Camp Wise in Claridon Township; BBYO in high school; board member of Sigma Delta Tau Parents: Stacy and Kyle Anthony

C

ollege took an unexpected turn for Reagan Anthony, who was initially planning on becoming a lawyer.

“Ours happened to be very early in the morning,” Anthony said, adding that the graduation speaker was Ruby Bridges, “and she was amazing.”

Anthony intended to go into journalism or politics.

“I was pre-law,” she said. “I was hoping to take the LSAT when I was a junior and I wanted to go to one of the best law schools.”

Anthony While she was studying in London | Photo / Ellie Monison during her junior year abroad, she wrote satire for a comedy troupe called “Betches.”

“I realized how in love I was with satire and how much I was becoming disenchanted with the idea of working in politics” she said.

Anthony, who was a Yoda Newton Editorial Intern at the Cleveland Jewish News, said she found it impossible to write cover letters for the campaign internships and the cover letters for comedy came easily.

“Coming to terms with the fact that what I thought was for me was not for me was really difficult but also was like one of the most liberating things I’ve ever done,” she said, adding that her content is often focused around Jewish culture: going to Camp Wise, being in a Jewish sorority and being in BBYO. “Making that kind of stuff is what I’m so passionate about.”

“And I think it’s really valuable to be able to learn,” she said, “that it’s not always the right thing to do to take the more stable and predictable path.”

She is doing comedy content creation for Lost Tribe Esports, which is headquartered in Philadeldphia.

- Jane Kaufman, Staff Reporter

Tulane University President Michael Fitts in two dimensions, from left, with Stacy Anthony, Reagan Anthony, Joshua Anthony, Kyle Anthony and Tulane dean Brian T. Edwards, again in two dimensions. | Submitted photo

2021_CJN.qxp_Layout 1 5/21/21 12:52 PM Page 1

GALLERY OF GRADS

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MAY 28, 2021

Forever green and white.

No matter what colors come next.

Congratulations to the Laurel School Class of American University Brown University Case Western Reserve University (2) Clemson University Colorado College Cornell University Cuyahoga Community College Dartmouth College Duke University Elon University Fordham University Franciscan University of Steubenville

Georgia Institute of Technology Harvard University High Point University Hillsdale College Indiana University Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis John Carroll University Kent State University (2) Miami University (2) Middlebury College (2) New York University (2) Ohio University Pace University Pennsylvania State University (3)

Purdue University Saint Louis University Sungkyunkwan University SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry The Ohio State University (6) Truman State University Tulane University of Louisiana (2) University of California Los Angeles (2) University of California San Diego University of Chicago University of Cincinnati (2) University of Colorado Boulder

2021!

University of Dayton University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign University of Maryland University of Miami University of Michigan (3) University of New Hampshire University of Rochester University of St. Andrews University of Washington (3) Washington College Washington University in St. Louis (2) West Virginia University Youngstown State University

LYMAN CAMPUS One Lyman Circle, Shaker Heights • BUTLER CAMPUS 7420 Fairmount Road, Russell Twp.

Girls Kindergarten-Grade 12 and Coed Pre-Primary 216.464.0946 LaurelSchool.org College choices as of May 20, 2021.

/LaurelSchool

@LaurelSchool

Dream. Dare. Do.

34 | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | CJN.ORG

Mazel Tov EMILY OLBINSKY GARFORTH

Bachelor of Arts, Cum Laude - Major in American Studies; Double Minor in Business and History

MAY 28, 2021

GALLERY OF GRADS

Danielle Chisling Graduation date: May 8 College: Indiana University in Bloomington Residence: Solon Synagogue: The Temple-Tifereth Israel in Beachwood Jewish activities: Hillel at Indiana University; member of Sigma Delta Tau Parents: Mark and Stephanie Chisling

D Emily - What a journey this has been!

You have seen and learned so much, traveled, made great friends, and adapted to every new situation! We are incredibly proud of you and all your accomplishments thus far.

Enjoy Israel. We love you so much!

Mama & Ray, Grandma & Grandpa, Nana Estelle, Jeremy & Cory, Cosmo & Milo

Miami University, Oxford, Ohio

Mazel Tov BRAM HOFFMAN Shaker Heights High School

Congratulations to our Shaker Heights Graduate and Questbridge Scholar!

You are not only an achiever but a mensch. We will miss you and hope you will come back as often as you can.

Love, Mom, Dad, Grandma, Aunt Rosemary & Uncle Gil, Michael, Steve, Richard, Hillel & Zahava, Avi, Benyamin, Meyer, and everyone else that loves you.

Washington University in St. Louis

anielle Chisling, who majored in graphic design at Indiana University, said she’s ready to express herself creatively through her work, and she is seeking a position in her field.

Chisling said she found the restrictions under COVID-19 quarantine difficult but persevered – both in her studies and in her friendships.

“Online learning has been definitely a challenge,” she said. “Having to adapt and meet people in a different way, and especially learning in teams in a group, it’s kind of been a challenge especially for me ‘cause I really learn the best when I’m in person.”

She said she made a point of spending extra time with her professors and holding Zoom meetings with new people she met.

A member of the traditionally Jewish sorority Sigma Delta Tau, she lived with five sorority sisters in her final year of college. She said she found friendships with “like minded people” through a Birthright trip and found Hillel to be satisfying. Chisling said she often ate

Mallory Chylla Graduation date: June 1 High school: Beachwood High School Residence: Beachwood Synagogue: Anshe Chesed Fairmount Temple in Beachwood Jewish activities: BBYO, with leadership roles all throughout high school; involved at her temple; Jewish Federation of Cleveland’s Saltzman Youth Panel; and summers at Mandel JCC’s Camp Wise Parents: Loren and Heidi Chylla.

Loren is a member of the Cleveland Jewish Publication Company Board of Directors.

W

ith her four years at Beachwood High School almost in the rearview mirror, Mallory said spending her final year of high school amid a global pandemic taught her valuable skills that will come in handy when she goes away to college at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in Chylla | Scott Gloger Master the fall.

Photographer “Our schedule stayed consistent

Friday night dinners at Chabad – Indiana University as well.

She said graduation was held in person but limited to students who were vaccinated.

“I was able to go to and sit in a row next to my friends which made it really special,” Chisling said, adding her parents were “sitting at home watching virtually” with parents of a friend.

In the past year, her connection to Judaism helped her, she said.

“Meeting like-minded people like me and sharing the connection of Judaism really helped me, you know, create that community for myself,” Chisling said, “and kind of create that home away from home kind of feeling at Indiana and create connections probably that I’m going to have for the rest of my life.”

- Jane Kaufman, Staff Reporter throughout the year, but I was online at the beginning of the year and switched to half and half midway,” she said. “I learned a lot of time management skills.

Until three weeks ago, even though I was a senior, I was only in class half the day and the other half I spent it figuring out when I would do my work and everything else, and just scheduling my day out more. That is more a college schedule. I was glad to dip my toe in that.”

She said high school taught her how to “not sweat the small stuff.”

“A lot of things I spent a lot of time dwelling on weren’t important in the grand scheme of things, and definitely stressed me out more than I needed to,” she said. “That’s something I wanted to focus on and living in the moment more.”

If she could talk to the student she was the first day of her freshman year, Mallory assured herself that everything would work out the way it’s supposed to.

“I wasn’t one of those people who ever had these great, huge goals,” she said. “I kind of just went with the way things were going to go. Through the college process, I wasn’t sure where I wanted to go and what I wanted to do, but I feel good about my decision. It all works out in the end.”

- Becky Raspe, Staff Reporter

GALLERY OF GRADS

MAY 28, 2021

Sam Heller

Mazel Tov

Graduation date: May 23 High school: University School Residence: Moreland Hills Synagogue: Park Synagogue in Pepper Pike and Cleveland Heights Jewish activities: Head of the L’Chaim Society at University School Parents: Becky and J. David Heller.

David is board chair of the Jewish Federation of Cleveland.

T

he final two years of Sam Heller’s high school experience were certainly not conventional. But on May 23, he was able to graduate in front of family, including his grandparents.

Sam was sent home in March 2020 along with the rest of his school due to the COVID-19 pandemic. For the rest of his junior year, he attended school virtually.

He and his classmates were able to return to in-person learning in the fall, but things were still far from normal.

Sam, a hockey player, and his team had to quarantine twice. Sam also had to quarantine two separate times.

He said his graduation is bittersweet as he looks back fondly on all he accomplished amid the pandemic, while also being excited about what the future holds.

“It’s nice to finally move on to the next stage of my life,” said Sam, who will attend the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Mich. “I feel like I’ve been looking forward to college forever. Michigan is my dream

Nicole Rumizen Graduation date: May 8 College: University of Wisconsin-Madison Residence: Solon Synagogue: The Temple-Tifereth Israel in Beachwood Jewish activities: Vice president of Recruitment for Alpha Epsilon Phi - Sigma Chapter at University of Wisconsin; BICEP representative at Chabad at the University of Wisconsin; during high school was madrachim in high school for The Temple’s Hebrew school Parents: Liz and Scott Rumizen

N

icole Rumizen has a piece of advice for anyone starting college: try new things.

“I definitely loved trying new things all the time,” Rumizen said.

She is heading to a two-year commitment with Teach for America in a low-income area of Chicago, where she Rumizen will also pick up her master’s degree in education.

While in college, Rumizen found the restrictions of the COVID-19 pandemic challenging, making it harder to connect.

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JARED MANDELL

Bachelor of Business Administration, Marketing Concentration: Film and Media Management

school, so the fact that I’m going to Michigan is even better for me. I’m so excited. But at the same time, it stinks that we didn’t get a fully normal end to my junior year and senior year. It’s also sad leaving my friends and my family in Cleveland.”

Sam, who is also the head of the L’Chaim Society at University School, which celebrates Israeli culture, is excited to also meet new people at college and be able to focus on the areas that he cares deeply about.

“I am very excited to finally be able to focus on my studies and what I’ve always been passionate about, which is finance,” he said. “I’ve been able to take business classes at US, but I’ve never had a curriculum centered around business and finance. I’m really looking forward to that.”

Congratulations on graduating! We wish you the very best in all your future endeavors. May success always find you.

Love, Mom, Dad and Chase

Emory University

- Alex Krutchik, Staff Reporter “It was pretty hard to, you know, engage with other students and my teachers, and also socially everyone wanted to be safe,” she said.

Still, she found community Wisconsin, in her freshman year at a lounge where a lot of Jewish students congregated, at sorority rush, when she decided to join Alpha Epsilon Phi. There she became exceedingly involved, and throughout her college years at Chabad at the University of Wisconsin, where Rabbi Mendel Matusof led a Birthright trip to Israel.

“I just felt so comfortable in the predominantly Jewish sorority,” she said.

“All my best friends are Jewish.”

She said she was “super close” to Matusof, who invited students to be with him during days that were not necessarily holidays.

Graduation, she said, took place at the football stadium, but was limited to students, not family and friends.

She sat with three roommates.

“It was outside,” she said. “It was a beautiful day.”

Rumizen said she is “pretty excited” to see other people in person, now that vaccinations are more common.

In addition, she wanted to “give a shout out to my parents.”

- Jane Kaufman, Staff Reporter

Mazel Tov DR. MELANIE ADELSTEIN Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry

You’ve increased the brightness of our smiles from the moment we met you, and we have no doubt that is exactly what you’ll do for your patients. We couldn’t be any prouder of you!

