CHATTER FALL/WINTER 2022 / 5783
חורף/סתיו
FIVE YEARS THAT CHANGED TANENBAUMCHAT’S WORLD OUR LIVELY ARTS PROGRAMMING AND THE ALUMNI WHO TEACH IT GRADUATING THE CLASS OF 2022
Fall/Winter 2022 / 5783
חורף/סתיו
Messages Head of School 3 President, Board of Directors 4 Graduation 2022 11 Powering TanenbaumCHAT Five years that changed our world 18 With sincere appreciation 2 0 Inspiring acts of kindness 21 A legacy and a sign of gratitude 22
CHATTER Chatter is published through the TanenbaumCHAT Advancement Office and is distributed to more than 9,000 parents, donors, alumni and friends of the school. Editor: Jane Rimmer Cover photography and design: Daniel Malen Design & layout: Pagewave Graphics Printing: Superior Printing & Litho Inc. Follow us on @TanenbaumCHAT1 @tanenbaumchat TanenbaumCHAT Alumni Association TanenbaumCHAT 416-636-5984 info@tanenbaumchat.org www.tanenbaumchat.org Director of Advancement Frances Bigman, CFRE fbigman@tanenbaumchat.org Director of Admissions Laurie Wasser, CAEP lwasser@tanenbaumchat.org
FEATURE STORIES: Putting sports on the map 14 The art of teaching 23 Regulars Quick Study: Highlights from around the school 5 Our Alumni Alumni News & Notes 27 Alumni Back at TanenbaumCHAT 30 Mazal Tov! 3 1
2 | CHATTER Magazine FALL/WINTER 2022
Director of Marketing & Communications Jane Rimmer jrimmer@tanenbaumchat.org Alumni News & Notes submissions: tanenbaumchat.org/Share-Your-News or contact alumni@tanenbaumchat.org
Message from the Head of School Jonathan Levy, Ph.D.
I
love sports. As a young boy I was an enthusiastic little leaguer, then played basketball throughout high school. As a parent, I have spent hundreds of hours in gyms and hockey rinks watching my kids’ teams. It’s a treat to spend time in our gym at school watching whatever team happens to be playing. Almost always, a student runs up to tell me how great it is to play and how the team is doing. To paraphrase the TanenbaumCHAT Mission Statement, we are animated by the belief that school is not just about marks but about learning. Of course, learning is a rich and multifaceted endeavour, and athletic pursuits illustrate that point perfectly. There is no question that the academic experience at TanenbaumCHAT is matched by the athletic one. When I first started working here, I was told – and then saw first hand – that students were provided with myriad opportunities to study hard and also to play hard. But what exactly makes our athletic program such a rewarding part of school life? I have watched students and coaches – all of whom are teachers who volunteer to take on this role – arrive at 6:15AM for practices, train in sometimes-brutal wintery conditions and travel great distances to compete. With
about 26 competitive sports teams, including volleyball, tennis, field hockey, golf and winter sports, hundreds of our students participate. Our students benefit from first-rate coaching and improve their skills no matter their level of play. They learn to celebrate success but also not to be afraid of defeat and, when losing is inevitable, to do so graciously. Intramurals are incredibly popular and keep our gym buzzing with activity during many lunch hours. Student-planned and run, they allow anyone who is interested an opportunity to participate, exercise, meet new friends and have fun. Playing sports is not just about scoring goals and dribbling a ball. As Yogi Berra famously said, “Baseball is 90 per cent mental and the other half is physical.” Being psychologically prepared to handle the stress of a game is good practice for life. Being part of a team, shouldering shared responsibilities and cooperating with peers are traits that will continue to serve our students well. I am incredibly proud of our students for giving their all to their teams, and to our coaches who devote themselves to their players. Go Tigers! ◆
www.tanenbaumchat.org | 3
Message from the President, Board of Directors Howard Simkevitz ’91
I
guess I must’ve been having fun, because the past two years have felt like they’ve flown by. Admittedly, my perception may have been somewhat influenced by the pandemic. I don’t want to belabour the point, appreciating we are all sick and tired of hearing about COVID, but whether I like it or not, it was a hallmark of my time as President of the TanenbaumCHAT Board of Directors. With the seemingly never-ending list of vaccinations, remote learning, quadmesters and deciphering public health issues, a great deal of the Board’s agenda was necessarily consumed by these critical matters. Even as we dealt with “normal” board business (e.g. strategic planning, approving budgets, managing risk, etc.) the pandemic was ever-present, casting a pall over all that we did. However, when I think about my tenure at the helm of the Board, what really jumps out at me is not crisis management. What I find most remarkable is our school community’s ability not only to persevere, but to grow, despite the extraordinary circumstances. The TanenbaumCHAT community has been thriving. This is particularly noteworthy in light of the fact that religiosity in Canada is at an all-time low. Judaism has perhaps been hardest hit. Recent StatsCan data indicate that Jewish respondents reported the lowest numbers of those who engage in religious activity. How does one reconcile this incongruence? If religious affiliation within the Jewish community is declining, how is our school flourishing?
4 | CHATTER Magazine FALL/WINTER 2022
Our Rabbis conceived of community as a multi-faceted construct, composed of a number of ingredients. In the Talmud’s tractate Sanhedrin: A torah scholar ( )תלמיד חכםis not allowed to live in a city that does not have these 10 things: a court of law ( ;)בית דיןa tzedakah fund; a synagogue; a bath house ( ;)מקווהa public bathroom; a doctor; a craftsperson; a bloodletter; a scribe; and a teacher of children. In other words, communities are dynamic. I would suggest, so too are the parts which form them – the measure of any one ingredient in the recipe may change depending on the circumstances. To be sure, the success of our community at large has always been inextricably linked to Jewish education, but perhaps more so now than ever before. We live in a time where we need a dash more “a teacher of children.” It’s not just about the number of students enrolled in the system; it’s about their families and, importantly, the parents who are making Jewish education a priority. They are all making an investment in their children’s future and the future of Toronto’s Jewish leadership. Make no mistake about it, our school is a key ingredient to the success of our larger community, not just in Toronto, but in Canada and across the globe. As I pass the baton to the very capable hands of my successor, I know that we will continue to leverage our strengths, to make a meaningful impact and to provide for our people. May our community continue to get the recipe right for the benefit of generations to come. ◆
University awards ➤
Offered to only 50 students a year, the Queen’s Chancellor’s Scholarship, which is valued at $36,000, is awarded annually to students who are entering an undergraduate program at Queen’s University and who demonstrate superior academic ability, proven leadership qualities, and creative and original thinking. Shira Reznik and Samuel (Jack) Elkind, both class of 2022, received the highly coveted scholarship, making it the first year ever that two TanenbaumCHAT students received this prestigious award.
➤ Sohara Marcovitch ’22, received the Dr. Iris May Marsh Memorial Award for students entering Queen’s University. This award is given to five students nationwide who have exemplified involvement in the school and community. The award has a total value of $48,000, enabling students to attend post-secondary education on a “full-ride” scholarship.
Other awards ➤ Following a rigorous application process, Elnatan Kelman (then Grade 11) was selected to be a Bronfman Fellow, the only Canadian among the 26 students from across North America who were chosen. The Bronfman Fellowship seeks students who are highly connected to Judaism and are passionate about engaging in deep dialogue and intellectual exploration. ➤ During the 2021/22 school year, Koby Gottlieb (then Grade 12), was the sole recipient of the Gerda Frieberg Teen Philanthropy Award, presented by the UJA Federation of Greater Toronto. The award highlights Toronto teens who are highly involved in inspiring tzedakah, tikkun olam and leadership. Koby was selected for his extensive work with the Jewish Teen Board, the Diller Teen Fellowship Program and the Jewish Engagement Committee. He was cited for his unwavering commitment to combatting antisemitism on social
media while working closely with the support of the Israeli Ministry of Strategic Affairs. www.tanenbaumchat.org | 5
Celebrating graduation After a hiatus of two years, a graduation day trip was reinstated for the Class of 2022 with students spending the day in Niagara Falls. They returned to TanenbaumCHAT for a barbecue served by the Parent Engagement Committee, and other festivities. A week later we were able to gather, celebrate and send our newest alumni off into the world at a traditional in-person Graduation Ceremony. (For more on the Class of 2022, see page 11).
