Annual Report 2014 - 2015
2014-2015 Administration Rabbi Joshua Einzig Head of School Mrs. Linda Rabinowitz General Studies Principal Mrs. Lisa Stroll Director of Student Services Mrs. Marcy Kalnitz Director of Finance and Development
Board EXECUTIVE BOARD Dr. Allen Lipis President Ms. Sara Robbins Vice President Mr. Shimon Kaminetzky Treasurer Mr. Daniel Wasserman Secretary BOARD OF TRUSTEES Mr. Eric Adelman Mr. Levi Afrah Dr. Kim Cohen Mrs. Devorah Feldman Mrs. Yelena Hertzberg Mr. Henry Kagan Mrs. Karen Kaplan Mrs. Marcia Kramer Mrs. Betty Minsk Rabbi Doniel Pransky Mrs. Robin Saul Mr. Gidon Sobel Rabbi Yoel Spotts Mr. Jordan Tritt Mrs. Jodi Wittenberg RABBINIC ADVISOR Rabbi Ilan D. Feldman
provides the rain and sunlight and the various insects to provide pollination or to eat other insects that could destroy the crop. When our students studied the halachas (laws) about the once-in-seven-years observance of shmittah, they not only learned on a textual basis, but they researched, reported, and shared their information with other students at our Shmittah Fair. They were able to develop sensitivity to the farmers in Israel and they committed to purchasing products made in Israel to offset the financial hardship of the Israeli farmers and the economy. Our rich tradition teaches us that in order to inculcate children with the midos tovos (good character), and the proper hashkafa (Jewish viewpoint and observance), it is vital to give them the exposure to Torah personalities. At TDSA, we partner with a variety of organizations to bring speakers to our school. Our students are enriched by Imagine the opportunity to make a these experiences. winning stock market investment. You Teaching is vital, but experiential are guaranteed to receive unimaginable education is memorable. At the Cobb dividends and huge bonuses with the County Youth Museum, our fourth outcome of a healthy portfolio that only grade students reenacted events from increases in value. Now, flip through the the American Revolution. Our middle pages of this annual report, and take school students participated in Junior stock in the engaged, active learning that Achievement’s Finance Park Atlanta Torah Day School of Atlanta provides its which provides a hands on approach students. Encapsulated in this document to budgeting and personal finance. is positive proof that the 2014-2015 Students participated in a local tech fair, school year provided opportunities for science fair, spelling bee, and geography each student to grow educationally and bee. Taking students off-campus for spiritually. TDSA makes learning relevant enriched learning experiences can only and fun. You, our “stockholders,” are increase their interest level. making this possible. While the stock TDSA is an educational institution on market will fluctuate, YOU are making an the cusp of celebrating thirty miraculous investment that will always be positioned and amazing years of existence. Day in a strong bear market. YOU are investing in, day out, year in, year out, our in our children, our future. dedicated, professional, and nurturing
From the Head of School
Rabbi Joshua Einzig
New for the 2015-2016 School Year Re-Accreditation: • The school is up for dual accreditation through AdvancED and SAIS next year. We are working on our strategic plan, focusing on every aspect of our school to identify areas of strength, as well as targeted areas for growth. Content Areas: • New math curriculum • New Sadlier Oxford vocabulary program for grades 3-8 Technology: • New Whipplehill/Blackbaud student information system will allow teachers to post grades, assignments, supplemental resources, handouts, photos, links and communicate with students and families. Sports: • Volleyball and Track & Field are new additions to middle school sports this fall.
Take a peek at our students working in teachers shape the world’s future. YOUR one of our gardens, learning not only investment makes it happen. Thank you the science of planting, caring for, and so very much. harvesting plants, but that Hashem
NACHAS CALL! Mitzvos do not go unnoticed! We love acknowledging the good our students are doing, and a phone call to the parents is a highlight for the children, parents and me!
What does it mean to be a Torah role in educating the Jewish future. You are our partners and friends, and I thank you School? At TDSA, we teach our students that the Torah belongs to each and every individual boy and girl in a very personal way. We inculcate the idea that Moshe received the Torah on Har Sinai, and it was passed all the way down through the generations. The Midrash Rabbah on Shir Hashirim says that, when Hashem asked Klal Yisrael for a guarantor to ensure that they’d commit to keeping the Torah, the children were the only guarantors Hashem accepted. Our precious and pure children are the guarantors of our holy Torah, the guarantors of the future of our People! Here at Torah Day School, it is our mission to teach our beautiful children the values and principles contained in our Torah and pass down this holy mesorah. We are ensuring continuity of the holy chain. This is a pretty lofty and important mission! How do we do this you ask? Through love, emunas Hashem (faith in Hashem), teaching and role modeling, and living Hashem’s Torah 24/7. I “wear many hats” in Torah Day School. While I still keep an eye on the facility, oversee tuition, enrollment, and finance; this year I took on the added responsibility of development and fund-raising. While it is definitely a responsibility of great proportions, it is truly a labor of love! I am passionate about TDSA and its mission, and I thank each of you for opening your hearts to help support our vital institution. Whether through SSO, Annual Fund, Raffle, or Days of Learning, you answered the call and played a vital
for all you do on behalf of our students.
The 2014-2015 academic year was one of amazing generosity from TDSA families and friends. The contributions acknowledged in this report went directly toward helping achieve exciting and meaningful changes in the academic and operational fabric of the school as depicted on the pages of this annual report. We are thrilled to be celebrating our 30th year in 2015/2016. Please come visit us on a school day, or join us for one of our many upcoming special events. The following are a few highlights for next year: • AdvancEd/SAIS re-accreditation • Focus on Endowment Building for future sustainability • Welcoming a new Sefer Torah from a generous donor family • New addition to our fund-raising team, Rabbi Elchanan Schulgasser • Implementation of a new parent/student information & communication management system, WhippleHill/Blackbaud
From the Director of Finance and Development Mrs. Marcy Kalnitz
• New Communications and Marketing Director, Mrs. Karly Yaschik • 30th Anniversary Celebration We have many reasons to rejoice and be grateful! With your continued support and investment in our future, we look forward to an outstanding year ahead. May Hashem bless you with good health and success in all of your endeavors!
