GOLDA OCH ACADEMY
SOLOMON SCHECHTER DAY SCHOOL OF ESSEX AND UNION
ALUMNI SOCIETY
NEWS Mr. Adam Shapiro A look back at his 18 years of leadership and dedication SPRING 2021
GOLDA OCH ACADEMY
SOLOMON SCHECHTER DAY SCHOOL OF ESSEX AND UNION
ALUMNI SOCIETY
NEWS ALUMNI SOCIETY NEWS is published 2-3 times per year by the offices of Institutional Advancement and Marketing and Communications. Send your comments, questions, story ideas, photos, class notes, and baruch dayan emets to: Erin Sternthal esternthal@goldaochacademy.org INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT Stephanie Bash-Soudry Director of Institutional Advancement Caryn Rosenberg Special Events Coordinator Jackie Cistaro Development Associate MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS Glenn Slavin Director of Marketing and Communications Erin Sternthal Marketing and Communications Associate James Bratek Digital Marketing Strategist ADMINISTRATION Adam Shapiro Head of School Julia Malaga Chief Financial Officer Jordan Herskowitz Interim Upper School Principal Carrie Siegel ’92 Lower School Principal Karen Spector Lower School Assistant Principal and Director of Early Childhood Education Rabbi Meirav Kallush Director of Israel Education Jamie Himmelstein Middle School Director BOARD OF TRUSTEES Keith Biebelberg Chair, Board of Trustees GOLDA OCH ACADEMY is accredited by the New Jersey Association of Independent Schools, and is a beneficiary agency of the Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest NJ. It is affiliated with the National Association of Indepedent Schools, Prizmah, and the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism (NJ Region).
in this issue
spring 2021
5
Former Student Daniel S. Och Pledges $10 Million Challenge Gift 10
Mr. Shapiro Leaves a Lasting Impact on GOA and its Students 14
Thank You, Mr. Herskowitz, For Your Dedication and Service 16 18 20
“Shining Bright” Spring Benefit Celebrates GOA Faculty & Staff, Mr. Adam Shapiro Delayed Neshama 29 Worth the Wait for the Class of 2021 Class of 2021 Graduation
2 3 4 4
FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL FROM THE DIRECTOR OF INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT FROM THE ALUMNI SOCIETY CO-CHAIRS FROM THE PARENTS OF ALUMNI COMMITTEE
24 28 29
CLASS NOTES FACULTY RETIREMENTS & SERVICE MILESTONES OUR SINCERE CONDOLENCES
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FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL When I first began working at the Solomon Schechter Day School of Essex and Union in 2003, I was excited about the prospect of beginning my professional journey in an excellent school and eager to get to work. What I quickly came to realize was that this place was quite special and would soon become much more than a job. As I look back at the many different roles I have had — teacher, basketball coach, Dean of Students, Upper School Principal and, for the last six years, Head of School — I think about the many different memorable experiences along the way. The constant in all of them is the role that students — both alumni and current — played in creating so much of that meaning. Over these past 18 years, SSDSEU (now GOA) has become my home away from home — and sometimes my actual home (Raise your hand if you have fond memories of sleeping on the gym floor for a Shabbaton!) I’ve had the opportunity to watch so many of you learn and grow during your time in this school, and I’ve also enjoyed being a cheerleader during those post-SSDSEU/GOA years when you reached out to share your successes. In turn, you’ve all been a part of my growth and upbringing as well. When this all started I was just the new guy fresh out of graduate school. You cheered me on when I got married and provided my family with the most memorable baby naming — the first to happen here in our school’s Beit Knesset — when my first daughter, Vered (who is now a 6th grader and a member of the Class of 2027), was born in November of 2008. The memories of so many students (shout out to those members of the Class of 2009 who led a beautiful shacharit that day!) singing and celebrating is something I won’t soon forget. I’ve had the opportunity to travel the world with so many of you, whether Poland, Prague, Israel or one of the many relief missions to New Orleans. It has been in these places where I believe that so much meaningful and valuable learning — for both you and me — has taken place. Learning by doing — while getting our hands dirty in New Orleans, walking through the barracks of Majdanek or singing together at the Kotel — is what exemplifies the greatness of our school and community, and it is these memories that I will hold most dear to my heart. While this moment marks the end of my professional connection to GOA, my ties to this school, the students and alumni will remain strong. I look forward to continuing to be a part of this school community as a dedicated and supportive parent to my own three very special Roadrunners and hope they will have the opportunity to one day join all of you as members of our school’s SSDS-GOA Alumni Society. As I wrap up my 18th year here at Golda Och Academy, I want each of you to know what an honor it has been to be your teacher, coach, dean, principal and Head of School. You have made this journey an unforgettable one, and I thank you all for your friendship and support. Over the years that I have been writing the HOS messages in this space, I’ve always reminded you to keep in touch, and it seems fitting to close this letter with another reminder. Always remember to live and breathe the values and lessons you learned here at school, and know that you will always have people here at GOA cheering you on and eager to hear about your successes. May all of you and our entire community continue to go from strength to strength.