Love, Mom, Dad, Jake, and Grady

Case Western Reserve University - School of Dental Medicine

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Mazel Tov SHAINA MALKA SHIFMAN Fuchs Mizrachi School

MAY 28, 2021

Jack Spero Graduation date: May 9 College: The Ohio State University Residence: Beachwood Synagogue: The Temple-Tifereth Israel in Beachwood Jewish activities: Co-president of the Hillel student board; Heritage chair of Zeta Beta Tau fraternity; a David Project (Hillel’s non-Jewish outreach) intern and a facilitator for Ohio State’s kosher dining Initiative. Also went on Birthright and Onward Israel, where he lived and worked in Tel Aviv for summer 2019.

Parents: Scott and Jody

F Congratulations Shaina!

Always remember: There’s no limit to what you can do if you keep believing in yourself. Keep adding to the goodness and beauty in the world.

We love and adore you, Dad, Mom and Abby

Aardvark Israel and Syracuse University

or Jack Spero, college was a time to explore his Judaism, become a leader in the Jewish community, as well as learn about other people.

“I found an authentic, supportive and dynamic Jewish community, broadened my awareness of other cultures and religions, became a leader, and grew my advocacy and support of Israel and world Jewry” while at Ohio State, Spero said.

He also learned how important lessons, including that preparation is key to success and the importance of being humble. And Spero wants to direct these lessons towards a medical career.

ABIGAIL MEITAL SHIFMAN Fuchs Mizrachi School

BROOKE ABRAHAM Solon High School Class of 2021 Penn State University Area of Study - Nutritional Sciences EVIN BROMBERG Orange High School Class of 2021 The Ohio State University, Scholars Program Political Science Major MALLORY CHYLLA Beachwood High School Class of 2021 University of WisconsinMadison

Congratulations Abby!

We can’t wait to see what the future holds for you.

We are so proud of you. May you always dare to do great things with your life.

We love and adore you, Dad, Mom and Shaina

Machon Maayan and Binghamton University

“Since I was a young boy, I have had a passion to become a physician and make a positive impact in the medical field. I have always been inspired by the knowledge that medical doctors possess.”

Spero plans to start on that path by working as a clinical informatics specialist at Oak Street Health in Cleveland in order to gain firsthand clinical experience.

But, despite everything that Spero has learned about his faith and himself, and his career goals, when asked what his most cherished memory was, Spero turned to football. For him, Ohio State beating Michigan in November 2019 stands out above all else.

- Stephen Langel, Columbus Bureau

Gallery Of Grads Listings 2021 HIGH SCHOOL

Mazel Tov

GALLERY OF GRADS

NIKKI DAVIS Mayfield High School Class of 2021 University of Cincinnati, Honors Program ADAM FLEETER Fuchs Mizrachi School Class of 2021 Yeshiva University Area of Study – Real Estate

RYAN GOLDIE Solon High School Class of 2021 The Ohio State University Area of Study – Biology ELIANA GOODMAN Solon High School Class of 2021 University of Pittsburgh Area of Study - Business and Marketing BRAM HOFFMAN Shaker Heights High School Class of 2021 Washington University, St Louis ETHAN HOLZ Beachwood High School Class of 2021 Washington University in St. Louis Area of Study – Neuroscience ARI KANTIN Solon High School Class of 2021 Miami University MADDIE KANTIN Solon High School Class of 2021 Kent State University

CADENCE KULNANE Mayfield High School Class of 2021 EMMA LENSON Orange High School Class of 2021 Vanderbilt University JULIA MARKS Beachwood High School Class of 2021 Tulane University Area of Study - Political Science/International Relations JESSICA MONAHAN Beachwood High School Class of 2021 Miami University Area of Study - Middle Childhood Education JACOB POWERS Shaker Heights High School Class of 2021 University of Cincinnati ZACH RITZENBERG Beachwood High School Class of 2021 Kent State University Areas of Study - Music Major - Jazz Studies LISTINGS | 38

GALLERY OF GRADS

Josh, Matt and Sam Weintraub Josh Weintraub Graduation date: April 30 College: University of Cincinnati Residence: Shaker Heights Synagogue: Park Synagogue in Pepper Pike and Cleveland Heights Jewish activities: Participated in Cincinnati Hillel; frequently met with rabbis at Chabad at UC and elsewhere Parents: Becky and Mark Weintraub

Matt Weintraub Graduation date: May 9 College: The Ohio State University Residence: Shaker Heights Synagogue: Park Synagogue in Pepper Pike and Cleveland Heights Jewish activities: Participated in OSU Hillel and Schottenstein Chabad House Parents: Becky and Mark Weintraub

Sam Weintraub Graduation date: June 2 High School: Shaker Heights High School Residence: Shaker Heights Synagogue: Park Synagogue in Pepper Pike and Cleveland Heights Jewish activities: BBYO basketball league Parents: Becky and Mark Weintraub

O

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MAY 28, 2021

f his two brothers, Josh was the only one who opted to symbolically shift his tassel in his living room.

The University of Cincinnati gave students the option to participate virtually or in-person, where they could receive up to two tickets for loved ones to attend the ceremony. Josh, wanting to commemorate the moment with the entirety of his nuclear family, chose the digital option.

“It was almost like I had been done with school for awhile since Josh Weintraub everything was online,” said Josh Weintraub, who received a bachelor of arts in political science degree and graduated with a minor in criminal justice and legal studies certificate. “At the time of my graduation, it was sort of less meaningful than it was maybe a few days later when I started to really think about how all of my hard work had actually paid off.”

In comparison, Matt Weintraub Matt Weintraub selected an in-person graduation, where his parents used the two tickets he was alloted for guests.

Even though the day was cold and rainy, Matt said he was thrilled to have had this in-person experience to close his undergraduate college career.

“I felt lucky to be in the ’Shoe, watching graduation live, standing up when they called all undergraduate Sam Weintraub business students,” said Matt Weintraub, who received a bachelor of science in business administration with a specialization in finance degree. “That made it feel a little more real as opposed to just sitting and watching it virtually.”

Sam Weintraub will graduate in person at the Rocket

Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland. His parents, brothers and grandmother will use his six tickets for guests, will be socially distant and wear masks.

“It’s nice for all of the seniors to be in the same place and graduate on the same day,” Sam Weintraub said. “It’s a moment that we can all share together. Weaning off of a pandemic, it’ll be a bit more memorable, because of the circumstances that we are in.”

The three brothers agreed that the previous school year had been a struggle, with each experiencing hardships they had to work through. Aspiring lawyer Josh had to persevere though an entirely virtual class schedule, take the LSAT and apply for law schools. Matt’s semester studying abroad in Dublin was canceled after a few months with the on-set of COVID-19, where he returned home to replace his international travels and studies with an almost purely virtual curriculum.

On top of adjusting to virtual learning, Sam, who had experienced a concussion and a herniated disc following a car accident in March 2020, had to overcome sciatic nerve pain and back surgery in December 2020. From October 2020 to February of this year, he was in isolation due to back pain, learning at home despite Shaker’s in-person return in January. He returned in person to Shaker following spring break.

All three proved that with hard work comes success, as each will continue forward toward their professional goals.

Josh will be attending the Michael E. Moritz College of Law at OSU this fall, where he’d like to pursue a law career in criminal, personal injury or medical malpractice.

Sam will also be attending OSU, where he’ll major in finance and minor in real estate, with the intent to go into either investment banking or wealth management.

Right now, next semester’s classes at OSU are going to be

Mazel Tov JACOB POWERS Shaker Heights High School

My Dear Jacob, I wish you much Mazel and Happiness always. I am so proud of all your accomplishments.

With Love, Grandma Gerry

University of Cincinnati

WEINTRAUB | 38

CONGRATULATIONS

CLASS OF

2 21 !

440-423-2955 www.hawken.edu Co-ed Toddler-Grade 12

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MAY 28, 2021 LISTINGS | 36

Mazel Tov ZACHARY SINGER

Bachelor of Science - Industrial & Systems Engineering

ASHLEIGH ROSEN Marietta High School Class of 2021 Washington State Community College JACK ROSENBERG Beachwood High School Class of 2021 ABIGAIL MEITAL SHIFMAN Fuchs Mizrachi School Class of 2021 Machon Maayan & Binghampton University

So impressed with all you’ve accomplished and looking forward to the next chapter.

Your Mom would be so proud of you!

All my love . . . Dad Rob Singer and the whole crew

Ohio State University

Mazel Tov BROOKE ABRAHAM Solon High School

SHAINA MALKA SHIFMAN Fuchs Mizrachi School Class of 2021 Aardvark Israel & Syracuse University

COLLEGE MELANIE ADELSTEIN Case Western Reserve University- School of Dental Medicine Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry SYDNEY ADELSTEIN Ursuline College Master of Science in Nursing/Nurse Practioner JORDAN BERKOVITZ The Ohio State University Bachelor of Arts, Summa Cum Laude with Honors in Arts and Sciences

ASHLEY CANTOR Clarion University Bachelor of Science in Integrated Studies Concentration: Library and Information Science ABBIE FLEETER Class of 2021 Yeshiva University, Stern College Bachelors in Speech Language Pathology/ Communications Sciences and Disorders EMILY OLBINSKY GARFORTH Miami University, Oxford Ohio Bachelor of Arts, Cum Laude Major in American Studies; Double Minor in Business and History Solon High School Class of 2017 JORDAN GOODMAN Northeastern University Bachelor of Science Rehabilitation Sciences Solon High School Class of 2016 RACHEL KRANTZ Ohio University Bachelor of Science Communication Sciences and Disorders JARED MANDELL Emory University Bachelor of Business Administration, Marketing Concentration: Film and Media Management

WEINTRAUB | 37

We are so proud of all you have accomplished during your years in the Solon Schools!

Keep pushing for a PR at Penn State! We can’t wait to see what new heights you reach! We love you very much!

From Mom, Dad, Ethan and Cooper

Penn State University

GALLERY OF GRADS

a hybrid mix with a majority of in-person classes. Adjusting to a completely new level of education with in-person components will be a struggle at first, Josh and Sam said, but they greatly look forward to the challenge.

Matt will be moving to Bend, Ore., where he will be participating in a financial rotational program for aerospace company Precision Castparts Corp. After his first year, he hopes to relocate to either Los Angeles or San Francisco.

Matt said that finding a job in his field was extremely difficult due to pandemiccaused economic strains, describing that he had applied to 100 jobs, had 30 interviews and received two offers.

JOHN MARGHERET The Ohio State University Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Arts Integrated Business & Engineering (IBE) Honors Information Systems Solon High School Class of 2017 HANNAH PERLICK Syracuse University, Cum Laude Bachelor of Science in Communications and Rhetorical Studies Concentration: Marketing THOMAS RODRIGUEZ Case Western Reserve University- School of Dental Medicine Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry SHAINA ROOD Ohio University, College of Osteopathic Medicine Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine MALLORY ROSSEN The Ohio State University Bachelor of Arts & Sciences Strategic Communication ZACHARY SINGER The Ohio State University Summa Cum Laude Bachelor of Science in Industrial and Systems Engineering MATTHEW STOVSKY The Ohio State University Fisher School of Business Bachelor of Science, Cum Laude Marketing major, Entrepreneurship and Innovation minor

It’s been an ongoing joke in the Weintraub household that all three Weintraub sons graduate in the same year.

While their mother Becky Weintraub jested that having just one son graduate would have been crazy, having three graduations in the span of about a month has been wild.

But, in those moments of seeing two of her sons complete their undergraduate college education and knowing that she will watch her youngest accept his high school diploma soon, all of the craziness faded away.