At Purim time, Grandparents were given the opportunity to sponsor a Day of Learning in honor of their grandchild(ren). Children were presented certificates and gift bags in honor of their special day, and Grandparents were sent nachas photos of their grandchild(ren). This beautiful way of supporting TDSA is a favorite for both the children and their grandparents.
"Thank you for how special you made our grandchildren feel that day! What a beautiful picture of our precious kinderlach!"
Educational Highlights
The MATHCOUNTS Competition is a great opportunity for students who have a talent and passion for math and who appreciate a challenge. This competition strives to engage middle school students in fun and engaging math activities to help challenge their minds and to expand their horizons. Our students competed against and alongside their peers in the Atlanta area.
The Playworks Program was introduced this year by our school counselor Ashley Marx. It's goal is to create a place for every child
In Language Arts, we have adopted a program called “Daily Reading Practice� for grades 2-8. Each week there is a high interest reading passage with related questions and assignments that focus on critical thinking. In order to create a foundation for later learning, educators now agree that students should begin reading informational texts in all subjects from the earliest grades.
on the playground, a place where every child belongs, has fun and is part of the game. We offer an opportunity for children to explore their imaginations, to connect with other kids, and to stretch and grow physically, emotionally, and socially.
We had a successful year in our garden thanks to the guidance of Mrs. Hadassah Ezoory! Students planted and harvested tomatoes, Hungarian wax peppers, bell peppers, bok choy, parsley, mint, rosemary, lemon balm, cabbage, beets, radishes, spring mix lettuces, garlic, onions, and esrogs. The children also learned about the difference between a beneficial insect and a pest. TDSA students participated in the regional technology fair (NAJTF) held at the Weber School. Students entered digital photography, game design, 3D graphic design, web tools and applications. All First Place projects advanced to the Georgia State Technology fair held in Macon, GA.
13 students participated, and
we had four - 1st place, two - 2nd place, and two - 3rd place, winners!
The Junior Achievement Finance Park experience began in the classroom where our middle school students participated in lessons on income, saving, debit and credit, and budgeting. The curriculum culminated with a day at Junior Achievement Finance Park, where students immersed themselves in a reality-based decision-making process addressing aspects of individual and family budgeting.
Program Highlights
Shmittah Fair & Farmer Yosef For the first time in seven years we had our Shmittah Fair! On Tu B' Shevat, our Shmittah Fair showcased students' artwork and projects related to the laws of Shmittah. In addition to the fair, our very own "Farmer Yosef" (aka Rabbi Einzig) taught weekly lessons leading up to the fair on the halachos (laws) of Shmittah and demonstrated how Shmittah works on a practical level.
)
2 students qualified for the State Championship round of the National Geographic Bee 9 students qualified for the national finals of the Chiddon HaTanach (National Bible Contest) 4 students were 1st place winners at the regional North Atlanta Jewish Students Technology Fair.
Chiddon Hatanach (National Bible Contest) For seven months, nine 8th grade girls, Orli Einzig, Shevy Goldberger, Simcha Freida Kayser, Raizy Lew, Gitty Lipszyc, Summer Pitocchelli, Leeba Pransky, Racheli Shteierman, and Rivky Stein, pushed themselves to master sefer Shemos, Shmuel, Yonah, and Esther in preparation for the National Chiddon HaTanach in New York. Guided by Mrs. Malka Schwarzmer, these texts were learned entirely on their own time in addition to the regular Judaic course load. They took classes twice a week during their lunch break, committed to learning at least three chapters a night, more over the weekend, and took weekly practice exams. In the process, they gained an intimate knowledge of the content in those books, a broader understanding of their significance to the Jewish People, and a deeper grasp of some of the immortal words of our Torah which they will retain for life.
An Hour of Code The Hour of Code program was led by Mrs. Burns to encourage and teach students how to code. The Hour of Code program teaches students the basics of computer programming in 60 minutes in a fun, simple way. It is part of a campaign that Code.org, a non-profit organization, offers. The goal is to introduce coding into the school's curriculum and raise awareness about what coding is.
Lights, Camera, Action! From Chanukah, Siddur, and Chumash plays to a full-scale Middle School girls production, A Little Pach of Shemen, our students are learning public speaking and performing skills. The middle school girls also learn about the technical aspects of putting on a performance such as lighting, sound, photography, and set design.
Sports TDSA is a part of the Metro Atlanta Athletic Conference (MAAC) Division II.
This
year,
our
Varsity
boys
basketball team finished in 2nd place! The Varsity baseball team finished in the top 5. And one of our students finished in the top 5 in Cross Country.
Chesed Hunger Walk 2015 Close to 100 TDSA students, parents, administrators, and alumni participated in the Atlanta Hunger Walk this past March as part of the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta contingency. Team TDSA raised over a thousand dollars and won the allocations prize for the school with highest participation! As such, TDSA was allowed to allocate $250 to one organization from a designated list of food-assistance organizations across the city. Our allocation was donated to Yad L’Yad. A special thank you to TDSA’s Hunger Walk coordinator, Mrs. Robin Saul for helping make this event happen!