Adam Shapiro Head of School 2
ALUMNI SOCIETY NEWS SPRING 2021
FROM THE DIRECTOR OF INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT As we complete this school year, I am feeling a sense of gratitude, pride and optimism. I am grateful for the leadership of both Mr. Adam Shapiro and Mr. Jordan Herskowitz who have each left a tremendous legacy at our school. They have truly impacted countless students, alumni and faculty members, and I am honored to have had the opportunity to work with such outstanding and dedicated leaders. I am grateful for our GOA families who entrusted us with their children this year in a pandemic. I am proud that our faculty, staff and administration came through as superheroes in providing a full year of in-person instruction. It was wonderful to honor them all at our recent GOA Spring Benefit on June 3. Finally, I am grateful for our alumni community who have stayed in touch and made a difference in so many ways during the pandemic. We have missed seeing you all at in-person events and hope to start them again soon. Talmud Shabbat teaches, “One person’s candle is a light for many.” I am so proud of how our alumni are shining bright wherever you are. As we look to the new year in 5782 and the 2021-22 school year, I am optimistic about our future as we open a new chapter in our school’s history and welcome Rabbi Danny Nevins as our new Head of School. I look forward to many opportunities where our alumni community can meet him. In closing, may we all go from strength to strength as we slowly emerge from the shadow into the light from this difficult year. Please reach out to me at sbashsoudry@goldaochacademy.org and let me know how you are doing and how you would like to connect with GOA in 2021-22. Wishing you all a wonderful summer! Kol Tuv,
Stephanie Bash-Soudry Director of Institutional Advancement
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FROM THE ALUMNI SOCIETY CO-CHAIRS As summer approaches, it finally feels like there is a light at the end of the tunnel. With life slowly returning to normal, we are looking forward to re-connecting with the alumni community in person. We are already brainstorming ways to safely host events. While this year has been difficult for everyone, we would like to take a moment to truly thank our faculty for leading us through this extremely challenging year. It is with their guidance that our students and GOA community have been able to flourish. Finally, we would like to thank our Head of School, Adam Shapiro, for his leadership and friendship over the past 18 years. From the day he arrived, his passion for Jewish education has been abundantly clear. From his role as a teacher and coach to Head of School, we have all been extremely lucky to have him as an integral part of our GOA community.
Becky Lustgarten ’04 Alumni Society Co-Chair
Sarah Schonfeld ’06 Alumni Society Co-Chair
FROM THE PARENTS OF ALUMNI COMMITTEE We are thinking of you as we wind up this challenging and unprecedented school year. We know that everyone’s lives have been impacted by this pandemic. We hope your alumni children are well, and we have missed seeing you all! We look forward to when we can restart our in-person activities, hopefully in the year ahead. Wishing you a wonderful summer of normalcy! Hope to see you all soon!
Amy Borg-Glickman and Shari Broder Co-Chairs, Parents of Alumni Committee To join our committee, please contact: Caryn Rosenberg Special Events Coordinator crosenberg@goldaochacademy.org
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ALUMNI SOCIETY NEWS SPRING 2021
GIVING NEWS
Former Student Daniel S. Och Pledges $10 Million Challenge Gift This past March, Head of School Adam Shapiro announced a transformational $10 million challenge gift by the Jane and Daniel Och Family Foundation to support Golda Och Academy’s efforts to significantly invest in teaching excellence. This gift will establish the Dr. Michael Och Fund for Faculty Excellence, an endowment fund named in honor of Dr. Michael Och, the father of Daniel S. Och, husband of the late Golda Och z”l and dear friend of our school. This important new fund is part of a larger vision for faculty at our school and will allow for the creation of a new faculty investment initiative. The Och family’s gift represents one of the Daniel S. Och largest investments in faculty among Jewish day schools in the United States. The $10 million challenge grant continues the Och family’s history of supporting Jewish education, beginning in 1965 with Golda and Dr. Michael Och’s leading role in the founding of the school, which was then called the Solomon Schechter Day School of Essex and Union. Golda Och held a variety of roles during her decades-long career at the school, including business manager, Board president and, most notably, as a beloved Jewish history teacher. Following her death in 2010, the Jane and Daniel Och Family Foundation pledged a transformative $15 million challenge gift focused on affordability and academic
excellence, prompting the renaming of our school to Golda Och Academy. In response to that challenge gift, our school raised an additional $17.5 million and established one of the largest affordability endowments among North American Jewish day schools.
Dr. Michael Och
Jane and Daniel Och said, “We are proud to be a part of the school’s mission and to be in a position to support the faculty. Nothing is more important to our children and our society than committed educators, and we feel privileged to work with them. With all that has occurred in the last year, education has proven to be a cornerstone of stability and the maintenance of future opportunity. We are honored to have our father recognized at an institution that reflects his values and belief in supporting the Jewish community and providing an exceptional education to tomorrow’s leaders.” We look forward to updating our community on this groundbreaking initiative in the months ahead.
For more information, please contact: Stephanie Bash-Soudry Director of Institutional Advancement sbashsoudry@goldaochacademy.org
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Ava Lane Hurwitz ’23 beautifully sang “The Star Spangled Banner.”
Past Chair, current Board of Trustees Treasurer, and Alumni Parent Jeffrey Landau presented Head of School Adam Shapiro with a special gift of framed art from Israel.
Chair of the Board of Trustees and Alumni Parent Keith Biebelberg 8
Faculty representatives Dr. Shira Kelmanovich (left) and Suzanne Epstein (right) expressed their gratitude on behalf of all GOA faculty!
Spring Benefit Co-Chair, Schechter-GOA Alumna, member of the Board of Trustees, and current GOA parent Dr. Keren Lebeau ’94
ALUMNI SOCIETY NEWS SPRING 2021
Director of Institutional Advancement and Alumni Relations, and Alumni Parent Stephanie Bash-Soudry
The Golden Ochtaves closed the program with a performance of Stevie Wonder’s “Love’s in Need of Love Today.”