“It was definitely very emotional; it’s been a long journey,” she said. “I’m just so incredibly proud of their strength, attitude and will to do well. They did not let COVID-19 get in their way of what they want to pursue.”

– McKenna Corson, Staff Reporter

GALLERY OF GRADS

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MAY 28, 2021

Jewish life can help students adjust quickly to college ALEX KRUTCHIK | STAFF REPORTER @AlexKrutchikCJN akrutchik@cjn.org |

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t can be unnerving when a new student first steps onto campus, especially for Jewish students and other minorities who may not have know anyone and who are, many times, far from home.

But, in Ohio, there are places for Jewish students to go, David Dorsey, multi-faith chaplain at Oberlin College in Oberlin; Adam Hirsch, executive director of Hillel at Kent State University in Kent; and Jared Isaacson, executive director of Cleveland Hillel in Cleveland, told the Cleveland Jewish News.

For instance, the Cleveland Hillel provides support and resources to a Jewish community of more than 2,500 undergraduate, graduate and professional students in 11 colleges and universities in the Greater Cleveland area and in Oberlin. These schools includes Baldwin Wallace College in Berea, Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland and others.

Isaacson said Hillel provides students with the opportunities to expand their leadership skills through program development, planning and execution. It also offers student-driven programming, engagement and intentional relationship-building and outreach initiatives.

“We remain committed to continue building and strengthening our Hillel community in any way we can, providing meaningful Jewish experiences, building Jewish memories, and enhancing Jewish pride,” Isaacson said. “Strengthening Jewish identity through informal Jewish and Israel education continues to drive Cleveland Hillel’s mission, and both are infused into all key areas of Hillel’s work.”

Issacson added that beyond building individual student’s identity, Cleveland Hillel prides itself on establishing a community among Jewish students.

“We feel it is so important for students to create opportunities to build community with each other,” Isaacson said. “We want to provide the means for all undergraduate and graduate students to embrace and celebrate their Judaism through enriching educational, cultural, religious, and social programs with their peers. We strive to ensure that every Jewish student and young adult we engage has the chance to connect to their Jewish identity while interacting with the Jewish community on campus, in Cleveland, in Israel, and beyond.”

Building a community is especially

Hirsch

Isaacson

important with the recent rise in antisemitism in the United States over the last several weeks, Issacson said.

“With the resurgence of antisemitism in our country, across the world and on college campuses across the country, especially as we have seen these past two weeks, we feel it so important to work towards ensuring that all campuses on which we operate remain open and tolerant of people from all backgrounds, including and especially our Jewish students,” Issacson said.

Other schools, such as Kent State, also offer different on-campus options for Jews. Those include Achoti, its Jewish sisterhood group, and Ruach, which is its LGBTQ+ group. It also supports groups such as the Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity.

“Our priority is to work with our students to create the greatest Jewish community for them, no matter what that looks like,” Hirsch said. “And it doesn’t need to carry the Hillel name. It’s just the best community that will have a great impact on their life. Whether it happens in Hillel, on campus, or even online these days. And we view that more of these groups will be created in the next year. We expect that there’ll be greater needs for our students, and we’re prepared to support them.”

Oberlin College offers similar programs, including a new kosher kitchen in the Talcott Hall. This is the building that houses much of the Jewish life around campus. This kitchen was announced in April, and is expected to be ready in time for the summer semester.

“The diversity of Jewish life that we see at Oberlin is really robust,” Dorsey said. “And I think that one of the most important pieces, in my experience, is creating a complement of programs, communities and spaces that allow students options, and allow a soft entry into exploring. Whereas maybe a student has not previously been. But also be able to maintain their independent views, and sometimes views they hold with their family.”

myNYCB.com • (877) 786-6560

©2021 New York Community Bank – Member FDIC

Mazel Tov DR. THOMAS RODRIGUEZ Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry

Congratulations on your graduation!

We are in awe that in between studying and clinical work you also found time to read the CJN weekly! We wish you all the best and know that you will be an amazing dentist.

Love, Rick and Rachel Adelstein

Case Western Reserve University - School of Dental Medicine

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Congratulations JACK ROSENBERG Beachwood High School

MAY 28, 2021

GALLERY OF GRADS

Day schools incorporate Judaism into curriculum ALEX KRUTCHIK | STAFF REPORTER @AlexKrutchikCJN akrutchik@cjn.org |

T

JackWe are so proud of you.

It wasn’t easy but you did it.

We love you so much From Mom, Dad and Josh

Mazel Tov BROOKE ABRAHAM Solon High School

Dear Brooke, Mazel Tov on a great academic and sports career at Solon.

We know you will have a fulfilling four years at Penn State and will continue to make us very proud!

All the best with much love.

Papa Harry & Grandma Roz, Papa Steve & Grandma Bonnie

Penn State University

here is no shortage of public, private or religious schools in Northeast Ohio. These schools all have something they can offer children in kindergarten through 12th grade. For parents who want to give their children a religious upbringing, Jewish day schools are one option.

Rabbi Simcha Dessler of the Hebrew Academy of Cleveland in Cleveland Heights; and Rabbi Avery Joel of Fuchs Mizrachi School in Beachwood, said their schools balance conventional academics with religious studies.

The Hebrew Academy’s Beatrice Stone Yavne High School in Beachwood has a state chartered, college preparatory general studies curriculum that meets the requirements for an Ohio Department of Education diploma.

On top of general studies, electives such as public speaking, swimming, and organized community service are available.

“More than just imparting knowledge, our goal is to infuse our students with a love, pride and appreciation for Jewish heritage,” Dessler said. “Judaism ought to be not merely a religion, but also a way of life.

This is accomplished through a wide variety of extracurricular activities and student-led initiatives which bring life and meaning to the varied aspects of Jewish living through song, dance, activities, trips, seminars and more.”

Students at Fuchs Mizrachi also meet the Ohio graduation requirements and must complete the Judaic courses to graduate. Students and staff will celebrate Jewish holidays together, and the school will host students for Shabbat meals. Joel said this sense of community is vital to the school.

“I think this is our school’s greatest strength,” Joel said. “We are a community in so many ways, and it starts with shared values. The teachers do more than teach. They model a

“More than just imparting knowledge, our goal is to infuse our students with a love, pride and appreciation for Jewish heritage.”

Rabbi Simcha Dessler

Dessler

Joel

value system and a way of life that we hope our students find meaningful and are inspired to live their lives in that manner. Being able to learn and grow in a school community that is so aligned in this way makes the education holistic and all-encompassing.”

Dessler said having a community of other people with the same values and culture can enhance the experience, and is vital to learning about one’s Jewish identity.

“While every student is an individual and charters his or her own path, sharing one’s educational experience with others with similar values creates a stronger sense of belonging, of confidence and of identity,” Dessler said. “For a Jewish teen, the recognition of one’s individuality, and what can be accomplished, also provides the added benefit of Jewish identity as an important link in the glorious chain of our heritage.”

Students at Fuchs Mizrachi connect to their culture and religion inside and outside the classroom. Although the students learn about heritage, holidays and their connection to Israel in their classes, Joel said most of the learning comes from shared experiences with each other.

“Dancing and celebrating on Yom Ha’atzmaut, spending Shabbat together on our annual high school retreat, or learning Torah together with teachers and friends outside of school,” Joel said. “Maybe more importantly, their teachers serve as role models for living a life striving for a stronger relationship with God. The warm, supportive relationships between the teachers and students allow the students to see their teachers in this light.

“At the end of the day, we want our students to have the skills, mindsets and habits to be successful in all walks of life. That includes their professional and personal lives. We hope they view all of that through the lens of what it means to be an Orthodox, religious Zionist Jew. We hope they feel a sense of responsibility to contribute to their communities and to the world, and to actualize their potential in all ways.”

GALLERY OF GRADS

CJN.ORG | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | 41

MAY 28, 2021

Private schools offer bevy of advantages for students, families ALEX KRUTCHIK | STAFF REPORTER @AlexKrutchikCJN akrutchik@cjn.org |

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n top of the high-quality public schools in Northeast Ohio, parents and children have plenty of alternative options such as private schools. These schools offer an array of academic, athletic and other extracurricular opportunities for families willing to pay the tuition.

Although this tuition might scare off some families, Christina Townsend Hartz, director of admission at University School in Hunting Valley; and Abigail Steinberg, director of enrollment management at Laurel School in Shaker Heights, said there are many benefits to attending a private school that students may not get elsewhere.

Laurel School is an all-girls school with about 550 students. It is because of this small community that Steinberg said everyone is very close.

“Parents are investing in a close-knit community, smaller class sizes and amazing faculty often recruited from national searches,” Steinberg said. “At Laurel, we pride ourselves on personalization and one-

Hartz

Steinberg

on-one attention given to each child.

Each of our girls are known for her strengths and challenges. Additionally, private schools allow for greater access to an impressive and extensive alumnae association for networking opportunities.”

Hartz said University School, an all-boys school with about 840 students, has similar benefits to having a close-knit student body.

Rather than all students being limited to just one area of interest, a lot of our students are involved in things such as glee club, theater, science research or speech and debate. Hartz said the size of the school allows students to be able to explore a little more.

“We have boys who come to University School and are excited about

learning,” Hartz said. “So, they get into a classroom with the teacher who inspires them, pushes them, or engages them in a really genuine and personal way. And then the sky’s the limit. And then we find boys doing crazy science research projects or making amazing art projects. Just diving into the community in ways that they can do that’s a little unique to kind of a small side that we have.”

Steinberg said having a good student-to-teacher ratio allows for a stronger social connection within the school.

“We find in our population that girls want to be at Laurel,” Steinberg said. “They have shared interests and academic goals resulting in strong social connections and friendships.

They enjoy coming to school each day and being a part of this community.

As a smaller school, it is also easier for the adult community to have a pulse on the daily happenings of the students, greatly reducing social stressors while supporting our girls during their adolescent years.”

Hartz said, “The boys have access to teachers. When you’re in a class with 10 or 11 other kids, you’re able to kind of

dig a little bit deeper at times and maybe go a little bit faster. Because you’re in a smaller environment where everyone is motivated in a place to learn and to keep growing in a way that is unique to most independent schools.”

Private schools also offer plenty of opportunities for students to get prepared for college. Laurel School has a dedicated college guidance team available to all families in the school with a formal guidance program that starts in grade nine, personalized for each child. Standardized test preparation is also built into the curriculum throughout the middle and upper schools.

Hartz said University School prides itself in preparing students for the real world and any responsibilities or challenges they may face.

“It’s such a unique space because our teachers aren’t just teachers,” Hartz said. “They are also coaches. And whether that’s athletically, artistically or from a speech and debate standpoint, our teachers are more than just people who are in the classroom teaching. And so they’re so engaged in the life of all of our kids that it has a huge impact on them.”