JFGA Super Sunday Our 8th graders joined the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta’s annual Super Sunday Phone-a-thon. TDSA, as a beneficiary of the Federation, receives a significant annual allocation. JFGA also supports Jews in need locally, in Israel and overseas. This year, TDSA once again earned Federation’s Golden Phone award for having the largest group of phone volunteers. Accompanied by Rabbi Einzig, Mrs. Stroll, Mrs. Kalnitz, Mrs. Rabinowitz, and Mrs. Morris, our students courteously and effectively made calls to inform others of Federation’s goals and projects and to solicit financial support. We are very proud of how well our students represented our TDSA family.
The Shabbos Project
Torah Day School partnered with the world-wide initiative, “The Shabbos Project: Keeping It Together.” On Parshas Noach, we challenged every family to invite one guest or family who does not observe Shabbos. Our students filled out Shabbos commitment slips and were entered into a raffle organized by Mrs. Ruthy Friedman. Dozens of children committed to helping with cleaning and cooking, davening with extra kavanah, playing nicely with siblings, letting parents rest, attending evening and morning davening in shul, and welcoming and assisting additional guests warmly. On Friday afternoon, the school hosted onegs and invited members of the community to join us for songs, inspiration, and of course, cholent! May all of their efforts merit a blessing for Klal Yisrael.
Field Trips
Learning happens beyond the classroom! Our students enjoyed field trips to: Cagle's Family Farm, Fernbank Museum of Nautral History, Center for Puppetry Arts, Ocoee Overnight Trip, GA State Capitol, Washington DC, and more.
Ocoee, TN
GA State Capitol
Fernbank
7th & 8th graders enjoy a team building overnight trip!
8th graders visit the State Capitol
1st graders experience hands-on science experiments at Fernbank
Alumni Highlights
99% of TDSA graduates attend a Jewish high school
The middle school students were mesmerized as Captain Yaakov Yitzchok Selavan of the IDF Armored Corps quoted Rambam, saying that, when one goes to war, one’s thoughts should not be on family, friends or self, but rather, on Klal Yisroel, the entire Jewish Nation. In separate sessions, with much emotion mixed with Jewish pride, Yaakov described to our middle school boys and girls his experiences during this past summer’s military operation, Protective Edge. He countered the rumors of Israeli soldiers firing on places such as hospitals and private homes when he told of losing one of his good friends to gunfire coming from a sniper located in a hospital in Gaza. Yaakov noted that, as a commander, when going into a terrorist’s home to make an arrest, he makes certain that his soldiers act with strength tempered with restraint. To go into a home and arrest a terrorist in front of his/her family using brutality or unnecessary violence will perpetuate hatred and distrust. He feels that it’s very important for the Israeli soldiers to always act in a moral and ethical manner. Yaakov commented that one of the biggest lessons he learned during Operation Protective Edge was that he could feel the love and support from Jews around the world through the letters and gifts the soldiers received. If an Israeli soldier commented that he had not been able to cut his nails in two weeks, there would be hundreds of nailclippers delivered the next day from people across the globe. Yaakov made a surprise visit to the first grade boys’ class where his cousin, Tuvia Hirsch, is enrolled. He expressed to the students his appreciation for the year he spent in Atlanta, and specifically his eighth grade year at TDSA. Captain Selavan is a TDSA alumnus and is the grandson of long-time TDSA supporters, Mr. Ben and Mrs. Jacqueline Hirsch.
ALUMNI: We want to hear from you! Fill out our form at www.torahday.org/alumni
Tamar Feldman, class of '09, was the Assistant Teacher for 2nd grade this past year. Tamar credits TDSA for giving her confidence and enjoyment in her learning which created a strong foundation to continue her educational journey. She is currently pursuing her Bachelor's Degree in Liberal Arts with concentration in Judaics and Education. Mrs. Haller, 2nd grade boys General Studies teacher, describes Tamar as amazing!" Tamar's strengths in the classroom make it hard to have a day without her. She is reliable and supportive, always willing to go the extra mile to get the job done. Tamar is loving and patient with the boys, never hesitant to help organize someone's binder or do extra kriyah (Hebrew reading practice). The boys' favorite part of Morah Tamar is that she is a great referee during recess."
Class of 1996 Reunion! Rivka Falk Wenger, Tzippy Schloss Teller, Miriam Habif, Chanla New Kornfeld, Sara Stein Newmark Not pictured: Sara Malka Yaffe Gordon
Mazel Tov! Mazel tov to Mr. & Mrs. Michael Abramowsky (Class of '07, son of Diane Farhi of Atlanta and Drs. Carlos & Lisa Abramowsky of Atlanta) on the bris of their son, Shimon Rafael, in Israel. Rabbi Rosenbaum (former TDSA Head of School) was also there for the celebration.
Financials
Metcalf Davis
Our finance department takes fiscal responsibility very seriously, constantly reviewing each aspect of TDSA’s budget to make the best decisions. In the 2014/2015 school year, TDSA’s total budget was approximately $4 million. TDSA’s net tuition represents 63% of the revenue in our budget. In 2014/2015 approximately 70% of our families received some level of financial assistance. We remain committed to providing tuition assistance to all families in need and are confident that our financial aid process is discreet and compassionate. Our teachers and professional staff are the heart and soul of TDSA. Their passion and dedication to academic excellence, and devotion to our children make TDSA the outstanding elementary institution that it is. In 2014/2015, the salaries and benefits of our rebbeim, morahs, teachers, administrators and staff represented 77% of our operating expenses.