The Spring Benefit proudly honored all 138 current GOA administrators, faculty, and staff!
Magician and mentalist Jason Silberman provided some laughs and surprises during the evening!
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ADMINISTRATION NEWS
Mr. Shapiro Leaves a Lasting Impact on GOA and its Students One only has to walk through the halls of our school to see why Head of School Mr. Adam Shapiro has been beloved by students and faculty. Whether on the Upper or Lower School campus, it’s common for Mr. Shapiro to stop a student and ask about his or her day. He knows the name of every student in our school and genuinely cares about each one individually. His door is always open for faculty to stop by or to welcome back alumni who are visiting (pre-pandemic, of course). There isn’t a school function without Mr. Shapiro in attendance, whether he is donning his famous Hanukkah suit, his vintage Roadrunner apparel or sporting a suit and tie while taking selfies with students and alumni. This school year marks Mr. Shapiro’s 18th year at Golda Och Academy, and his final year here at school. In gematria, the number 18 symbolizes “life,” and over the years, Mr. Shapiro has breathed so much life into our school, through his lessons in the classroom, meaningful experiential education programs, contagious spirit as a basketball coach, inspiration as an administrator and his leadership and guidance as Head of School. Through every position he has held at Golda Och Academy, Mr. Shapiro has had a tremendous impact on our school and students. Mr. Shapiro began his career at our school in September 2003 as a dynamic and engaging Social Studies and Judaics teacher, teaching 10th grade American history, 8th grade Tanach and Jewish history, and 6th grade Hebrew. He then went on to become Director of Experiential Education, encouraging students to take a closer look at the world around them and how they can make a difference. It was during this time that Mr. Shapiro launched the Hurricane Katrina Relief Mission to New Orleans in November 2006. In New Orleans, Mr. Shapiro helped forge close ties with schools, synagogues and non-profit organizations and created an unforgettable tikkun olam impact experience 10 ALUMNI SOCIETY NEWS SPRING 2021
for our students. (Of course, those who participated in the third mission to New Orleans will also remember the spontaneous meeting with Brad Pitt whose foundation was rebuilding homes in the 9th ward!) The Hurricane Katrina Relief Mission continued for more than a decade at our school and paved the way for additional GOA missions, including Puerto Rico. While helping the greater community was of utmost importance, Mr. Shapiro also worked to build strong community values and bonds here at home. Following a grant from the Avi Chai Foundation to run Shabbatonim, Mr. Shapiro used that model to run GOA’s own Shabbatonim, a model still used by our school today. He also helped launch the High School Community Service Day in
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As I look back on my high school experience, I think about how you were such a big part of it in ways you might not even know.
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Arielle Herzberg ’09 ALUMNI SOCIETY NEWS SPRING 2021 11
2006 with Jason Steinberg ‘07 and Alana Skydell ‘07—a day dedicated to working in communities in the local area. Community Service Day over the years, has been expanded to include both the Lower School and Upper School each year. With his motivational spirit and incredible energy, Mr. Shapiro thrived as Girls’ Varsity Basketball Coach. He inspired his players to challenge themselves and excel on and off the court. Later, his basketball journey continued when for one shining moment, Mr. Shapiro made his famous half-court shot during our Alumni vs. Students Basketball game in 2017. In 2008, Mr. Shapiro joined the administration as Dean of Students and later advanced to become Upper School Principal and Associate Head of School. He then became our school’s leader as Head of School in 2015. While his list of accomplishments include leading our successful NJAIS accreditation process, opening the new Dr Lynne B Harrison STEM Center and launching Project Moonshot, kicking off our Go Forward capital and endowment campaign, and securing a $10M challenge gift from the Jane and Dan Och Family Foundation, Mr. Shapiro was the guiding force behind our school’s successful reopening this year during the pandemic. Over the past 18 months of the Covid-19 pandemic, Mr. Shapiro led GOA’s team to quickly pivot to remote learning in March 2020 and then through intensive summer work, created a Covid-19 reopening plan, which successfully ensured that our school was able to fully open and operate for in-person learning since September. He has kept our community safe while maintaining learning on campus. For all of this, our community owes him a tremendous debt of gratitude. So many generations of students, alumni, faculty and staff have been impacted by Mr. Shapiro’s warmth, care and leadership. On behalf of the entire GOA community, Mr. Shapiro, todah rabah and thank you!
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Tributes from Alumni
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I have wanted to work in Jewish education since my days as a student at Cranford Lower School, and the work Mr. Shapiro did at the Upper School allowed me to realize the type of impact I would ultimately want to make as an educator. Mr. Shapiro has mentored me through graduate school, my very first job, and beyond. Mr. Shapiro, thank you for your leadership, your mentorship, and your friendship. Our community could not be luckier to call you ours, and we will sorely miss you. On behalf of myself, my family, and all of the SSDSEU-GOA alumni, b’hatzlacha rabah as you embark on the next part of your journey.
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Danielle Rockman Greene ’12
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I can’t believe that it was that long ago that I was in one of the first 8th grade classes that you ever taught. For the rest of my time at the Upper School you were a huge part of my Schechter experience. Some of my favorite Schechter memories were made possible by your planning, from Shabbatonim to the New Orleans trip. I’m really excited to see the amazing things you will do next.
