As we conclude the 2023-24 school year at YULA, we reflect on a year filled with triumphs, challenges, growth, meaningful learning, and community building. While we focused on living up to the potential of our three pillars, I am especially proud of our students who stepped up to make a difference for Am Yisroel and Medinat Yisrael in so many remarkable ways.
In the post-October 7 world, YULA High School redoubled its commitment to Medinat Yisrael and Am Yisrael as the State of Israel endures war and Jews in the US face a rising tide of anti-Zionism and antisemitism. We focused our efforts on education, connection, advocacy, activism, and support. Please take a look at a sampling of these efforts in the center spread of this Annual Report.
Our Rebbeim and Mechanchot doubled down their efforts in teaching Torah. As we know, Torah study is regarded as the most important of all mitzvot because it opens the door for the observance of all other mitzvot. As the Gemarah teaches, “The study of Torah is equal to the sum total of all other mitzvot” (Shabbat 127a). To learn more, please take a look at the sampling of these efforts in the Primacy and Relevancy of Torah section in this Annual Report.
In General Studies, our achievements have been noteworthy. Between record college acceptances and high AP, SAT, and ACT scores, we have shown significant growth in our academic performance overall. The vision of our general studies program is based on the teaching of Rabbi Lamm zt’’l who famously described Torah Umadda as “unquestioned allegiance to the primacy of Torah, and that the apprehension of all other intellectual disciplines must be rooted and viewed through the prism of Torah.” To learn more about our accomplishments, please see the Uncompromising General Studies section in this Annual Report.
None of this could have been possible without the remarkable efforts of our dedicated and exceptional students and staff. Additionally, we all owe a tremendous Hakarat Hatov to Seth Berkowitz, Alan Gindi, David Nagel, and our Board of Directors for their outstanding commitment and leadership.
As we look toward the future, I am filled with pride and nachat for our students’ leadership, commitment, and love for Medinat Yisrael.
Bi’veracha, Rabbi Arye Sufrin Head of School
Dear YULA Community,
The tone of this year’s letter is less triumphant than that of the first few years, post-merger. Part of this is by necessity. Radbaz, the 15th century Maimonidean commentator writes, that “we see the Jewish people as if they are one body, and even though bodies are separate, since [our] souls were hewn from the same, one place, [we] are like one body because the soul is paramount” (Commentary on Hilchot Mamrim 2:4). The collective soul of Knesset Yisrael was torn asunder on October 7th, and has yet to heal. Our hearts are in Israel, while we cast a wary eye on the disturbing developments here, implicating our students and our families in violent skirmishes perpetrated by antisemites at our own front door, at the Wiesenthal Center, and in front of Adas Torah. On Pico Boulevard!
YULA can be proud of how it spun into action, through education, advocacy, activism and support. Whether it was the 3-part crash course in the history of Gaza and Hamas in the context of the Arab-Israeli conflict and the history of Zionism, or the Senior Seminar where 12th graders engaged in an intensive one-semester analysis of the history of the conflict with a focus on responding to contemporary anti-Zionist language and claims, or parent classes, or the YIAC Lunch Club, or the makeshift Seminary and Yeshiva at YULA, meaning the daily lineup of classes and shiurim that we offered, gratis, to YULA graduates who returned to LA in the fall semester of 2023, or the way the Girls and Boys Divisions partnered with StandWithUs for a five part Senior Seminar on how to defend Israel on college campus and become familiar with how to report antisemitism to campus officials, and to understand the legal rights students will possess as they transition to college campuses; this is but a small subsection of an incredible year of programming.
Despite the enormous psychological and social challenges detailed above, we have kept building and growing. We opened the new, fresh and engaging Emil & Gail Kestenbaum Beit Midrash at the Boys Division, now in use for over 15 hours nearly every day as the home of the Jack and Gitta Nagel YU Community Kollel, and each Shabbat, as the home of the Westside Shul. We’re continuing our campus improvements this summer with a full on upgrade of the Ambassador Roland Arnall Pavilion. In the Girls Division, we opened the year with the new Levkowitz Family Courtyard and Horowitz Family Plaza, and have spent the summer in a major effort at campus expansion that hopefully will bear fruit – if everything cuts in the right direction.
