GOA mobilized after October 7, 2023
SCENE ON CAMPUS
Head of School Rabbi Danny Nevins brought his Judaics course on Torah and Technology out to the sukkah on a sunny October afternoon
On the front cover: Lower School faculty members
Our 3rd-5th grade teachers and students helped create this meaningful piece that proudly hangs in the
Tsipi Taube and Limor Ramor initiated a yellow ribbon project as a symbol of hope for the hostages to return home.
lobby.
GOA
MAGAZINE OF GOLDA OCH ACADEMY
INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT
Stephanie Bash-Soudry
Director of Institutional Advancement
Michael Bressman
Director of Development
Dana Halpern ’15 Alumni Engagement Coordinator
Meegan Gliner
Special Events Coordinator
Jackie Cistaro
Development Database Manager
MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS
Glenn Slavin
Director of Marketing and Communications
James Bratek
Assistant Director of Marketing and Communications
Erin Sternthal
Associate Director of Marketing and Communications
ADMINISTRATION
Rabbi Daniel Nevins Head of School
Jennifer Carlin
Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer
Sari Allen
Director of Admissions and Enrollment Management
Paul-Michael Huseman
Acting Principal, Upper School
Carrie Siegel ’92 Principal, Lower School
Heather Brown
Assistant Principal, Lower School
Rabbi Meirav Kallush
Director of Israel Education
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Steven Klinghoffer
Chair, Board of Trustees
GOLDA
FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL
Ever since October 7, 2023, our eyes have been riveted on Israel, tracking the attacks directed at its citizens from Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen and Iran. We have mourned the loss of life, prayed for those held captive, and worried about the safety of the IDF soldiers who protect our homeland. As if the dangers facing Israel were not enough, Jews around the globe have been attacked repeatedly simply for being Jewish. The ADL reported that in the year following October 7, 2023, there were 10,000 antisemitic incidents in the United States, by far the highest number ever.
I feel that the strongest, most effective response to antisemitism is the positive, proud, and profound practice of Judaism. When we know who we are, when we plumb the depths of our tradition, and when we live according to our values, then we gain self-confidence and respect from other people. At GOA our students study Hebrew from Pre-K through 12th grade, learning the eternal language of our people, and using it in their daily study of Torah and prayer. They learn the history of our people as a living experience, traveling to places of Jewish importance as near as New York, and as far as Israel. Their education is nuanced and deeply reinforced so that when they graduate, they can represent the Jewish people with confidence and skill.
On October 7, 2024, our High School students heard from a panel of six young Israelis — the Rishonim of Greater MetroWest — who are spending a gap year between 12th grade and army service in New Jersey. One speaker, Ayelet, told our students that they cannot afford to be ignorant and uninformed about the threats facing Israel because they will not always be in a supportive Jewish environment like GOA. She also told them that they must make every effort to be good people –moral role models so that all people will understand that the Jewish people are in the world to spread light.
This message is our greatest response to the scourge of antisemitism. We are sensitive to the suffering of other civilians in this war and believe that security and peace for Israel will yield these same blessings for its neighbors. I am proud of our students and staff for learning and living their Judaism in such a positive fashion. I am proud of our alumni for taking the lessons learned at GOA far and wide, for modeling responsible citizenship. And I am convinced now more than ever of the importance of our mission, “To nurture the unique potential of each student through an exceptional Jewish and general studies education.”
Rabbi Daniel Nevins Head of School
FROM THE DIRECTOR OF INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT
It is difficult to believe that it has already been over a year since the horrific attacks on Israel on October 7 when our hearts were broken and so many lives were changed forever. Since then, we have experienced incredible loss in Israel and antisemitism at home and around the world.
Despite this, our GOA school community is strong, resilient and inspiring. In the pages to follow, you will find just a snapshot of what some members of our community are doing to meet this moment and to spread light and kindness. There are so many reasons to be proud.
I am proud that every day at Golda Och Academy, our children experience the joy of being Jewish, from singing Hatikvah at morning meetings in the Lower School, to proudly learning and speaking Hebrew, to interacting with our young Israeli rishonim (emissaries), and studying Israeli current events and history.
I am proud that we have many alumni who have served bravely in the IDF since October 7 in active duty or reserves. Other alumni and school parents have traveled to Israel during this past year to volunteer in all kinds of capacities — helping with agriculture on kibbutzim and moshavim, and helping displaced evacuee families, and so much more.
I am proud that our families have reached out to Israeli families and faculty who have been personally impacted to show support and strengthen our community.
I am proud that our school donors responded enthusiastically to our request for increased giving to help us with additional security and financial aid needs.
I am proud and grateful for this amazing school community that lifts up those in need again and again. May we continue to be strong and resilient.
Am Yisrael Chai!