Golden Bagels 2022 Pandemic-inspired virtual Golden Bagels were great, but nothing compared to attending the 16th iteration live in our Meyer/Finkelstein Gymnasium, with the smell of delicious bagels wafting through the air. The event celebrates our TanenbaumCHAT school community with various awards as well as tributes to retiring teachers. This year, special guest messages came from actors Phil Lewis and Kate Flannery.
That’s the Spirit Week! TanenbaumCHAT is notorious for Spirit Days, but how about executing a five-day-long Spirit Week? To compensate for lost time during the pandemic, the TanenbaumCHAT Spirit Committee designed a week-long extravaganza. The roster included Monochromatic Monday, Socks & Slides Tuesday, University Merch Wednesday, Throwback Thursday and Friday Pride Day.
6 | CHATTER Magazine FALL/WINTER 2022
Honouring indigenous lives On May 27, 2022, in memory of the lives lost and families affected by the tragedy of our country’s residential school system, the TanenbaumCHAT Indigenous Peoples Committee spearheaded an awareness-raising initiative. On the one‑year anniversary of the discovery of the 215 unmarked
graves at Kamloops Residential School, students attended a Zoom presentation with Belinda Wandering Spirit and raised money by selling donuts for the charitable organization Indspire which invests in the education of Canadian Indigenous Youth.
Performing live! In May 2022, TanenbaumCHAT performed the musical The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. The (figurative) curtain rose on a packed TanenbaumCHAT Meyer/Finkelstein Gymnasium. Filled with comedic jokes and audience participation, this wonderful event marked the welcome return of in-person school events. For the first time since 2019, in June the TanenbaumCHAT Music Department held a live Music Night concert at the Meridian Arts Centre in North York in front of an enthusiastic and engaged audience. More than 150 students participated under the direction of teachers Jaclyn Klimitz ’03 and John Malarczyk.
TanenbaumCHAT’s Dance Fashion Show returned in May, 2022. The TanenbaumCHAT community came together to watch the student dancers, choreographers, fashion designers and models show off their creations in a “Super Bowl Halftime Show.”
www.tanenbaumchat.org | 7
Athletics live! In May, our Athletic Department was thrilled to welcome games back to our Meyer/Finkelstein Gymnasium. Many sports teams competed, including our basketball, volleyball and softball teams, among others. Go Tigers! In July 2022, more than 20 TanenbaumCHAT students (and many alumni) traveled to Israel to represent Canada in the 21st Maccabiah Games. For more on this story, see page 14.
Marking important days The TanenbaumCHAT school community came together for a livestreamed ceremony to honour Yom Hashoah ve Hagevurah – Holocaust Remembrance Day. In an event broadcast to classrooms live from our Matlow Black Box Theatre, in speeches, poetry and song, students and faculty commemorated the six million Jews who were murdered in the Holocaust.
8 | CHATTER Magazine FALL/WINTER 2022
In recognition of Yom Hazikaron – Israel Remembrance Day, the TanenbaumCHAT Israel Engagement and Yom Hazikaron committees organized a moving ceremony and an accompanying exhibition to commemorate the Israeli victims of violence and terrorism.
TanenbaumCHAT celebrated Israel’s 74th birthday with a carnival in honour of Yom Ha'atzmaut – Israel Independence Day. Festivities included inflatable rides, a petting zoo and the perennial favourite, food!
Step inside May saw TanenbaumCHAT reopen our doors to visitors as we hosted the families of our incoming Grade 9 students. The energy and enthusiasm from the families was palpable as our Student Ambassadors showed off the school. Current Grade 9 and 10 families, who had yet to set foot inside the school because of pandemic restrictions, also had the opportunity to tour the school and experience the magic of TanenbaumCHAT firsthand.
Together again for a new school year With so many events reinstated in full, the 2022/23 return to school was much closer to “business as usual” – and truly joyful! Students were in the building for summer school, and the first two weeks of September were packed with gatherings: Grade 9 Orientation, Opening Assembly and a Carnival, our massive Clubs and Committees Fair, and even a social evening for more than 300 Grade 9 parents. Beyond the confines of 200 Wilmington, our Athletic Council spent three days hiking, bonding and building team spirit in the Algonquin wilderness.
Grade 9 Orientation
Opening Carnival
Clubs and Committees Fair
www.tanenbaumchat.org | 9
Holiday highs We celebrated the High Holidays with apples and honey, lulav and etrog distribution and class visits to the sukkah. We also revived our annual Yom Iyun study day for which we invite community rabbis from across the religious spectrum to visit and engage students in some post-Rosh Hashana and pre-Yom Kippur learning. We were thrilled that more than 25 rabbis responded to the call.
ON STAFF Bruchim HaBa’im & Lehitra’ot In September 2022, we welcomed Shira and Ehud Meirman (pictured right with sons Aharon and Uri). Shira joined our school as our new Israel Engagement Officer (schlicha) while Ehud, who spent the last four years at Derech Avot high school in Efrat, joined the ranks of our Jewish Studies educators, teaching Talmud and Tanach.
Farewell & Todah Rabah In June, we bade a fond farewell to the following staff members who retired or moved onto other opportunities. We thank them for their many years of service to our community and wish them much luck!
Marilyn Arkin (18 years)
David Aronson (30 years)
Mahra Hart (22 years)
Rachelle Block (25 years)
Helen Mahler (20 years)
10 | CHATTER Magazine FALL/WINTER 2022
Alex Gropper (50 years)
Yirmiya Milevsky (9 years)
Israel Engagement Officers (shlichim) Lee Kestecher-Solomon and Ariel Solomon (pictured below) served at the school from 2019-2022, helping educate students about Israel and imparting their own brand of ruach to our community. We wish them luck in their future endeavours.
Mazal Tov, TanenbaumCHAT Class of 2022/5782 Aben, Ilana Abrahams, Lily Abramson, Carey Agensky, Lily Altman, Amit Argintaru, Sarah Aronson, Yarden Ashkenazi, Jonathan Austin, Aaron Aviv, Yonah Avon, Alyza Balboul, Jessica Baldor, Sofia Bard, Jordana Barish, Benny Barkai, Leore Barkin, Isabel Barkin, Jake Barron, Lior Bar-Ziv, Danna Baylin, Sophia Bazak, Ben Beber, Ezra Benayon Berman, Emma Benayon Kirsh, Benjamin Bener, Royi Benquesus, Jack Bensimon, Eli Ber, Dylan Berkes, Evan Berman, Joseph Bitton, Eyal Bitton, Simona Bloomberg, Matthew Bly, Cooper Borenstein, Noam Botbol, Raina Boulakia, Noa Braverman, Atara Breslin, Joshua Chousky, Tessa Cohen, Eden Cohen, Ethan Cohen, Myles Cohen, Sydney Cooper, Aleeza Dodick, Noah Dolgonos, Allen Donsky, Ryan Dorenbush, Ethan Eisen, Judah Eklove, Joshua Elkind, Samuel Ellis, Dean Enchin, Natasha Engel, Aubrey
Erez, Jonah Erlich, Eidan Erlich, Yael Fejer, Ethan Fine, Lucas Fireman, Lisa Fortinsky, Ayala Fridman, Maya Garmaise, Noa Garten, William Geagea, Ezra Geist, Jack Gelbloom, Maya Giddens, Jacob Gilbert, Leah Ginsberg, Samuel Gladstone, Jonah Glazerman, Fara Gluckman, Stevie Gluskin, Cooper Goelman, Ryan Gold, David Goldberg, Aaron Goldberg, Ethan Goldberg, Oren Goldberg, Ron Goldman, Isabelle Goldman, Joshua Goodman, Chelsea Goodman, Jake Gordon, Jesse Gottlieb, Koby Gratch, Leon Greenwald, Gabriel Gross, Max Gudes, Yoav Gudofsky, Yael Guttmann, Tali Haba, Elinor Haberman, Lexi Hall, Avery Halpern, Leo Hamani, Patrick Hantsis, Baila Hauer, Ashley Hayeems, Al Heller, Amalia Heller, Jacob Heller, Lauren Hendler, Robert Herman, Jacob Herr, Kira Hirsch, Ariella Horlick, Olivia Horowitz, Yeshayahu Hyman, Kaitlyn
