GOA
THE MAGAZINE OF GOLDA OCH ACADEMY
Love of Israel
The Class of 2024 reaches the culmination of their time at GOA on our Neshama program
The Holocaust Garden at the Lower School is blooming and is part of the Daffodil Project, which has a goal of planting 1.5 million daffodils worldwide in memory of the 1.5 million children who perished during the Holocaust.
Photo Credit: Glenn Ostlund, Lower School Security Officer
and
and Communications.
Send your comments, questions, story ideas, photos, class notes, and baruch dayan emets to: alumni@goldaochacademy.org.
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
Dr. Eytan Apter
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
Each trip to Israel feels historic, and I have been there dozens of times! Still, traveling to Israel now has special significance because our family and friends there have been besieged and isolated all year. The decision of our staff, students and families to proceed with our three-month trip to Israel, keeping to our original dates despite the war with Hamas and the attack of Iran, is simply extraordinary. Our school proclaims love of Israel (Ahavat Yisrael) as a core value, and you can see that love expressed in action with our capstone journey to the Land.
Neshama 32 arrived in Israel as ambassadors of friendship and support, and they have volunteered in impactful ways, from picking strawberries in the fields of Israeli farmers to helping kasher the kitchen at Kibbutz Keturah for Passover. Most importantly, our students have opened their hearts to the stories of suffering by Israelis, gaining insight and giving the most precious resource of all: love.
I had the pleasure of spending time with our Neshama students in early April, and I was impressed by their enthusiasm and confidence. They didn’t seem to feel like strangers in new terrain, but as b’nai bayit, at home in the Holy Land. One day we visited the Jerusalem Zoo, and our students fanned out, interviewing Israeli families in this relaxed setting, digging deeper into the essence of Israeli identity. We are so fortunate to have Rabbi Rob Kahn leading our Neshama and Na’ale trips in Israel, with outstanding madrichim (counselors) and guards. And in New Jersey, Rabbi Meirav Kallush and Noa Kolomer are organized, level-headed, and full of wisdom in this challenging time.
On the difficult night of April 13, when Iran attacked Israel with over 300 drones and missiles, we were of course concerned and eager to do everything possible to keep our students safe. It would have been understandable if either parents or staff had lost their cool, but that is not what happened. Instead, we quietly convened a meeting, shared updated information about itinerary modifications, and took questions. Following the advice of the Israeli government’s “situation room,” we moved our students to a remote location where they would be sheltered but could also engage in robust activities. Unlike other programs, we focused on keeping our group safe in Israel and completing our entire three-month experience.
How will Neshama 32 remember this time in Israel? I am confident that they will remember how they were present for our Israeli friends and family in a time of tremendous challenge, how they demonstrated their love of Israel with both words and actions. I could not be prouder of our students, families and staff. We have lived by our values and shown the true nature of Golda Och Academy to be strong, committed and true.
Rabbi Daniel Nevins Head of School
FROM THE DIRECTOR OF INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT
On April 8, our students and faculty stood outside together with their eclipse glasses looking up, marveling at the solar eclipse, enjoying a moment of awe and admiring this incredible heavenly phenomenon in the sky. Our youngest children had learned the name for solar eclipse in Hebrew earlier in the day and were very excited! This is what we do at GOA—we provide transformational Jewish and secular academic experiences in an integrated way led by outstanding and inspiring faculty who care deeply for their students. As the great Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel wrote, “Our goal should be to live life in radical amazement… get up in the morning and look at the world in a way that takes nothing for granted. Everything is phenomenal, everything is incredible; never treat life casually. To be spiritual is to be amazed.”
One truly amazing part of the GOA experience is our Israel education program. From the earliest age in Pre-K, through the elementary school years, our students experience virtual trips to Israel, interact with rishonim or Israeli young emissaries, celebrate Israel Independence Day, learn Hebrew and develop a love of Israel. In the Upper School, this continues through Hebrew study with Israeli faculty; coursework on Israeli history, politics, culture and society; and culminates in two incredible Israel experiences. First, our ninth graders travel to Israel for a 10-day taste of Israel on our “Na’ale” program, and then there is an immersive three-month experience called “Neshama” during the second semester of senior year. These programs provide transformational experiences that remain with our students for a lifetime.