Stephanie Bash-Soudry Director of Institutional Advancement
g Meeting the Moment
The GOA community marked the 100th day of the hostages in captivity with an organized run/ walk event around the reservoir walking path
Through Cindi’s Fund, Cindi Barash has collected and shipped $500,000 worth of medical and soldier supplies to Israel
Sophie Fischer ’23 volunteered with Birthright
Lower School Judaic Studies Faculty member Cindi Barash packed duffels for Israel soldiers with current and former GOA students
Alumni from the Class of 2020 volunteered in Israel
Talya Knable ’00 volunteered in Israel
October 7, 2023 changed our lives. Commemorating the one-year anniversary of the October 7 massacre was a reminder of how much our world has changed in 365 days and how much has remained the same. More than one year later, we are still praying for the release of the hostages, combating antisemitism on college campuses and supporting our brothers and sisters in Israel defending the country. Yet, despite this darkness, we are also reminded of the unity and strength of the Jewish people.
Since October 7, our entire community — from students and parents to faculty and alumni — have taken action to support Israel. At GOA, we opened our doors to host Israeli students who were displaced by the war. We traveled with our entire high school and 8th grade students to Washington DC to be part of the historic March for Israel, and we shared stories of the hostages at our Upper School Zman Kodesh gatherings every Friday. Our Lower School students wrote cards and letters to our alumni serving in the IDF. Yet perhaps our greatest display of support was sending our 9th and 12th graders to Israel when other schools had cancelled programs. Those who had the chance to bear witness, to clean up kibbutzim and to rally with the hostage families will forever be impacted by these experiences.
Our alumni, many who developed a strong love of Israel during their three-month Neshama trip to Israel, have risen to the occasion. They have become leaders on college campuses and non-profit organizations supporting Israel, they have traveled to Israel for summer internships and volunteered their time to help those in need. “Supporting Israel has always been close to my heart, but now, more than ever, it feels incredibly important,” said Maya Wasserman ’19, who after graduating from the University of Indiana this past spring, has become the Development Coordinator at American Friends of Magen David Adom (AFMDA). In her position, Maya works in the Northeast Region and plans programs, manages donor relationships, coordinates peer-to-peer fundraising campaigns, and provides essential support to the fundraising team. “The current challenges Israel faces require the global Jewish community to stand together, and I believe that through my work at AFMDA, I can play a small part in helping ensure the safety and wellbeing of Israelis. It’s not just about fundraising—it’s about making a tangible difference and helping save lives.”
According to Maya, Magen David Adom (MDA) is the only organization authorized to certify paramedics in Israel, ensuring that they meet the highest medical standards. In addition to certifying paramedics, MDA is currently working on a crucial project to train civilians in CPR and basic first aid,
preparing them to respond effectively in the event of another attack. This initiative, she said, is vital in empowering everyday citizens to save lives during emergencies.
This past summer, Alexis Fulop ’22 had an internship through Onward Israel at a startup company called Tut-A-Tet, an online tutoring platform that fosters peer-to-peer learning. Working closely with the CEO, Alexis helped refine the business plan and develop social media pages for the company in addition to attending conferences.
From hosting displaced Israeli students to joining the March for Israel in Washington, D.C., the GOA community has demonstrated its support for Israel in meaningful ways.
“Because of the experiences I had with my classmates in Israel on Neshama, I could not wait to return to the place that felt like home,” said Alexis. “After October 7, there was so much uncertainty of whether I would actually end up going. Although I was nervous, I felt a need to be there and support my people. One of the key moments I experienced was being on the beach when the lifeguards announced they had found hostages alive. That feeling of Jewish pride and strength is something I will never forget and carry with me always.”
Another GOA alumna, DJ Mevorah ’21, also spent the summer in Israel participating in the TAMID Fellowship, an eight-week internship program which allowed her to connect with like-minded students, volunteer, intern and engage with the Israeli community. “GOA instilled in me the importance of standing with Israel, not just in moments of peace but also in times of hardship, which greatly influenced my decision to spend this past summer in Israel,” said DJ. “Witnessing the events and aftermath of October 7 from afar often left me feeling helpless, and I felt a deep need to be closer during these difficult times. I continue to pray for good news for all of Israel and hope to return soon.”
In addition to the many alumni who spent the summer at internships in Israel, others such as Sophie Fischer ’23 and Daniel Schiffman ’23 went to volunteer with Birthright. Members of the Class of 2020, including Zece Brown ’20, Daniel Gohar ’20, Nadav Soudry ’20, Steven Kurson ’20 and Aaron Brown ’20, traveled to Israel together to participate in a Birthright/Onward Israel volunteer trip and spent their time assisting those in need packing aid for families and helping with agricultural work. Countless other parents, alumni and faculty have also traveled to Israel to help.
Three days after the attacks, Lower School Judaic Studies faculty member Cindi Barash learned her niece, Naama, was returning to Israel to serve in her unit in the IDF. When Cindi heard about the serious need for basic supplies for reservists, she sent Naama to Israel with eight duffel bags filled with supplies. And she didn’t stop there. Through the charity Yashar L’Chayal, a 501c3 was created called Cindi’s Fund, through which Cindi was able to accept donations. To date, she has collected $500,000 worth of medical and soldier supplies. A second charity, Lev Echad of Bergen County, helped ship the duffels while Cindi’s elementary school friend coordinated airport pickups at Ben Gurion Airport and distributed them to units in need.