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Noemi Schor ’08
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On behalf of the thousands of students that have walked through the halls and doors of Golda Och with you at the helm, thank you. I will always love the memories we had together in New Orleans, the Jewish Sports Society and when we got to spend the morning together on the stage at graduation when you introduced me as speaker. I want to wish you the best of luck in whatever chapter and next journey you undertake.
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Dr. Joe Gutowski ’09
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My strongest memory of you clearly involved the basketball team and having you as such a great coach. It’s had such an impact on a lot of parts of my life. Thank you for being such a strong community leader. Your impact will stay in this community for a very long time, and I know you have had such a strong impact on this institution.
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Whitney Gruhin ’07
When I think of my time at Golda Och, my mind immediately goes to walking into the building on a rainy Tuesday morning, senioritis in full swing, and hearing, “Good morning Anna! Have an amazing day!” The voice belonged to none other than Mr. Shapiro. Mr. Shapiro always knows how to brighten someone’s day, and I never took that for granted. Thank you so much, Mr. Shapiro, for always bringing light into the hallways of the Upper School.
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Anna Shpilsky ’18
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I have so many fond memories of your time at Schechter. I’ll never forget being in one of your very first classes. There were five of us and three of us were named Sarah. We put you through hell, but you knew how to handle it. My favorite memory is from senior year when you had an office upstairs that would be open. It shows what kind of leader you were at Schechter, one that really met us at our level and gained all of our respect for it. I wish you all the best and send you a lot of love from Israel.
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Sarah Drill Fainshtein ’08
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You’ve always been someone the students can talk to really easily and are someone we all look up to. You played an integral role throughout my Schechter years, and I cannot thank you enough for everything you have done for our school, for all the students, and we are so incredibly lucky to have had you all these years. Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart.
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Emma Glickman ’14
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ADMINISTRATION NEWS
Thank You, Mr. Herskowitz, For Your Dedication And Service For the last 11 years, Mr. Jordan Herskowitz has brought his passion for the arts, his dedication to serving the community, and his vision for a safe and welcoming environment for all to Golda Och Academy. As a faculty member, department chair, dean and Interim Upper School Principal, Mr. Herskowitz has certainly left a lasting impact on our students, faculty and alumni and will be deeply missed as he departs Golda Och Academy at the end of the 2020-21 school year. With a background in theatre, Mr. Herskowitz joined the Upper School faculty at GOA as a multimedia teacher and theater director in 2010. He created a three-show season for the school, consisting of a fall High School play, winter High School musical and a spring Middle School musical. Over the course of his years here, he directed and produced 25 shows and became Arts Department Chair in 2012. During the pandemic, he also revived his one-man show Growing Up Jordy Pordy — a powerful story about growing up Jewish in Texas and living with two brothers suffering from cystic fibrosis, which was shared virtually with our community. Recognizing the importance of experiential education, Mr. Herskowitz expanded trip opportunities for our Upper School students, including the annual 8th grade trip to Washington DC in his role as Director of Student Life and later as Dean of Students. He also expanded the High School’s mission trip to aid Puerto Rico after the island suffered tremendous devastation from hurricanes Irma and Maria. And here at home, Mr. Herskowitz created more service opportunities and community partnerships for students and broadened Community Service Day to include both the Middle School and High School as well as all faculty. During his tenure here, Mr. Herskowitz was dedicated to LGTBQ inclusion and social justice work. He made both policy and programmatic changes and updates to make Golda Och Academy a more safe, welcoming 14 ALUMNI SOCIETY NEWS SPRING 2021
and inclusive learning environment for everyone regardless of their sexual identity or gender expression. Yet perhaps Mr. Herskowitz’s most demanding role has been as Interim Upper School Principal. Since his appointment in the fall of 2019, Mr. Herskowitz incorporated more project-based learning into the classrooms, strengthened learning support for students and hired exceptional new faculty. However, nothing could prepare him for the challenges of running the
“Grades are important, and while I want stu well academically, the type of person they are leave this institution is what really counts m said Mr. Herskowitz. “I want our students compassionate, thoughtful and think about they will have on the communities they liv them to put the Jewish values we’ve instilled in as they make their impact on the world. Th my ultimate responsibility in all of my
Upper School during a worldwide pandemic. Under his leadership, GOA was able to make a seamless transition to remote learning in March 2020. During those three months, Mr. Herskowitz began every morning with Live With Mr. H! — a virtual morning talk show that
udents to do e when they most in life,” s to be kind, t the impact ve in. I want nto practice his has been roles here.”
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Tributes from Alumni
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Mr. Herskowitz was consistently a fun presence at GOA. Don’t get me wrong, he could definitely lay down the law when he needed to do so, but outside of those moments, I always found him very genial. Just a man in occasionally wild socks goofing around with us and sometimes yelling at us (well deserved) for our shenanigans.
Naomi Esrig ’20
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Mr. Herskowitz played a vital role in every production I was a part of. He always looked for ways to push me as an actor and performer and made sure everyone was prepared before we took the stage. I can’t thank him enough for the opportunities he gave me to explore the world of theater and for supporting me throughout my time at GOA.
Itai Rekem ’19
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During my time at GOA, I was fortunate to learn from Mr. Herskowitz as my teacher in the classroom, as my supervisor in the T’fillah mentorship program, and as my director in the high school plays. In each of these settings, he blended creativity, initiative and dedication to others in a way that I have tried to emulate in all that I do. I am filled with joy when I remember joking with Mr. H and friends after long rehearsals during tech week of a Midsummer Night’s Dream, or popping into his office unannounced for a chat throughout the school day. Even now, eight years after my GOA graduation, Mr. Herskwoitz is still providing me with guidance and opportunity. Thank you, Mr. H, for all you’ve done for me and our GOA community!