Igelman, Seth Isakov, Lion Jackson, Yael Jacobs, Andrew Jacobs, Tamara Joffe, Samuel Kagal, Jonathan Kahn, Lena Kant, Roni Kaplan, Daniel Kats, Ariel Kazdan, Sydney Keshen, Jesse Kleiman, Aviya Klotz, Jori Kosoy, Hana Kosoy, Jona Krakower, Ashley Krauss, Aviya Krieger, Maya Kriger, Ethan Lapedus, Jake Lapid, Tomer Leibovich, Dahlia Lemud-Catz, Ethan Levine, Jonah Levinsky, Lauren Levitt, Carly Levitt, Sadie Levy, Jordan Levy, Reese Levy, Sarah Linden, Thomas Madan, Alexandra Maged, Shirelle Maimon, Dahlia Majer, Maya Malka, Ilan Mamelak, Sarah Mandel, Ryan Manis, Nathaniel Manis, Ryan Marco, Aaron Marco, Jacob Marcovitch, Sohara Marks-Maister, Uriel Matan Marmor, Leora Melamed, Ben Mills, Joel Mincer, Kaya Mochon Senado, Miryam Morrow, Matthew Moses, Aviva Moses, Talia Moshal, Megan Mourad, Shai
Muller, Jacob Nadel, Jersey Nagel, Reuben Nathanson, Dalit Nevo, Yasmin Nisker, Taylor Orbach, David Orlans, Aiden Orvitz, Cira Oscar, Amit Ossip-Richmor, Jaden Oziel, Jonah Packer, Sabrina Park, Madison Perlon, Chloe Pervin, Shawna Perzow, Hayden Phillipson, Jacob Pollack, Noah Posner, Zachary Powell, Ethan Press, Daniel Press, Eli Price, Jaden Pukier, Rachel Rabovsky, Jacob Rafelman, Maya Rastin, Tyler Reback, Russell Ressin, Dmitry Reznik, Shira Rodin, Jacob Roizenman, Natanel Rotenberg, Remi Roth, Rosalyn Rotholz, Tyler Rusonik, Yael Sable, Jonah Sacks, Alexis Saipe, Jamie Saipe, Matthew Sandler, Naomi Satov, Adam Scherzer, Aaron Scherzer, Nathan Schneeweiss, Jeremy Schwartz, Abe Shalit, Harry Shaw, Benjamin Shemesh, Daniel Shem-Tov, Zoe Sher, Zachary Shields, Samuel Shiewitz, Jordan Shiner, Jennifer Shore, Sara
Shoub, Lea Shram, Ben Sigal, Cole Silverberg, Ryan Simkevitz, Zoe Sinclair, Jenna Slavens, Samara Sliwowicz, Shawna Soberman, Andrew Soesman, Eran Sogaokar, Meital Solomon, Noah Soref, Benjamin Starkman, Emma Steinfeld, Lelah Suroghon, Noa Swartz, Daniel Tanentzap, Rachel Taras, Rachel Taylor, Madeline Tesciuba, Eitan Tesciuba, Gili Tobias, Patrick Traubici, Raya Treitel, Gabriella Tylman, Craig Tylman, Samuel Urowitz Kaufman, Batya Varkul, Ethan Vicus, Roni Vinderine, Alexa Vininsky, Quinn Volman, Yoav Wagman, Joshua Wasserman, Taylor Weinberg, Jonah Weiner, Jamie Weinroth, Sari Werger, Amy Winkler, Maya Wise, Jamie Wise, Rose Yarmus, Aubrey Yonash, Nathan Zadik, Jonah Zaldin, Paige Zarnett-Klein, Jennifer Zeev, Tal Zelyuk, Jaden Zelyuk, Kayla Ziedenberg, Gabriel Zisu, Matthew Zonis, Karen Zweig, Sarah Zylberberg, Sebastian
www.tanenbaumchat.org | 11
RECOGNITION OF EXCELLENCE AWARDS Valedictorian
Max Gross The Governor General’s Award
Awards & Scholarships
Business Studies Award
Henry Korenblum Memorial Endowment Fund Samuel Elkind Business Studies Award
In memory of David E. Buck Nathan Scherzer
In recognition of achieving the highest average in all credits in Grades 11 & 12 taken at TanenbaumCHAT Shirelle Maged
Centre for Differentiated Learning Joan Blidner Award
Jerusalem Scholar Award
Centre for Differentiated Learning Award
Aron and Ruth Shostack Memorial Endowment In recognition of achieving the highest average in Jewish Studies in Grade 12 Hana Kosoy The Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Excellence in Community Service
Raina Botbol Staff Award
In recognition of involvement in activities and contribution to school spirit and culture Shirelle Maged Student Leadership Award
Sheila Rodney Memorial Fund In recognition of ongoing leadership in Student Activities exemplifying TanenbaumCHAT values Shira Reznik
DEPARTMENTAL & SUBJECT AWARDS
For outstanding improvement while at TanenbaumCHAT Gabriella Treitel
For outstanding improvement while at TanenbaumCHAT Kira Herr Computer Science & Technology Award
Avrum Jeffrey Duke Memorial Endowment Fund Natanel Roizenman Dramatic Arts Award
Dahlia Maimon English Award
Lisa Coristine Memorial Endowment Fund Noa Garmaise English Award
In memory of Ian Cohen ’70 Roni Vicus Mathematics Award
In memory of Sara & Joseph Rahmani Joshua Goldman Mathematics Award
GENERAL STUDIES
In memory of Beryl Levy Roni Kant
Art Award
Modern Languages Award
In memory of Lisa Shore Jacob Muller
Noa Garmaise Music Award
Lisa-Ann Lauren Posluns Memorial Endowment Fund Samuel Ginsberg 12 | CHATTER Magazine FALL/WINTER 2022
Physical Education/ Kinesiology Award
Barbara Manilla Memorial Endowment Fund Aviva Moses Science Award
In memory of David J. Levy Jeremy Schneeweiss Science Award
Arthur Lerman Memorial Endowment Fund Emma Starkman Social Science Award
Max Gross Social Science Award
Esther Haberman Memorial Endowment Fund Ben Bazak JEWISH STUDIES Hebrew Language & Literature Award
In memory of Elliott M. Wilson Shawna Sliwowicz Hebrew Language & Literature Award
Hershenfeld Weltman Family Endowment Fund Jacob Phillipson Jewish Thought Award
David & Bluma Schachter Memorial Endowment Fund Max Gross Jewish Thought Award
Shimon & Clara Berglas Memorial Endowment Fund Tal Zeev Jewish History Award – Holocaust Studies
In memory of Rubin Tencer, a survivor of Auschwitz Leore Barkai
Jewish History Award
Isaac & Basia Jesin Award
Carol Rosenfeld Memorial Endowment Fund Carey Abramson
For excellence and dedication to Jewish Studies over four years Shirelle Maged
Jewish History Award
In memory of Israel Appel Maya Krieger New Stream Award
Erica Schiller Mammon Memorial Endowment Fund Chloe Perlon New Stream Award
Anshel & Devorah Zylberman Endowment Fund Eitan Tesciuba Rabbinics Award
Norman & Sarah Grill Endowment Fund Yarden Aronson Rabbinics Award
Eric & Marsha Slavens Award For combining sporting & academic achievement Jacob Rodin Daniel Press Dahlia Leibovich Miriyam Mochon Senado Philip & Helen Zucker Scholarship
For continuing education in Jewish studies Shirelle Maged Jenny Lewis ’95 Award
For Excellence in Creative Writing Ryan Manis
In memory of Alex and Alyce Orzy Adam Satov
CONTINUING STUDIES IN ISRAEL
Talmud Award
Judy Shaviv Memorial Fund
Weinstock Family Endowment Fund Paige Zaldin
“Keren Yad Yehudit” assisting graduates to study or volunteer in Israel Eran Soesman
Tanach Award
In memory of Jonathan David Deitcher ’87 Paige Zaldin Tanach Award
Miriam Alkin Memorial Fund Sara Shore
SCHOLARSHIPS & SPECIAL AWARDS Morris & Rose Alspector Award
For highest average in Judaic studies over four years Shira Reznik
Jonathan David Deitcher Memorial Scholarship
For continuing Jewish studies in Israel Sara Shore Rabbi Marvin B. Pachino Award
For excellence in Jewish Studies and continuing Jewish Education in Israel Paige Zaldin
David Rosenzweig Memorial Scholarship
Established in memory of David Rosenzweig ’72, by his friends Elinor Haba Gertrude & David Sher Foundation Scholarship
For continuing Jewish studies in Israel Yael Erlich Daniel Sherman Memorial Scholarship
For continuing studies in Israel Yeshayahu Horowitz Jack Benquesus Icek & Manya Segal Award
For continuing studies in Israel Yoav Gudes Greenspan/Samuel Memorial Scholarship
For continuing studies in Israel Jaden Price Board of Directors Awards
For continuing studies in Israel Sofia Baldor, Jack Benquesus, Natasha Enchin, Yael Erlich, Lisa Fireman, Ayala Fortinsky, Jake Goodman, Gabriel Greenwald, Yoav Gudes, Tali Guttmann, Elinor Haba, Amalia Heller, KiraHerr, Yeshayahu Horowitz, Shirelle Maged, Leora Marmor, Cira Orvitz, Jonah Oziel, Ethan Powell, Jaden Price, Dmitriy Ressin, Lea Shoub, Eran Soesman, Gili Tesciuba, Roni Vicus, Yoav Volman, Maya Winkler, Jonah Zadik, Paige Zaldin www.tanenbaumchat.org | 13
PUTTING SPORTS ON THE MAP TanenbaumCHAT athletes compete at home and abroad BY ERIN SILVER
14 | CHATTER Magazine FALL/WINTER 2022