GOA parent Mara Suskauer organized the local chapter of Run for Their Lives to raise awareness for the hostages
Throughout our students’ travels in Israel, they had opportunities to volunteer and help Israelis
Neshama 32 assisted with the cleanup of Kibbutz Saad to help residents return after the attacks on Oct. 7, 2023
Cindi also had the help of current and former GOA students to pack the duffels. “For me, there is nothing more important than helping Israel at this time,” she said. “To have the opportunity to make it a hands-on and meaningful teachable moment of tikkun olam was that much more rewarding.”
In the aftermath of October 7, when many were struggling with how to find ways to make a difference, GOA parent Mara Suskauer organized a local chapter of Run for Their Lives (www. run4lives.org) — a global grassroots initiative that was started by a few Israeli runners in California with the goal of raising awareness for the hostages while creating community. In just one year, Run for Their Lives has grown to more than 250 groups around the world.
Knowing Mara was a runner, Lower School Rabbi in Residence Rabbi Meirav Kallush reached out to her with information about the group. Mara began the West Orange chapter, which had their first walk November 3, 2023, and every Friday since there has been a dedicated group that walks one lap of the Reservoir Walking Path. “As a runner, I know that exercising together builds community and shared values, so starting this group was a way that I could channel my own feelings, while connecting with others and hopefully giving others an outlet as well,” said Mara.
The group consists of GOA parents (current and alumni parents) as well as other individuals from Livingston, Caldwell, West Orange, South Orange and Maplewood, representing a variety of communities and synagogues. “I am very grateful for our weekly walks where we support one another through the ups and downs of the news of the hostages and the news from Israel and take time to talk as we walk a lap and proudly wave Israeli flags and wear our Israel shirts.”
Sgt. First Class
Meiron Moshe Gersch z”l
In loving memory of Sgt First Class Meiron Moshe Gersch z”l, partner of Ayala Jones ‘19, who fell in Gaza on Jan. 2, 2024 in the Swords of Iron War. Meiron was just 21 and served as a combat soldier in the elite combat engineering Yahalom Unit. Ayala is preparing to memorialize his life and values through a dedication at Habayit Shel Benji, a place for lone combat soldiers in Ranaana, where they both lived during their army service. Contributions can be made directly to the Bayit in Meiron’s memory.
Todah Rabah!
Mikey Antiles ’17
Toren Aronoff ’13 Gur Adiel ’18 Ben Bargad ’20
Aaron Cooper
Doron Geer ’12
Aytan Geschwind ’19
Ayala Jones ’19
Rafael (Rafi) Jones ’16
Hayley Nagelberg ’15
Ari Schlesinger
Noah Schlesinger ’16
Adam Talmud ’08
Let us know if any other alumni have recently joined the IDF: alumni@goldaochacademy.org
After October 7, Talya Knable ‘00 and her husband Stephen searched for ways to have an impact and change the course of antisemitism in schools. They came up with the idea to send educators without any ties to Israel to visit and see the beauty as well as the nuances and complications firsthand. Talya and Stephen approached their children’s school, the McDonogh School in Baltimore, with the idea and then established their own non-profit, called Education Enhancement Initiative (EDEN) (www. eden-initiative.org). Talya said the plan is to raise funds to send 12-15 educators to Israel in June 2025 which would include an application process, pre-trip programming and discussions as to how to bring back the information to students. With an Israeli mother, Talya had traveled to Israel for family trips, but her true ties to Israel were formed during Neshama. “It was one of those experiences that I and my peers didn’t realize how special and impactful it was until we went out into the world,” she said.
While Talya is focused on combating antisemitism at the K-12th grade level, many of our alumni have been battling antisemitism on their college campuses. Ally Landau ‘20, who graduated from Haverford University this past spring, became a voice for Jewish students facing antisemitism after October 7 and as a result, filed a lawsuit against the university. With misinformation being spread on campus from both students and administrators, Ally decided she needed to speak up and defend Israel. She engaged in many conversations with peers on campus, but said there were multiple failed attempts to foster meaningful dialogue. “I turned to the administration, who also failed to respond to the concerns of myself and other Jewish students on campus, and after almost a full year of facing antisemitism without seeing any action being taken to address it, we decided to sue,” said Ally. “The lawsuit addresses the antisemitism we faced on campus throughout last year and aims to ensure the school follows guidelines set out to protect Jewish students in the future.”
We are so proud of our GOA community involved in Israel Bonds. Alan Schall ’92, GOA trustee and alumnus; Bobbi Ostrow, past GOA Board President; and Dr. Alex Marcus, former student, were all honored at the Israel Bonds Annual Gala in Livingston on September 18, 2024. Lower School parent Noah Marcus has also become Executive Director of Israel Bonds NJ, Rockland and Upstate NY.