Rose Shapiro ’13
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brought the community together during this time of crisis. The show was an instant sensation and when word caught on, both campuses and their families were tuning in at 8:25 am every day to see how Mr. Herskowitz would brighten the morning. Through faculty and student game shows, discussions on world events, student contests and most importantly laughter, Live With Mr. H! was the highlight of GOA’s remote learning experience and definitely an unforgettable one. Last summer, Mr. Herskowitz dedicated countless hours as part of the reopening team ensuring that Golda Och Academy could open in the fall for in-person learning. He helped to create a hybrid teaching model while attempting to give students as much of a normal school experience as possible adhering to the Covid guidelines. The GOA community owes much of the success of this past school year during this pandemic to Mr. Herskowitz and his tireless work to keep school open and running smoothly. Throughout his different roles, Mr. Herskowitz has made our students his number one priority to ensure they have the best possible experience at GOA. We are grateful for his 11 years of service to our school and wish him the best of luck on his next journey.
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When I was in 12th grade we were given the option to take a class called Entrepreneurship and Leadership that Mr. Herskowitz taught. Only three of us took that class (I don’t know why ... who wouldn’t want Mr. Herskowitz as a teacher!) Zach Broder, Evan Klein, and I were the only ones to take the class, and it was amazing. First, we honestly learned a lot from Mr. Herskowitz. But more importantly, it became a weekly time where the three of us were able to get advice from Hersky and talk about life. Mr. Herskowitz was by far one of the most memorable figures from GOA and had a huge influence on all of us.
Josh Drill ’14
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STUDENT LIFE
Delayed Neshama 29 Worth the Wait for the Class of 2021 By Amitai Nelkin ’21 L’Shavua Ha’Ba B’Yerushalayim. That’s what the senior class of 2021 sang at their seders this year. Next week, not next year, in Jerusalem.
As I’m sure all alumni fondly remember, Golda Och Academy proudly boasts an immersive, intensive, and unparalleled second semester senior program abroad in Israel, called Neshama, where instead of straying from the hard questions we dive headfirst into them. As I’m sure all current students can attest to, nothing compares to the anticipation of your very own Neshama, the culmination and celebration of your journey through Golda Och. Our class, of course, was no different. We couldn’t wait to embark on our three-month long journey. Let me clarify. We felt we couldn’t wait. Covid-19, however, decided we could. Our original February 14 departure date kept being moved, over and over. We were stuck; not in school, not in Israel. The school thankfully took to keeping us active, through Zoom lessons about Israel, volunteer opportunities and social (and socially distant) programming. We were busy, but no amount of distraction could mask the fact that every day we woke up in America was... well, it was another day we didn’t wake up in Israel. But Golda Och Academy, and the Class of ‘21 for that matter, isn’t big on giving up. With Israel on our mind and in our hearts, we recalled Theodore Herzl’s famous words: “Im Tirtzu, Ein Zo Agada” — “If you want it, nothing is impossible.” And so the students took it upon themselves to enable every class member who desired to get a vaccine — by registering with the cancellation service that prevents vaccines from going to waste — in hopes it would improve our chances of being let into Israel. The school also worked to link us with MASA, securing for us special permission for entry. And so it was that on April 6, 2021, in the middle of a pandemic, Golda Och Academy’s Senior Class of 2021
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boarded a plane l’artzeinu, to our land. I can’t explain how it felt to finally land at Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv, so I won’t. I think it would be a disservice to even try. When we arrived, we had a mandatory Covid test, took a blood test to see who among us luckily had the antibodies, and headed into a 10-day bidud, or quarantine. We knew some of us would likely have the antibodies and some would likely not, and were prepared for a difficult 10 days. If that’s what it took to be in Israel, we would not hesitate. Our bidud lasted two hours. I won’t call it anything short of a miracle. Every single one of us tested had the antibodies. Not just that, but the absolute lowest antibody count among the vaccinated was more than three times higher than the minimum. Once we were all out of bidud, our semester abroad truly kicked off. Our nonstop Neshama experience was absolutely incredible. We have been all around the country, from the Golan Heights to Eilat, and we walked from Yam to Yam. Our three-month trip became two months, but you’d only know by the numbers. Each day was so packed, the energy and excitement so palpable, that you could easily mistake our trip for a year-long program, maybe more, from the itinerary and attitude alone. As I write this, we have just under two weeks left. But with a school, a program, and a grade like ours, we can make the remaining 12 days feel like 12 months of adventure. Im Tirtzu, Ein Zo Agada.