Two years ago, TDSA upgraded our external audit firm to a recognized leader in providing services to educational institutions. We chose Metcalf Davis, an accounting that audit,
and
specializes tax
and
audit in
firm
providing
management
advisory services to educational institutions, ranging from local
$
4m
$
2.3m
Financial Assitance Awarded
Total Revenue
2.52m
1.22m
$
$
Net Tuition & Fees Received
Contributions
preschools
to
larger
private
universities. All annual audits that Metcalf Davis has conducted to date have resulted in "unqualified" (meaning, with no issues noted) opinions about the presentation
Rental Income 1%
JFGA 6%
Educational Operations 6%
Other 4%
and material accuracy of our statements. Metcalf Davis has provided TDSA leadership with a number of valuable advantages, including:
Facilities Operations 13%
Contributions 30% Tuition and Fees 63%
• Improved communication of findings to the Board Compensation and Benefits 77%
• Support of TDSA's Audit Committee • Recommendations
about
internal controls and procedures
Revenues
Expenses
that have served to document and to make transparent the care with which the financial
Homeland Security Grant For the Federal fiscal year 2014-2015, TDSA applied for and received a $75,000 grant from the Department of Homeland Security. The grant will fund the completion of our perimeter security by moving our vehicular gates closer to LaVista Road. It will also fund the upgrade of our building's perimeter security camera system to an IPbased digital system, including megapixel resolution and the capability of monitoring the system from remote locations via the internet. These two projects, scheduled for completion before October 2015, will complete the long-term security enhancement program proposed by the JFGA's Director of Community-wide Security. Both of these developments reflect the ongoing commitment of the TDSA Board and staff to continuous improvement of all aspects of the school.
staff
have
always
handled
their fiduciary responsibilities.
SSO comprises approx. 16% of our operating budget
MAINEVENT Over 350 people attended our annual MAIN EVENT, on Sunday, May 10th, to celebrate our TDSA Story
and
to
honor
people
who have made a significant difference in TDSA’s twenty-nine years of existence.
This year’s
honorees were Dr. Raphael and Mrs. Martine Gershon, long-time supporters and TDSA parents. Mrs. Rhoda Gleicher was awarded the
Distinguished
Educator
Award, and the recipient of the Sadell Sloan, a”h Volunteer Award was Ms. Sara Robbins. Dr. Ramie Tritt who presented greetings on behalf of the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta, stated that Torah Day School has a proven track record of providing Jewish continuity, with almost 100% of its graduates continuing on to Jewish high schools. Visit our website for more photos and videos from the event. We look forward to celebrating TDSA's 30th anniversary with the Atlanta Jewish community this coming year.
Thank you for being a part of the TDSA Story!
Annual Fund (Friends of TDSA) Thank you for supporting our school through our Annual Fund. Dollars raised help bridge the gap between what parents are able to afford and the true cost of providing an excellent Jewish and general studies education. CROWN OF TORAH - $25,000+ Eric and Malka Adelman Chai Trust Jeff and Carrla Goldstein Marcus Foundation The Petschek Family Foundation PILLAR - $18,000+ Jake Aronov SUSTAINER - $10,000+ Anonymous Barry and Judith Levitt Ramie A. Tritt Family Foundation INVESTOR - $5,000+ Craig and Faye Lefkoff Richard and Jean Katz Dr. Allen and Judy Lipis Jon and Ilene Miller Alan Shenberg and Dr. Meryl Braunstein LEADER - $2,500+ Drs. Dan and Kim Cohen Dr. David and Sheila Elkon Dr. Alan and Marilyn Feingold Etta Raye Hirsch Dr. Raphael and Martine Gershon HRworks Neil and Marcy Kalnitz The Propp Family Irvin and Linda Rabinowitz Dr. Nison and Helene Shleifer Gidon and Simone Sobel Brian and Suzanne Spaner Rabbi Yoel and Chavie Spotts Mickey and Marilyn Steinberg Dr. Michael and Yael Wolf BENEFACTOR - $1,800+ Woody and Amy Alpern Henry and Roslyn Falk Robert and Sara Franco Rabbi Binyomin and Dena Friedman Shimon and Anna Kaminetzky Dr. Jason and Leanne Kaplan Michael and Susan Londe Eric and Erin Mermelstein Matthew and Erika Needleman David and Eileen Price Rabbi David and Evi Reznick David and Kim Robbins Sara Robbins Jeffrey and Kerri Snow VISIONARY - $1,200+ Gloria Abrams Levi and Aliza Afrah Rabbi Aryeh and Keri Adler Dr. Aaron and Miriam Cann Harris Cohen Rabbi Menachem and Dena Deutsch Rabbi Joshua and Rena Einzig Rabbi Ilan and Miriam Feldman Dr. Aaron and Devorah Feldman Elia and Adina Fischer Rabbi Gavin and Michal Frank Rabbi Yechezkel and Rifki Freundlich Mordechai and Helen Gerchikov