We’ve grown our enrollment to unprecedented heights, and will be privileged to open our doors to over 500 young men and women for the first time in our history, just next month; “may Hashem, the G-d of their forebears, add to them a thousand fold, and bless them as He has promised” (Deuteronomy 1:11). We’ve done so, while controlling costs in one of the most inflationary environments in U.S. history, staying true to our plan to hold tuition steady for the 4th straight year, thereby returning the savings created by the merger, directly back to the community.
But we’ve also had our own share of local challenges this past year. We’ve learned from them and are already working to make YULA even better. We will be ready for the academic year ahead, bli ayin hara, and we will resume the march to becoming the preeminent Orthodox secondary school in the nation. The sacred trust you’ve placed in YULA has us energized and we will be attentive to, and mindful of, the details that make for an incredible educational experience.
Thank you for your support,
Seth Berkowitz President, YULA Board of Directors
LEADERSHIP
Thank you to all those who have taken leadership roles at YULA in the 2023-2024 school year. Your dedication, efforts, and contributions make a significant impact on the YULA community.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Seth Berkowitz, President
Alan Gindi, Co-Chairman
David Nagel, Co-Chairman
Howard Levkowitz, Vice President
Brian Kleinman, Treasurer
Shuli Steinlauf, Secretary
Evan Anziska
Shalom Aynesazan
Shmuel Barak
Yona Elishis
Donny Feldman
David Gershov
Nancy Gofman
Gil Goldschein
Steven Heumann
Yitzy Katz ‘00
Kamyar Mahboubi
Dani Samson ‘86
Omid Shaye
Pamela Talansky ‘02
Daniel Uretsky ‘99
Efrat Zisblatt ‘90
PARENT COUNCIL
Felice Gottlieb ‘00, Co-President
Rivka Most, Co-President
Jennifer Wintner ‘98, Treasurer
ADMINISTRATION
Girls Division
Rabbi Arye Sufrin, Head of School
Racheli Luftglass, Judaic Studies Principal
Yehudis Benhamou, General Studies
Principal
Dr. Natalie Williams, Principal
Rachel Shandalov, Assistant Principal & Dean of College Guidance
Rochel Gargir, Chief Operating Officer
Nancy Schiff, Director of Finance
Sy Litwin, Incoming Director of Finance
Samira Miller, Director of Admissions
Alexandra Novak, Athletic Director
Boys Division
Rabbi Arye Sufrin, Head of School
Rabbi Joseph Schreiber, Principal
Rick St. Laurent, General Studies Principal
Rabbi Shimon Abramczik, Dean of Students
Rochel Gargir, Chief Operating Officer
Nancy Schiff, Director of Finance
Sy Litwin, Incoming Director of Finance
Jesse Orenshein ‘14, Director of Admissions
Alexandra Novak, Athletic Director
FINANCE COMMITTEE
Brian Kleinman, Chair
Evan Anziska
Shmuel Barak
Gil Goldschein
DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Yona Elishis, Chair
Shmuel Barak
Shuli Steinlauf
GOLF TOURNAMENT
David Nagel, Co-Chair
Joe Coleman, Co-Chair
Michael Bernstein ‘98, Co-Chair
Rula Almquist
Nancy Dunlap
Rochel Gargir
Mike Guardado
Sandra Jones
Saydi Molina
Daniel Nagel ‘02
Zev Nagel ‘00
Corie Schnee
Ara Vartanian
TRUSTEE EVENT COMMITTEE
Trustees Event Chairs Emeriti
Susan & Michael Baum
Sheryl Neuman & Mark Hyman
Tina ’85 & Michael Loboda
Elayne & Howard Levkowitz
Event Chairs
Yona & Isser Elishis
Zahava & Daniel ’99 Uretsky
Event Committee
Alison ‘98 & Evan Anziska
Rita & Shalom Aynesazan
Ruth & Seth Berkowitz
Arianna & Michael ‘98 Bernstein
Ellen & Shmuel Deker
Shoshi Bitton & Adam ‘00 Kreitenberg
Shana ‘91 & Donny Feldman
Victoria & Charlie Frankel
Devora & Moishe Frankel
Ruchie & Steve ‘96 Fried
Michal ‘91 & David Gershov
Barbara & Alan Gindi