TanenbaumCHAT was proud that almost 50 students and alumni participated in the Maccabiah Games in Israel and the JCC Maccabi Games in San Diego this summer. It was an unforgettable experience for everyone who represented Canada. “Walking into Teddy Stadium alongside the entire Canadian delegation was incredible,” says Brian Laski ‘96, who competed in the Maccabiah Games in Israel this past summer. “Everyone was singing O Canada at the top of their lungs,” says Laski, who was president of the Athletic Council in Grade 12 at TanenbaumCHAT and a member of the championship alpine skiing and softball teams. “I also enjoyed meeting and competing against phenomenal tennis players from other countries.” First held in 1932, the Maccabiah Games, or Jewish Olympics, bring together 10,000 Jewish athletes from 80 countries to compete in 40 sporting events. Held every four years, the 2022 delegation included over 500 athletes, staff and supporters from Canada. Randal Slavens ’91 was one of them. He competed in the over-45 masters tennis event. “It was amazing to compete,” says Slavens, who was proud of his performance. One of the highlights of the Games for Slavens was being there with a couple of fellow delegates, daughter Samara Slavens ’22 and his nephew, Reuben Wasserman ’25. “My daughter played on the under-18 girls basketball team and won bronze. Reuben is in Grade 10 at TanenbaumCHAT and was the youngest competitor on the Canadian golf team. They won bronze, too. My parents and sister came to the Games to watch; it was for sure one of the highlights of my life.” While his son Isaac couldn’t make it to Israel this summer, the Grade 11 student is on the tennis team at TanenbaumCHAT. Both of his children are following in their dad’s footsteps when it comes to being active in sports. The elder Slavens was on the tennis and softball teams at TanenbaumCHAT and was named Athlete of the Year in 1991. “I loved playing on sports teams and
Left to right: Samara Slavens ’22, Randal Slavens ’91 and Reuben Wasserman ’25 representing the Jewish community in high school. I developed leadership skills through sports.” Slavens still loves training. “It’s been great for my kids to see their dad work hard and compete. The Games brought everything full circle for me.”
AN IMPORTANT PART OF SCHOOL LIFE Athletics continue to be an important part of life at TanenbaumCHAT. "We offer a wide range of sports teams at the junior, senior and varsity levels such as basketball, volleyball, soccer, field hockey, flag football, cross-country running, non-contact ice hockey and many more,” says co-athletic director Adam Chaim. “Many of our extracurricular teams join tournaments around the city and our senior basketball teams travel annually to the Weiner Basketball Tournament in Baltimore, Maryland.” In addition, the school hosts the annual Israel Becker International Basketball Tournament with teams from Israel, the United States and other parts of Canada. Students also have the opportunity to compete in various sports through friendly competition in intramural programs. TanenbaumCHAT teams are coached by dedicated teachers who volunteer their time to nurture students’ athletic skills and talents. “Having the opportunity to engage in athletics and participate in sport offers our student-athletes experiences they'll never forget, and enables them to learn important life skills such as organization, time management and discipline,” says Aubrey Zimmerman ‘74 co-athletic director. www.tanenbaumchat.org | 15
Dylan Bly ’23
great to be at a school with so many Jewish kids my age,” says Lyla Macklin ’25, who won a bronze medal with her soccer team in Israel this summer. “At school there’s a high level of competitive athletes. I am able to challenge myself in sports I normally don’t play and use my athletic ability to grow and learn. Both the facilities and teachers are amazing and I look forward to bringing home trophies for TanenbaumCHAT this year!” Lyla Macklin ’25 (left) with teammate
Sports allow student-athletes to train their mental focus and energy in ways that are different from a classroom setting. Being able to get to know their peers and coaches in this atmosphere helps them develop social awareness, cooperation and teamwork. “We focus on developing the whole person,” Chaim says, noting that he’s not surprised how many students at TanenbaumCHAT competed in the Maccabiah and Maccabi games this summer. “Our student-athletes are dedicated and hardworking and compete at many levels while attending high school, whether it’s on a school team or a provincial team.”
A GROWING PROGRAM The robust TanenbaumCHAT athletics program is always growing and is competitive in tournaments and leagues. Even for students who don’t consider themselves athletes, there are still ways for them to be involved as team managers, student coaches, scorekeepers and/or fans. “We are all Tigers,” says Zimmerman. Students at TanenbaumCHAT couldn’t be bigger fans of the athletic programming at their school. “I enjoy being involved in athletics at TanenbaumCHAT because it’s left to right, Class of 2024 students Evan Krakower, ➩ Pictured Ryan Press and Shea Schnoor played on the under-16 baseball team in the JCC Maccabi Games in San Diego, and won silver. Ryan’s brother Daniel ’22 went to Israel for baseball.
Arguably, the highest-profile professional sports personalities to grace the ranks of our alumni are NHL player Zach Hyman ’10, and sports writer and broadcaster Mike Wilner ’88. See tanenbaumchat.org/Spotlight-Alumni for more.
16 | CHATTER Magazine FALL/WINTER 2022
The Maccabiah Games were also a highlight for the teen. “Being able to participate in a sporting event with all Jewish people really was an amazing experience,” says Lyla. The opening ceremony was the ultimate highlight. Representing my country in a competition that big made me beyond proud to be both Jewish and Canadian.” “The highlight of participating in the Maccabiah was being able to represent my country and play the sport I love with my peers,” says Dylan Bly ’23, who won a gold medal in hockey in Israel. “I think that athletics are important at school. I am part of the leadership team of the Athletic Council. It's a way for students to truly express themselves and take a step out of their comfort zone.” ◆
TanenbaumCHAT students and alumni who participated in the games in summer 2022: Rebecca Alterman ’25 – Soccer
Noah Merovitz ’23 – Baseball
Jacob Mausberg ’20 – Soccer
Clara Glick ’25 – Soccer
Jack Minsky ’23 – Soccer
Elijah Wyman ’20 – Soccer
Eliana Hauser-Krupat ’25 – Swimming
Hannah Minsky ’23 – Soccer
Joshua Eisenstat ’17 – Soccer
Jack Hayeems ’25 – Soccer
Joshua Ossip ’23 – Tennis
Noa Sandler ’17 – Cycling
Mia Kanee ’25 – Soccer
Zev Salsberg ’23 – Baseball
Lyla Macklin ’25 – Soccer
Casey Tarek-Kaminker ’23 – Volleyball
Jeffrey Gould ’15 – U18 Tennis Team Manager
Georgia Raphael ’25 – Basketball
Yarden Aronson ’22 – Swimming
Ethan Silber ’25 – Golf
Eden Cohen ’22 – Soccer
Reuben Wasserman ’25 – Golf
Noah Dodick ’22 – Soccer
Jaden Benquesus ’24 – Basketball
Dahlia Leibovich ’22 – Basketball
Lilly Kauffman ’24 – Swimming
Noah Pollack ’22 – Soccer
Dylan Bly ’23 – Hockey
Daniel Press ’22 – Baseball
Sarah Jacobson ’23 – Soccer
Jacob Rodin ’22 – Basketball
Alex Kauffman ’23 – Baseball
Samara Slavens ’22 – Basketball
Joshua Keslassy ’23 – Soccer
Emma Starkman ’22 – Basketball
Judah Mausberg ’23 – Soccer
Ethan Varkul ’22 – Soccer
Brent Marks ’14 – Man Woman Event Richard Chaikof ’11 – Softball Michael Zagdanski ’11 – Squash Jory Hennick ’09 – Man Woman Event Jake Warren ’09 – Softball Brian Laski ’96 – Tennis Randal Slavens ’91 – Tennis Aviv Pichhadze ’90 – Karate Team Manager
IN THE SCRUM TanenbaumCHAT has a “winning” athletics program. Here’s what some of our student-athletes have to say about sports at school. ELIANA HAUSER-KRUPAT ’25 (SWIMMING, ISRAEL) “I think that athletics at TanenbaumCHAT allow me to connect Jewish values and a sense of community with athleticism. I think that sportsmanship is one of the most important things you can learn as an athlete. I can’t wait to be on the swim team this year.”