Talya Knable ’00 visited the site of the Nova Music Festival on a trip to Israel
Reflecting on October 7, 2023
By Talia Pearlstein ’24 REPRINTED
WITH PERMISSION FROM THE
When trying to come up with how to articulate how I feel about it being one year since October 7, I kept drawing a blank. The way in which people remember exactly where they were, what they were doing, whom they were with at certain pivotal, lifealtering events—that is how I feel about October 7. In that moment, time stopped—and the uncertainty of it all was consuming. It was impossible to find any hint of comfort; not knowing how my family and friends were doing, what was happening, and how Israel would emerge from this moment was terrifying. In my head, Israel has always been “invincible.” No matter the countless number of terrorist attacks, hateful messages and individuals plotting against them, they would always emerge stronger, and more united, than before. Yet, in that moment, I, along with millions of others Jews worldwide, was filled with a new sense of doubt and worry.
Coupled with the overwhelming uncertainty was also a crippling sense of fear—not only of the state of my loved ones in Israel and this nation—but of the drastic, almost immediate rise of antisemitism. Something about October 7 enabled individuals hiding their antisemitic beliefs to feel empowered to speak up and spew their misguided, immoral perspectives across a multitude of different platforms. Never before have I been scared to walk around with my Star of David necklace, or for my dad and brother to wear a kippah out in public, but this is where I found my mind running to on this day and for the months following.
For the second semester of my senior year, I was blessed to be able to go on the long-awaited Israel trip with my class. While I have been to Israel in the past, this span of three months in my favorite place in the world was incomparable to any other experience I have ever had. It strengthened my connection to the land, the people, the culture, and my passion about the conflict. To be able to be there firsthand, to be alongside my family and friends and witness the destruction and harm unleashed upon this land, was one of the most impactful moments of my life. The country felt different. Yes, it retained that same sense of holiness, but the air of mourning was prominent. The walk down the ramp into Ben Gurion Airport is one of my favorite feelings, but it no longer felt the same, with signs of hostages lining the side of the ramp, yellow ribbons tied to the railings. It served as a reminder of all that this country has and continues to endure, and it is no longer the place it once was.
The country lost so much on October 7 and the months following, and it continues to fight every single day for its right to exist. It is crazy to think that October 7 used to be any other ordinary day, just one out of 365 days of the year, but now it is a day that will go down as the worst day in Israel’s history. Israel is a small nation, and there is not a single person who does not know, or know of, someone who passed away since October 7. It affected everyone and will leave a lasting imprint on the history of Israel and the Jewish people for the rest of time.
Israel — the strongest, most resilient and incredible place in the world. It is difficult to feel so far from there, to not be able to be there for my family. I cannot describe how it feels to know that this nightmare is their reality. Having to text my friends on gap years to make sure they are okay after rocket fire and ensure their well-being is not normal. Having to text my family to ensure they did not have to spend their night in a bomb shelter is not normal. Having to constantly refresh my Instagram feed to see a new spurge of rocket fire over various parts of the land is not normal. None of this is normal, nor can it be normalized. Regardless of your stance on the conflict, it is impossible to objectively look at what Israel is enduring and has been enduring for a year now and justify it. The country has been mourning for a year and only continues to mourn. There has never been a more important and pressing time than now to stand unified with the nation of Israel, to show them they are not alone in a year that felt so isolating, a year where it felt like the whole word was against them.
We cannot forget about the individuals still held hostage in Gaza, not being able to see their loved ones and go about their daily routine for a year now. The things we take for granted on a day-today basis—spending time with friends, going to school, having food on our plate—are luxuries that have not been afforded to these individuals in 365 days. Three Hundred Sixty Five Days. Bringing the Hostages Home is NOT a political issue. We cannot forget those who perished in Gaza, and those who continue to endure a living hell, who need to be brought home. Bring Them Home Now.
Talia is currently a freshman at the University of Wisconsin.
That’s why more than 21% of our student body is comprised of children of alumni and former students!
Contact a member of our Admissions team to schedule a private tour for your student today!
Don’t delay! Classes for 2025-26 are filling fast!
Sari Allen
Grade 6-12
Director of Admissions and Enrollment Management sallen@goldaochacademy.org 973-602-3645
Jessica Wise
Grade Pre-K - 5
Director of Admissions, Lower School jwise@goldaochacademy.org 973-602-3757
Former student Amanda Chayon and her husband Ben enrolled their sons Wyatt in Gan and Gabriel in 3rd grade.
Former student Kenneth Tarlowe and his wife Jill enrolled their daughter Zoey in Gan.
Beth (Goldfischer) Balavram ’06 and her husband Jared enrolled their daughter Leyla in Gan.
Newly-Enrolled Alumni Children
Evan ’06 and Sarah Schonfeld ’06 enrolled their son Lenny in Gan.