Nancy & Yasha Gofman
Ilana & Gil Goldschein
Simona & Steven Heumann
The Julis Romo Rabinowitz Family
Ruthie & Hillel Kellerman
Lesley & Brian Kleinman
Steni & Michael Kram
Aviva & Scott Krieger
Jacqueline ’99 & Alain Kuppermann
Dina & Fred Leeds
Lenard Liberman
Seryl & Sy Litwin
Melody & Daniel Mahboubi
Rachel ‘99 & Daniel Margolies
Marnie & David Nagel
Jennifer & Tzvi Niman
Elisheva & Naftali Nunberg
Sarah & Adiv Pachter
Debbie & Allen Remer
Miri & Reuben Robin
Mirriam & Aaron Robin
Shira & Benny Rosenberg
Rivkie & Dani ‘86 Samson
Debbie & Sunny Sassoon
Kelly & Omid Shaye
Avigayil & Akiva ‘07 Schreiber
Barbara Schreiber
Sara & Nathaniel ‘11 Schreiber
Sari & Daniel ‘11 Schreiber
Sherri & Robert Schreiber
Shuli & Avi ‘88 Steinlauf
Naomi & Michael Teicher
Jennifer ‘98 & Phillip ‘95 Wintner
Efrat ‘90 & Uri Zisblatt
STUDENT COUNCIL
Girls Division
Gabriella Most ‘24 & Tamar Scheinfeld ‘24, School Presidents
Avital Ives ‘24, VP of Programming
Eliana Waghalter ‘24, VP of Chessed
Lielle Blinkoff ‘24, VP of Media and Communications
Leah Sasin ‘24 & Geula Shamuilian ‘24, VP of Ruach
Kayla Nourmand ‘24, VP of Fundraising
Neshama Nissim ‘24, Student Store Manager
Ella Katz ‘25 & Dana Kohanteb ‘25, 11th Grade Class Reps
YULA provides a diverse range of shiurim (Torah study sessions) and Judaic classes tailored to different grade levels and student skill levels. Beyond the standard courses, YULA students have the opportunity to apply for the additional programs listed below:
ELEANOR GOLDIN Z”L BEIT MIDRASH PROGRAM
The Eleanor Goldin z”l Beit Midrash Program offers eligible students in the 9th & 10th Grades an advanced program of daily “Chaburah-style” study taught by outstanding Rebbeim and members of a local Kollel. This is an even more in-depth study of Gemara, in a Beit Midrash setting, with a special emphasis on various Rishonim and Achronim.
FRIEDMAN FAMILY MASMIDIM PROGRAM
The Friedman Family Masmidim Program had a record number of participants this year! The Masmidim participate in the NCSY Bronka Weintraub High School Bekiut Program, a bekiyus program designed to master 50 dapim of Gemara and finish 2 masechtot each year. The students are tested regularly on their knowledge and compete against other yeshivot nationwide.
L’EILA PROGRAM
The L’EILA program continued for its second year, with student participation almost doubling from year 1! This program was created for self motivated freshmen and sophomores who are committed to working on their avodas HaShem. The program was designed to effectively enhance the campus avira as they work together to strengthen their connection to HaShem, religious observance, and development into Jewish leaders. Participants participated in a weekly; early morning Boker Torah learning with Rabbi Sufrin, a semimonthly; shiur at a Mechanechet home or on campus, varied chesed activity, and a monthly; lunch and learn Midrasha chabura. The girls initiated a school-wide monthly Thursday night Mishmar with learning and singing. Several L’eila students gave shiurim at our community wide Leil Iyun as well as shared Divrei Torah at various community and school wide events. This year’s cohort was led by Judaic Studies faculty member and alumni, Mrs. Tali Halpern ‘19.
BAUM FAMILY ADVANCED OF GEMARA TRACK
The Baum Family Advanced Gemara Track is an in-depth exploration of the Talmud and its commentaries, providing participating students with an opportunity to learn Talmud on a deeper and more advanced level. The AGT track offers honors credit, and many of our students go on to study in the most distinguished yeshivot in Israel.
