Profiling Alumni: the Weinroth family

Profiling

Alumni

We catch up with the Weinroths, one of the increasing number of three-generation families that have called our school home.

Judith Weinroth ’65 earned an Honours BSc in Biological and Medical Sciences, an MSc in Anatomy/Histology and, after raising her family, attended medical school at U of T. She enjoyed a 30-year career as a GP oncologist at the Princess Margaret Hospital, the Sunnybrook Odette Cancer Centre, and as a GP Psychotherapist for cancer patients. She is retired, volunteers in the community, and remains very involved with family and friends. Aaron Weinroth ’91 earned degrees in electrical and biomedical engineering from U of T and is a licensed professional engineer. He has more than 20 years of experience creating and commercializing new medical devices and other technologies. He leads and advises companies on innovation strategy and execution, mentors start-up entrepreneurs, and serves as an external reviewer and judge for several technology funding programs and awards. Sari Weinroth ’22 is in Grade 11. She is actively involved in several Jewish youth organizations, loves spending time with her friends, and is an avid dancer.

Dr. Judith Weinroth ’65: Can you share some memories of school life when you were at CHAT?

I was a member of the small first graduating class of CHAT – then called the Toronto Hebrew High School. We were housed at the Neptune branch of The Associated Hebrew Day School. Our General Studies teachers were retirees from the public school system who were very experienced, knowledgeable and enthusiastic. Our Hebrew courses were taught Ivrit b’Ivrit (in Hebrew) by rabbis, and other educators and scholars. We, our teachers, our parents and the community leaders who bravely founded the program, knew that the school’s future depended on whether we were successful or not.

What role has the school fulfilled over the last 60 years?

The school instills in its students a love of Judaism and of Israel. Over the last 60 years, alumni have gone on to become leaders in the local and worldwide community. Many have made aliyah and contribute greatly to Israeli society. Many have returned to CHAT as teachers and staff members. If that is not a measure of the school’s success, I don’t know what is. I made lasting friendships with my classmates that continue until today.

How did you feel to see your grandchild become a TanenbaumCHAT student?

Seeing my granddaughter, Sari, become a TanenbaumCHAT student has made me feel proud, hopeful and optimistic. I am grateful that our family tradition carries on, and that the Jewish values and education that the school imparted to me and to my children will be passed on to the third generation.

Aaron Weinroth ’91: What was the school like when you were a student?

Our teachers had high expectations and set high standards but they all genuinely wanted to help us learn, grow, and succeed. I also remember a strong sense of community – and I still feel a bond with my former classmates and teachers. I’m regularly reminded of those bonds since some of my closest friends today are former CHAT classmates.

Why did you choose the school for Sari?

We wanted her to get the best possible secular and Jewish education in an environment that would deepen her connection to her Jewish heritage and the traditions, practices, and values that we teach and follow at home. The excellent peer group and social connections are important and, of course, we wanted to qualify as a three generation CHAT family – and pave the way for the fourth too!

How has your perspective of the school changed as you moved from alum to current parent?

As an alumnus I was always happy and proud of my association with CHAT as an important community institution. As a parent, I’m much more concerned about maintaining the quality of the formal and informal educational experiences and I have higher expectations as I look out for my daughter’s best interests.

Opposite page, L to R: Aaron, Judith and Sari – three generations of alumni, and three generations of school clothing! In June 2020, TanenbaumCHAT said farewell to the following teachers. We thank them for their many years of service to the school and wish them good health and fulfillment in retirement.

L to R: Yael Amar spent 20 years in the Ivrit department and was a former Department Head, French; Richard Dlin taught mathematics for 12 years and was a former Department Head; Judi Morris taught English and Careers teacher for 21 years; Brenda Silverberg spent 30 years at the school as a science teacher and was a former Department Head

This year, TanenbaumCHAT was excited to welcome four more alumni educators, and we wish them much success. They are (L to R): Naomi Satok ’83 (Art), Leah Sutton ’09 (English), Cedric Attias ’18 (Engineering Intern), and (not pictured) Melissa

Koziebrocki ’03

(Supply teacher).