Rabbi Ahron and Gitty Golding Yoni and Davida Graber Adam and Robin Grossblatt Halpern Enterprises Rick and Robin Halpern Raphael and Sherri Hirsch Stephen and Rivkah Horvath Scott Italiaander Scott and Pesha Izenberg Henry and Shoshana Kagan Mark and Karen Kaplan David and Vicki Kayser Jay and Judy Kessler Rabbi Ely and Malka Landman Jonathan and Davida Levin Rabbi Hirshy Minkowicz Malcolm and Betty Minsk Rabbi Doniel and Esther Pransky Allan and Gail Ripans Art and Robin Saul Allan and Roberta Scher Rabbi David and Julie Silverman Saul Sloman Dr. Alan Sloan Marty Stub and Terry Eden Michael and Mindy Tanenbaum Danny and Rachel Wasserman Dr. Josh and Michelle Winer Josh and Jodi Wittenberg Burt and Doreen Wittenberg BUILDER - $720+ Aaron and Rifki Eichorn Murray and Marcia Goldman Dr. George and Barbara Gottlieb Paul and Zippi Reisman Stephen and Linda Selig CHAMPION - $500+ Chuck and Elaine Azer Bradley and Rivka Elbein Rabbi Shlomo and Batsheva Gelbtuch Zev Gershon Stuie and Rhoda Gleicher Randy and Caroline Gold Adrian and Ilene Grant Norman and Gladys Grey Elan and Yelena Hertzberg Rabbi Michael and Marcia Kramer Noah and Berna Levine Chuck and Leslie Lowenstein Moshe and Diane Manheim Lee and Jennifer Pearlman Ian and Carol Ratner Jack Stein Memorial Fund Lawrence and Lisa Stroll Dr. Zvi and Keli Weiden SUPPORTER - $360+ Eliot and Phyllis Arnovitz Rabbi Michael and Elisheva Berger Dr. Allan and Sheila Bleich David Bloom Rabbi Emanuel and Estelle Feldman David and Heidi Geller Jonathan and Shulamith Klein DeMarkus Lake and Shawndrika Lewis Adam and Deborah Tress Mark and Karly Yaschik
PATRON - $180+ Anonymous Gerry & Vicki Benjamin Family Stuart and Susan Cohen Sam and Eddie Dressler Moshe Drukman Abe and Faye Esral Carole Feinberg Tal and Pia Frank Yacov and Rachelle Freedman Louis and Peggy Gold Rabbi Menashe and Randee Goldberger David and Kerry Greene Dr. Sandy and Deborah Hartman Yehuda and Yael Jacoby Rabbi Dovid and Devorah Kapenstein Rabbi Eli & Batsheva Kerzner Theo and Dana Killion Ed and Lynn Koffsky Murray and Lucy Lansky Drs. Matt and Chavi Lewis Si and Marsha Londe Rabbi mayer and Rivka Neuberger Rabbi Eliyahu and Dena Schusterman Yehonatan and Malka Schwarzmer Tal and Nava Senior Zalman and Leah Shifrin Ed and Ann Stark Harvey Steele Harold and Shoshana Steifel Scott and Chanie Steinberg Stanley and Ronee Weiden Jerry and April Weiner Dennis and Marsha Yaschik CONTRIBUTOR - $100+ Ariella Allen Harold and Delores Arnovitz Dr. Sona Arora Warren and Kim Axelrod Jimmy Baron David Benschitrit Ira and Andrea Berendt Rabbi Shlomo and Sarah Faygie Berkowitz Mr. and Mrs. Abe Besser Avi and Menucha Bogart Ezra and Kitty Cohen Rabbi Mordechai and Naomi Cohen Robert and Jan Cohen Sam and Eddie Dressler Gerald and Louise Epstein Rabbi Daniel and Bluma Estreicher Rabbi Yossi and Barbara Fischer Bill and Paula Gris Maynard and Janet Grossman Jude Haksen Daniel Jacoby Deena Koniver Debra Korman Hudie and Estee Lipszyc Herman and Dottie Lischkoff Si and Marsha Londe Pete and Leslee Morris William and Valerie Needle Carolyn Oppenheimer
CONTRIBUTOR - $100+ (continued) Jean Claude and Carol Recca Jay Schwartz Harold and Barbara Shlevin Matthew and Leslie Silverman Philip and Selma Silverman Sonia Slavin Gideon and Jennifer Slifkin Dr. Alan and Karen Stein Shmuel and Malka Wealcatch DONOR - $54+ Lindsay August Rabbi Michael and Chashy Alterman Josh and Ariella Bains Dr. Jason and Kim Berendt Yosef and Lauren Castriota Harriet Cortell Charles and Devorah Diener Shayna Drori Michal Esral Janie Feldman Beverly Fermon Joey and Kay Fink Yisrael and Sheva Frenkel Stephen and Marianne Garber Jeffrey and Channah Garfinkel Meyer and Marci Greenberg Ruby Grossblatt Rami and Marcela Hachamoff Richard and Susan Krohn Charles and Nancy Levy Hunter and Stacey McGhee Paul and Meta Miller Office Furniture Expo Wendy Pozin Eric and Andrea Proser David and Rachel Rabin Hal and Lisa Rabinowitz Lynne Rabinowitz Tomer and Kari Sadeh Rabbi Ezra and Chedva Sarna Dr. Herbert and Leah Schlager Paul and Ilana Shenk Sandee Silberman Rabbi Doron and Rebekah Silverman Karin Stieber Terry and Zahavah Stilman
Rabbi Yitzchok and Russy Tendler David and Julie Weinstein Ben Zinn FRIEND - up to $36 Anonymous Rabbi Avraham and Laura Addess Karen Benschitrit Daniel and Nathalie Biran Nick and Sara Block Jonathan and Bev Bolnick Kevin and Leah Bryant Theresa Burns Craig and Christine Castle Dolores Castriota Baruch Asher and Marlene Chastain Mark and Anzhelika Davydov Rabbi Yerachmiel and Michal Donowitz Bracha Namdar Ron and Hadassah Ezoory Gary and Esther Fink Henry Fink Rabbi Yaakov and Hannah Fleshel Dr. Benjamin and Keren Flusberg Danny and Melanie Frank Michael Frank Rabbi Shlomo and Ruth Freundlich Michael and Nancy Glaser Rabbi Daniel and Tova Gopin David and Leah Gottesman Yakovah Greenbaum Rabbi Akiva and Sarah Bayla Gross Rabbi Yaakov and Mindy Haller Naftali and Sara Honikman Jack and Mindy Hyman Dr. David and Tova Isaacs Josh and Sari Joel Charles and Sandra Kaplan Shokrolla and Farimeh Kerrendian Jared and Rusti Klein Edie Korman Joye Lamberson Hannah Leach Errol and Natasha Lebowitz Hillel and Yifat Levin Rabbi Yossi and Shterna Lew Rabbi Chaim and Blimie Lindenblatt
Steven and Esther Lubel Doron and Jennifer Lubinsky Neal and Gail Mandelbaum Ashley Marx Tal Moskowitz Debbie Myers Rob and Yvonne Oppenheimer Rabbi Tzvi and Temima Oratz Asher and Yael Perez Performance Health Center, LLC Rabbi Mordechai and Leah Pollock Richard and Lori Rappoport Leon and Vita Resenson Dr. Yosef and Leah Rodbell Melvin and Barbara Rozen Beruriah Sawyer Ed and Charlene Scherr Joshua and Marilyn Shubin Rabbi Moshe and Raizie Shkarofsky Clive and Sandra Slovin Rabbi Reuven and Rachel Stein Michael Toddings Warren Epstein & Associates David and Nancy Weissmann Rabbi Shimon and Chana Wiggins Rabbi Asher and Shira Yablok Wendy Zolty ALUMNI CONTRIBUTIONS Rikki Feldman, Class of '07 Tamar Feldman, Class of '09 Ayelet Filreis, Class of '08 Chani Golding, Class of '09 Hudi Hiller, Class of '08 Rachel Leff, Class of '09 Tzirel Leah Lipschutz, Class of '09 Ilana Lowenthal, Class of '04 Nava Maman, Class of '08 Sarel New, Class of '09 Shira Silverman, Class of '09 Rivka Leah Warga, Class of '09
As of 5/12/2015. If we inadvertently left off your name please let us know so we can correct it.