This program was dedicated in honor of Fred (Ephraim Dovid) Baum, a Holocaust survivor and a student of the Talmud his entire life. He was at the Lubavitch Yeshiva in Outwork, Poland until the war started in September 1939 -just a few days before he turned 18-and then was in at least 7 slave labor and concentration camps starting in January 1940 until he was liberated at Bergen Belsen in 1945. As a young man he knew 60 blatt of gemara and commentaries by heart. Over the course of his life, he knew the entire Tehillim, most of Tanach and all of the weekday and Shabbos davening by heart. He was b’all koreh who could be called upon whenever needed without advance notice. He weighed 70 pounds when he was liberated and never pursued formal studies after 1939 as he needed to rebuild his life –which he did with great success -and although he worked 20 hour days for many years until he established himself, he always found time for study and participation in community affairs as well as supporting causes such as the plight of Soviet Jews—years before anyone even knew that was a cause.
His legacy should serve as an inspiration for the YULA students that participate in this program.
Our introductory summer learning initiative resulted in 15
YULA students and 2 Rebbeim making a Summer Siyumt on mesechet makkot ! Thank you to Judy ‘97 and Aryeh Goldberg for sponsoring the siyum.
Mazal tov to our Friedman Masmidim Program on being mesayem masechet Rosh Hashana!
Juniors, Aharon Cooper ‘25 and Moshe Razi ‘25 created a Shnayim Mikra club this year with over 20 participants, who voluntarily study the Parsha with Rashi or Targum each week.
Mazal Tov to Ora Ryzman ‘26 and Eliana Prero ‘25 for competing in the National Chidon HaTanach Finals in NY!
With the addition of our Davening Chaburah on Mondays and Wednesdays, there are now optional learning opportunities during breakfast 4 days a week! Mishnayot Chaburah, Chassidut Chaburah, and Davening Chabura!
JACOB ROTH ‘13 Z”L SEFORIM LIBRARY
Hundreds of new seforim now line the Emil & Gail Kestenbaum Beit Midrash walls, donated by Rhonda and Theodore Roth in memory of their son, Jacob Roth z”l, YULA Class of 2013. May the learning from these seforim be a zechus for Jacob’s neshama.
ACHIEVEMENTS
Mazal Tov to Mrs. Shira Hershoff , who was honored at this year’s Girls Division Torah Celebration. She has inspired over 1,000
students during her 24 years at YULA and we are extremely grateful to her for her commitment and care to each and every student over the years.
Over
10,000
amudim of Gemara were chazered this year at the Boys Division!
The Mishnayot Club was me’sayem Seder Nezikin!
By learning
2
Mishnayot a day, they started the Seder in 2021!
YOM IYUNS & COMMUNITY LEARNING EVENTS
YULA Girls Division hosted an inspiring Yom Iyun open to students, parents and community members this winter. There were various shiurim given by our amazing students and staff. The topic of the day was how our hearts are always with our brothers and sisters in Israel.
Simultaneously, the Boys Division hosted its annual Father Son Learning with over 200 in attendance -standing room only! We learned Torah with Rav Aryeh
Kol Hakavod to Rivky Kaplan ‘26 and Elisheva Mendelowitz ‘26 for initiating Tehillim Tuesdays, where students would delve into the meaning of a new perek of Tehillim every Tuesday!
YULA students, Benjamin Light ‘24 and Baruch Mendelowitz ‘24 placed
1st & 3rd Place
nationally in the YU HS Bekiut Program!
4
students from the Girls Division participated for the 4th consecutive year, in the YU HS Bekiut Program, above and beyond their talmud curriculum!
Mazal tov Eliana Prero ‘25, Shayna Rose ‘25, Rafi Mark ‘25 and Moshe Uretsky ‘25 on being recognized by YU with the TORAH UMADDA AWARD.
Leibowitz, who joined our campus as a guest of the Nagel YU Kollel. To see such love for Torah from our talmidim is a testament to our positive atmosphere, inspiring Rebbeim, and the Torah study happening day in and day out.
On Shavout night, the Girls Division hosted a Tikun Leil Shavout program for adults and students, with over 80 participants at the Pico program and over 120 participants at the Hancock Park Program. At the Boys Division all night learning program, students and fathers completed Messechet Talmid.
67 student-led clubs combined between the girls and boys divisions.
40%
student participation in academic extracurriculars.