Mazal Tov to our Class of 2021 Our Class of 2017 will be attending

Top Row: (from left to right) Benjamin Blocker, Jacob Thomas, Yahli Anter, Zachary Schwarz, Jacob Tannenbaum, Nate Miller, Aaron Kane, Jesse Schadick, Mallory Sesnowitz Middle Row: (from left to right) Malachai Shulman, Maya Mayan, Caroline Auerbach-Brown, Stav Avisar, Leo Mendelsohn, Gabriella Gandhi, Sara Kurland, Ethan Papcum, Raphael Medlowitz Bottom Row: (from left to right) Yehuda Rubeck, Nicole Kleyner, Ayden Magence, Natan Mayerfeld, Heath August, Lillian Chaiten, Rachel Wolf, Adina Berger, Yali Lev, Caroline Jacobs, Amira Horowitz Not Pictured: Howard Preston

Our graduates will be attending Beachwood High School Gilmour High School Fuchs Mizrachi Hathaway Brown School

Hawken School Hawken Mastery School Laurel School Orange High School

Shaker Heights High School Solon High School University School

American University Bowling Green State University Case Western Reserve University (2) College of Charleston College of Wooster Columbia University / Tel Aviv University Cornell University High Point University Johns Hopkins University Kent State University School of Music Miami University of Ohio (Honors) Miami University of Ohio Stanford University Stony Brook University The Ohio State University (4) The University of Tampa (Honors) University of Cincinnati University of Cincinnati – College Conservatory of Music University of Pittsburgh Yale University (2)

42 | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | CJN.ORG

Mazel Tov JORDAN GOODMAN

Bachelor of Science - Rehabilitation Sciences

MAY 28, 2021

GALLERY OF GRADS

After landing first job, many financial, insurance items to consider ALEX KRUTCHIK | STAFF REPORTER @AlexKrutchikCJN akrutchik@cjn.org |

F

Mazel Tov Jordan on this great accomplishment! We love you, are proud of you and look forward to May 2022 when you receive your Doctorate in Physical Therapy!

Love Mom, Dad, Sarah, Eliana and Marley

Northeastern University

or a recent college graduate, finding their first full-time job can be one of the most stressful experiences. Right behind that is determining how to insure themselves and invest for the future with the options employers offer.

Kevin Lurie, senior vice president at NFP in Independence; and Howard Slater, partner at Cedar Brook Financial in Mayfield Heights, said it is crucial to understand your budget and manage your cash flow.

Slater said every individual has different aspirations and goals, so using a “rule of thumb” when saving may not be ideal. But he recommends any saving should be done early. Individuals should try to save 10% of their gross earnings to be saved, working their way up towards 50%, ideally. As one’s goals and lifestyle become clearer, they can refine how much of their money should go toward savings.

“Somebody making $100,000 a year versus making $30,000 a year, their spending, their lifestyle and their aspirations may be very different,” Slater said. “It really should be based on what you want to achieve and what’s your lifestyle that you want to maintain down the road in retirement. Sometimes, it’s very hard for a college graduate to think about that.

You’re asking to think 40 or 50 years down the road. It’s hard to know. Ultimately, that part of the equation may not be able to be answered that way.”

A 401(k) is a good way for employees to start saving for retirement. This is a savings plan that allows employees to deduct some money from their paycheck in a pre-tax manner in order to go into a retirement savings account.

Lurie said starting earlier, even with small amounts of money, creates thousands of dollars when you eventually get to retirement.

“There is a great misunderstanding from college graduates that they’re not (taught) about growth of money, tax-free growth, tax deferred growth, and the matching of dollars into a program,” Lurie said. “It’s really a big deal. So many people these days go into retirement who have literally no money for retirement, and a 401(k) is the resolution to that. If you’re starting to save at 23 or 24 years old, this allows you to have your dollars grow.”

Lurie added there are benefits to using a 401(k) plan as opposed to saving the money on your own.

“The 401(k) brings new opportunities, because typically they’re a match to the dollars you’re putting in there,” Lurie said. “So, you have an immediate return

Lurie

Slater

“There is a great misunderstanding from college graduates that they’re not (taught) about growth of money, tax-free growth, tax deferred growth, and the matching of dollars into a program.”

Kevin Lurie on your dollar, because the company is incentivizing you to put dollars away.

You’re also putting dollars away pre-tax.

So, you have more money growing for you over the extended time period, which gets you a greater return on your dollar.”

On top of a 401(k), deciding on health insurance is also important. Slater tells young professionals the most important portfolio review they’re going to do now is an insurance portfolio review.

“They carry much more weight than picking a bad mutual fund, or a bad exchange traded fund, or a bad stock,” Slater said. “If you don’t have the right disability coverage and become disabled, it can be financially ruinous to you. If you have a spouse, children or other people that are economically dependent on you, and unfortunately you passed away early, and you don’t have life insurance, there are financial obligations that can be shifted to loved ones.”

Of all the types of insurances, disability insurance and health insurance are probably the highest priority insurances, according to Slater, while things like dental and vision coverage would be secondary.

“Statistically, a younger person has a higher probability of becoming disabled or needing health insurance versus dying,” Slater said. “And so making sure that they have long term disability and short term disability, most likely through an employer plan, we want to make sure we have proper coverage in place for disability.”

GALLERY OF GRADS

CJN.ORG | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | 43

MAY 28, 2021

Venues can help make celebration special time ALEX KRUTCHIK | STAFF REPORTER @AlexKrutchikCJN akrutchik@cjn.org |

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or a high school or college graduate, late spring is a time of celebration and partying. There are many ways to celebrate a major accomplishment. Families can opt to take a child on a vacation, throw a party at home, or at a venue.

Whitney Neidus, general manager at StoneWater Golf Club in Highland Heights, and Kristin Summers, regional account executive with Marbella Event Furniture & Event Rental in Cleveland, said there are plenty of ways to make a graduate feel special and have a great experience.

The first thing Neidus made clear was that StoneWater is still following the ever-changing rules and regulations regarding COVID-19. She said the bottom line is to make people feel comfortable. “(Ohio Gov. Mike) DeWine is always coming out with regulations, so we have up-to-date changes pretty much daily,” Neidus said. “So, the bottom line is you want to keep everybody safe and comfortable. So, in terms of events, the way the tables are spaced out, that rule

Neidus

Summers

is still in effect. You know, trying to social distance. We’re still going to take temperatures and things like that. And then on June 2, they’re going to roll out all sorts of new stuff.”

Marbella provides transformational pieces for spaces that a host wants to rent. After the host finds a venue, Marbella would support them with implementing a theme. Summers said the pieces remain pretty consistent with what is needed. Most parties need seated tables, food display tables, bars and signage. Marbella will then adapt those pieces for different uses within the rental space.

“So, they would be able to tell us if they have graduation photos professionally taken,” Summers said.

“They could actually send those to us,

Mazel Tov JORDAN BERKOVITZ Bachelor of Arts, Summa Cum Laude with Honors in Arts and Sciences

and we could apply those to the elements of the room. So the bars, different tower signage like a divider panel or something. We can implement those photographs for the graduates in the space. Or we could also take wherever they’ve graduated from or where they’re headed next and import some of those themes into the event space.”

StoneWater would be an example of one of those event spaces. Neidus said there’s a few differences in how they structure graduation parties as opposed to something like a wedding or corporate event.

“With college grad parties, they’re doing it as an open house structure,” Neidus said. “So when they put the invitation out, it’s ‘Hey, stop by from 3 to 6.’ That way, not all of the guest’s attendees are in one place at the same time. So, that really helps right off the bat to spread people out. People come, they say hi, maybe they grab a bite to eat and then they leave. Whereas corporate events or weddings, everybody comes at the same time and they leave primarily at the same time. So, that’s a really good way to kind of spread it out.”

Neidus said she often feels the appreciation from the host and their

Congratulations

family during events like this.

“Typically, there’s comments made throughout the event from the guests, as well as the host,” Neidus said. “‘This is so nice, everybody feels great.’ I mean we’re constantly getting feedback during this event. But once we’re loading up everything for the host, it’s really at that point when they just reflect and say, ‘I couldn’t have done this better in my wildest dreams,so you exceeded all of our expectations.’”

As far as Marbella’s role in a party, Summers said its themes add a “customized” feel to an event.

“Especially for graduation, it’s a big part of a family’s life and they probably have spent a considerable amount on the photography that they have already received,” Summers said. “And a lot of times, that’s displayed in a small little area of the event. But if we could do something that was more interesting for their guests, nobody else would ever have the same bar or the same environment as they would. And they would be able to display those beautiful images in a much more creative and larger scale way.”

B"H

ASHLEY CANTOR

Bachelor of Science in Integrated Studies Concentration: Library and Information Science

traditions of Judaism "Where the Joys and are COOL and FUN!"

We are so proud of you.

Your future looks so bright!

Love you, Gram and Pops (Vera and Ron Dombcik)

The Ohio State University

Ashley, you are one of the most determined and resilient individuals we know. We could not be prouder of you and this accomplishment.

You have already proven to be an amazing librarian. Success awaits.

We love you no matter what!

Love, Mom, Dad, Marni and Kyle

Clarion University

For More Information & Registration Website: Chabadfamilycenter.org/HebrewSchool E-mail: Chaya@chabadfamilycenter.org Phone: (440) 821-2080 *picture taken pre-covid

44 | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | CJN.ORG

GALLERY OF GRADS

MAY 28, 2021

Personal touch can go long way with graduation gifts ALEX KRUTCHIK | STAFF REPORTER @AlexKrutchikCJN akrutchik@cjn.org |

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igh school graduations are a time to celebrate for a many reasons. Not only did a student accomplish their goal of graduating, but they are also moving on to their next stage in life and possibly moving away from home. There are many different ways families and friends can celebrate this achievement, both with gifts and with experiences.

Leslie Kammer, general manager of Wood Trader Framing in Cleveland Heights, and Rita Sachs, owner of Mulholland and Sachs in Woodmere, both offer an array of ways to send congratulations to a recent or upcoming graduate.

Fortunately, Sachs said the overall mood this year is a lot better than it was last year, when many seniors were graduating in the midst of a pandemic.

There is a lot more optimism and certainty this year.

“Nobody knew what was happening with school,” Sachs said. “And so, we even had two seniors working for us. Not only had they not been in school, but they had no festivities. This year, people are walking in, and they’re having small

Kammer

Sachs

parties, or they’re having graduations at open venues. And everybody’s attitude is so relaxed in comparison. People are in a better mood. They’re happy to be out.”

Sachs’ store sells products for all occasions, including graduates. This year, they are selling products such as jewelry cases that you could put in your drawer at school, carry cases or tumblers with your college’s name. They are also selling the poem, “The Hill We Climb” by Amanda Gorman, who spoke at the 2021 presidential inauguration.

Kammer’s store makes customized diplomas and photo framing. While a standard frame may not include a frame mat, or might be a plain color, custom frames can have designs such as college colors of the graduate’s school on them. She said this makes it more of

a presentation and makes the frame feel more personal.

“Some people have given us a ribbon to use across the corner, and we’re able to use a little fancier frame once we’ve made it look more important picking out the color and matting it,” Kammer said.

“We’re able to maybe put a gold frame on it, silver, or maybe a black frame with a liner. And just to make it look a little artsy and a little more important than just a piece of paper.”

Whether a person wants to hang their degree in their room or their office, adding a customized frame to it can add a personal touch to the accomplishment.

“I think the custom frame really makes you feel like ‘I did something. It’s not just a piece of paper representing that I finished, but I really accomplished something,’” Kammer said. “I think it represents the work, and maybe brings back more feelings and emotions of ‘Oh my gosh, I really worked hard for this for four years and I deserve to have this look nice.’ And when they look at it, they want to remember their fond memories of the work of the school.”

Meanwhile, the gifts at Mulholland and Sachs can’t only remind a person of their accomplishments, but also feel like a piece of home they can take wherever

Congratulations

Congratulations

ARI KANTIN

JULIA MARKS Beachwood High School

Photo by Hilliary Photography

Solon High School

“I think the custom frame really makes you feel like ‘I did something.

It’s not just a piece of paper representing that I finished, but I really accomplished something.’”

Leslie Kammer they move to after high school.