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STUDENT LIFE
Class of 2021 Graduation
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College Matriculations
Watch the full ceremony: youtube.com/ watch?v=Q5fhIMUpAmI
Adina Solomon Valedictorian
Jessica Moskowitz Salutatorian
Jonah Altmann University of Wisconsin
Jesse Icahn CUNY – Brooklyn College
Shira Ashkenazi Northeastern University
Rose Kibel Skidmore College
Emma Beigelman University of South Florida
Michael Kotzker Rutgers University
Adiel Benisty Haverford College
Kira Kress Albert A. List/Barnard College
David Benvent Cornell University
Hayley Lampert Drexel University
Jared Berelowitz Northeastern University
Jeremy Liebman University of Mass., Amherst
Noah Berkowitz Brandeis University
Talia Lloyd University of Maryland
Lilly Berman Syracuse University
Michael Lurie University of Maryland
Ari Bieber Indiana University
Danielle Mevorah Binghamton University
Kayla Blecherman New York University
Jessica Moskowitz Northwestern University
Emma Burke Syracuse University
Amitai Nelkin Brown University
Betsy Chernoff University of Vermont
Samantha Rigante Binghamton University
Elana Chernoff Ithaca College
Matthew Rothschild The College of New Jersey
Max Cohen-Vigder University of Vermont
Matthew Saperstein Northwestern University
Rafi Colton-Max University of Southern California
Naomi Sessler Ithaca College
Noah Feldman James Madison University
Adina Solomon Washington University, St. Louis
Marin Gold Florida State University
Maya Soudry Brandeis University
Aaron Gutterman Hofstra University
Andrew Steiner Hofstra University
Ben Haase Emory University
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Awards and Prizes THE BETTY PANTIRER SCHWARTZ PRIZE was established in 2005 and is awarded to a graduate who demonstrates commitment to the Jewish community and the continuity of our people. This year’s recipient is YAKIRA KRESS. THE EDELSON FAMILY PRIZE was established in 1985 by the Edelson Family and is awarded for academic excellence in Social Studies. This year’s recipient is SAMANTHA RIGANTE. THE EXCELLENCE IN THEATER AWARD is presented to a senior who has contributed greatly to our school’s music program, our High School Choir, The Golden Ochtaves, and our school’s musical productions. This year’s recipient is SHIRA ASHKENAZI. THE EXCELLENCE IN THEATER AWARD is presented to a senior who has made exceptional contributions to our school’s drama department. This year’s recipient is AARON GUTTERMAN. THE GOLD FAMILY PRIZE was established in 1987 by Eytan and Yochi Gold and is awarded for academic excellence in Hebrew Literature and Language. This year’s recipient is YAKIRA KRESS. THE HORACE A. BIER AWARD was established in 1988 by Ruth and Bruce Bier and family in honor of Horace Bier. It is awarded for academic excellence in Mathematics. This year’s recipient is ADINA SOLOMON. THE ISAAC SCHORR MEMORIAL PRIZE was established in 1977 by Mr. and Mrs. Joachim Schorr and is awarded for academic excellence in Jewish History. This year’s recipient is RAFAEL COLTON-MAX. THE JEROME A. DEENER AWARD, also known as the ScholarAthlete Award, was established in 1987 by the friends and family of Jerome Deener and is awarded for excellence in Scholarship, Athletic Ability, and Sportsmanship. This year’s recipients are JESSICA MOSKOWITZ and JARED BERELOWITZ. THE JUDITH ELBAUM AND SAUL ELBAUM PRIZE was established in 2005 by Judy and Steve Elbaum to be awarded annually for excellence in fine arts, music, and/or athletics. The prize was named after the Elbaum’s cousin, Judith and their son, Saul. This year’s recipient is AMITAI NELKIN. THE KARYN GLICK MEMORIAL AWARD was established in 1996 by our community in her memory. It is awarded to a senior who has earned special merit in Fine Arts. This year’s recipients are EMMA BEIGELMAN and HAYLEY LAMPERT. THE LILIAN AND JACK FRIEDMAN MEMORIAL PRIZE for outstanding achievement in Foreign Language was established in 1997 by the Estate of Lawrence Schacht in memory of the parents of Monica Friedman Heumann, retired Chair of the Foreign Language Department. For outstanding achievement in Spanish, the prize is awarded to JESSICA MOSKOWITZ. THE MICHAEL OCH AWARD was established in 1982 by his family and is awarded for academic excellence in Science. This year’s recipient is MATTHEW SAPERSTEIN. THE OUTSTANDING INTERN AWARD is awarded to the participant who exemplifies initiative, growth, and maturity during their internship. This year, for their dedication and commitment to their internship at New Jersey Y Camps, we recognize JESSE ICAHN.