100%
YULA GIRLS pass rate in:
AP Bio
AP Calc BC
AP Chemistry
AP English Language
AP English Literature
AP European History
AP US Govt
AP US History
100%
YULA BOYS pass rate in:
AP English Literature
AP European History
AP Psych
PILLARS OF A YULA EDUCATION: UNCOMPROMISING
ACHIEVEMENTS
Mazel Tov to Benji Karben ‘24 on being named a National Merit Scholarship winner! Benji scored in the top 1% of all PSAT test-takers in 2022, and went through a multi-round process to win this well-deserved award.
Mazel tov to Nili Torbati ‘24 on being awarded the National Merit Scholarship Letter of Commendation for her outstanding performance on the Preliminary SAT!
Mazal tov to Joey Eskenazi ‘24 for being awarded the National Merit Scholarship Letter of Commendation for his outstanding PSAT score.
Mazal Tov to Gold Key and Silver Key award winners, Gabby Fish ‘25, Ellie Mendelsohn ‘24, Nili Torbati ‘24, Shira Abramson ‘27, Michal Mahler ‘25, and Naya Gozlan ‘26 and to Honorable Mention winners Ayla Abramson ‘25, Eden Azose ‘25, Tamar Scheinfeld ‘24 and
Racheli Hannan ‘24. The Scholastic Art and Writing awards are the nation’s longest-running, most prestigious recognition program for creative teens in art and writing.
MODEL CONGRESS
With over 80 schools from across the country, and close to 1,700 students competing, YULA took home five awards at this year’s Harvard Model Congress! Mazal tov to Nava Gelb ‘24 , Best Delegate (our first ever!), Cailev Cohen ‘24 , Honorable Mention, Danielle Goldschein ‘24 , Honorable Mention, Noam Barnes ‘25 , Honorable Mention and Sarah Ryzman ‘26 , Honorable Mention. We are so proud of you!
MOCK TRIAL
Congratulations to our Mock Trial team on winning their verdict at the Los Angeles Courthouse! Mazal Tov to Eliot Goel ‘25 on receiving the MVP award.
The Jewish Orthodox Women’s Medical Association (JOWMA) is a non-for-profit organization dedicated to supporting a network of Jewish physicians to help students navigate the medical field, anywhere from high school to fellowship, and they have ventured to Los Angeles, to partner with YULA, and further expand their reach to more high school students. The inaugural event, held at YULA in May was a massive success! We had the privilege to learn from renowned healthcare professionals in the community.
YULA students, parents, and faculty members had the opportunity to interact with medical specialized equipment such as orthodontic tools and skeletal bones, and learn about cutting-edge surgical devices. It was a great way for students to get their feet wet and be exposed to different aspects of the medical field. Coming for the next academic year 20242025, the new “YULA JOWMA club” is excited to start its first year of exposing dedicated students to the sciences outside of the school setting.
In an effort to engage with students in direct experience and focused reflection to increase their knowledge, develop skills, and clarify values,the ICY (Inter-Community Youth) Club participated in several unforgettable trips this year. They traveled to Alabama, toured museums that taught them more about the civil rights movement and historical influential figures. They also got to meet the Mayor of Montgomery and the Montgomery Navy. They visited the Equal Justice Museum and Memorial, the Rosa Parks Museum and the Voting Rights Museum in Selma. Throughout the
trip they met fascinating people who shared their stories and the history of these topics with us. They also visited the Civil Rights Exhibit at the Skirball Center. This was a moving and poignant photography exhibit that focused on all aspects of the Civil Rights Movement. The Japanese National Museum was an especially memorable Sunday, as the students got the wonderful opportunity to learn about the Japanese American experience during and after WWII from special guest Richard Takagaki . Thank you to The Nagel Gen3 Fund for making this new program possible.
Out of a total of 50 awards presented to 450 students, the YULA Model UN team walked away with
7 Awards
Earning us the title of
3rd Best Delegation
out of over 50 schools.
Continuing our DECADE-LONG STREAK of placing in the Top 3 .
We are proud not only of the awards won but of the way the whole team represented YULA, and their commitment to becoming future leaders of the Jewish and global world.
PILLARS OF A YULA EDUCATION: CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT
AWARENESS
BLACK HISTORY MONTH
Black History Month at YULA was celebrated in English and history classes with readings and discussions centered on the works of Black writers and explorations of the lives and legacies of pivotal figures in Black American history.