SHEA SCHNOOR ’24 (BASEBALL, SAN DIEGO) “ I am very passionate about baseball and thoroughly enjoy playing it in a competitive environment with my friends from school. The TanenbaumCHAT community is very supportive of its athletic teams, and the team ruach [spirit] is amazing.”
REUBEN WASSERMAN ’25 (GOLF, ISRAEL) “ Being on an athletic team at TanenbaumCHAT is really special because athletics has been part of my family. My mom (Hannah (Slavens) Wasserman ’93) was on several teams and won championships and MVP awards; my uncle (Randal Slavens ’91) was Athlete of the Year; and my grandparents, Marsha and Eric Slavens, have an award recognizing excellence in athletics and academics.”
www.tanenbaumchat.org | 17
CELEBRATING OUR UNIQUE TUITION INITIATIVE
Powering
TanenbaumCHAT
In 2017, facing a downward trend in enrolment, TanenbaumCHAT launched an innovative pilot project to reduce tuition. The initiative was powered by the extraordinary vision and generosity of major donors Edie Neuberger ’75 and Norman Jesin ’74, together with the Toddy and Irving Granovsky Family. In partnership, TanenbaumCHAT committed to ongoing and intensified fundraising efforts, took major steps to streamline operations, and consolidated to one building. Combined, these factors allowed us to lower tuition significantly for all students for five years. The results were extraordinary. As the numbers on these pages make clear, this paradigm-shifting project propelled the school into a period of remarkable growth. It also inspired numerous parents, grandparents, alumni, friends and members of our community. They recognized the enormous value in increased financial access and stepped up in support. Here we acknowledge the accomplishments of the last five years and offer sincere appreciation to the many donors who made it possible. Building on this success, our sightlines are clear. We will do everything in our power to prioritize tuition accessibility. We will sustain our tradition of unparalleled academic excellence. And we will keep our doors open to as many Jewish families as possible. We are Powering TanenbaumCHAT into the future. Stay tuned for more information – coming soon! ◆
Now & Always
Philanthropic dollars earmarked for tuition accessibility 2017-2022 il $8 m lion Raised through the Powering TanenbaumCHAT Annual Fund From the original major gifts
$ 14
m illio n
79 Number of Major Donors 2017 to 2022
2,459 Number of Gifts 2017 to 2022 18 | CHATTER Magazine FALL/WINTER 2022
V FOR VICTORY! After a five-year downward trend, reduced tuition has driven growth in enrolment more than 45% 1,500
NUMBER OF STUDENTS
1,307
1,293
1,200
900
600
13 2/ 1 20
8 7/1 1 20
22 20
/2
3
Dramatic growth in admission from Jewish day schools % of cohort from five main feeder Jewish day schools that enrolled in Grade 9 Before tuition reduction
2016/17 After tuition reduction
2022/23
57% 80%
Increased enrolment in New Stream
9 Feeder Jewish day schools in 2022/23
% of New Stream students in Grade 9 Before tuition reduction
2016/17
16%
After tuition reduction
2022/23
38
27%
Feeder New Stream schools in 2022/23 www.tanenbaumchat.org | 19
With sincere appreciation With enormous gratitude, we thank these members of our community who were inspired to make a leadership gift of $10,000 or more during the last five years to our Powering TanenbaumCHAT annual fund. Their generosity supported enhanced financial access to a premier Jewish high school experience. We are proud to recognize their commitment to our school on our donor wall.
Barry ’68 & Esther Naiberg Nir & Leslie Orbach David Ossip & Devra Baryshnik Morris & Sarah Perlis Stephen Posen & Robyn Kestenberg ’83 David & Felicia Posluns ’81 Ari & Ellen Powell
Eric Adelson & Andrea Himel
Ira Gluskin & Maxine Granovsky
Joe & Ann Rastin
Corey Adler & Melissa Snider-Adler
Ozzie & Stefanie ’95 Goldschmied
Keith Ray & Leslie Gales
Brian ’01 & Candace Bacal
Darren & Sara ’91 Gottleib
Craig Rimer & Elyse Zelunka
Justin Beber & Elissa Kline-Beber
Irving & Toddy Granovsky
Ian & Heather Ringel
Chaim Bell & Sharon Chodirker
Eric & Karen Green
Mark Rotstein & Melanie Kraft
Brent & Lynn Belzberg
Alan ’69 & Pearl ’75 Greenspan
Peter Ruby & Stephanie Kirsh
Rodney & Julie Bergman
Mark & Irina Gross
Jules & Ariella Samson
Jason & Judith Berman
Allan Guttman & Helen Finder Guttman
Richard Samuel & Marion Greenberg
Andrew ’93 & Lauren Bloom
Jay & Barbara Hennick
Gary Samuel & Paula Zivot
Brian & Bryna Bloom
Lloyd Hoffman & Ray Rubin
Aaron ’87 & Ettie Schimmer
Paul & Judith Bloom
Norm Jesin ’74 & Edie Neuberger ’75
Mark & Ilana Segal
Jeff Bly & Janice Feldberg-Bly
Steve & Suzy ’90 Kauffman
Ed & Fran Sonshine
Matt Cockburn & Sue Valencia ’85
Marc & Kelly Kornhaber
Larry & Judy Tanenbaum
Theodore Croitoru & Edith Devico
Justin & Melissa Kramer
Howard & Carole Tanenbaum
Gary & Leanne Edelstein
Howard Krupat & Karen Hauser
Eitan & Jodi Tanentzap
Leon ’84 & Denise Elmaleh
Rob Kumer & Barbara Schechter
Tylman & Maisel Families
David & Pearl Elman
Jordan Kupinsky ’90 & Nicky Cohen
James & Agnieszka Van Bergh
Harry & Cecile Erlich
Wally Levitt & Beth Gamulka
David ’70 & Bernice Walerstein
Saul & Toby Feldberg
Frances "Cooki" Levy z’l & Barry Levy
Aaron & Rosemary Waxman
Jay & Vered Feldman
Cliff & Judy Librach
Aaron & Nina ’85 Wine
Neil & Deborah Fischler
David Mansell & Naomi Rifkind Mansell
Harold & Carole Wolfe
George & Judy Frankfort
Sam & Micki Mizrahi
Barry ’78 & Nelly Zagdanski
Allen Gales & Brenlee Gurvey Gales
Joel & Rochelle ’89 Monson
Ian ’79 and Sara Zagdanski
Howard & Claire Glowinsky
Kevin & Melissa Moshal
Jonathan & Tracy Zepp
The Powering TanenbaumCHAT donor wall in school
20 | CHATTER Magazine FALL/WINTER 2022
Inspiring acts of kindness At the Class of 2022 Graduation Ceremony, Shawna Sliwowicz ’22 spoke for hundreds of students and their families when she expressed sincere thanks to the vision and generosity of the donors who made our tuition accessibility initiative possible.