Remembering a Dear Friend Egon Petschek, of blessed memory, holds a special place in our hearts as a TDSA Benefactor, “Grandparent of the Year” honoree, and most of all as close friend to parents, faculty and students. Mr. Petschek was born in 1931 in Prague. He fled Prague with his parents and siblings in 1938, the year that Nazi Germany annexed their native country. The Petscheks stayed briefly in England, then emigrated to Argentina. As a young man, Egon and two of his brothers moved to the United States to further their education and careers. His brother Rudy once remarked that Egon “always seemed to be seeking something more, and we didn’t quite know what it was.” What Egon was seeking was to find his place in Judaism. He eventually found it, and his home, in Atlanta. Aside from being our beloved friend, student and “Zaydie,” Egon represented for us a man who was passionate about Jewish learning and sharing his time and resources with those who worked to perpetuate it. He has left behind a legacy that will live on in perpetuity. He is sorely missed and will forever be remembered in our minds and hearts!
SSO (Student Scholarship Organization) The Georgia Private School Tax Credit Program has become a critical source of financial support for the children at Torah Day School. This program allows individual taxpayers and certain corporations to redirect their income taxes to a scholarship fund for Torah Day School students. Both taxpayers and corporations may take a dollar-for-dollar tax credit for their contributions, making the program practically cost free to donors. Drs. Carlos & Lisa Abramowsky Jesse & Tova Ackler Eric & Malka Adelman Levi & Aliza Afrah Shimon Afrah Douglas & Grace Aldridge Ariella Allen Rabbi Michoel & Chashy Alterman Jed Appelrouth Jake Aronov Rabbi Ariel & Michele Asa Craig & Caryn Ashapa Matthew & Sunny-Lee Ashman Warren & Kimberly Axelrod Edward Azoff Isaac & Sophia Babayev Sam & Dana Banks Dr. Sandra Banks Michael & Lorrene Barnwell Kara Barron Bruce & Laura Barron Lisa Bartlett David Behdadnia Robert & Sandra Ben-Hanania Dr. Jason & Kimberley Berendt Dr. Edward & Susan Berger Bruce Berger Rabbi Shlomo & Sarah Faygie Berkowitz Eric & Caryn Bern Isaac & Jodi Bernato Dr. Rick & Peggy Bernstein Rabbi Mordechai & Nechoma Birnbaum Daniel & Jessica Blanks Dr. Nick & Sara Block Avraham & Menucha Bogart Craig Borkowf Fred & Elaine Brasch Dorothy Brawley Gregg & Linda Brenner Morris & Kathe Brown Dr. Lee & Mindy Caplan Craig & Christine Castle Rabbi Yaakov & Malka Citrin Drs. Daniel & Kim Cohen Daniel & Rachel Cohen Betty Cornett Harriet Cortell Dr. Mary Lynn Crews Kevin & Jenice Cunningham Ravindranath & Anitha Damodaram Neal & Sara Davis Mark & Anzhelika Davydov Rabbi Menachem & Dena Deutsch Charles & Devorah Diener Douglas & Danna Dinapoli Barry & Barbara Dolin Sheldon Donner Brooks & Leah Donner JoAnne Donner Neal & Fran Drucker Michael Edelstein Rabbi Joshua & Rena Einzig David & Sheila Elkon Steve & Dr. Bonnie Ellenoff Michal Esral Dr. Henry & Roslyn Falk Ely Farazmand Karen Fedder
Brian & Jennifer Feinberg Marilyn Feingold Dr. Alan Feingold Rabbi Ilan & Miriam Feldman Dr. Aaron & Deborah Feldman Benyamin Feldman Robert & Judy Fendrick Beverly Fermon Erez Fern Joseph & Kay Fink Henry Fink Evan & Beth Fishman Rabbi Yaakov & Hannah Fleshel Dr. Benjamin Flusberg & Keren Fisher Apollonia Fortuna George & Michele Fox Rabbi Gavin & Michelle Frank Daniel & Melanie Frank Michael Frank Rabbi Shlomo & Ruth Freundlich Rabbi Michoel & Ruth Friedman Rabbi Binyomin & Dena Friedman Netanel & Reva Friedman Barry Friedman Helene & Binyamin Gabai Rabbi Yonasan & Esther Gavant Rabbi Shlomo & Batsheva Gelbtuch Mordechai & Helen Gerchikov Andrew & Lori Gleason Rabbi Menachem & Randee Goldberger Jeff & Carrla Goldstein Jody Gothard Jonathan & Davida Graber Levi & Yehudis Graiser Michael & Rhonda Graiser Aaron & Jennifer Green Yakovah Greenbaum Meyer & Marci Greenberg Robert & Mandi Griffin Bill & Paula Gris Rabbi Akiva & Sarah Gross Richard & Mary Gullick Rami & Marcela Hachamoff Edward & Jaroslava Halper Rick & Robin Halpern Larry Halpern Raphael & Sherri Hirsch Eugene & Barbra Hirsh Stephen & Junko Horvath Walter & Jennifer Iacullo GRT Systems Inc Dr. Malcolm & Lynette Joel Joshua & Raizel Kahn Maury & Sydell Kalnitz Neil & Marcy Kalnitz Shimon & Anna Kaminetzky Mark & Karen Kaplan Charles & Sandra Kaplan Michael & Lisa Kaplan Rabbi David & Vicki Kayser Yefim & Asya Kerzhner Amir Khalili Jacob Khalili Khosrow Khoshnood Leo, a"h & Gloria Kirkman Arie Kohn Sid & Lee Kresses Richard & Susan Krohn Ben & Shayna Krohn Dr. Jeffrey & Laurie Kunkes