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THE MORRIS BANKS MEMORIAL PRIZE was established in 1983 by Mr. and Mrs. S. Alexander Banks and is awarded for academic excellence in Jewish Thought. This year’s recipient is EMMA BURKE. THE PARENTS’ ASSOCIATION AWARD FOR LEADERSHIP was established in 1977 and is awarded for Leadership in Service to the school. This year there are two recipients of this award. This year’s recipients are MICHAEL LURIE and MATTHEW SAPERSTEIN. THE SARAH FINKELSTEIN AWARD was established in 1985 in honor of Sarah Finkelstein and is awarded for academic excellence in the English Language and the Study of Literature. This year’s recipient is MICHAEL LURIE. THE SAUL FENICHEL SCHOLAR AWARD was established in 1997 by family, friends and the school in memory of Saul Fenichel. It is awarded to a student who exhibits a true love of learning – one who actively pursues knowledge across the disciplines for its own sake. This year’s recipients are LILLY BERMAN and KAYLA BLECHERMAN. THE SCHEINMANN FAMILY PRIZE IN BIBLE was established in 1987 by the Scheinmann family and is awarded for academic excellence in Bible. This year’s recipient is ADIEL BENISTY. THE SETH WEINSTEIN NESHAMA PRIZE was established in 1996 in memory of Seth Weinstein, class of 1995. It is awarded to two Neshama participants who exemplify leadership, initiative, growth, maturity, and generosity of spirit. This year’s recipients are ANDREW STEINER and DAVID BENVENT. THE TEMPLE BETH TORAH OF RAHWAY AWARD was established in 2002 and is awarded to a graduate who contributes to the betterment of the community and demonstrates commitment to Jewish Values. This year’s recipient is DJ MEVORAH. THE YASHER KOACH AWARD FOR THE ARTS is awarded this year to NAOMI SESSLER. THE YASHER KOACH AWARD FOR ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE is awarded this year to SHIRA ASHKENAZI. THE YASHER KOACH AWARD FOR FOREIGN LANGUAGE is awarded this year to EMMA BEIGELMAN. THE YASHER KOACH AWARD FOR HEBREW is awarded this year to AARON GUTTERMAN. THE YASHER KOACH AWARD FOR JEWISH THOUGHT is awarded this year to DJ MEVORAH. THE YASHER KOACH AWARD FOR MATHEMATICS is awarded this year to BEN HAASE. THE YASHER KOACH AWARD FOR SCIENCE is awarded this year to JEREMY LIEBMAN. THE YASHER KOACH AWARD FOR SOCIAL STUDIES is awarded this year to MARIN GOLD. THE YASHER KOACH AWARD IN TANACH is awarded this year to MAYA SOUDRY. S. HIRSCH JACOBSON FELLOWSHIP was established in 1998 in memory of S. Hirsch Jacobson z”l, former principal of the Solomon Schechter Day School of Essex and Union. This fellowship is awarded annually to a senior who demonstrates commitment to Jewish life and practice, a solid academic record, a love of Jewish learning, and a commitment to become involved in Jewish life on campus. This year’s recipient is MICHAEL LURIE.
ALUMNI SOCIETY NEWS SPRING 2021 23
Class Notes 1995
1999 Robbie Majzner and his wife Rena Needle welcomed the birth of their daughter, Yael Eva, on March 11, 2021. Yael is named for Robbie’s grandmother, Yidis Irene Goldberg, who passed away earlier this year.
Tamara (Milgrom) Ween and her husband Robert celebrated the Bar Mitzvah of their son, Jake, on April 17, 2021.
1997
Yoni Saposh and his wife (former student) Arielle Greenbaum Saposh celebrated their daughter Liat’s Bat Mitzvah on Rosh Chodesh Sivan. Mazel tov to the entire family, including Liat’s siblings Nessa and Zev.
1998 Matthew Friedman and his wife Randi welcomed the birth of their daughter, Lucie Rayne, on November 10, 2020.
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David Pantirer is engaged to Courtney Michelson.
2002 Doug London and his wife Ronli Diakow welcomed their first child, Nella Tzameret Diakow, in October 2020. They’re enjoying life as a family of three at home in Larchmont, New York.
Stay connected with your Schechter-GOA family! SCHECHTER-GOLDA OCH ACADEMY ALUMNI SOCIETY
2006
Dori (Goldman) Cohen and her husband Matan welcomed the birth of their son, Lev Falcon, on March 30, 2021. Lev joins big brother Koby.
2007
2007 Jessica (Abramson) Mass and her husband Alon welcomed the birth of their daughter, Layla Dalia Mass, on March 10, 2021. Layla joins big brother Asher and big sister Skylar, who is a current Gan student at the Wilf Lower School campus. Gan students, teachers, Rabbi Meirav Kallush and other faculty held a festive celebration for Layla where all the Gan children danced and received a blessing.
2011
Steve Balter and his wife Aviva welcomed the birth of their daughter, Orly Shira, on April 30, 2021. Their older daughter, Bayla, was born exactly two years prior, so the Balters are sure to have their hands full! Look out for the Balter girls competing in basketball for GOA in 2036! Scott Greenberg married Brina Seidel on Thursday, May 30, 2021. They now live in Washington, D.C.
ALUMNI SOCIETY NEWS SPRING 2021 25
Class Notes 2011
2012 Philip Nydick married Danielle Hauser on June 13, 2021. Mazel tov to the couple, as well as to Philips’s mom, Lower School faculty member Carol Nydick.
Mindy Fliegelman is engaged to Neil Marcus. Mindy is currently finishing her masters in literacy at Monmouth University this summer.
2014 Jacob Susskind married Olivia Faden on Thursday, May 20, 2021 at the Crystal Plaza in Livingston, NJ. There were many SchechterGOA alumni in attendance including Scott Hanauer ‘10, Amanda Nessel ‘11, Zach and Aaron Nessel ‘13, and Jacob’s brothers Benjamin Susskind ‘13 and Noah Susskind ‘16.
The Class of 1984 held a reZOOMion on February 21, 2021, bringing classmates together from New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, North Carolina, Tennessee, Israel and Australia. 26 ALUMNI SOCIETY NEWS SPRING 2021
Mira Davis has graduated from Cantorial School at JTS and accepted a two-year cantorial fellowship at Park Avenue Synagogue starting in July 2021.
Members of the Class of 1990 reunited via Zoom on March 7, 2021.
Stay connected with your Schechter-GOA family! SCHECHTER-GOLDA OCH ACADEMY ALUMNI SOCIETY
2015
2017 Talia Feldman will be joining Congregation Beth El in South Orange, NJ as Teen Program Coordinator where she will be building meaningful Jewish, educational, social and activist programs for teens.