“I was fortunate to attend a Jewish Day school from the age of four. While I was eager to continue my Jewish education in high school, the financial commitment was quite significant, deterring me from TanenbaumCHAT in favour of my neighbourhood’s public school, one of the top high schools in the city. Little did I know that on March 6, 2017, a quite typical Monday, the trajectory of my life would change. The announcement of an unprecedented donation made my family’s decision to choose TanenbaumCHAT easy. Reducing the tuition by nearly $10,000 per year enabled me, along with hundreds of other students, to pursue the dream of attending a Jewish high school; to immerse ourselves in a cornerstone of Jewish life at a very formative time in our lives. Today, I stand in front of my cohort of 278 peers. We are the largest graduating class to emerge from one location in over a decade – and this is a testament to the generosity of donors who have supported tuition accessibility. More than 20% of our grade is composed of New Stream graduates, corroborating the idea that it is never too late to foster a connection with the Jewish community; that once the affordability barrier is lowered, a plethora of opportunities opens up. Our grade has exemplified student excellence – taking on countless leadership roles and representing TanenbaumCHAT at various inter-school and international competitions. Soon we’ll be pursuing a multitude of post-secondary programs as well as studies in Israel. These opportunities would not have been a reality for as many of us without the generous donors who made this possible. Unique to our grade, we were fortunate to attend TanenbaumCHAT for four of the five years of the tuition initiative. This visionary gift has had a domino effect, revolutionizing access to our community Jewish high school. By investing in our education, you have played a vital role in strengthening the next generation of Jewish leaders and ensuring the longevity of the Jewish community. We thank you for your vision and your generosity. And me? I thank you for allowing me to make my decision to come to TanenbaumCHAT easy. It has undeniably shaped my Jewish identity and encouraged me to take on roles in the Jewish community I never thought I would. If not for TanenbaumCHAT, I would probably not be quoting a famous rabbi in this speech, but here I am. As Rabbi Jonathan Sacks z”l perfectly stated, “Acts of kindness never die. They linger in the memory, giving life to other acts in return.” ◆ To hear Shawna deliver her message in full, go to: www.tanenbaumchat.org/acts-of-kindness
www.tanenbaumchat.org | 21
A legacy and a sign of gratitude In December 2021, the Black family established the Aaron and Beverley Black Endowment Fund in honour of Howard’s parents Aaron z”l & Beverley Black, to support teachers professional development. As current parents, Howard and Marlene understand the value of providing staff and faculty with important enrichment and learning opportunities. We sat down with Howard to find out about their motivations for creating this award.
Why did you establish this award in honour of your parents? I was raised in a traditional Conservative Jewish home. We observed Shabbat and kashrut and, as a family, were active leaders in our synagogue. While my siblings and I did not have the opportunity to attend a Jewish day school, we received intensive after-school Jewish and Hebrew education. To me, equally as significant as our formal education, however, was the importance of growing up in a Jewish household in which my parents served as the best possible role models. They showed by example how to live as committed Jews, observing Jewish traditions and rituals, with a strong commitment to the State of Israel. We were also taught to show respect to all people and, especially, to the older members of our community and to our rabbis and teachers. Teachers have the potential to profoundly influence their students. They have a significant role to play in inspiring and encouraging young people in their growth and development as well-educated and committed members of both the secular and Jewish communities.
The Black family, L to R: Howard, Marlene, Adam ’25 and Aaron ’23.
We therefore felt it was most fitting and appropriate for us to establish this endowment fund supporting professional development in honour of my parents, as a legacy and a sign of gratitude and appreciation for all that they have given to our entire extended family over the years.
Why support TanenbaumCHAT? TanenbaumCHAT is an institution that should enhance the pride and appreciation that we, as members of the Toronto Jewish community, ought to feel. Along with a superior formal secular and Judaic education, it also provides a pseudo family and supportive environment for all of our children in which each student is encouraged to reach his or her potential. Students graduate from the school with formidable study and work habits enriched by extensive extracurricular and social programs, implemented by a staff whose love, commitment and dedication to their students is unparalleled.
Why provide an endowment fund to support professional development?
Howard’s parents Aaron z”l & Beverley Black
22 | CHATTER Magazine FALL/WINTER 2022
I wanted to identify an area that would demonstrate our appreciation towards the school’s educational staff. They spend more time with our children on a daily basis than we do. They have the potential to significantly impact our children on their future life’s paths as welleducated, committed members of the secular and Jewish communities, and who embody superior moral and ethical behavior. After discussions with Head of School Dr. Jonathan Levy, the idea of an endowment fund for Professional Development seemed most fitting. ◆
ALUMNI HAVE RETURNED TO TEACH THE ARTS AT TANENBAUMCHAT— AND THE PROGRAM IS HITTING A HIGH NOTE BY ERIN SILVER
The arts are thriving at TanenbaumCHAT. With pandemic restrictions largely in the past, music, drama and art programming is in full swing and in person once again. Leading the way forward are alumni who studied arts at the school and couldn’t wait to get back to the front of the class. Jaclyn Klimitz ’03 is head of the music department. She began teaching at TanenbaumCHAT in September 2010. A singer by background, Klimitz was a vocal major in university but also plays piano and all band instruments. “I’ve always been passionate about music and knew it would be part of my life,” says Klimitz. Interestingly, there was no music program when she was a student, so she and her peers had to improvise. “In my
spares in Grade 11 and 12 I used to practice piano and vocal. I made it work, but my dream was to be able to do my art at school as part of the coursework.” When she graduated from teacher’s college and a music job opened up at her alma mater, Klimitz applied for the role. “Music was always a place where everyone could find a home and feel safe. It was always an inclusive space. Now that music is part of the curriculum rather than an extracurricular, it’s very exciting for me.” While continuing her education, Klimitz became interested in the integration of music and prayer. “Through my masters research I explored the connection between Jewish music and composers and the canon of classical musical composers.” Fascinated by how much www.tanenbaumchat.org | 23
Three alumni teachers, three subjects, three specialized spaces: Left to right: Jaclyn Klimitz ’03 in the Gorewicz Music Studio; Michael Kohl ’97 in the Abramsky Family Art Studio; and Ryan Peters ’09 in the Matlow Black Box Theatre.
Jewish composers had contributed to the genre she began exploring the topic. Today, she combines these two themes in the music program. In addition to this unique approach, there’s another aspect that makes the music program special. “Students can choose whether they want to be in band or choir. Within each we teach music history, theory, major scales, and how to listen to music and speak about it in an educated manner.”
music in person again, Klimitz says the music room is filled every day at lunch and after school with people rehearsing, practicing and jamming. “It’s a loud, vibrant, exciting place where people can belong and have a home.” It makes Klimitz very proud. “My goal is for my students to know what music can do in their lives. It can contribute positively to their mental health and create a community for them for their whole lives.”
Teamwork is a big part of the program, with students working together to perform in small and larger groups. Now that students are allowed to fully participate in
Upstairs in the art studio, Michael Kohl ’97 is also excited about the latest developments in the vibrant visual arts department. “Today we have a very comprehensive
"The arts exercised a different part of my brain. The program gave me the foundation and confidence I needed to pursue my passion. The rigorous workload and intense scheduling gave me the discipline and drive to face new and unique challenges at university and in the workplace. The focussed mindset and skills I developed will always stay with me.”
“I took vocal music for all four years at TanenbaumCHAT and then took Grade 10 beginner band for fun in Grade 12. My love and passion for singing skyrocketed once I started high school. Vocals class was an environment where I could hone my skills and grow as a musician. I learned how to have stage presence, work collaboratively with my peers and I built amazing relationships with my classmates and teachers. While in high school, I grew so much as a person and as a musician.”
— DANIEL CHARKOW ’18, FASHION STUDENT, SHOE DESIGNER
— HANNAH GINSBERG ’21, MUSIC STUDENT
24 | CHATTER Magazine FALL/WINTER 2022
art program,” says Kohl, noting the department was smaller when he was a student. “We now have a lot of technology – a 3-D printer, engraver and things professionals have in their workplaces.” The department has also incorporated technology. “We focus on handson traditional art styles, but we also ensure that students who are already into different styles and techniques have the ability to access technology.”