Rabbi Ely & Malka Landman Harold & Evelyn Lefkoff Craig & Faye Lefkoff Dr. Lawrence & Marjorie Lefkoff Howard & Vicki Leopold Fred Lerner Jonathan & Davida Levin Noach & Kayla Levin Barry & Judith Levitt Alan & Renee Levow Dr. Jacob & Yael Levy Matthew & Chavi Lewis Rabbi Chaim & Blimie Lindenblatt William & Rachel Linkwald Dr. Allen Lipis Rabbi Michoel & Rivka Lipschutz Rabbi Shneur & Chaya Lipskier Avi & Rebekah Mally Michael & Hen Malul Moshe & Diane Manheim Fredrick & Nancy Marcus Catherine Martin Hunter & Stacey McGhee Dr. Paul & Judith Merlis Meira Merlis Eric & Erin Mermelstein Elaine & Charles Miller Jonathan & Ilene Miller Daniel & Linda Minkow Peter & Leslee Morris Michael Morris Scott & Leslie Moscow Matthew & Erika Needleman Lev & Helaine Nelik Doug & Stacey Nelson Vladimir & Elena Oliker Alan & Shelly Ovdat Fishel & Jean Paley Lee & Jennifer Pearlman Aleksandr Pindrik Rafael & Ella Pinkhasov David & Sheryl Pitocchelli Rabbi Doniel & Esther Pransky Boris Pustilnik David & Rachel Rabin Irvin & Linda Rabinowitz Michael & Alison Rekhelman Elliot & Charlotte Rich Allan & Gail Ripans Sara Robbins Kurt & Christine Ronn Marc & Elizabeth Rosen Phillip & Judy Rosenberg Brian & Laura Ross Steven & Karen Rothschild Victor & Nelda Rousso Daniel & Mindy Rubenstein Adam & Jaime Russo Stephen & Linda Sacks Rabbi Ezra & Chedva Sarna Arthur & Robin Saul Tal & Nava Senior Barry & Nancy Shemaria Alan & Meryl Shenberg Paul & Ilana Shenk Joshua & Lori Shifrin Rabbi Moshe & Raizie Shkarofsky Dr. Nison & Helene Shleifer
Diane Shulman Yale & Marilyn Shure Matthew & Leslie Silverman Rabbi Ephraim & Chana Silverman Philip Silverman Tzivia Silverstein Gidon & Simone Sobel Robert & Kay Solomon Brian & Suzanne Spaner Rabbi Yoel & Chavie Spotts Todd & Gabrielle Starr Rabbi Reuven & Rachel Stein Dr. Alan & Karen Stein Marcia Sternberg Terry & Marjorie Stieglitz Terry & Zahavah Stilman Henry & Elizabeth Strauss Dr. Mark & Marsha Strazynski James & Teresa Stuart Ella Szczupak Michael & Mindy Tanenbaum Marvin & Donna Tark Dr. Joseph & Phyllis Tate Ebrahim & Farimah Tehrani Michael Toddings Shmuel Toigender Adam & Deborah Tress Jordan & Erica Tritt Garret & Rachel VanDeGrift Aleksandr & Natasha Vayner Dr. Zvi & Keli Weiden Dr. David and Julie Weinstein Rabbi Shimon & Chana Wiggins Dr. Joshua & Michelle Winer Josh & Jodi Wittenberg Burt & Doreen Wittenberg Dr. Michael & Yael Wolf Drs. Bernard & Laura Wolfberg Dr. Barry & Jennifer Yaffe Arkadiy & Federica Yakubov Ilya & Nellya Yakubov Alla Yakubova Michael Yaschik Joshua & Ilana Yehaskel Eric Young Arkadi & Polina Zavulunova Elchanan & Penina Zuckman
As of 5/12/2015. If we inadvertently left off your name please let us know so we can correct it.
Contact Erika Needlman at 404.982.0800 ext. 180 or eneedleman@torahday.org to sign up for 2016!
Support TDSA For more information contact Marcy Kalnitz at mkalnitz@torahday.org
Legacy Gift
Day of Learning
Including a provision for TDSA in your will is a way to ensure that your gift will have a lasting and meaningful impact on future generations of TDSA students. The bequest may be a specific sum or a percentage of an estate. Outright charitable bequests have the added benefit of being tax-exempt.
Sponsor the learning of over 350 students at TDSA. This is a wonderful way to honor the memory of a loved one, wish a refuah shelemah (speedy recovery), or to show your appreciation for a simcha or special occasion. Days of Learning are announced at morning line-up and an email is sent to the entire community.