HEALTH WEEK
Health Week at YULA is a vibrant and educational event dedicated to promoting comprehensive well-being among students. Each day of this week-long celebration is packed with activities and information aimed at enhancing the students’ understanding of nutritional health, mental health, and physical fitness.
PURPLE DAY
Students wore purple in support of the Shalom Task Force and each grade had a presentation and discussion about identifying healthy versus unhealthy relationships and spreading overall awareness about domestic violence.
SHARSHERET PINK DAY
YULA joined thousands worldwide to raise awareness about breast cancer and ovarian cancer. The students wore pink, the girls made cards for patients in the hospital and the boys had a barbecue to raise money for the organization.
WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH
Students celebrated women’s history month with a school-wide assembly and programs highlighting key female figures that fought for women’s rights and influenced the women’s suffrage movement.○
SHALOM TASK FORCE
EDUCATION
UNDERSTANDING TESHUVA AND INTERNAL CHANGE
In preparation for the Yomim Noraim this year, our students had the opportunity to participate in a variety of programs designed to focus on the process of teshuvah, forgiveness, and internal change. In addition to our Pre-Selichot Kumzitz and Pre-Yom Kippur Kumzitz, Rabbi Sufrin and Rabbi Bensousan led a Spiritual Boot Camp for the Boys Division and Mrs. Luftglass and Mrs. Rose led a Pre-Selichot Inspiration Event for the Girls Division. Rabbi Sufrin delivered his inspiring annual Pre-Yom Kippur schmooze centered around students’ successes being dependent on the choices they make and emphasized the impact of their choices. This month of programming was an extremely meaningful and motivational way to go into a new year!
YULA ETHICAL AND EXCELLENCE IN LEADERSHIP SEMINAR
The YULA Ethical and Excellence in Leadership Seminar provides our 11th grade students with a greater sense of responsibility, ethics, and commitment, by integrating Torah values into their secular pursuits. Business role models and respected community leaders are invited to participate as guest speakers and present on a variety of topics such as: business ethics, community responsibility, maintaining levels of Jewish observance in the workplace, family values and time management. Students learned from the real experiences of Jonathan Kelly, Fred
Leeds, Lisa Stern, Richard Sandler, Dan Schnur, and Aric Zamel among others.
ISRAEL UNPACKED SPEAKER
The juniors and seniors had a special training on Social Media and the Gaza War. Israel educators from ‘Unpacked’ informed students about influences of social media, specifically during this time. Students learned how to respond and combat antisemitic comments on social media.
MOSHE COHEN SPEAKS TO JUNIORS AND SENIORS
11th and 12th grade students heard from Moshe Cohen, LCSW about Digital Citizenship and the importance of making responsible decisions when it comes to the digital world.
LEADERSHIP
COMMUNITY
At YULA’s annual Impact Day each grade was sent to volunteer at a Chesed organization. The students devoted their time to various acts of kindness, visiting Etta Israel, the Iranian Jewish Senior Center, Garden of Palms, Global Kindness, and Love n’ Groceries, as well as packing Shabbat kits and tying tzitzit for IDF soldiers.
A special shout out to the Girls Division 9th grade for raising over
$60,000 for Chai Lifeline!
Over
5,000 Hours
Volunteering in communal chesed organizations this year, including YACHAD, Etta Israel, Chai Lifeline iShine, OBKLA, Shabbat Kits, Love and Groceries and more!
Yashar Koach to our students for arranging the following student led projects:
• Blood Drive
• Israel Soldier Supply Drive
• Chai Lifeline Toy Drive
• Canned Food Drive
This year’s Color Wars were nothing short of extraordinary, not only in terms of its vibrant displays of ruach and competition, but also for the profound sense of achdut and leadership it showcased. From the freshmen class to the graduating seniors, there was a palpable sense of camaraderie and togetherness that transcended individual differences.
STUDENT LED COLOR WAR
PERFORMING ARTS
DRAMA
Our sold-out, standing-room-only fall musical, The Greatest Showman , was a huge hit! The show featured 34 actresses from all four grades as well as a 10-member backstage crew. Tickets for the iconic musical were sold out in days.