Risa (Kotek) Gordon ’05 and her husband Jason enrolled their daughter Maya in Gan.
FACULTY PROFILE
Mr. Paul-Michael Huseman
Acting Upper School Principal
While Mr. Paul-Michael Huseman has created a wonderful rapport with students over the last seven years, he welcomed students on the first day of school this year in a different capacity — as Acting Upper School Principal — a position he officially assumed on July 1, 2024.
Mr. Huseman previously served as Golda Och Academy’s Science Department Chair, Schedule and Assessment Coordinator, 9th Grade Team Lead, and Science Faculty Member at the Upper School. A Math for America Master Science Teacher and a National Board Certified physics teacher, Mr. Huseman has been a key driver of Project Moonshot, helping to secure over $600,000 of grant funding leading the construction of the Upper School Observatory, the Lower School Livnot Lab and Greenhouse, and the addition of the Fabrication Lab to the Dr Lynne B Harrison STEM Center.
The transition to Acting Upper School Principal, Mr. Huseman said, “has been wonderful. It has been incredible to have the support of the Upper School faculty and to work closely with leadership on both campuses. Although my days are a little busier, I am still teaching the Senior STEMinar, which is a great source of joy in my week.”
In his new position, policy changes have been made, specifically centered around student expectations. “Everything is connected to the power of connection,” explained Mr. Huseman. “When students arrive to class on-time and phone-free, they can be truly present for instruction and for one another. When we embed professional development into our day, we allow faculty to collaborate with one another and elevate our practice. When we value – and actively seek – partnerships with families, we unite the community. We will continue to find more ways to deepen the connections within our community, to not just strengthen the bonds between us but to leverage them to enrich the student experience.”
So what is Mr. Huseman looking forward to most as Acting Upper School Principal? “Walking the hallways and interacting with our incredible student body and faculty on a daily basis,” he said. “Whether I am popping into classes to say ‘hello’ or greeting teachers and students in the hallways, it is important for everyone to be seen and know that they belong. I believe joy is contagious, and I look forward to finding more ways to infuse joy into all that we do.”
FACILITIES UPDATE
LOWER SCHOOL
It’s hard to gauge who was more excited for the Lower School Greenhouse— Director of the Garden/Environment program Ms. Jul McCormick-Anesh, who now has a dedicated classroom for the program, or the Lower School students who can start seeds and grow herbs and vegetables year round.
Over the past few years, there has been tremendous growth and interest in the gardening program, where students look forward to coming to the garden to plant, harvest and care for the space. During the Covid pandemic, the Lower School garden was an outlet of joy and hands-on learning for students and allowed them to remain socially distant outside, even during the winter months. Recognizing this immense value, Golda Och Academy began plans for a greenhouse to expand the Garden/ Environment program.
“As educators of young children, we appreciate that the most impactful learning is hands-on and experiential,” said Carrie Siegel ’92, Lower School Principal. “At its core, GOA’s Garden/ Environment program presents our students with the opportunity to get their hands dirty, as they take responsibility for growing their own fruits, vegetables, and plants in a communal space while learning about our responsibility as Jews to tend to the earth and donate to those in need. The Greenhouse will enable our students to experience the joy of this unique learning no matter the weather and to grow our program in even more ways in the years to come.”
a summer volunteer program where GOA families are invited to help maintain the garden, harvest vegetables and donate harvests to local food banks.
“I am so grateful for this incredible opportunity to have a greenhouse,” said Ms. Jul. “Seeing the smiles on the students’ faces when they come to class and their eagerness to sign up for jobs to help care for and maintain the garden is priceless. The Lower School Greenhouse will ensure that these smiles continue as well as hands-on learning throughout the year.”
The Gardening/Environment program is also an opportunity to teach about food insecurity, Jewish values and the value of sharing. “The Lower School garden has been a wonderful tool for us to connect Jewish values, holidays and Torah with caring for our environment,” said Rabbi Meirav Kallush, Lower School Rabbi in Residence. “We are looking forward to being able to continue this extension of our Judaic Studies using the Greenhouse.”
Rabbi Kallush uses the garden to connect students with the Land of Israel, charity (tzedakah) and learning the plant names in Hebrew. A dedicated section of the garden was also created last year in memory of those who perished from the October 7 massacre.
Ms. Jul, who is celebrating her 25th year at Golda Och Academy and her recent certification as a Rutgers Master Gardener, has been instrumental in establishing a formal curriculum since taking on her role as Director of the Lower School Garden in 2019. Through this program, she has instilled a love of the environment and gardening in students and educated them about the importance of caring for the earth and those in need. Ms. Jul also created
Since the Greenhouse project plan was announced in Spring 2022, Golda Och Academy has been fortunate to receive generous donor support as well as support from The Gottesman Fund’s Project Moonshot to help make the Greenhouse a reality. According to Stephanie Bash-Soudry, Director of Institutional Advancement, “We are so grateful to all the caring and passionate donors who invested in our Wilf Lower School Campus Greenhouse and helped to make it a reality. This special greenhouse will provide much joy and many opportunities for student learning and growth all year round.”