We are so proud that GOA stayed the course and sent seniors on the Israel Neshama 2024 program on schedule, even though many other schools made the difficult decision to cancel. At the end of February, our seniors left for Poland and then Israel. Our school is grateful for our dedicated Israel educators who are leading this incredible program. The souls of our students have truly been touched by this Neshama experience. They showed up in the most difficult time and said “hineni” or we are here. Their inspiring student blogs can be read on our website.
I am so proud of these students who give me tremendous hope for the future of Jewish peoplehood. Thank you to all our community supporters who help us make these experiences possible and help us nurture strong Jewish leaders.
Am Yisrael Chai.
Stephanie Bash-Soudry Director of Institutional Advancement
Neshama GOA’s Capstone Israel Program
For more than 30 years, our senior class has had the incredible opportunity to participate in Neshama — a three-month experiential education program that is the capstone of the GOA journey. The trip begins with a week in Poland and continues to Israel to explore the geography, culture, language and religion, enabling students to form a deep connection to the Jewish homeland before they graduate. “Neshama has been our signature program for over three decades,” said Rabbi Danny Nevins, Head of School. “This extended visit allows our students to go into depth, to meet diverse Israelis, and to develop a nuanced understanding of the culture, the history, the various conflicts related to modern Israel and the enormous role Israel plays in revitalizing the Jewish people.”
Beginning the trip in Poland helps give students a framework to understand Jewish communities before, during and after the Holocaust, visiting villages and towns, synagogues and death camps. They also meet with Polish Jews currently helping to rebuild the Jewish population. “Our children grow up in a generation in which Israel has always existed,” said Rabbi Meirav Kallush, Director of Israel Education. “Starting Neshama in Poland acts as a grounding force that allows students to recognize the importance of having a Jewish state.”
Once they land in Israel, Neshama usually begins in Jerusalem with a visit to the Kotel. It is an emotional moment transferring their mindset from the horrors of the Holocaust to the homeland of the Jewish people. They then spend the next three months immersing themselves in Israeli life and culture. GOA is fortunate to have a team of Israel educators who design and customize the Neshama program both here in West Orange and in Israel. This includes Rabbi Meirav Kallush, Director of Israel Education; Noa Kolomer, Upper School Israel and Jewish Educator; and Rabbi Rob Kahn, Israel Field Operations Manager, based in Israel. On the ground, Rabbi Kahn is also joined by four Israeli madrichim (counselors), who also add another level of exposure for students to Israeli society.
Planning this year’s trip posed a different challenge post October 7, but GOA was determined to continue Neshama, not only to give students this transformational capstone experience, but to support Israel as well. “The challenge this year on Neshama was walking the tightrope of pursuing the stated goals of the program — creating deep and nuanced connections with Israel, exploring Jewish expression and identities, and becoming more mature and independent — while making sure that we were staying grounded and connected to what is currently happening in Israel, especially in the aftermath of October 7,” said Rabbi Kahn.
Neshama 32 bears witness at Auschwitz-Birkenau in Poland.
To better understand the current situation, the people and the entire region, Neshama 32 traveled to the south once they landed in Israel to volunteer and to bear witness. They also visited Hostages Square in Tel Aviv and met with some hostage families. “We explored various installations, including a replica tunnel and a symbolic Shabbat table set for each hostage,” said Joey A. “It felt deeply meaningful to support such a resilient Israeli community in these challenging times. Alongside the friends and family of one of the hostages, we danced in her honor, creating moments of joy amidst sorrow.”
Over the course of Neshama, our students have been experiencing the many emotions that come with living in Israel during this challenging time. They are witnessing this tragic moment in our history, learning firsthand about the complex conflict in the region and at the same time exploring the beauty and history of the country. “Neshama brings together everything our students have learned at GOA by living it and breathing it,” said Rabbi Kallush. “They experience celebrating holidays they have only celebrated in the diaspora, they hike the country and see places they learned about in the classroom and use their Hebrew, understanding it is a living, vibrant language they speak.”