33 girls auditioned and performed in this year’s spring play, I Hate Shakespeare . This doubled participation from previous years in non musical performances!
The Boys Drama Society performance of Turn! Turn! Turn! featured five short plays centered around the theme of Kohelet, exploring the motifs of “a time to laugh” and “a time for peace.”
MUSIC
The YULA Girls band has grown to be a seven-member musical powerhouse, and they performed regularly during the year, being the stars of the school Talent Show in November. Our talented Girls Band and Boys Jazz Ensemble provided a beautiful musical accompaniment at the Trustees Dinner in April.
ART
The YULA Girls Art Department reconfigured last year to accommodate increased classes and activities. Fletcher Crossman took over as Director of Arts, having worked for many years as a visual artist and musician as well as an educator, and we welcomed Simone Greenberg and Edva Sims to the department, increasing the number of 9th/10th Grade classes and reducing the student-teacher ratio. Noam Nizzani’s Photography class and Fletcher Crossman’s Graphic Design class continue to expand student options beyond traditional studio art.
The beginning of April saw the Week of the Arts, which included a whole campus art exhibit, numerous performances, and visiting speakers who told students about their work as professional artists. The energy created was captured in this year’s Art Magazine - the largest we have ever published - and celebrating the scope and volume of art that we have seen cre -
ated this year. This range has perhaps been most noticeable in the 11th and 12th Grade classes where the more traditional disciplines such as painting, etching, pottery, and photography, have been joined by students exploring an exciting range of new approaches. Students have been creating embroidery and knitting projects, digital imagery, several students have started exploring sculpture, one AP portfolio focused on wig-making, while another created a huge, multi-panel self portrait installation.
Students from both divisions contributed to a beautiful “YULA Loves Israel” art exhibit showcased at the Trustee Event. The exhibit featured both group and individual works.
FRESHMAN RETREAT AT DOCKWEILER BEACH
ANNUAL
STUDENT LIFE
At YULA, we aim to inspire our students with a lifelong love for Torah and Judaism, while also highlighting the importance of sanctifying the mundane. Each year, our students participate in a broad range of activities to build the Rebbe-Talmid/ Mechanecht -Student bond and to cultivate lasting connections among their peers. From trips and Shabbatons to chagigas and fairs, here is a glimpse of some of the activities that took place this year.
JUST BECAUSE DAY IN SANTA MONICA
LEILA NY TRIP WITH JUDGE RUCHIE FREIER
SENIOR TRIP IN UTAH
FLEISHIK FRIDAY
FRESHMAN SHABBATON
TEHILLIM & CHALLAH BAKE EVENT
SENIOR CHUMASH SHABBATON
JACK LEVKOWITZ Z”L PURIM CELEBRATION
PANTHER ATHLETICS
STUDENT ATHLETE PARTICIPATION SCHOOLWIDE
83% GIRLS DIVISION
YULA Athletics consisted of 25
teams this year.
These teams were in this season’s Playoffs:
Boys Basketball
Girls Basketball
Boys Cross Country
87% BOYS DIVISION
ACHIEVEMENTS
Girls Basketball team won making them the Division 4AA Independence League Champions! 1st
Boys Baseball took at the Columbus Torah Academy CBI Tournament in Ohio.
3rd Place
Girls Volleyball
Congratulations to our Panthers for taking home
2nd
Place in the YULA National Volleyball Tournament!
BOYS BASKETBALL team won
1st making them the 2024 Red Sarachek Tournament Champions!
HISTORIC ATHLETIC BANNER CEREMONY
Over
300 alumni and YULA families attended our historic Banner Ceremony that celebrated 40+ years of championships and success.
It was extremely special to induct Coach Ed Gelb into the YULA Hall of Fame celebrating
281 wins as YULA Head Coach over the span of 15 years.
Finalists
. They are the Division 4AA Regional
Congratulations to Alex Gabbay ‘25 on being named of the 2024 Red Sarachek Tournament and ALL CIF SCIBCA.
Congratulations to Yishai Rosenblatt ‘24 on being named
2nd Team
1st Team ALL CIF SCIBCA.
4
alumni weddings this year.
YULA mechanchot gave kallah classes to
14 alumni this year
ALUMNI
YESHIVA & SEMINARY AT YULA
time to teach these classes on top of their already busy teaching schedule.