ALUMNI REUNIONS & GATHERINGS
Ethan Berenzweig, Ev Lederman, and Zach Schwartzman from the Class of 2010 gathered together in London on July 30, 2024.
Class
AUGUST 7, 2024 TEN-YEAR REUNION
, and
from the Class of 2001 gathered together with their children on May 29, 2024.
Sara (Woldin) Fieldston, Arielle (Kallus) Mainzer
Elana Bannerman
Jake Halpern, Alex Moskowitz, Gur Adiel, Corey Blum, Rebecca Landau, Ben Moses, Alex Beigelman, and Etai Barash from the Class of 2018 gathered together in New York City on September 8, 2024.
CLASS NOTES
2000
Merisa (Vinick) Fink and her husband Asher celebrated their daughter Clara’s Bat Mitzvah on September 2, 2024 at Congregation Agudath Israel in Caldwell, NJ.
2001
Arielle Kallus Mainzer and her husband Zach welcomed the birth of a baby boy, Dylan Gideon Mainzer, on February 21, 2024.
Justin Pines released a new book. It is a translation and commentary on Ohr Yisrael and Other Writings by Rav Yisrael Salanter. Justin worked alongside Rabbi Yitz Greenberg on this special project.
2001
Liora Tarlowe and her husband Brant Engelstein welcomed the birth of a baby boy, Jules Henry Englestein, on April 14, 2024.
2003
Hilary (Eisman) Konigsberg and her husband Steven are proud to announce their son Yaakov Tzvi’s acceptance to the Yeshiva of Coral Springs.
Pamela (Bier) Davis ’02 and Jordan Davis ’01 celebrated the Bnot Mitvah of their daughters Paige and Avery on August 19, 2024.
2007
Noah Drill and his wife Rochelle welcomed the birth of a baby girl, Haley Faye, on April 19, 2024.
Haley (Vinick) Vogel and her husband Max welcomed the birth of a baby girl, Millie Marion, on August 26, 2024.
2010
Adam Karp and his wife Shayna welcomed a baby boy, Levi Aaron, on August 28, 2024. Mazel tov as well to Levi’s grandmother, Lower School Guidance Counselor Donna Karp.
2011
2009
Aaron Czinn and his wife Elianna welcomed the birth of a baby boy, Asher, on December 18, 2023.
Seffi Kogen and Tali Marcus were married on September 1, 2024 in Copake, NY.
Erica Rabner and her husband David Gorvy welcomed the birth of a baby boy, Gavin Raze, on May 4, 2024.
Daniel Klein and Adora Goldovsky were married on November 18, 2023 in Philadelpha, PA. The wedding was officiated by former SSDSEU teacher, Rabbi Eugene Wernick. There were over 20 alumni present to celebrate the happy couple!
CLASS NOTES
2012
Ariel Gleaner and Willie Stern were engaged on August 27, 2024. They are planning a 2025 wedding.
2013
Naomi Gutstein and Jordan Wilimovsky were married on May 26, 2024 at the Rainbow Room in New York City. In attendance were many alumni including Jacob Gutstein ’16, Ben Gutstein ’20, Gloria (Rothenberg) Meshberg ’13, Gabi Wolberger ’13, Ally Bramnick ’13, Jessica Hutter ’13, Talia Brickman ’13, Rachel (Schwartzman) Cardin ’13, Ben Susskind ’13, and Jesse Stricof ’13.
2013
Aaron Nessel and Dara Kotek (former student) were engaged on May 10, 2024.
Ben Susskind and Emilie Berman were engaged on May 1, 2024.
2014
Josh Drill and Shay Edden were married on August 22, 2024 at the Crystal Plaza in Livingston, NJ.
2014
Emma Glickman and Jen Petti were engaged on June 11, 2024 (Jen proposed to Emma under the stars) and again on July 8, 2024 (Emma proposed to Jen at the Buffalo Bills stadium).
Genna Karp married Jeremy Shriber on April 7, 2024 at the Crystal Plaza in Livingston, NJ. Many alumni were in attendance, including Adam Karp ’10, Arielle Klein ’11, Alayna Klein ’14, former student Kylie Feldman Breisch, Moriah Herniter ’14 and Eric Lederman ’14. Mazel tov as well to Genna’s mother, Lower School Guidance Counselor Donna Karp.
2014
Daniel Shpilsky and Eliana Jacobson were engaged on July 14, 2024.
2015
Daniel Berkowitz graduated from NJMS Medical School on May 15, 2024. Daniel will be completing his residency at Hackensack University Medical Center.
Eli Esrig and Tova Weinberger were married on July 3, 2024 at the Crystal Plaza in Livingston, NJ.