Yet with all of this learning also comes the discovery of the individual. Neshama allows our students to learn how to navigate real-life situations, such as learning to cook, do laundry and share living quarters with others. It also sets our students up for the future as they learn about themselves, how to face the challenges of being an adult Jew and understand the current challenges facing Israel all while creating lifelong bonds and unforgettable memories.
Neshama 32 attends rally for the hostages.
Seniors observe Good Deeds Day by preparing Mishloah Manot.
Deepening Connections
By Sam Reinhard ’24
As I write this, it is hard to believe that it has already been over a month since we started Neshama. Earlier in the year, the possibility of Neshama was uncertain due to the tragedy and effects of October 7, yet thankfully Neshama was able to persist.
We started in Poland, a trip we knew would be filled with difficulties and sadness as we encountered the tragedy of the Holocaust. Many of us had connections to the Holocaust, and whether it was visiting a concentration camp or a horrific site elsewhere, we all felt and mourned for those who had died. However, to me, Poland surprisingly brought inspiration. As we visited old Jewish villages, heard stories from fellow classmates, and sang in old synagogues, we not only mourned, but more importantly, cherished the Jewish life that had once prospered in Poland.
Finally, we arrived in Israel—something many of us had dreamed about for years. Although many expected Israel to be filled with joy and excitement, we soon faced reality. One of the first things we did was volunteer at the Hostage tent in Jerusalem, raising awareness and continuing the discussion of the hostages. Later, we visited the Nova Music Festival site, where many were injured, kidnapped, or killed by Hamas. Listening to survivors and relatives of hostages was both important and troubling. These conversations ultimately inspired a daily activity in which we tell the story of one of the hostages and hope for their return. As a class, we gained new perspectives on Israeli society and understood the effects October 7 had on the country.
Furthermore, at the same time, we began a week called “Many Faces of Israeli Society” in which we met, listened, and talked to a myriad people in Israel: settlers, Palestinians, Chasidim, and more. With each interaction, we faced countless, and sometimes difficult, perspectives and beliefs. However, we left the week with a greater understanding of Israel, our connection with it, and our own beliefs.
Along with encountering Israeli society, we also ventured through Israel’s geography. Our first hike was outside of Jerusalem and after roughly two hours, including a break to cool off in a pool, we finished with a barbecue that we
cooked ourselves. Hiking quickly became one of our group’s favorite activities. Many of us found comfort in nature, especially in activities where we participated in self-reflection only surrounded by the hills, sand, and night sky around us. One notable activity was a three-day hike and camping experience in the Negev. We slept in tents, cooked our own meals, and spent the entire day hiking and enjoying nature. Despite the cold and lack of showers, it was refreshing to reconnect with nature and ourselves.
Overall, this has been a mix of emotions, a month filled with joy and laughter, mourning and tragedy, and self-reflection. We have all grown, coming to understand each other and ourselves as we grow toward adulthood. As a class, these experiences have made us closer and we have found comfort in regular discussions with one another. As we look back, we realize our own identities as Jewish Americans with a connection to Israel. We look forward to the remainder of Neshama and the experiences and memories that they will give us.
Alumni Missions to Israel
Our graduates show their unwavering support of Israel
Michelle Bilmes ’19
My whole life I have been lucky to travel to Israel with family, friends and my classmates, exploring our history and culture in a place we all call “home.” It was only natural that after all of those incredibly memorable trips, I wanted to give back to a place that has given me so much throughout my life. While I was definitely born with a love for Israel, GOA provided me with opportunities like Neshama that allowed that love to flourish. My most impactful takeaway from GOA is the importance of our community. Our school instilled in me the values and education to properly understand the importance of Israel and tikkun olam, both making up the foundation of our GOA family. I’ve learned from this community that it’s critical to not only celebrate the good, but to always support each other in the bad. Reflecting on my time at GOA and the principles it taught me, I knew now was my opportunity to show my unwavering support of Israel and Jewish communities around the world.
My friends and I traveled in February with a collaboration of Jewish organizations to Israel, volunteering on farms, meeting survivors, listening to inspiring stories and reuniting with friends and family. It’s one thing to read updates about the war in the media, it’s another to attend rallies and listen to personal stories – it’s an entirely other thing to be standing in Hostage Square, arm-in-arm with strangers, as we light Havdalah candles and join together in prayer. Despite the tragedy of this reality, it reminded me of being on Neshama with my classmates, madrichim, and Rob, of course, circled together on the Agron balcony for our own weekly Havdalah. The most inspiring highlight that I learned on my volunteer trip was a lesson GOA taught me my entire life: our community is resilient and will always display strength in unity, even in the most challenging of circumstances.