“I think it’s a little identity issue when they go away to an unknown place with other unknown friends,” Sachs said. “They want to claim some kind of an identity. So, if they have a favorite team name or a favorite city or location, or if they’ve gone to Hawaii, or some other favorite trip, it could spark conversation. Whatever they put in their room that says something, can start conversation.”

Congratulations JESSICA MONAHAN Beachwood High School

Julia, You have made the whole family proud of your hard work and dedication.

We love you so much!

Jessica, Congratulations on everything you have accomplished.

Our hearts are so full of love and pride!

Love, Mom, Dad and Matthew

Mom, Dad, Ally, Ryan and Johnny

Love always, Mom, Dad & Alissa

Miami University

Tulane University

We are so proud of you Ari! We know you will have a fabulous time at Miami University.

Miami University

GALLERY OF GRADS

MAY 28, 2021

CJN.ORG | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | 45

Mazel Tov SHAINA MALKA SHIFMAN Fuchs Mizrachi School

Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor and Madeline Friedman, 13, share a moment at Laurel School in Shaker Heights during O’Connor’s visit to speak there at Maddie’s invitation. | Photos / Laurel School

Seventh grader’s speaker series lands Supreme Court justice JANE KAUFMAN | STAFF REPORTER @jkaufmanCJN jkaufman@cjn.org |

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or Madeline Friedman, the new normal of quarantine during the COVID-19 pandemic offered the perfect platform to start a speakers series at Laurel School.

Maddie, 13, and a seventh grader at Laurel School in Shaker Heights, said she was inspired to initiate the series by her mother, Hilary M. Stone, Kent State University School of Fashion’s industry liaison and internship director. Stone often arranges to have speakers at Kent State in Kent.

“I knew with Zoom there were just so many things possible,” Maddie told the Cleveland Jewish News May 19. “I thought, why not?”

Maddie’s father is Ian Friedman, a local attorney. Rounding out the family are Maddie’s two younger brothers, Gabriel, 6, and Emmitt, 3.

She took on the project as a function of student government, of which she is vice president. Maddie said she hoped the stories of the women invited would inspire the allgirls student body. She invited Carol Salus, an art historian, to be the first in the series, who gave her talk virtually.

The second in the lineup was Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor.

Much to Maddie’s surprise, the chief justice offered to present in person May 18, just as restrictions from the COVID-19 pandemic began to be loosened statewide.

While the presentation was still offered virtually to upper school students, 95 students in grades six through eight attended O’Connor’s talk in Laurel’s chapel on campus, along with several faculty members and a few high school students.

Fifth graders watched from Laurel’s Butler Campus in Novelty.

The live presentation meant Maddie

Congratulations Shaina!

Sending big congratulations to a graduate we’re so very proud of. Even though some of us will miss seeing you in your cap and gown, we would never miss this chance to tell you we’re proud of you.

The Safirstein and Shifman Families

Aardvark Israel and Syracuse University

Students at Laurel School in Shaker Heights listen to Ohio Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor as she speaks about her path to the bench.

had the responsibility of delivering the introduction in person to students, detailing facts of O’Connor’s biography. She also presented O’Connor with a green bag of gifts at the end of the presentation.

Maddie, who became bat mitzvah at B’nai Jeshurun Congregation in Pepper Pike in December 2020, said she felt arranging the series dovetailed with key concepts in Judaism such as sharing knowledge, growth and values.

She volunteered at the Friendship Circle of Cleveland in Pepper Pike for her bat mitzvah project, and coordinated online dance classes with staff from Cleveland City Dance for students involved at Friendship Circle.

Maddie said she hopes to become a pediatric surgeon because she loves children and is “fascinated with the world of medicine.”

Arranging the speakers series, she said, has helped her develop confidence.

“I think I’ve really been able to grow in my communication skills and writing emails and being able to ask for visits,” she said. “We’ve only had two so far this year.

But hopefully I can do this next year.”

Mazel Tov ABIGAIL MEITAL SHIFMAN Fuchs Mizrachi School

Congratulations Abby!

Start each day believing in your dreams. Know without a doubt that you were made for great things.

We wish all of us could be with you to celebrate you.

The Safirstein and Shifman Families

Machon Maayan and Binghamton University

46 | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | CJN.ORG

MAY 28, 2021

GALLERY OF GRADS

Kowit named KSU Hillel student board president BECKY RASPE | STAFF REPORTER @BeckyRaspeCJN braspe@cjn.org |

K

Congratulations RACHEL KRANTZ

Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders

ent State University Hillel named Zoe Kowit Kowit, a 2018 Solon High School graduate, as the incoming student board president for the 2021-22 school year.

The 21-year-old senior lives in Kent but grew up in Solon and attended The TempleTifereth Israel in Beachwood, where she became a bat mitzvah Kowit and was Confirmed before her parents moved to Columbus.

Majoring in deaf education, Kowit served as the 2020-21 vice president of engagement before being appointed president.

Adam Hirsh, executive director of Kent State Hillel, said they’re “very excited” to have Kowit lead the estimated 1,000 Jewish students on campus using her “energetic and thoughtful” leadership qualities.

“Zoe is an energetic, thoughtful leader of her peers with a proven track record of impact on campus,” he said. “We are thankful to Zoe and all our student leaders for choosing to dedicate their time to strengthening the Jewish community. We congratulate Zoe and her entire family on this well-deserved role.”

CJN: What makes you most excited about the new role?

Kowit: It gives me so much joy to take on this honor and represent the community.

Leadership is something that I’ve always been interested in. I love showing people the right way, gathering and leading. I love supporting people in any way I can. Taking on this role, especially being on the board this past year, gave me the insight that I love working with a team. I wanted to go to the next step and help my board feel the

experiences I felt with the previous board.

CJN: How do you plan to lead the student board?

Kowit: One big thing that is different than other years is COVID-19. We weren’t in person at all this year. Next year, that will change. The biggest thing I see with that is how we can expand more on welcoming people back in. One of my biggest ideas is bringing a whole tour of our facility, of our staff members and the whole community, just making it more welcoming and open.

Especially for current and incoming students who didn’t get that opportunity.

CJN: How do you think your previous role prepared you for this?

Kowit: Serving in that role, I worked very closely with the student board, my engagement community and the staff at Hillel and other Jewish leaders on campus.

It made me feel like I belonged. I feel that it was a necessary next step for me. I loved the position so much and wanted to do more to continue that leadership.

CJN: How does Judaism connect to your desire to be involved?

Kowit: I always saw myself as a motivator, someone who wants to put people and myself out there, which was something I had difficulty with while growing up. Once I felt comfortable and felt good in that area, and Hillel made me feel comfortable in those aspects, I wanted to give back to my community as much as I could. It’s about making sure everyone else feels welcome and not afraid to be engaged.

CJN: How has Hillel impacted your college experience and your life?

Kowit: I am not involved in Greek life or other student organizations, so I feel like it has impacted my college life. I felt so at home and welcomed into the community right away. It’s something I want to give back to and share my love and make sure everyone else feels the same way.

KSU Hillel student board for 2021-22 school year

You go after your goals and shoot for the stars.

Continue to shine as you pursue your Doctor of Audiology degree though the Northeast Ohio Audiology Consortium.

Keep loving all that you do. We’re so proud of you!

Name

Position

Class

Hometown

Zoe Kowit

President

Senior

Solon

Jeremy Cohen

Vice president of finance

Junior

New York City

Jocelyn Feldman

Vice president of engagement

Senior

Solon

Michael Snyder

Co-vice president of social action

Junior

Louisville, Ky.

Anna Yefimov

Co-vice president of social action

Senior

Solon

Evan Wolfson

Vice president of first year students

Sophomore

Buffalo, N.Y.

Abigail Zied

Vice president of Jewish holidays

Sophomore

Springboro, Ohio

Lauren Miller

Immediate past president

Senior

Solon

Mom, Dad & Adam

Ohio University

GALLERY OF GRADS

CJN.ORG | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | 47

MAY 28, 2021

Levine Daniel receives IUPUI O’Neill School faculty of year award BECKY RASPE | STAFF REPORTER @BeckyRaspeCJN braspe@cjn.org |

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ative Clevelander Jamie Levine Daniel, an assistant professor at Indiana UniversityPurdue University Indianapolis’ Paul H. O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs, received the inaugural “Faculty of the Year Award” from IUPUI’S Office of Diversity, Equity Levine Daniel & Inclusion Student Leadership Awards on April 1.

“It was a surprise,” said Levine Daniel, who became a bat mitzvah at Park Synagogue in Pepper Pike and Cleveland Heights. “I still have trouble putting it into words. This means the world because I work hard. I teach a lot of intro classes at both the graduate and undergraduate levels. We have to teach the basics, the things that everyone expects students to walk away with an understanding of.”

Levine Daniel graduated from Brush High School in Lyndhurst in 1998, and received her undergraduate degree from American University in Washington, D.C., in 2002, and an MBA in 2008 and a Ph.D. in 2014 from The Ohio State University in Columbus.

The 40-year-old educator grew up in Lyndhurst and University Heights, and is the daughter of the late Les Levine, Cleveland sports personality and longtime Cleveland Jewish News sports columnist, who died in February.

Levine Daniel, who now lives in Indianapolis with husband, Elan, said she only found out about the honor a week before the awards ceremony.

She received the student nominated award alongside her colleague Cullen Merritt, associate professor, director of the undergraduate honors program at IUPUI. Thinking about the curriculum she teaches, which centers on policy and public administration, Levine Daniel said it’s meaningful to know students are leaving class feeling compelled to give positive feedback.

“Our students will be our nonprofit leaders, public affairs leaders and work on public policy,” she said. “Even if they never work for public or nonprofit organizations, they are affected by policy and public administration every

Mazel Tov ASHLEIGH ROSEN Marietta High School

The work is reflected negatively, so having motivated students or at least one to write a nomination on my behalf – that’s very meaningful.

Jamie Levine Daniel day. So, having that critical lens, being able to represent a diverse constituency and work in diverse communities, being able to deliver public and nonprofit services, working with a diverse staff and volunteer corps in increasingly diverse communities – being recognized for doing this work and talking about it is important.”

Levine Daniel said the award validates her work, knowing that students value the curriculum and discussions that arise.

“Oftentimes, I say that I am Jewish and am openly Jewish in my class, but, I’m white and I’ve got a lot of privilege,” she said. “I recognize the people who can’t necessarily hide their identities do even more of this work and carry even more of this burden. But for those of us who have these conversations in our classrooms, often it comes back to us negatively. In student evaluations, people are uncomfortable or think we have a bias or don’t see why we have to talk about it or they flat out disagree. ...

The work is reflected negatively, so having motivated students or at least one to write a nomination on my behalf – that’s very meaningful.”

Levine Daniel said she will use the recognition to push her forward and constantly do better as an educator.

“I hope this motivates me to keep creating an environment where students want to be, where they can ask uncomfortable questions, to expect answers and hold us accountable,” she said. “I never want students to feel personally attacked or inadequate. I want them to feel uncomfortable and to poke at their values, but I don’t set out to change minds. I want students to think about why they believe in things.

It’s to make sure that you have a more informed approach to what you’re doing – to be an engaged citizen in their communities.”

Congratulations Ashleigh!

We’re so proud of you and excited for the next chapter in your life.

Love, Dad and Brett

Washington State Community College

48 | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | CJN.ORG

MAY 28, 2021

GALLERY OF GRADS

Solon, Beachwood juniors elected BBYO ONR presidents

Mazel Tov EVIN BROMBERG

McKENNA KENNA CORSON | STAFF REPORTER @McKenna8989 mcorson@cjn.org |

Orange High School

H Congratulations Evin.