CLASS NOTES
2015
Ilana Schimmel and Jeremy Lipton were engaged on July 3, 2024.
2016 Rayna Landa and Dan Hack were engaged on July 13, 2024.
2018 Rebecca Landau and Daniel Shuster were engaged on May 27, 2024.
2019
Maya Wasserman recently began a new position at the Northeast Region of American Friends of Magen David Adom (AFMDA) as the Development Coordinator.
Noa Barash and Zach Roy were married on June 16, 2024 in Sintra, Portugal. Rabbi Meirav Kallush, Lower School Rabbi in Residence and Director of Israel Education, officiated the wedding. Noa’s mother is Cindi Barash, Lower School T’filah and Experiential Educator. In attendance were GOA alumni Corey Blum ’18, Etai Barash ’18, Shelly Tsirulik (former student), Mira Blecherman ’16, Talia Ramer ’16, Daniela Shapiro ’16, Jeremy Berkowitz ‘16, Daniel Berkowitz ’15, Sara Hessdorf ’16, and Rayna Landa ’16.
Parents of Alumni
FALL SUKKOT CELEBRATION OCTOBER 22, 2024
We were thrilled to welcome more than 50 guests for our 2nd annual Parents of Alumni Sukkot Celebration at the Wilf Lower School Campus on October 22. This event has become a special tradition for our parents of alumni who had the chance to reconnect with old friends, make new ones, and catch up on news about their alumni children.
GOA would love to see our parents of alumni at future events! To stay updated and/or get involved in planning events, please contact Dana Halpern ‘15, Alumni Engagement Coordinator, at dhalpern@ goldaochacademy.org.
May their memory be for a blessing
Ruben Aboody z”l, beloved husband of Audette Aboody, father of Linda Aboody Freeman (Neil); grandfather of Jason ’07, Natasha ’11 and Jeremy ’14.
Elaine Baker z”l, beloved mother of Susan Joseph (Charles), grandmother of Alison Joseph, ’96 (Matthew Kirschen) and Andrew Joseph ’99 (Ariel Feingold), great-grandmother of Caleb, Eliana, and Orli Kirschen and Noam Feingold.
Howard Balter z”l, beloved brother of Gary Balter (Wendy), uncle of Steven ’07, Julia ’13, and Adam.
Keith Berman z”l, beloved father of Jade Trau, grandfather of Nate ’26 and Caleb Lustig ’26.
Anna Catherine Brown z”l, beloved wife of Dr. Melvin Brown, mother of Catherine Brown (Larry Kramer) and Jeffrey F. Brown (Eva Baroni), grandmother of former students Hannah Kramer and Isaiah Kramer (Sijia) and Sarah Brown.
Devora Brickman z”l, beloved mother of Dr. Josh Brickman (Sharon), grandmother of Nicole Brickman ’11 (Rafi Lurie), Talia Brickman ’13 and Adi Brickman ’17.
Miriam Brokman z”l, beloved mother of Oron Brokman (Randi); grandmother of Yuval (Sarah), Aviv (Morgan) and Kineret (Matthew); greatgrandmother of Ayal and Lower School students Idan, Noam and Orly.
Israel M. Bruch z”l, beloved husband of Mariana Bruch; father of Howard (Susie), Jerry, Larry (Carolanne), and Randi (Gershon Spiegelman); proud zaide of Jolie Marx ’10 (Zach), Zachary Bruch ’12, Max Bruch ’16, Joseph Bruch, KC Bruch, Heather Hocherman (Jason), Jason Spiegelman, and Hannah Bruch z”l; alta zaide of Rory Marx and Jordan Hocherman.
Michael Cohen z”l, beloved husband of Lower School Music Faculty member Ruthie Cohen (Morah Ruti); father of Offer Cohen (Jacqueline); grandfather of Chase, Gia and Jaxson; brother of Yochanan z”l, Chanaleh and Elisheva.
Dr. Marcu Eibschutz z”l, beloved father of Ron Eibschutz (Joy Goldstein ’92) and grandfather of Max Eibschutz ’22.
Marvin Glickman z”l, beloved mother of Alexander Glickman (Amy); grandfather of Samantha Glickman ‘09 (Danny), Jacob Glickman ’12 (Caroline) and Emma Glickman ’14; and greatgrandfather of Levi.
Edward Goldberg z”l, beloved husband of Ann; father of Jonathan ’88 (Tara) and David ’78 (Stacey); grandfather and greatgrandfather.
Norman Goldman z”l, beloved wife of Debbie Goldman, father of David Goldman (Ora Warmflash) and Andrew Goldman (Krystle Brown), and grandfather of Alex (7th Grade) and Shaia (4th Grade).
Dorothy Greenwald z”l, beloved mother of former Lower School Principal Sharon Charish (Howard) and Ellen Greenwald, grandmother of Michael Charish ’89, Jessica Lampert ’92 and Rachel Charish Abel ’95.