Sari Weinroth ’22: How odd/weird/nice is it that you are the third generation of your family to be in the school?

It’s nice to walk down the hall and see pictures of my father and my aunts (Eva Vanek ’89, Dena Shulman ’94) who are all graduates. It was really nice that opportunities, and gave me the

on Generations Day my grandmother was able to come back and share personal stories about her experiences with me.

How do you think the school has changed since your grandmother was a student here?

Right now there are a lot of differences The technology is obviously very different. The online classes I take now would have been impossible back in 1965!

What are some of your favorite things about TanenbaumCHAT?

My favourite thing about TanenbaumCHAT is the amazing people I meet. I love how well [the school] is preparing me for future like mask wearing and quadmesters!

confidence to go on a semester in Israel last year where I had the chance to utilize my Hebrew skills. ◆

Alumni Back at TanenbaumCHAT

On May 12, TanenbaumCHAT celebrated Lag Ba’Omer with a community-wide online kumzitz, with musical entertainment provided both by current students and alumni. It wasn’t quite the same as gathering around a fire together, but there was plenty of warmth and community spirit! Our thanks to performers Coco Einarsen ’21, Avery Florence ’09, Ari Freedman ’21, Michal Freedman ’18, Benjamin Levitt ’18, Jonah Levitt ’16, Talia Levitt ’20, Lily Librach ’18, Jonah Opler ’18, Ben Peretz ’23 and Shira Zionce ’18 for helping to create a sense of togetherness at the beginning of the lockdown. From left: Avery Florence, Lily Librach, Shira Zionce

In February, David Matlow ’79 was a guest in a Jewish History class taught by Aviva Polonsky ’91. He discussed his life-long interest in Theodor Herzl and shared photos from his collection of Herzl memorabilia. He is the owner of the world’s largest collection of Herzl artifacts and is the producer of My Herzl, a documentary film about the continued relevance of the statesman today. In March, barely a day or two before the school switched to remote learning, Shane Rodak ’10 and Sagi KahaneRapport ’14 spoke to our Grade 11 Media and Communication Technology classes about their real-life work experiences in their respective fields. Shane is a copywriter and discussed how a commercial is created from conception to filming. Sagi spoke to the class about working as a film and commercial director. Both shared some examples of their work, discussed post-secondary options and provided some excellent insights into how to succeed in the creative arts fields.

In early March, Jacob (Jake) Jesin ’97 worked with Grade 11 Law students and moderated a mock trial. “It was my absolute pleasure,” he said. “The case was particularly difficult this year with some interesting criminal law issues and the aspiring lawyers impressed me with their advocacy and articulate arguments on both sides of the case. I look forward to seeing some of them join me as colleagues in future years.” Jake graduated from Queen’s University Law School and was called to the Bar in 2006. He is a partner in RSJLAW. One small upside of the NHL being on hiatus during the pandemic was that Toronto Maple Leafs player Zach Hyman ’10 had time to visit his alma mater – albeit virtually. Students, staff and parents were thrilled to connect with Zach during a Zoom Q&A that was moderated by Director of Student Activities, Josh Sable ’90. Zach shared some reminiscences about his time at the school, his journey to the NHL, and his role as author of children’s books. Zach was selected by the Toronto Maple Leafs as their nominee for the 2019-20 Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy.

We were thrilled to welcome back the following alumni who helped pack and deliver goodies, and celebrate the Class of 2020 at our grad event in June: Talia S.

Aaron ’19. Jayden Berdugo ’19, Dahlia Langburt ’19, Evan Sinclair ’13, and Joshua Sinclair ’15. Jillian Abramsky ’18

(pictured) also brought her video skills to the table when she helped to edit the 14th Annual Golden Bagel video.