Ian Rosen ’19
In February 2024, I decided to join my father in Israel to volunteer throughout the country wherever it needed us, and it proved to be one of the better decisions I have made in my life thus far.
Through meeting Israelis at various events and in WhatsApp group chats, my father and I were able to barbecue for soldiers in military bases, make sandwiches for families of hostage victims, garden in place of hundreds of displaced farmers, and sort donations in distribution centers.
I cannot begin to tell you the genuine disbelief of IDF soldiers that Americans would come and help on their own accord. Many Israelis do not believe they have much American support and consider this war just Israel’s problem. This is a war of the Jewish people. We must continue to educate ourselves, spread the truth via social media/word of mouth, and practice our respective beliefs proudly. My primary takeaway from my experience is that helping in whatever ways you deem essential should not be a choice but rather an obligation. I had the pleasure of meeting a young Israeli woman studying at a university who had just decided to sell mini flower pins as a sign of solidarity. She donated close to 500,000 shekels due to her efforts.
Golda Och Academy provides a tremendous platform to help others, and it doesn’t take fame and influence to accomplish something massive. Israel will always be there for you; it’s time to be there for her.
Rachel Schwarz ’87
I went on a volunteer mission to Israel in March with Atara Jacobson ’97, Roni Jacobson ’89 and Amy Skopp Cooper ’81. The highlight of our trip was going to Shuva field kitchen near the Gaza border. This was a place where soldiers come to rest a bit, eat a bit and resupply. Our group was on “schnitzel duty,” but of course the most satisfying part was connecting with the soldiers who felt like talking. We met many serving in reserves from guarding local moshavim and kibbutzim to driving a tank that clears roads in Gaza to explosive experts. I will say that many were glad to see Americans showing solidarity and friendship. It was a great feeling being in Israel, and the GOA kids we saw were really immersed in their program and glad to be there. Just being in Israel felt amazing. Volunteering and connecting with Israelis so they didn’t feel alone was incredible.
Ms. Nina Bilmes
Math Coordinator
At the Quest for Teaching Excellence Conference, held November 7, 2023, GOA’s Math Coordinator Nina Bilmes was honored with the Jerry Gottesman Award for the Pursuit of Teaching Excellence. The award, which is handed out to one outstanding teacher from each of the MetroWest day schools, is a recognition of Nina’s compassion for her students, her innovative approach to teaching, and mentorship and leadership of faculty members at school.
“Nina’s dedication and passion for helping students see the beauty and practical applications of math are at the heart of her work,” said Upper School Dean of Faculty Gail Shapiro. “She loves exploring new teaching strategies and sharing them with colleagues. Nina’s ability to encourage and motivate students, her thoughtful and innovative teaching methods, and her unwavering support of her students’ growth and development are remarkable and an inspiration to us all.”
family, and little did each one know that Nina would eventually recruit Janette to become a beloved member of the math faculty years later. “From the beginning,” she said, “we were embraced by the community, and GOA has always felt like a family.”
In addition to overseeing the Math Club and Math Olympiad, Nina began offering a math fair where students in 6th-8th grade created math games for 3rd-5th graders, enabling the students to become the teachers. She worked her way up to become Assistant Math Department Chair and then the Math Department Chair. In 2012, she was appointed Math and Science Chair, and eventually stepped down in 2016 to focus solely on math. In Septemeber 2023, the school restructured to focus on grade level chairs; however, Nina was named Math Coordinator.
Receiving the award, according to Nina, was a humbling experience. “I am still processing the amazing experience and opportunity,” she said, “knowing that I will continue to learn and grow so that I can help enhance the lives of children and learn together with my colleagues.”
Though Nina initially began her career in business management, she went back to get her master’s degree in special education and began to explore how she could make a difference with students. “I began to challenge myself and my students to find ways to make extensions in all areas and topics of math.”