Employee Matching Gift Program Many employers will make a gift to TDSA by matching the charitable contributions of their employees. Contact your employer’s human resources department to learn more.
3 Ways to Support TDSA While You Shop!
smile.amazon.com When you shop at smile.amazon.com, Amazon will donate a percentage of your purchase to TDSA.
Endowment Fund Endowment gifts provide a permanent way to support TDSA, today and in the future. Contributions to endowment funds may be made to honor or memorialize a loved one, beloved faculty member, or student. TDSA currently has several endowed funds to choose from. You may contribute to one of our existing funds or start your own named fund.
krogercommunityrewards.com
Kroger Community Rewards:
Register your Kroger Plus card online, shop at Kroger, and swipe your Plus Card! Kroger will donate a percentage of your purchase to TDSA.
Kroger Gift Card Program:
When you purchase gift cards/ certificates to buy your groceries, Torah Day School receives 5%! This is a great way to support the school. Gift cards must be purchased through Rabbi Moshe Hiller (our 2nd grade Rebbe). For questions or to purchase gift cards, contact Rabbi Moshe Hiller at 404-271-0828 or mbhiller@hotmail.com.
Target.com/TCOE
8th Grade Trip to Washington DC
Take Charge of Education! Up to 1% of your REDcard purchases = Cash for TDSA! Save 5% of your Target purchases when you use your REDcard. Enroll your card at Target.com/TCOE or call 1-800-316-6142.
Thank you to our Volunteers! Mrs. Barbara Shlevin For 14 years Mrs. Barbara Shlevin worked as a 10-30 hour a week volunteer in the TDSA library. This year, we honored her by dedicating the library circulation desk and office in her name. Since first visiting TDSA on Montreal Road, Mrs. Shlevin has cataloged every book, video, audiobook, DVD and CD in our library, in excess of 15,000 items.
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We are always on the look out for volunteers to share their talents with our school!
Drawing on her expertise as a university-level catalog librarian and indexer, Mrs. Shlevin also advised us on the design and organization of our library, assisted teachers and students in locating resources, and collaborated with Mrs. Levin on collection development. More than once, she coordinated moving our collection from one site to another.
Example areas of need: Office help
Mrs. Shlevin and her husband, Dr. Harold Shlevin, who often gave guest lectures about physiology to our middle school classes, have also been steadfast financial supporters of TDSA. We wish them well in their new home in Florida.
Lunch-time/recess volunteer Picture day volunteer
Dr. Alan Shaw
Handy-man jobs
Over 100 of our second grade boys have benefited from learning with our dedicated volunteer, Dr. Alan Shaw! He has worked with Rabbi Hiller for several years, reviewing the basics of Hebrew reading, including the Shema, Shemona Esrei, and more. In his ever-evolving span of activities, from dentist’s office, to tennis court, to classroom, Dr. Shaw has shown incredible patience, dedication, and devotion. We all wish Alan and his wife, Shelly, the very best of luck in their new Miami home.
PTA
Library helper Events Organic Garden “Call me if you need me!”
Torah Day School of Atlanta is proud of its active Parent Teacher Association. PTA offers parents the opportunity to contribute to our school in a myriad of ways. The TDSA PTA raises funds for the benefit of the students, parents, and teachers. Among their fundraising projects are a Mom’s Night Out, a Family Directory/Calendar, Teacher Appreciation Week, refreshments for Parent Teacher Conferences, Pre-Pesach Blues ices, Faculty and Staff Purim Shalach Manos, Pesach Candy Sale, and the Fall Festival. The 2014 - 2015 board consisted of Mrs. Sara Honikman, President; Mrs. Trudy Robbins, Vice-President; Mrs. Pesha Izenberg, Treasurer; and Mrs. Yael Wolf, Historian.
Teacher Appreciation
Fall Festival
Mom’s Night Out
1985 Lavista Road Atlanta, GA 30329 404.982.0800 torahday.org
Check out the newest TDSA video at www.torahday.org
This summer Mrs. Lisa Stroll participated in Improving Schools: The Art of Leadership, a seminar at the Harvard Graduate School of Education’s Principals’ Center for emerging leaders. This week long institute is part of a larger, year-long program to enable day school leaders to improve their schools, with special focus on their Jewish mission and vision, sponsored and facilitated by the AVI CHAI Foundation. Participants attended lectures and discussion groups led by Harvard faculty, educational consultants and school practitioners. The program focuses on the challenges facing new school leaders and supports participants as they develop skills for leadership. Rigorous study is combined with writing, reflection, and peer interaction, allowing participants to identify priorities and share ideas and solutions. In addition, they attended AVI CHAI sessions, facilitated by Jonathan Cannon, former head of the Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School in Rockville, MD. All participants, including Mrs. Stroll, are charged with applying what was learned at Harvard to the Jewish mission and vision of their schools.
Summer Professional Development
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• Mrs. Lisa Stroll, Director of Student Services, attended a Leadership Institute at Harvard with a grant from the Avi Chai Foundation. (See article on left.) • Our Guidance Counselor, Mrs. Ashley Marx, attended a seminar on legal and ethical issues in behavioral health. • Mrs. Theresa Burns, our Technology Integration Specialist, received extensive training for our new student information system Whipplehill at a conference in Boston, MA. • Mrs. Bev Bolnick and Mrs. Theresa Burns attended the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) in Philadelphia. • Our Middle School Math teacher, Mr. Lawrence Stroll, attended the Kagan Summer Academy for a seminar on math instruction. • Our 2nd grade General Studies teacher, Ms. Bev Fermon, completed Advanced Level Orton-Gillingham training. • Rabbi Einzig attended a two day Think Tank at the Consortium of Jewish Day Schools. The focus was on Rubrics for Teacher Supervision and Evaluation.