2018 Jessica Antiles is engaged to Ben Heller. Mazel tov to the couple, as well as to Jessica’s mom, Upper School faculty member Janette Antiles. Jessica works at Goldman Sachs, and Ben is a lawyer at Milbank. They live in New York City and are planning to be married by the end of 2021.
Sarah Cehelyk published an article in the Journal of Child and Family Studies
entitled: “Effects of a School-Based Mindfullness Program for Young Children.” Sarah is a psychology major at Muhlenberg College and a research assistant for the Muhlenberg College Psychology Department.
Ayala Jones ’19 was joined by her brother, Rafael Jones ’16, for her swearing-in ceremony for the Israeli Air Force in March 2021. She is serving in the Iron Dome Unit. GOA thanks you both for your service to the Jewish people!
ALUMNI SOCIETY NEWS SPRING 2021 27
FACULTY & STAFF NEWS
Retirements
Bobbie Gelband is retiring after 38 years at Schechter-GOA.
Linda Glasofer is retiring after 33 years at Schechter-GOA.
IN MEMORIAM
Thank You!
Barbara Zinbarg z”l Beloved teacher, colleague and friend
Beloved wife of Edward, mother of Allison (David) Nagelberg and Liz (David) Nover, grandmother of Cory (Dana) ’10, Jesse ’12, Hayley ’15, Amanda (Alex) and Lori.
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Service Milestones 50
35
Sandy Pyonin
Tova Silberman
25
20
Jamie Himmelstein
Gena Jarmel Gail Shapiro
18
15
Hope Aronoff Rob Cohen Della Irby Denise Kanrich Ravit Landsberg Adam Shapiro
Nina Bilmes Sonia Hassin Karen Spector
10
5
Tammy Anagnostis Klein Cindi Barash Jackie Cistaro Brad Gerstle Heather Smith
Jenny Ackerman Andrea Berkowitz Tracy Bernstein Eric Fox Marcy Gorman Sharon Hersch Crystal Hopkins Molly Karp Ilena Kasdan Zohar Katzav Dennis Kozar Aliza Mayer Alex Meneses Caryn Rosenberg Eve Sorkin
Our Sincere Condolences Nikki Feldman z”l, beloved wife of Len Feldman, mother of Rabbi Adam Feldman z”l (Sara Bucholtz ’87), grandmother of Talia ’17, Dena ’19 and Elan ’22 Feldman. Simon (Shimon) Frank z”l, beloved father of Tamar Frank (Alan Cooper), grandfather of Talya Cooper ’01 and Jesse Cooper ’04. Madeline Friedman z”l, beloved mother of Craig Friedman, mother-in-law of Lower School faculty member Linda Friedman, grandmother of Danielle Friedman ’02 and Stephanie Schultz ’05. Lawrence Freiman z”l, beloved father of Lower School faculty member Beth Cannon (Howard), grandfather of Annie Cannon ’17. Moshe Karako z”l, beloved father of Suzi Gohar (Yaron) and grandfather of Daniel Gohar ’20, Ariel Gohar ’18 and former student Leeor Gohar.
Alan Kierkut z”l, beloved father of Galit Kierkut (Ira Casel), grandfather of Jacob ’15 and former student Rebecca. Alan Lager z”l, beloved father of Amy Weiss (Neil), grandfather of Eric ’15, Emma ’17 and former student Joseph. Robert C. Miller z”l, beloved grandfather, and decorated war hero, of Lower School faculty member Sarah (Miller) Steward. Martin Novack z”l, beloved husband of Fay Lee Novack; father of Beth Daniel (Robert); grandfather of Tsufit ’03, Ayelet ’06 and Moriel ’10; greatgrandfather of Bowen and Nash. Betty Reich z”l, beloved mother of alumni parent Shelly Winters (Stephen), grandmother of Leonard ’03, Tamar ’05 and Elana ’07 Winters.
John Schapiro z”l, beloved husband of Sarah Schapiro ’89, father of former student Grace, son-in-law of Rabbi Stanley and Cecille Asekoff. Joy Schimmel z”l, beloved wife of Barry Schimmel, mother of Ilana Schimmel ’15. Laura Weissbrod z”l, beloved mother of Peter Weissbrod (Linda) and Amy Gurvey (Scott), grandmother of Justin Weissbrod ’11 (Susanna Lustbader) and Lauren (Chase) Kennedy, and greatgrandmother of Blaine Kennedy. Anita Wilensky z”l, beloved wife of Sheldon Wilensky, mother of Holly Landau (Michael Landau ’82), grandmother of Jonathan Landau ’08 and Shannon Landau ’10.
Melvin Rosenblatt z”l, beloved husband of Sandy Rosenblatt, grandfather of Rabbi Jesse Olitzky ’02 (Andrea) and Rabbi Avi Olitzky, great-grandfather of Cayla (4th Grade), Noah (1st Grade) and Hannah.
Submit your condolences at www.goldaochacademy.org/baruchdayanemet ALUMNI SOCIETY NEWS SPRING 2021 29
Save the date!
Young Alumni BBQ
GET INVOLVED with the
SCHECHTER-GOA ALUMNI SOCIETY alumni@goldaochacademy.org
for the Classes of 2016-2021
Thursday, August 19, 2021 6:00 pm ACCREDITED BY MEMBER
If you’re thinking of moving out to the ‘burbs, think about GOA! Limited spots now available! Contact our Admissions Office 973-602-3601 admissions@goldaochacademy.org