In 2006, Nina joined the GOA community as a teacher as well as a parent to two young daughters enrolled at the school. She was initially paired with Janette Antiles as her buddy
Outside of her role as Math Coordinator, Nina works with the 5th grade, oversees the Math Olympiad, serves as the High School Breast Cancer Awareness Club advisor, sits on the Faculty Admissions Committee and is a certified mentor trained by the Jewish New Teacher Program. She works closely with the 5th grade teachers to be a bridge connecting the Lower School students to the Upper School campus.
For Nina, some of the most important lessons she tries to instill in her students are that math is the universal language, that math can be fun and math is everywhere. “The most rewarding part of teaching is seeing my students’ eyes light up when they understand a concept and apply it by teaching it to others. I love when our alumni come back to visit and share their excitement and enthusiasm about a math project. It’s important for students to know that math is not just about math problems; it’s a life skill to be able to solve problems and think mathematically.”
Ms. Nina Bilmes
What’s New in the Arts at GOA?
As the very first milestone event, our Pre-K students perform during the Hanukkah Celebration, singing their favorite holiday tunes, stomping like Macabees and proudly re-enacting how to make potato latkes. Although this is the first of many milestone events, our youngest students learn about presence, poise, confidence and creative expression from the very beginning of their years here.
Two years ago, GOA Arts Specialist Dr. Samara Grossman joined the Lower School faculty full time and helped expand performing arts through the after school Funtracks enrichment program. “Being able to bring drama to the Lower School is meaningful on so many levels,” said Dr. Samara. “Besides being a huge passion of mine, it taps into a joyfully expressive part of our beings. Lifelong skills are learned such as perseverance, memorization, presentation, projection, teamwork, responsibility, accountability, and so much more! The GOA shows foster community and immense pride in our school and children!”
Students in Pre-K through 2nd grade have three mini productions per year and grades 3-5 have a full production once a year. In March, the Lower School students performed Disney’s The Jungle Book KIDS, which was a tremendous success, involving
participants in all aspects of the theater, from auditions and rehearsal to set design.
During recess, our Lower School students also enjoy Israeli dancing with Morah Ellen, who in addition to two clubs, runs a Funtracks class. She also leads dancing with our students during Rosh Chodesh and holidays.
Last year, the Lower School welcomed Mr. Rick Grey to direct our instrumental music program. The program is elective and offered to our 3rd through 5th grade students. Third grade students begin by learning to play the recorder and how to read music while 4th and 5th grade students learn to play band instruments in small group lessons each week. “I am constantly amazed by the enthusiasm and joy on display every day by our budding musicians,” said Mr. Rick. “The instrumental students are building unique neural pathways and a work mindset that will help throughout their educational experience and life. Nothing thrills me more than being witness to students giving it their all, accomplishing a multifaceted challenge, and feeling a sense of satisfaction and confidence while making music by themselves and with others.”
Mr. Rick has also been meeting this year with some of the 6th grade students in hopes of building a Middle School band program in the coming years.
As students continue their Upper School journey, there are options for music, theater and visual arts classes as well as art clubs, choir, musicals and plays. The High School musical, Once Upon a Mattress, had a three-day run in January, while our Middle School musical, Beauty and the Beast, was held April 9-10. “Whether learning how to play a new song on the ukulele, sculpt an architectural wonder, deliver an emotional monologue, or capture the beauty of the world around them through photography, our students thrive in the arts,” said Upper School Arts faculty member Sue Shapiro. “Some of the key benefits our students experience include communication skills, critical thinking and problem solving, creativity and expression, emotional well-being, and cultural appreciation.”
In December, our Middle and High School choir members recorded a communal song for Israel in collaboration with 11 other day school choirs in New York and New Jersey. Israeli music producer and arranger Itzik Weiss of ZehaKOL led the choirs in singing in solidarity for Israel. Additionally, choir members have an annual winter concert and in the spring participate in the Kolot Hayam Choir Festival for high school choirs from Jewish day
schools around the tri-state area. Hosted by Golda Och Academy, this festival gives choir members a unique a capella Shabbaton experience.