We are so proud of you and we love you!

First Bromberg Buckeye Continuing the Ginis Buckeye Tradition.

Mom, Dad, Noah, Jules, Izzy

The Ohio State University, Scholars Program

Congratulations MADDIE KANTIN

Photo by Hilliary Photography

Solon High School

Best of luck Maddie in the Early Childhood Education program at Kent State University.

We are so excited for you!

Love, Mom, Dad and Matthew

Kent State University

igh school students from Beachwood and Solon were elected as BBYO Ohio Northern Region’s 36th regional board presidents during its election April 25.

Ben Garfield, a 17-year-old junior at Solon High School in Solon, was elected godol of the Aleph Zadik Aleph BBYO ONR Board, and Ellie Mayers, a 16-year-old junior at Beachwood High School in Beachwood, was elected n’siah of the B’nai B’rith Girls BBYO ONR Board, with both positions spanning a one-year term into 2022.

The Ohio Northern Region of BBYO is available to teenagers in eighth to 12th grade across Cleveland, Akron, Canton, Youngstown and Toledo. Members take part in programming and events created by teenage leaders in order to connect the region’s Jewish population and present opportunities for varied skill development.

Becoming regional board president served as a lifetime achievement for Ben and Ellie, who have both been BBYO members since eighth grade and climbed leadership ranks from their local chapters to the regional board.

“To be a part of the other 35 godols is a really big deal to anyone who wants to run,” said Ben, a member of The Temple-Tifereth Israel in Beachwood. “It was just great, because I reflected on everything that I’ve done for the past four years. I don’t know how, but I’m thankful for how I got here.”

The two were elected during BBYO ONR’s annual convention held in a hybrid virtual/in-person fashion on Zoom and the Hiram House Camp in Moreland Hills April 22 to April 25.

BBYO ONR senior regional director Lindsey Rosenberg explained the election process as spanning about eight weeks where hopeful candidates running for one of six AZA and BBG board positions interview with staff and parents, undergo an application process, create a vision statement, answer questions, prepare a speech and platform and campaign during the regional convention.

AZA and BBG chapters are given a certain number of votes per chapter size, and the 13 teen-led chapters representing 600 teens across the region vote on the board positions.

This year, 88 teens across numerous chapters were present at the convention and participated in the election.

As regional board presidents, Rosenberg explained it’s Ben and Ellie’s job to oversee the rest of the regional board, lead the region through its 2021 to 2022 programming year and help make decisions on programming and local initiatives.

“Really, we say they’re the face of Ohio Northern Region BBYO for that year that they’re in office,” Rosenberg said.

When it came to their decisions to run, Ben and Ellie cited COVID-19 as an igniting force, as they both saw the pandemic’s impact on the organization and its members.

Ben’s platform highlighted restoring BBYO ONR to its level of success he saw prior to burnout caused by the pandemic.

“We have to ensure stability everywhere in BBYO, because a lot of people kind of gave up this year,” Ben said.

“The other seniors in our region and I don’t want to move on without having a sense of relief because we know that the region’s in good hands.”

Ellie’s platform tackled changes to BBG recruitment, an expansion of Judaic programming and community service,

Garfield

Mayers

Rosenberg

AZA BBYO ONR 36th Regional Board

Godol: (President) Ben Garfield, Solon High School S’gan: (Vice President, Programming) Ethan Dobres, Solon High School Moreh: (Vice President, Membership) Adam Hollander, Shaker Heights High School Shaliach: (Vice President, Jewish Enrichment) Kobi Einhorn, Beachwood High School Mazkir: (Secretary) Dylan Kay, Beachwood High School Gizbor: (Treasurer) Simon Mendelsohn, Shaker Heights High School

BBG BBYO ONR 36th Regional Board

Nsiah: (President) Ellie Mayers, Beachwood High School Sganit: (Vice President, Programming) Sydney Burkons, Beachwood High School Aym-Cha Haverot: (Vice President, Membership) Hailey Weisberg, Solon High School Shlicha: (Vice President, Jewish Enrichment) Rachel Glazer, Orange High School Mazkirah: (Secretary) Jamie Marderstein, Laurel School Gizborit: (Treasurer) Taylor Silverstein, Orange High School and reform necessary to make the region more inclusive and accessible to all Jewish teens.

She stressed including gender inclusive language in BBG’s constitution, creating programming that matches everyone’s abilities and interests, establishing a system for recruitment with expanded chapter visibility and increased social action and service work targeting climate change.

“BBYO is a pluralistic organization, and I want to make sure that in the Jewish programming and Judaic events and services that we do, we keep that in mind and make sure that people from every sect of Judaism feels like they have a place here,” said Ellie, a member of Park Synagogue in Pepper Pike and Cleveland Heights.

When the election results were revealed, Ellie and Ben felt palpable excitement and pride.

“You have to keep a straight face, but deep down, it was like all my work paid off,” Ellie said.

Rosenberg said she looks forward to working with Ben and Ellie for their last year of BBYO after having watched them grow and find their voices over the past few years.

“They’re both very bright, smart, active teens, very deserving of their roles as president and passionate about BBYO,” Rosenberg said. “Both are excellent leaders and are really good at knowing when to lead and when to take a step back and let others lead.”

GALLERY OF GRADS

MAY 28, 2021

OSU offers many options for students to live Jewishly on campus “Jewish growth is a MIRIAM SEGALOFF | CONTRIBUTOR columbuseditorial@cjn.org

A

ccording to Hillel International, about 3,000 Jewish students attend The Ohio State University in Columbus. For some of them, packing for college includes bringing with them their Jewish practice and identity.

Fortunately for those students, there are a number of Deitsch Jewish organizations on or near campus ready and waiting to help them unpack.

“Anything and everything a Jewish student might need when they are away from home, we offer,” Sarah Deitsch, director of Schwartz operations at the Schottenstein Chabad House at The Ohio State University in Columbus, told the Cleveland Jewish News.

That is a sentiment shared by the Ohio State University Hillel.

“It’s a real no brainer to participate in Jewish life on campus,” said Rabbi Ilan Schwartz, Hillel’s assistant director.

Both organizations offer a variety of on-campus programs and events, including Shabbat and holiday services and meals, classes, leadership opportunities, social events and one-on-one pastoral support. Deitsch and Schwartz said they try to connect with students at a developmentally appropriate level.

“We provide Jewish students with the opportunity to continue their Jewish lives or develop them further once they get to school,” said Schwartz. “We give Jewish students the tools they need to take the next steps and create a Judaism that is authentic to them.”

There are also options for Jewish students beyond the OSU campus, such as the Columbus Community Kollel in Bexley, a suburb of Columbus, which offers classes, discussions, trips and social events.

“Jewish growth is a perpetual process that each student, emerging from their unique Jewish background, must develop at their own pace,” Kollel

perpetual process that each student, emerging from their unique Jewish background, must develop at their own pace.”

Rabbi Yaakov Kirschbaum

Rabbi Yaakov Kirschbaum said. “We are committed to offering guidance and opportunities at each step of a student’s personal Jewish journey.

Whether you’re a person who thrives in social settings, among a small group of peers or prefers quality one-on-one conversation, you’ll feel right at home.”

Deitsch, Schwartz and Kirschbaum all believe a student’s Jewish identity matures and often solidifies as they grow into young adults, practicing Judaism at a higher level than they may have in the past.

“It’s more sophisticated Judaism,” Deitsch said. “We are aware they are growing up and maturing in different parts of their lives. There is no reason their Judaism can’t do the same. We provide something more thoughtful and challenging, something they can sink their teeth into and get a really good taste of Judaism.”

Regardless of what kind of background students come from or what spiritual views they bring with them, these organizations can add to students’ college experiences.

“Everyone is accepted on their own level,” Deitsch said. “It’s not about pressure to become more observant. It’s about educating yourself to make good choices. Now is their opportunity to learn and discuss and delve more deeply into Judaism so they can choose what their Jewish life is going to look like.”

Kirschbaum said, “Our goal is to inspire a life-long love affair with Jewish learning and inspired living.

Whether a person comes from a more- or less-developed background, everyone is encouraged to put this time in their lives into perspective: As much as it’s a time of friends, studying and career, it’s a time when many major directions in our lives are set.”

Miriam Segaloff is a freelance writer from Gahanna.

CJN.ORG | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | 49

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Mazel Tov HANNAH PERLICK

Bachelors of Science in Communications and Rhetorical Studies with a focus on Marketing

Your family is overwhelmed by your overall performance in all areas at Syracuse!

Great job , we love a special Angel!

Mom, Dad, Max, Catz, Dusko and Rocco

Syracuse University

50 | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | CJN.ORG

MAY 28, 2021

GALLERY OF GRADS

Mazel Tov MALLORY CHYLLA

Photo by Hilliary Photography

Beachwood High School

Congratulations Mallory!

We’re so proud of you and excited for your next adventure.

“On, Wisconsin!”

Love, Mom, Dad, Zach, Lucy & Brody

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Mazel Tov SYDNEY ADELSTEIN

Master of Science in Nursing/Nurse Practitioner

We are so happy for you on this outstanding achievement!

You have made us incredibly proud! As you move forward, we hope you take all that you have learned and use it to make all your dreams come true. Congrats, Syd! We love you so much.

Love, Dad, Mom, Jeremy & Avery

Ursuline College

Charles F. Brush High School in Lyndhurst completed its fourth renovation, the first since the 1970-80s, in February, bringing upgrades to a number of areas in the approximately 300,000-square-foot school.

It opened in 1927. | CJN Photo / Becky Raspe

Brush High renovation has students ‘in awe’ BECKY RASPE | STAFF REPORTER @BeckyRaspeCJN braspe@cjn.org |

C

harles F. Brush High School finished its fourth renovation in February, since its opening in 1927. With no new renovations or additions since the 1970s, the approximately 300,000-square-foot school at 4875 Glenlyn Road in Lyndhurst now boasts an upgraded second-floor gymnasium, upgraded library and media center, additional student spaces and flexible seating, a new student Wi-Fi cafe and school spirit store, an innovation lab, updated athletic department locker rooms and numerous murals across the campus.

The $8.1 million renovations, which began in December 2019, addresses 45,000 square feet of the school.

The project was funded through a permanent improvement levy first passed by Lyndhurst residents in 2001.

“Collaborative learning spaces, enhanced lighting and the creation of natural lighting, a completely renovated media center, innovation lab, east gymnasium and more are all part of the renovation,” Superintendent Linda N. Reid told the Cleveland Jewish News in an emailed statement. “With an aim to offer Brush High students with the finest learning amenities and state-ofthe-art learning experience.”

Principal Karl Williamson said the biggest challenge to bring Brush High School into the 21st century came with adding in much-needed student-friendly

spaces.

“We wanted to get something done for our kids so that we could compete,” said Williamson, who is in his seventh year as principal. “We wanted to make our facilities enticing and match what our kids deserve. We wanted to make sure our facilities reflect 21st-century learning. It’s 2021 and we’re finally there, 21 years into the new century. So, it’s no longer new – but for us, it’s a new look, a new way, a new attitude, a new newness that is exciting for our kids.”

With some finishing touches left, Williamson said he is “really looking forward” to having all of the students return to campus. The students have been in the building this school year amid the COVID-19 pandemic, starting the school year online for nine weeks and going hybrid in November 2020.

By the third quarter, many of the 1,083 students had returned to the campus with COVID-19 precautions in place. According to the South Euclid Lyndhurst City School District, Jewish students account for 10% of the total district enrollment. The school district serves South Euclid, Lyndhurst and a portion of Richmond Heights.