“After TanenbaumCHAT and a gap year in Israel, I went to Sheridan College where I studied Interaction Design and became a Product Designer. This career combines the creativity, creative problem-solving and technical skills that I learned in my art and communication technology courses at high school. My advice is to see the arts courses as equally important to other courses and to know that arts courses lead to careers that are viable. It’s important to do your research and understand the kinds of doors that the arts can open.” — YAEL HUBERT ’14, SENIOR PRODUCT DESIGNER
This variety in approach has enabled graduates to study fashion design in London and New York and at prestigious programs in Canada. “TanenbaumCHAT students have also gone on to study architecture, industrial design, graphic design and photography,” says Kohl. “Art students who apply to programs get into where they want to go. If you’re a student and serious about art, we’ll help you develop your portfolio. If you don’t want to use art in your career, the subject is a nice change of pace from our academic subjects and it’s a chance to express your creativity. Either way, it’s a welcoming place for everyone.”
“Music class teaches a lot of things including improved breath work, fine motor skills, dexterity and developing a keen ear. However, it also teaches softer skills like collaboration, leadership and confidence. Music has helped me in school and in my career. I’ve worked in corporate strategy and am now pursuing law. No matter what, we must collaborate and learn to work with and trust others, speak up and lead when necessary, and take a backseat and follow when appropriate. Music also teaches discipline and practice, time management and how to have fun.” — NOAH SPRINGER ’14, LAW STUDENT
www.tanenbaumchat.org | 25
Kohl is excited about the annual Arts Cafe. “It’s a combination of art, drama, music and communication technology. “It’s a night for students to invite their families to see what we do in the art room. There are performances and art on display. We haven’t been able to hold it in the past two years because of COVID, but we’re excited to do it again this year.” “ Today, the ability to share, express, communicate… and be present in the moment, are skills that matter more than ever… Students have the opportunity to create something that has never been created before, and that is a pretty unique and even magical opportunity.”
Today, there are plenty more opportunities for students who want to act and perform. “Grade 9 is an introduction to drama; students get a taste of what drama looks like," says Peters. “They get to perform on stage, script-write and explore different genres like realism, mime, tableau, sketch comedy and improv. We play tons of games and have a lot of fun. It’s a very inclusive environment.” As a result, the drama program is growing. “There is increased interest across the grades,” says Peters. “It’s a good problem to have.” ◆
– JOSH SABLE ’90
Ryan Peters ’09 is also thrilled to return to the postCOVID world. As a teacher in the drama department, the pandemic was a particular challenge for his students. “The prospect of having a masked drama program was hard – you lose all facial expression,” he says. “This year we’re excited to have a more normal experience.” Peters wants to continue to give his students the kind of experience he had when he was at TanenbaumCHAT. “I was very much involved in the drama program as a student and I took it throughout my four years. A few friends and I wrote a musical and performed it. It was the highlight of my high school years. That’s one reason I’m back teaching at the school.”
“Drama allowed me a place to express myself and collaborate with others to find and hone their creative voice. Drama is important because even if you have no interest in a career in performance, you still have to be able to present yourself in public in a variety of professional and social settings. Drama helps teens discover their voice, gain confidence and practice the art of communication, which is so important in virtually all fields.” — NOAM TOMASCHOFF ’09, WRITER/DIRECTOR (For more on Noam and his feature film, Tankhouse, turn to page 29.)
26 | CHATTER Magazine FALL/WINTER 2022
Other alumni arts teachers are, L to R: Orly Lewis ’16, Music; Josh Sable ’90, Dramatic Arts & Co-head of Student Activities; and Sonya Ben Ishai ’15, Drama & English.
“I got so much out of band. It always felt like a really beautiful space where I could fully be myself. My band teachers and classmates all made me feel so heard, seen and supported. If I was stressed with tests or being a teenager, I always knew I’d be able to walk into band class and have a good time, do something I loved and be with people who made me happy. As an angsty teenager, it definitely helped me push through lots of difficulties.” — EREZ ZOBARY ’14, SONGWRITER, SINGER, TEACHER
&
➤
In August, in a private presentation held at the Reena–Toby and Henry Battle Developmental Centre, Fred Winegust ’77 received the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Medal, an award instituted to honour the Queen’s 70th anniversary on the throne. Fred was recognized for Community Service and the role he has played at Reena, writing grant applications and implementing programs, in particular with relation to the Reena Community Farm. Fred says his ”commitment to community was developed during my years at CHAT,” and carried into many areas of Jewish community life subsequently. Fred is the father of alumni Tamara ’05, Adira ’07, Yardena ’09, Marc ’11 and Zev ’17.
Melissa Lantsman, Member of Parliament, Thornhill, presents Fred with the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Medal
Dr. David Kaplan ’92 was appointed Vice-President, Quality at Ontario Health, the organization that coordinates the Ontario health system to help make it more efficient and to support the delivery of the best possible patient-centred care. David is an Associate Professor of Family & Community Medicine at the University of Toronto Temerty Faculty of Medicine, and also continues his family practice affiliated with the North York Family Health Team.
David Herbert ’00, Associate Professor at the University of Manitoba, was the 2022 recipient of the prestigious Strem Award for Pure or Applied Inorganic Chemistry, given by the Chemical Institute of Canada. The award is presented to an individual who has made significant contributions to the field of chemistry, showing exceptional promise. David has also been the recipient of the Royal Society of Chemistry’s Outstanding Reviewer award as well as the University of Toronto’s F.E. Beamish Prize for Inorganic Chemistry. He is the founder of the Herbert Research Group whose primary research focus is on using synthetic inorganic chemistry to tackle atmospheric and environmental problems. In the wake of the incredibly popular word game, Wordle, Abe Train ’13 launched Globle, a geography-based mystery game that challenges users to guess the correct country every day. When asked about how his time at TanenbaumCHAT helped to contribute to his current career trajectory as a computer programmer and entrepreneur, Abe admitted that he “actually never took a programming class in high school but I definitely got a fantastic STEM education that helped me get to where I am today.” He notes that “the first program I ever wrote was on my TI-83 graphing calculator in Neil Epstein’s Grade 10 Enriched Math class.” Seth Kerzner ’15 recently graduated with honours from Reichman University in Herzliya, Israel with a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree as the program’s youngest graduate. As a part of this program, Seth partnered with Bricks Innovation, a Tel Aviv-based start-up in the prop-tech sector, where he helped the company build its data analytics and marketing efforts.
www.tanenbaumchat.org | 27
By the book In the depths of the pandemic, Alyssa (Waks) Catzman ’01, certified teacher and child psychotherapist, combined two of her passions: children’s mental health and writing, with the publication of Just As You Are, (Tellwell Talent, 2021), a children’s book that explores the important topics of body image, intuitive eating and self-love. The story is intended to act as a springboard for conversations between adults and children at home and in the classroom. Equipped with personal experience and professional knowledge, after graduating high school, Alyssa embarked on a journey to share messages of body positivity and self-love with children everywhere. Expanding Potential: Journeying Beyond Who We Think We Are (Mosaica Press, 2022) a new book by Jonah Simcha Chaim Muskat-Brown ’07 takes readers on a deep-dive into the topic of human potential, exploring themes such as empowerment, vulnerability, courage and growth. Set against the backdrop of the Jewish calendar, the book is “a chance to rebel against the identities others confine us to, in favour of the ones we create for ourselves as we develop across the year.”
28 | CHATTER Magazine FALL/WINTER 2022
Dentist and new mother, Jessica Gold ’08 spent the last year working on a children’s book. Get Outside (Library and Archives Canada, 2022) is “an ABC-style book that is intended to introduce children to the outdoors and encourage parents to get kids outside from an early age.” There is also an accompanying colouring book. Proceeds are being donated to an Ontario charity called Project Canoe, which offers educational outdoor programming to underprivileged youth and those with mental health and financial barriers. Jessica notes that “TanenbaumCHAT instilled in me a strong sense of tzedakah and those values have stuck with me to this day.” Conquer Yourself to Change the World: A Commentary on Pirkei Avos (Shikey Press, 2022), is a new book co-authored by Alden Tabac ’18. A commentary on the Ethics of the Fathers, it guides readers to apply the ancient lessons of the Sages to contemporary life. The commentary places an emphasis on the importance of overcoming your nature to become the best version of yourself and to lead a more ethical life. Alden notes that the project was informed by “many of the skills… acquired in the Jewish Studies program at TanenbaumCHAT.”