“Participating in the arts has been an integral part of my High School experience,” said junior Katriela N. “The opportunity to be involved in all aspects of theater, including directing, set design and especially performing has allowed me to gain self confidence on and off stage. Through my involvement in both theater and the Golden Octaves, I’ve developed friendships across grades and inspiration to continue my involvement with the arts after graduation.”
Once Upon A Mattress
The Jungle Book KIDS
The Golden Ochtaves Choir
Supporting Our Students
GOA expands model of dedicated grade-level learning specialists across campuses
In 2019, Golda Och Academy launched its fiveyear Strategic Plan, highlighting Student Services and Support as one of the main pillars. Since the launch, our school has been making significant strides in learning support for students based on recommendations by Matan - a Jewish nationwide organization that helps communities and educators understand their inclusion needs. Matan was instrumental in establishing a roadmap for advancement.
“The professionals and lay leaders at GOA with whom we worked had a deep commitment to maintaining the warm, supportive kehillah and expanding the school’s ability to better meet the needs of more learners,” said Dori Frumin Kirshner, Executive Director of Matan. “There is a desire to provide a strong educational foundation in both secular and Judaic studies and to create the next generation of leaders who thrive in myriad ways.”
Golda Och Academy’s Director of Student Services Lori Jaffe said, “Golda Och Academy, like other schools around the country, recognizes that
students have diverse learning needs. We focus on a whole-child approach to help our students access information in a way that meets their needs, and based on the recommendations from Matan, we have been incrementally growing support services and our team.”
To implement this program, and the other goals of the Strategic Plan, GOA launched the Go Forward Campaign. One of the campaign pillars has been investing in Student Services. According to Stephanie Bash-Soudry, Director of Institutional Advancement, “GOA is grateful to our initial generous donors and foundations who are helping to kickstart this important work.”
In August 2022, Spencer Leeds joined Golda Och Academy as the Learning Support Coordinator to oversee services for students on both campuses. Prior to coming to GOA, Mr. Leeds spent over 10 years in the New York City public schools as a Special Education teacher, IEP Coordinator and Assistant Principal of a Special Education school. He holds a Masters in Secondary Education and
Supporting Resilience and Mental Health at GOA
Supporting the mental health and wellness of our students is a key priority at Golda Och Academy. Our school has been the proud recipient of two major mental health grants from the Healthcare Foundation of NJ that enabled us to expand our guidance team on both campuses to provide direct support for our students. We also received grants from the Day School Initiative of the Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest to offer programs for students, parents and faculty on topics such as substance misuse, LGBTQ awareness, tools and strategies for coping with anxiety, and the dangers of social media.
Social Emotional Learning is built into our Lower School curriculum. Guidance counselors partner with faculty and work with students to build skills that will translate into resilience and a better understanding of themselves and their classmates. Students are taught the language
to help identify their feelings using RULER, an approach to Social Emotional Learning. Guidance has also been working with students on the value of respect and the connection between feelings and actions.
“Our school is deeply committed to nurturing the minds, hearts and souls of our students,” said Lori Jaffe, Director of Student Services. “We have made significant strides in growing student support services and cultivating an inclusive school environment. By providing programs that focus on building resilience and increasing SEL lessons, we are empowering students with the skills they need to navigate life’s challenges. This commitment to mental well-being aligns with GOA’s holistic approach to making sure that every student receives the support they need to thrive academically, emotionally and spiritually.”
holds certifications in Social Studies, Special Education and School Leadership.
In his current role at GOA, Mr. Leeds helps ensure that an inclusive mindset and structural systems of support are part of the culture, language and planning in every aspect of the GOA experience.
“Since starting at GOA, the implementation and expansion of support services have helped promote an inclusive mindset,” he said. “Students and staff alike are excited about the plethora of opportunities for support and growth here at GOA.”
Part of that expansion has led to a larger team of 11 learning specialists across campuses. On the Lower School campus, the team includes Linda Friedman (reading with Gan and 1st grade), Gena Jarmel (2nd grade), Sandi Fein (3rd grade), Marisa Edelstein (4th grade) and Valerie Bloch (5th grade).
The successful model of dedicated learning specialists for each grade at the Lower School began last year and continues to yield benefits for our students. Specialists are now able to give more targeted support to meet our students’ needs. In addition to consulting with teachers and supporting reading instruction, it has also allowed the specialists to be even more proactive in identifying students who may be experiencing learning challenges.