Major parts of the renovation include the innovation lab and STEM lab, which features space for the school’s awardwinning robotics team, 3-D printing capabilities and new computers.

“Those are key areas that our students need exposure to because they

BRUSH | 51

GALLERY OF GRADS

CJN.ORG | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | 51

MAY 28, 2021

Mazel Tov MATTHEW STOVSKY Bachelor of Science - Cum Laude Marketing Major, Entrepreneurship and Innovation Minor

The new innovation lab at Charles F. Brush High School, which features 3-D printing software and space for the school’s robotics team to build and test their creations. | CJN Photos / Becky Raspe

Charles F. Brush High School principal Karl Williamson describes the changes made to the lobby of the school.

Renovations were completed in February.

Matt, We are so proud of you and everything you’ve accomplished!

Love, Mom, Dad, Lexi, Tyler, Bailey, and Harper

The Ohio State University Fisher College of Business B"H

One of the school’s many new murals.

MINI GAN IZZY

A major renovation went into the school library, featuring new lighting, seating, technology upgrades, collaborative space and multipurpose space.

BRUSH | 50 are getting ready to walk out of Brush High School when they graduate to compete globally,” Williamson said. “We’re giving them the materials, space, the opportunities to have it here so that way when they go out there, it’s not the first time they’re learning to compete. So, we updated our facilities to match what we have to prepare our kids for.”

When revealing the changes to students, Williamson said senior photos were hosted in the cafeteria deliberately so students would have to walk through the building.

“Students were in awe that this is their school,” he said. “We’ve also had past classes come back from 2019 and 2020, and they’re asking why we didn’t do the renovations while they were here. The amenities, this is better than some college campuses. It’s been very positive.”

As part of the district’s 2023 strategic plan, Williamson said many of the changes were not only made to increase school security, like a dual safety door entrance at the front of the building and dedicated parking for visitors, but to also modernize the school and give it a more cohesive look.

Gauging reactions from previous tours and throughout the construction process, Williamson said

he originally had issues with the vision – struggling with the destruction of the old and the plans for the new.

“I saw what the projection looked like on the maps and the rendering showed this is what it was going to look like, yet it doesn’t look like anything we envisioned,” he said. “My original response after the fact was, ‘Wow I’d love for my sons to come to a school like this, that they deserve the opportunity to be in this building.’”

As Brush High School moves into its future, Williamson said any more upgrades will be easy to complete. Additionally, the school’s first commencement on campus in decades will be held June 9 at Korb Field.

“The spaces we have built with these renovations are going to be flexible,” he said. “Whatever our technical need is down the road, space will allow that to occur. Technology is always going to be upgraded, and we have the space for that. We will just continue to grow with the need. It’s all about being collaborative.”

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52 | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | CJN.ORG

MAY 28, 2021

LEC graduate pledges $1 million to college

NEOMED graduates 229 in virtual ceremony

life ever since.”

Ellis has devoted much of her life to education, serving as both a teacher and college professor dedicated to preparing the educators of tomorrow.

Lake Erie College President Brian D. Posler said the pledge is impactful in many ways.

“Sue has been a dedicated leader on the board of directors since 2017,” Posler said in the release.

Showing off their school spirit

Orange High School seniors from left, Jacob Askari, Jason Kornbluth, Samuel Baker, Greg Beard, Joshua Leonard, Cali Erb, and Zakariya Basharat donned their college shirts for the final day of high school classes and reminisced around a collage of photos dating back 13 years. | Submitted photo

N

ortheast Ohio Medical University in Rootstown conferred 229 degrees upon Ohio’s newest doctors of medicine, doctors of pharmacy, and other health professionals during a virtual ceremony held May 1 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

A theme voiced throughout the event was the need for transformational leaders in health care – a cornerstone of the university’s mission.

“Today, we are all witnessing a graduating class that represents the future of health care,” said Dr. John T. Langell, president of NEOMED, in a news release. “Leaders who will improve outcome, access and value. Leaders who may be called upon to respond to the next global pandemic, for history has shown us that it is a certainty that COVID-19 will not be the last pandemic we will face. I want to share with all of you, our newly minted pharmacists, doctors and scientists, that we feel both confident and comforted as we head into an unknown future, that NEOMED’s own are up to the task.”

The theme of leadership was also addressed by keynote speaker Dr. Cliff Megerian, CEO of University Hospitals in Cleveland, who noted new graduates will need to be leaders while also delivering care that is honest, accurate, transparent and compassionate.

“The art of medicine is what people will remember when they interact with you,” Megerian said in his address to NEOMED’s class of 2021. “They will remember most how you made them feel. You have the opportunity to make it a great memory.”

Following the speakers, degrees were conferred upon graduates of the College of Medicine, the College of Pharmacy, and the College of Graduate Studies. Names of the graduates were read individually, followed by a live video feed of the student as they excitedly celebrated with loved ones. Students found ways to personalize their moment in the spotlight with signs, banners, confetti, and plenty of cheering and hugs to commemorate the milestone.

Congratulations

Congratulations

ZACH RITZENBERG

SHAINA ROOD, DO

Beachwood High School

Here comes ZacInDaBox! Jazz Studies Major Love Brian, Adam, Faith, Isabelle, Olivia, Nicole....

Max and Delilah, too!

Kent State University

Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine

Congratulations Shaina Rood, DO on your graduation from Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine.

Best of luck as you begin your Family Medicine Residency at OhioHealth Grant Medical Center in Columbus, Ohio. We are very proud of you!

Mark, Robin, Shelley, Scott and Elijah, Rachel and Dan, Sarah and David

Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Congratulations EMMA LENSON Orange High School

Photo by Orange High School

A Lake Erie College alumnus and board member has made a pledge totaling $1 million to the Painesville college.

Suzanne Schoedinger Ellis earned her undergraduate degree in elementary education in 1959 and obtained her master’s of education degree in 1987, both from Lake Erie College.

“I was a transfer student to Lake Erie College, but a group of classmates took me in and made me feel welcome,” Ellis said in a news release. “LEC has been a big part of my

GALLERY OF GRADS

Congratulations Emma!

We’re so proud of you!

Get ready to “Anchor Down!” at Vandy!

Love, Mimi, Mom, Dad, Owen, Dylan & Sally

Vanderbilt University

GALLERY OF GRADS

MAY 28, 2021

Miciak named president of John Carroll University

A

John Carroll University

lan R. Miciak, executive vice president and former dean of the Boler College of Business at John Carroll University in University Heights, will become the university’s 26th president June 1.

Miciak will succeed Michael D. Johnson, who became president in Miciak May 2018.

Miciak brings with him nearly 20 years of Catholic higher education leadership. He first joined JCU as the John M. Boler dean of the Boler College of Business in 2015, where he encouraged enrollment growth, strategic investment and program innovation, according to a news release.

“The board saw in Dr. Miciak a unique opportunity to engage a highlyqualified new leader from within who has a proven track record at John Carroll to steer the university through the next stage of its transformation,” Bill Donnelly, chair of the John Carroll board of directors, said in the release.

“Working closely with Michael, Al has shown a clear vision and plan for propelling the university to 2050 and beyond with a renewed focus on the student experience.”

Through Miciak’s leadership and efforts, the Boler College of Business developed new programs and facilities spanning its schools and departments, and secured three significant naming gifts, part of $25 million raised in the college’s Inspired Lives campaign.

As dean, he highlighted increased collaboration between the university’s business program and college of arts and sciences, the release said. His efforts led to initiatives like interdisciplinary entrepreneurship collaborations in STEM and social ventures, and the expansion of pathways for fifth years to the MBA program.

Miciak also pushed for a greater

“As president, my single focus will be to ensure each student receives the right mix of academic challenge, experiential opportunity and personal formation.”

Alan R. Miciak

demand of JCU graduates, with Bloomberg Businessweek recognizing the university’s reputation for career preparedness as the best in the country.

JCU graduates also had a 77.1% pass rate for first-time CPA exam takers in 2019, making the school first in Ohio and 27th for large programs nationally.

“As president, my single focus will be to ensure each student receives the right mix of academic challenge, experiential opportunity and personal formation,” Miciak said in the release.

“I look forward to working with our outstanding faculty, staff and the entire John Carroll community to put our full focus on the well-being and success of our students.”

When Miciak assumes his role as president, Johnson will remain as a professor in the Boler College of Business’ department of management, marketing and supply chain through his 2021-22 academic year sabbatical.

Johnson started as a professor in the business college at the same time he became president.

Throughout his years at JCU, Johnson served as a professor, dean, provost and president. He cited the time spent learning and collaborating with students and academic colleagues as his most rewarding experience, which he hopes to continue after leaving as president.

“I have greatly enjoyed my time at John Carroll University and am proud of everything we have accomplished,” Johnson said the release. “As I turn my attention to new and exciting opportunities, I can’t think of a better person to transition leadership to than Al Miciak. Al’s leadership has been integral to the success of the Boler College of Business and John Carroll University, and we are fortunate to have a leader of his caliber take the helm.”

Johnson spent his years as president focusing on the university’s academic accreditations, fundraising, success through COVID-19, cost restructuring and the student body to identify capital projects and improve facilities vital to students, the release said.

“Michael Johnson’s leadership has shown the way through a time of significant change in higher education,” Miciak said in the release. “The quality and value of a John Carroll education remains excellent, as the great success of our alumni demonstrates. I am thankful for having the opportunity to work with Michael and am humbled by the faith that the board has shown in me to lead this great institution toward an even better future.”

CJN.ORG | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | 53

Mazal Tov class of

2 21 ATTENDING THE FOLLOWING HIGH SCHOOLS: Beachwood, Solon, Mayfield, Fuchs Mizrachi, Cleveland Heights

Back row: Dominick Kravchenko, David Mardakhayev, Avi Saidel, Isaac Gorodeski, and Charles Stadlin Front row: Jude Landes, Elijah Kriwinsky, Maurice Kaplan, Jonathan Sosonov, Alex Messeloff, and Kiva Jacobs

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE GROSS SCHECHTER CLASS OF 2017 ENTERING THESE COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES: Kent State University, Ohio State University, Case Western University, Lehigh University, Miami University, University of Pennsylvania, University of Cincinnati, George Washington University, Cleveland State University, Washington University – St. Louis, Gap Year Programs in Israel: Young Judea and Magen David Adom

Mazel Tov ETHAN HOLZ

Beachwood High School

We are so proud of you and cannot wait to see everything you are going to accomplish at WashU! Your future is bright!

Love, Mom, Dad, Raya and Jude

Washington University in St. Louis

54 | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | CJN.ORG

MAY 28, 2021

GALLERY OF GRADS

Purdue seeks inaugural Ringel Engagement Associate

P

urdue University’s Hillel has added a new position to its team – the Ringel Engagement Associate.

Named after longtime Purdue University professional, the late professor Robert Ringel, father of Mark Ringel of Pepper Pike, the role will be filled by an early-career Gen Z professional, according to a news release.

The candidate will participate as a member of the Purdue Hillel leadership team in the collaboration, implementation, assessment and ideation of all worship and programming, developing and mentoring cohorts of students along affinity groups like LGBTQ+, students in Greek life, athletes, STEM and others. They will also mentor semester-long paid student interns, develop one-on-one relationships with Jewish students by meeting them where they live, work and/or study.

While at Purdue University, Ringel served as assistant professor in the department of audiology and speech sciences; professor and head of the department of audiology and speech sciences; dean of the school of humanities, social sciences and education; vice president and dean of the graduate school; and executive vice president for academic affairs.