Meryl Griff Hubscher z”l, beloved wife of Dan Hubscher and mother of former students Riley and Maia.
Nancy Kronenberg z”l, beloved mother of Michael Kronenberg, Marla Marom z”l and Batya Keshet; grandmother of Upper School Israel and Jewish Educator Noa Kolomer (Marom), Nir Kronenberg, Chava Kronenberg Bear, Adiel Marom, Maya Keshet, Einat Keshet, Asaf Marom, and Shira Keshet; greatgrandmother of Dafna, Yaara, Alma, Ella, Lilach, Snir and Liam.
Dr. Arthur Lester z”l, beloved father of Eric Lester ’98 and Deborah (Lester) Edell ’95.
Jack Prince z”l, beloved husband of Sheila Prince; father of C.J. Prince, Elliot Prince (Dafna) and David Prince (Suzanne); grandfather of Maya ’24 and former student Eliana TaylorPrince; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Suzanne Rasmussen z”l, beloved wife of James Rasmussen; mother of longtime former GOA Administrator Julia Malaga (Ross), Jennifer Rasmussen and Jillinda Thornton; grandmother of Ben and Rachel.
Amanda Rose Reinhard z”l, former GOA student, beloved daughter of Jay and Karen (Orgel) Reinhard, sister of Sam ’24 and Max, and granddaughter of Elena and Nathan z”l Orgel and David and Arline z”l Reinhard.
Boris Reynu z”l, beloved father of Inna Shafir and grandfather of Jeffrey Shafir ’11 and Sarah Shafir ’17.
Sonia Starr Rieber z”l, beloved mother of Dr. Michael Rieber (Sarah), grandmother of Jonah ’26, Sasha ’29 and Emma.
Mindy Rochman z”l, beloved sister of Lisa Mechanick (Glenn) and Michael Rochman, daughter of Saul and Geraldine z”l Rochman. aunt of former student Zane Mechanick.
Aleza Rosenberg z”l, beloved wife of Joe Rosenberg z”l; mother of former SSDS students Ari, Ruth and Judy Rosenberg (Randy Haase); grandfather of Ben ’21 and former students Aiden and Zachary.
Joe Rosenberg z”l, beloved husband of Aleza z”l, father of Judy Rosenberg (Randy Haase), grandfather of Ben ’21 and former students Aidan and Zachary.
Ellen Rosenman z”l, beloved mother of Cantor Jason Rosenman (Amy Bauman-Rosenman), grandmother of Sam ’28.
Moshe Samber z”l, beloved husband of Alisa Samber, father of Dan Samber ‘85 and Sharon Samber ‘88 (Michael Leifman).
Judith Secular z”l, beloved mother of Karen Secular (Doron Grosman) and Lee Secular, grandmother of Shira Grosman ’11.
Rabbi Avrahom Sigler z”l, beloved father of Yuda Sigler (Caryn), grandfather of Aydan ’32.
Solomon Spierer z”l, beloved father of Alan Spierer (Abigail) and David Spierer (Richard Cotter), grandfather of Jessica ’14 and Mikayla ’18.
Janet Tammam z”l, beloved wife of David; mother of Dalia ’03 (Danny), Yonatan (Yoni) ’06 (Lindsay), Etan ’07 (Marisa) and Aliza ’09; grandmother of Charlotte, Lucy, Hunter and Peyton.
Morton Weitzman z”l, beloved husband of former SSDS/GOA Director of Student Services and Interim Principal Laura Weitzman, father of Howard Weitzman ’85 and former student Robin Weitzman.
Paul Wolf z”l, beloved husband of Elise Wolf; father of Adam Wolf (Lisa) and Jason Wolf (Tal); grandfather of Sara (3rd Grade), Jonathan (2nd Grade) and Noam (Ganon).
Rhea Zuckerman z”l, beloved mother of former students David, Judy and Linda Karlin, early SSDS leader and dear friend of the Och family.
ALUMNI
Ilana (Lior) Ginsberg ’99 z”l, beloved wife of David Ginsberg, mother of Sean and Emma, daughter of Connie and Uzi Lior, sister of Dina (Lior) Aponte ’04 and Tali (Lior) DeVoe ’09.
FACULTY
Lou Lerner z”l, beloved former SSDS/GOA Upper School faculty member; husband of Deanna Lerner z”l; father of Eliyahu, Ron and Yeshiya; grandfather and great-grandfather. Lou Lerner was a Talmud teacher for 39 years at Solomon Schechter of Essex and Union and retired in 2008 at which time a Judaic Reference section in the Upper School library was named for him.
Aviva Futter z”l, beloved former 1st grade Judaic Studies and Hebrew teacher at Solomon Schechter Day School of Essex and Union for more than 25 years; mother of Dror Futter ’78; Daphna (Futter) Raskas’80, and Dahlia (Futter) Gottlieb’82; and beloved grandmother.
Sarah Kriegel z”l, beloved former Upper School faculty member, wife of Aaron Kriegel.