The new model has also enabled the Lower School to offer additional programs. For example, the study skills program has expanded from the 5th grade to the 4th grade this year, and the Lower School expanded the math teaching model for grades 2-5, adding math support from a learning specialist in each class to enhance the work taught by dedicated math teachers. This allows for smaller breakout groups, individualized attention and differentiated lessons.
This year, our Upper School welcomed three new learning specialists: Jackie Levinson (6th grade), Lisa Spielman (7th and 8th grades) and Christine Sunberg (10th-12th grades). The three join Michelle Pierce (9th grade) and Dr. Robert Klein. Having five dedicated learning specialists at the Upper School has also begun to show positive results. Specialists have been able to meet with more students and continue to form positive working relationships with them and their families. This has also allowed GOA to continually address any individual learning needs as they arise.
For more information, contact:
Lori Jaffe Director of Student Services ljaffe@goldaochacademy.org
Grandparents and Grandfriends Day
APRIL 12, 2024
Alumni Basketball Game
DECEMBER 20, 2023
CLASS NOTES
1991 2002
Doni Feinberg and Joseph Glatt were engaged on March 16, 2024.
1998
Reisha Goldman and her husband Mike celebrated their daughter Alyse’s Bat Mitzvah on March 9, 2024.
Rabbi Jesse Olitzky and his wife Andrea celebrated their daughter Cayla’s Bat Mitzvah on November 4, 2023 at Congregation Beth El in South Orange, New Jersey where Jesse is the rabbi.
’98 ’01
Jocelyn (Levine) Klar ‘01 and Gregory Klar ‘98 celebrated their daughter Juliana’s Bat Mitzvah on March 10, 2024. They were honored to read from the Torah rescued from Eastern Europe during the Holocaust and donated to GOA by the Mosberg family.
2004
Jonah Kaplan and his wife Grace welcomed the birth of a baby girl, Hannah Orli, on March 1, 2024.
2008
Sarah (Drill) Fainshtain and her husband Sagi welcomed the birth of a baby boy, Gefen Nadav, on November 29, 2023.
2008
Nicole Halpern and David Markowitz were married on November 25, 2023 at Temple Beth Torah in Melville, NY.
2009
Seffi Kogen and Tali Marcus were engaged on the weekend of March 2-3, 2024. They are planning a fall 2024 wedding.
CLASS NOTES
2010
Jessica (Bramnick) Amir and her husband Omer welcomed the birth of a baby girl, Emma Naomi, on March 20, 2024.
Naomi (Kramer) Mullen and her husband Greg welcomed the birth of a baby boy, Yale Kramer, on November 20, 2023.
2014
Noah Hessdorf and Marisa Parnes were engaged on November 19, 2023.
2012
Brodsky and Alex Rappaport were married on October 22, 2023 at the Paramount Country Club in New City, NY.
2014
Dana
Jessica Spierer and Eric Lederman were engaged on March 31, 2024.
2014
Sayde Slobodien recently accepted a position as a Growth Strategy Manager at Fever and moved to Spain.
2015
Abby Bilmes and James Levin were engaged on January 20, 2024. Abby is the daughter of Upper School Math Coordinator Nina Bilmes.
2015 Ariella Liebman and Yakov Stone were engaged on December 30, 2023.
2016
Arzt and Jake Levinson were engaged on March 9, 2024.
Shira
Nina Bilmes
Arielle Matuszewicz and Dani Kandov welcomed the birth of a baby girl, Lielle, on November 21, 2023.
Talia Solomon and Brandon Duber were married on October 22, 2023 at Temple Emanu-El in Closter, New Jersey.
May their memory be for a blessing
Nancy Borg z”l, beloved mother of Amy Borg-Glickman (Alex); grandmother of Emma Glickman ’14, Jacob Glickman ’12 and Samantha Glickman ’09.
Fred Bornstein z”l, beloved father of Evan Robbins (Lisa) and grandfather of Arianna ’14 and Maya ’18.
Judith (Judie) G. Brown z”l, beloved wife of Dr. Stuart B. Brown; mother of Lauren Goldman-Brown (Joshua); grandmother of Julian, Nathaniel and Ady ’25.