According to the release, Ringel was dedicated to his students throughout his career, as he continued to teach undergraduate classroom and mentor doctoral candidates every year until his death in 2006. Ringel also served as a member of Purdue Hillel’s governing board and as faculty adviser.

“Wherever Dad was in his career, he always made sure

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it allowed him to continue teaching and engaging with students,” the Ringel family, consisting of Mark Ringel and Stuart Ringel, sons, and Estelle Ringel, wife of Ringel, said in the release. “He would be very happy to know that the position bearing his name will focus on connecting students, helping them to learn from each other.”

Ringel is also survived by two daughters-in-law, five grandchildren and one great-grandson, who is named in his memory.

For more information on the Ringel Engagement Associate, contact Melissa Frey at melissa@purduehillel.org.

Purdue University is in West Lafayette, Ind.

Beachwood names Monroe football coach ALEX KRUTCHIK | STAFF REPORTER @AlexKrutchikCJN akrutchik@cjn.org |

V

an Monroe was named Beachwood High School head football coach May 10 at a Beachwood City Schools board of education meeting.

Monroe is an educator at Beachwood Middle School and was a middle school football coach last season. Prior to working in Beachwood, he was an assistant football coach at Miami University in Oxford.

He will replace Damion Creel, who resigned after six years as head coach, including leading the Beachwood Monroe Bison to their first undefeated season at 6-0 and first postseason victory in 2020.

Athletic Director Ryan Peters said in a news release Monroe has already built relationships with many of Beachwood’s student-athletes at all levels, including the middle school and youth levels.

“We are thrilled that Coach Monroe stepped up to fill this important role,” Peters said. “He embodies the criteria we are looking for in a high school head football coach. As an educator within our district, he has a terrific opportunity to build relationships with our students, families and staff at all grade levels. He has a strong understanding of the current state of our football program, a vision for the action steps needed and a commitment to grow our program.”

Prior to starting his coaching career, he was a twoyear varsity football letter winner at Miami University, and was a member of the 2003 Mid-American Conference championship team. Monroe played football at Euclid High School in Euclid, where he set the single season passing record during his junior year. He also participated in track and field, baseball and basketball. He was inducted into the Euclid High School Distinguished Achievement Hall of Fame.

“My vision for Beachwood football is a K-12 program that progresses at each level,” Monroe said in the release.

“We want it to start with the youth league. Teaching the fundamentals and how to play the game safely, establishing a foundation of academic and athletic success, and having fun in the process. As students progress onto our middle and high school teams, they will build upon what they have learned and have the opportunity for personal and team growth. When a program is built from the ground up, it excites the community and brings the district together.”

GALLERY OF GRADS

CJN.ORG | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | 55

MAY 28, 2021

Beachwood student on first JNF-USA trip to Israel since COVID-19 JANE KAUFMAN | STAFF REPORTER @jkaufmanCJN jkaufman@cjn.org |

W

hen the bombs started flying from Gaza on May 9, Meira German said she found racing to the underground bomb shelter at Alexander Muss High School in Hod HaSharon, Israel, “nerve wracking.”

Meira, 16, a Beachwood High School sophomore, is one of three students from the Cleveland area at the high school on an abbreviated semester abroad program through Jewish National Fund-USA. This trip was the first to bring American teenagers to Israel since COVID-19. The program’s start was held online due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with students arriving in Israel April 5.

Students in the program travel to archaeological and historical sites, learning about the history of Israel and the Jewish people by walking the land.

Starting May 9 for several days, Meira and others in the program were grounded on campus and becoming oddly accustomed to the nightly rocket fire.

“For probably about a week or two, we were constantly on edge about when the sirens were going to hit. We had that constantly on our mind,” she said,

“Just to experience what these Israelis have gone through for years, I thought it was a really cool experience even though I was up at like 3 a.m. a lot of nights with a bunch of nervous kids calling their parents letting them know that we were completely fine.”

Meira German

adding students wondered if they could take showers or go to sleep. “It was definitely stressful.”

Meira said she was glad to have “the Israeli experience” even though it was “scary.”

“Just to experience what these Israelis have gone through for years, I thought it was a really cool experience even though I was up at like 3 a.m. a lot of nights with a bunch of nervous kids calling their parents letting them know that we were completely fine,” she said.

She said it got to the point when she hoped the sirens would come early rather than late, and Meira made the decision to spend a couple nights in the bomb shelter rather than being rousted from bed by the sirens.

“You were almost hoping for the rockets to come so you could lay low for the rest of the night or calm down,” she said.

Meira’s sister, Edin German, 18, is in Israel as well on the Aardvark Israel program in Jaffa near Tel Aviv.

Meira said she would wait to see where the rockets hit and whether they were close, or whether they were near where her sister is staying.

“From my room, like our window, we could see the Iron Dome completely in action,” Meira said.

“Our building was shaking. We could see the flares, the rockets. It was cool to see how much Israel is protecting us, how safe we are. … You could feel the boom and hear it.”

Meira described the bomb shelters as resembling multipurpose rooms with windows blocked in with cement.

“They were very crowded with people because everyone was running in and there were teachers, everyone on campus there,” she said. “We had like a little bit of water and maybe just a couple couches, but most people just had to stand up. A lot of people were just in their pajamas or in a towel … or completely barefoot. Like everyone didn’t really grab everything.

They just ran down.”

Meira said the planned part of the experience – the field trips – was excellent.

And even prior to the cease-fire on May 20, the school

Meira German, 16, and her sister, Edin German, 18, both of Beachwood, stand atop Masada in Israel during their experiences abroad April 27. | Submitted photo

decided it was safe enough to risk sending students off campus on the four-day Yam l’Yam hike in the north of Israel from the Mediterranean to the Sea of Galilee.

“It was so far north that it was safer even being there than being on campus,” Meira said.

She said after the May 21 cease-fire, restrictions loosened, and she has been able to see her sister.

Overall, she said, she is enjoying the experience.

“We’re learning about time periods at the locations that they happened, which I find really cool,” Meira said. “Everybody’s building these really strong relationships with each other. The teachers here are amazing. I love the program so much.”

Meira said she does not want to leave Israel.

“It feels like home,” she said. “I can’t imagine leaving it.”

Presidents of teachers unions call for full school reopening COLLIN BINKLEY | AP EDUCATION WRITER

T

he presidents of the nation’s two major teachers unions called separately for a full return to in-person learning in the fall, with the leader of the American Federation of Teachers declaring May 13 that her organization was “all-in.”

In an address on social media, Randi Weingarten said the wide availability of vaccines and a new infusion of federal education money have removed many obstacles that prevented schools from opening.

“Conditions have changed,” Weingarten said. “We can and we must reopen schools in the fall for in-person

teaching, learning and support. And keep them open. Fully and safely, five days a week.”

The National Education Association issued its own statement after Weingarten’s remarks.

“NEA supports school buildings being open to students for in-person instruction in the fall,” said the group’s president Becky Pringle. “Educators will continue to lead in making sure each school has what it needs to fully reopen in a safe and just way, and to ensure the resources exist to meet the academic, social and emotional needs of all students.”

If local unions heed theses calls, it would be seen as a major stride in

the effort to reopen schools. Teachers unions have been blamed for slowing the process with demands for a variety of safety measures. Teachers in some districts have refused to return until ventilations systems are updated, virus tests are given and all teachers are vaccinated.

Weingarten said vaccines have been the decisive factor in her vision for a fall reopening. President Joe Biden in March ordered states to prioritize teachers in vaccination rollouts, and by the end of that month, federal health officials said 80% of school workers had been given their first shot.

“I hear it in educators’ voices and see it in our polling results,” the union

chief said. “The fear that they will bring the virus home decreases the moment educators get the shots.”

Surveys by the union find that 89% of its 1.7 million members have been fully vaccinated or want to be, she said.

Still, Weingarten isn’t suggesting a quick return to the type of schooling students knew before the pandemic.

She said schools should continue with mask requirements, social distancing, contact tracing and other measures recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“It’s not risk free,” Weingarten said.

“But we can manage the threat by encouraging people to get vaccines and following guidance from the CDC.”

56 | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | CJN.ORG

MAY 28, 2021

GALLERY OF GRADS

Mazel tov, Confirmands & Graduates Congratulations to the 2021 confirmands and graduates Shavuot, which this year began after sundown on May 16, is the holiday that celebrates the revelation of the Torah to the Jewish people on Mount Sinai. Most Conservative and Reform synagogues hold confirmation ceremonies on this holiday.

Confirmands: Anshe Chesed Fairmount Temple Ethan Feldman Alison Gunzler Blake Hoegler Logan Kennicutt Jordyn Levine Riley Myers Vanessa Polster Margaret Senturia Easton Singer David “Teddy” White Noah Zelin

B’nai Jeshurun Congregation Rena Berkowitz Nathan Claypool Morgan Leeson David Levine Jonathan Loeb Lia Polster Bradley Rothschild Melissa Rothschild Eliana Wolf

Park Synagogue Kaleb Berns Anna Buchner Samuel Cohen Emilie Cohn Virginia Cohn Maya Eisengart Ayala Galili

Benjamin Greenberg Sophie Groys Kylie Leska Emmett Luzar Max Rindsberg Samara Rivchun Eliana Uher Brett Zawatsky

Temple Beth Shalom Danny Mondora

Temple B’nai Abraham Sarah Kelly Noah Levine Talya Schane Lauren Wainwright

Temple Emanu El Sam Hall Jemma Barrett Hannah Levenson Cece Messina

Graduates: Anshe Chesed Fairmount Temple Ana Butze Joseph Carroll Mallory Chylla Nicole Davis Danielle Krantz Jessica Monahan Laine Silverman

Beth El-The Heights Synagogue Gabriel Shapiro

Beth Israel-The West Temple Noah Barratt William Brashear CeCe Ross

B’nai Jeshurun Congregation Brooke Abraham Caleb Auerbach-Brown Yossi Berkowitz Evin Bromberg Ilana Feuerman Samantha Frankel Isaiah Jacobs Spencer Kawalek Zachary Mangel Rylan Polster Jacob Rudin-Luria Abigail Shifman Shaina Shifman Avery Steinberg Parker Strauss Gabriel Wolf

Congregation Shaarey Tikvah Ilan Amkraut Elana Rubanenko

Park Synagogue Lyla Berns Cameron Briskin Paige Brown Eliana Chelnick Rose Cohen Ashley Cohn Sanford Cohn Micah Cutler Benjamin Frey Ezra Galili Shai Galili Eliana Goodman Emily Isaacson Zachary Kaufman Amelia Port Jacob Powers Madeline Price Benjamin Saul Ethan Winger

Suburban Temple Kol Ami Carly Lehman Katie Schuman Justin Flamm

Temple Beth Shalom

Temple Emanu El Hannah Appel Tovah Elia Zach Hall Izzy Lashley Olivia Messina Shayna Robertson Grant Titlebaum

Temple Israel Ner Tamid Spencer Appell Nelson Bernstein

The Temple-Tifereth Israel Benjamin Boardman Lauren Clar Joshua Davidson Steven Fellinger Aliza Greenfield Sam Klein Hannah Light Sydney Moss Bella Shapera Aliza Sosin Abigail Wilkov Orly Wolf

Emma Silverman Samantha Senderoff

Temple B’nai Abraham David Frankel Sam Kelly Ben Wainwright

Lists were provided by synagogues/schools. This page is donated by the Cleveland Jewish News.