That’s entertainment Orlee-Rose Strauss ’05 is a film and TV producer based in New York City. After receiving her MFA from the University of Southern California School of Cinematic Arts in 2013, she joined co-directors Henry Joost and Ariel Schulman at their production company, Supermarché. Orlee-Rose’s latest feature, Secret Headquarters (2022), stars Owen Wilson and broke records on Paramount+ as the platform’s most streamed original film to date. Prior to that, Orlee-Rose produced Project Power (2020), a Netflix action film starring Jamie Foxx and Joseph Gordon Levitt, which debuted at #1 in over 90 countries and remains one of Netflix’s top ten original features of all time. Orlee-Rose also produced the Lionsgate teen thriller Nerve, starring Emma Roberts and Dave Franco, as well as the Sundance hit, White Girl. In addition, she has also produced a number of awardwinning short films starring Margot Robbie, Taylor Swift, Elle Fanning, and Kendall Jenner, as well as commercial and branded content for clients such as Vogue, Google, Facebook and the New York Knicks.
Orlee-Rose Strauss '05 center front surrounded by Secret Headquarters cast members.
& Co-written and directed by Noam Tomaschoff ‘09, the feature length film Tankhouse follows two hopelessly pretentious thespians who relocate to Fargo, North Dakota to start a theatrical revolution. Noam credits his alma mater with planting the seeds of his professional career and serving as part of the inspiration for the film’s story. “I simply wouldn’t have discovered theatre without the encouragement of Mr. Mittelman and Mr. Sable ’90.” said Noam. He, along with Class of 2009 friends Jeremy Chad, Ben Deverett and (current teacher) Ryan Peters “wrote our original musical Just a Regular Day.” That process served in part as inspiration for the story of Noam’s new film. Becca Willow Moss ‘13, starred in It’s What Each Person Needs, a short that was screened multiple times as part of the TIFF Short Cuts Programme. TIFF International Programmer Jason Anderson called the film one of seven “unforgettable films that are as compelling as they are consistently surprising.” Becca Willow traces the seeds of her unique multi-hyphenate career as an actor, singer, director and visual artist to her time at TanenbaumCHAT, crediting former teacher Mrs. Wener for giving her the support, encouragement and confidence to write her own scripts, songs and essays, as well as her time performing in the choir and in Hebrew plays.
www.tanenbaumchat.org | 29
ALUMNI Back at TanenbaumCHAT
This year, we were thrilled to welcome back the following alumni as staff members: Matthew Banayan ’15 (not pictured), and clockwise from top left: Krystal Barkhordarian ’15, Dalia Benchimol ’92, Orly Lewis ’16, Gilian Horenfeldt ’04 (who serves as our Social Worker from Jewish Family & Child Service), and Daniel Goldman ’13. On March 30, 2022, TanenbaumCHAT alumni returned to present at the annual StartUp TanenbaumCHAT business and entrepreneurship career conference. Hosted by the school’s Business Council, the event highlights professionals from various realms in the business world. This iteration was virtual, enabling guest speakers to Zoom in from all over the world. Russell Citron ’09 (pictured), founder of CrowdChange, was the Keynote Speaker. Other alumni who spoke included Ryan Freeman ’05 (Head of Enterprise at DoorDash), Rebecca Howard ’13 (Founder of Becked Goods), current board member Jordan Kupinsky ’90 (Partner, Windsor Private Capital Managing), and Joshua Pope ’14 (Co-founder, TrajekSports).
Fourteen TanenbaumCHAT alumni were judges at the TanenbaumCHAT ACED (formerly known as DECA) mock competition which prepares high school students to become business leaders and entrepreneurs. Alumni – all former DECA team members – who volunteered their time to provide feedback to our students were: Matthew Bogoroch ’14, Russell Citron ’09, Matt Cohn ’15, Dana Davis ’16, Jordan Fish ’08, Anna Frankel ’08, Jordan Hanser ’14, Jordyn Kimel ’15, Rachel Lebovic ’19, Adam Neumark ’15, Adam Pope ’12, Zoe Sebastien ’13, Jonathan Sharir-Smith ’16 and Zach Zittell ’13.
30 | CHATTER Magazine FALL/WINTER 2022
Noah Tile ’10 spoke to staff at a professional development session about mental health issues in a school setting and best practices and tools to focus on student wellbeing. Noah is a registered psychotherapist, business owner and cofounder of Resolvve, and an Orthodox Rabbi. His teachings concentrate on educating others on the relationship between Judaism and personal growth. He is devoted to helping others thrive and build resilience.
ENGAGEMENTS
Anna Frankel ’08 & Mikey Rabinowitz
Ethan Malkin ’13 & Carlie Campol
Alexandra Chandler ’14 & Aaron Goldstein Storseth
Kevin Jacobs ’12 & Jillian Altman
Jacqueline Benitah ’11 & Armando Chocron
Jamie Greenspan ’09 & Steven Plunkett
Judah Hoffman ’16 & Victoria Ardelean
Jordana Lebowitz ’13 & Sim Borodach
Madeleine Gottesman ’12 & Jeff Hendler ’09
Sara Factor ’11 & Rebecca Starkman
www.tanenbaumchat.org | 31
WEDDINGS
Caroline Alpert ’11 & Jeremy Fox ’03
Adam Handler ’10 & Arielle Zahavi ’09
Brennan Rashkovan ’12 & Rebecca Battat
Rachel Albert ’02 & David Hartman
Gabrielle Benatar ’17 & Yehuda Oziel
Gary Carbell ’09 & Amy Levin
Josh Fluxgold ’10 & Nitsan Raiter ’12
Rachel Carr ’10 & David Czosniak ’09
(current staff) & Nissim Nacson
Krystal Barkhordarian ’15
Corbin Seligman ’06 & Eitan Bergerson
32 | CHATTER Magazine FALL/WINTER 2022
Noah Zaionz ’18 & Eliana Grunbaum
Danitte Kozai ’10 & Michael Gorshein
Elliott Rubin ’09 & Erin Dessau
Estee Goldberg ’13 & Maxwell Perelgut ’13
Hillary Abramsky ’10 & Ryan Snow ’09
Jakie Young ’10 & Joel Kimelman
Jared Lindzon ’06 & Rebecca Gill
Josh Finkelstein ’05 & Ashley Moses ’09
Leore Zecharia ’12 & Jake Zerker ’12
Lindsay Snow ’11 & Adi Elman
Mark Freeman ’11 & Carly Pellow ’11
Max Gelkopf ’13 & Nicole Gelkopf
Rebecca Buckler ’15 & Yishai Shiff
Roni Propp ’09 & David Shmueli
Talia Priluka ’13 & Jared Rakoff ‘08
Zack Silverberg ’07 & Mandy Silverberg
www.tanenbaumchat.org | 33
BIRTHS
Adina Esther
Gabriella
Aiden Romy
Ben Singer ’06 & Shaili Perez Singer
Steven Glowinsky ’00 & Danielle Glowinsky
Shawna Maron ’06 & Jon Kamien
Jonah Sydney
Kody Adam
Levi Hudson
Shale Farber ’07 & Talia Farber
Lisa (Kadish) Zackheim ’98 & Michael Zackheim
Gidoen Berger ’08 & Alena (Mandel) Berger ’08
Mylo Jack
Sadie Claire
Sidney (Yair Yisrael)
Franny Freed ’06 & Mitch Freed ’06
Eden Goldberg ’08 & Nate Udren
Aryeh Fortinsky ’12 & Evie Bernstein
Sofia Leah
Shira (Koperwas) Riaboy ‘13 & Jeremy Riaboy
34 | CHATTER Magazine FALL/WINTER 2022
Asher Brady
Dina Solika
Dylan Brody
Adira Esther
Lauren (Arshoff) Lindzon ’08 & Russell Lindzon ’08
Aliza (English) Eisenbach ’06 & Yehuda Eisenbach
Josh Friedlich ’08 & Raquel Walman ’08
Jeremy Chad ’09 & Ayala Rubin
Madison Grace Aaron Silver ’04 & Alexandria Fanjoy Silver (current staff)
Micah & Boaz Chani Greenwald ’04 & Matt Reingold ’03 (current staff)
Micah Brody Zane Brickman ’09 & Laura Elman ’09
Yael Kyle Taylor ’07 & Hadassa Taylor
Wesley Miles
Zachary Norman
Sloan (Baron) Farber ’09 & Aaron Farber
Danielle Arje ’09 & Daniel Rosenfeld ’06
Yosef Shlomo Nachum Benji Pister ’11 & Devora Pister
www.tanenbaumchat.org | 35