David Caplan z”l, beloved brother of Cantor Joel Caplan (Nancy); uncle of Tamar Caplan ’09, Simona Caplan Savitt ’07 and Ilan Caplan.
David Gaffen z”l, beloved father Allan Gaffen (Lorin), grandfather of Julia Gaffen ’17 and Amy Gaffen ’20.
Nazli Haber z”l, beloved mother of Yossi Haber, grandmother of Joshua Haber ’99 and Danielle Cohn (Haber) ’03.
Rabbi Howard Hersch z”l, beloved husband of Joan Hersch; father of Jonathan and Julie Hersch, Avra and Elie Gordis, Seth and Renee Hersch, Elicia Brand and David Leudemann, and Marni Brand and Mike Berg; grandfather of Tamar, Ben ’13 and Amy, Rebecca ’15 and Ezra, Arielle, Shira, Noah, Carter, Parker, Isla, Kye and Joss.
Phyllis Keness z”l, beloved mother of Sheryl Raport (David), grandmother of Jonathan ’22 and former student Jordan.
Elyakeem Alexander Kinstlinger z”l, beloved son of Abraham and Anita, dear friend and uncle of Max Obstfeld ’26.
Dr. Carol Liebman z”l, beloved mother of Rabbi Aaron Liebman (Leora Heckelman), Rivka Lubitch (Rabbi Ronen) and Avigayil Kannai (Yair); grandmother of Ariella Liebman ’15, Yael Liebman ’18 and Jeremy Liebman ’21.
Allen Mevorah z”l, beloved brother of Erwin Mevorah (Shari); uncle of Harris ‘15 (Dalia Gatoff), Haylee ’17 and DJ ’21.
Nathan Orgel z”l, beloved husband of Elena Orgel; father of Karen Orgel Reinhard (Jay); grandfather of Amanda, Sam ’24 and Max Reinhard.
David Plotkin z”l, beloved grandfather of Elyse Shier (Noah), great-grandfather of Daniel ’37 and Ethan Shier.
Sima Pomerantz z”l, beloved wife of Harold Pomerantz z”l; mother of Upper School Dean of Faculty Gail Shapiro (Bruce), Stewart Pomerantz (Andrea Neimann), Bruce Pomerantz and Joel Pomerantz (Mollie Meffert); grandmother of Julian, Samantha, Bryan, Zach ’11 (Jordan), Noa ’15 (Noah), Adlai and Harlow.
Michael Schenker z”l, beloved father of Martin Schenker (Elisa) and grandfather of Jordan Ruth Schenker ’15.
Rhoda Schmulowitz z”l, beloved wife of Jay Schmulowitz, mother of Seth Schmulowitz and Stacey Apter, mother-in-law of Upper School Principal Dr. Eytan Apter.
Arleen Soberman z”l, beloved mother of Michael Soberman (Dara) and grandmother of Bayla ’35 and Skylar ’37.
Norris Thomas z”l, beloved former SSDS/GOA security guard.
Harriet Turnof z”l, beloved mother of Aaron Turnof (Stacy); grandmother of former students Kayla, Chase, and Cole.
Herman Wax z”l, beloved father of Lisa Sturm (Jacob) and grandfather of Sam Stein ’07, Hannah Sturm ’17 and Jared Stein.
Morton Weitzman z”l, beloved husband of Laura Weitzman, longtime SSDS/GOA staff member who served as Director of Student Services and Interim Principal; father of Howard Weitzman ’85 and former student Robin Weitzman.
Amy Wesly z”l, beloved wife of Doron Wesly, mother of Boaz (Grade 4) and Noa (Gan).
Michael Zuckerman z”l, beloved husband of Ronnie Zuckerman; father of Seth Zuckerman (Erika), Hope Goodfriend (Jeff) and Jason Zuckerman; grandfather of Shifra ’18 and former student Noah.
ERIC F. ROSS UPPER SCHOOL CAMPUS
TO THE PARENTS OF ALUMNI: If this issue is addressed to your daughter/son who no longer maintains a permanent address at your home, please call 973-602-3603 or email alumni@goldaochacademy.org to update our records.