14
YULA staff members are Alumni
51
YULA current parents are Alumni
Post October 7th, YULA created a small program Yeshiva & Seminary at YULA for alumni that couldn’t be in Israel. For the Girls Division, this included davening, three classes tailored to alumni interests, chesed opportunities to help the war effort in Israel, surprise lunches, fruit man, and fresh potato kugel on Erev Shabbot. For the Boys Division, this included davening, morning seder followed by a shiur given by one of the rebbeim on staff and lunch with their peers. Our program grew to over 30 alumni, and we welcomed alumni from other LA high schools who didn’t want to lose the “spiritual momentum” of their Yeshiva year. Thank you Rabbi Abramczik and Mrs. Hershoff for energizing this program, and to all of our rebbeim and teachers who volunteered their
NEW ALUMNI
SHIDDUCH INITIATIVE
This winter, YULA piloted a new Alumni Shidduch Initiative, to establish a platform that connects YULA alumni around the world for shidduchim. Our alumni community is filled with individuals who have thrived, inspired, and transformed since their time at YULA, and YULA believes in fostering connections that extend beyond our school years. On Rosh Chodesh, our committee reviews the YULA Shidduchim Database and makes recommendations where they see potential. We look forward to seeing hatzlacha with this new initiative!
YULA Rebbeim were Mesader Keddusin at
CLASS OF 2024 PROFILE
WELCOME CLASS OF 2024 TO THE YULA ALUMNI ASSOCIATION!
VALEDICTORIANS:
Benjamin Karben , Boys Division
Sarah Shaye , Girls Division
SALUTATORIAN:
Baruch Mendelowitz , Boys Division
Nili Torbati , Girls Division
BETH MASLANSKY Z”L MIDOT
AWARD:
Tamar Scheinfeld & Avital Ives
JACK NAGEL Z”L KETER SHEM TOV
AWARD:
Joseph Eskenazi , Boys Division
EXCELLENCE IN JUDAIC STUDIES:
Aharon Topp , Boys Division
Nava Gelb , Girls Division
EXCELLENCE IN GENERAL STUDIES:
Eliron Maghen , Boys Division
Nellie Javaherian , Girls Division
NAGEL SCHOLARSHIP:
Ilan Keet & Calev Cohen , Boys Division
Neshama Nissim & Tali Valensi , Girls Division
Our 44th Annual Commencement Ceremony was dedicated in loving memory of Noah Arnold , Class of 2024. May his neshama have an aliyah.
Our students were admitted to the following institutions:
YESHIVOT
AISH Gesher
Derech
HaKotel
IDF
KBY
Lev HaTorah
Mayanot
Mevaseret
Netiv Aryeh
Orayta
Reishit
Shalavim
Toras Moshe
Torat Shraga
TVA
Yeshiva Tiferes
Bachurim
Yishrei Lev
SEMINARIES
Aish Gesher
Amit
Ba’er Miryam
IDC
Kivun
Michlalah
Midreshet Eshel
Midreshet Harova
Midreshet
Lindenbaum
Midreshet Moriah
MMY
Shaalvim
Sharfman’s
Tiferet
Tomer Devorah
TVA
COLLEGES
Barnard
College
Binghamton
Brandeis
Chapman
Columbia
Harvard
IDC
LMU
Northeastern
Northwestern
NYU
Ohio State
Parsons
Penn State
Pepperdine
Pratt
Princeton
Purdue
Rutgers
SCAD
Santa Monica College
U of F
UC Berkeley
UC Davis
UC Irvine
UC San Diego
UC Santa
Barbara
UChicago
UCLA
UMass Amherst
UMD
University of Illinois
University of Pennsylvania
USC
WashU
Yale
YU
YU Honors
DANIELLA LEE CASPER Z”L ‘07 ISRAEL SCHOLARSHIP
This year marks the 10th yahrzeit of Daniella Lee Casper z”l ‘07. Daniella was an extraordinary young woman, whose short life left an indelible impression on those who were fortunate enough to know her. In order to perpetuate their daughter’s memory, and to give others the priceless experience of learning in seminary in Israel for a year, Frank and Kerri Lee, with the help of their friends and community, established the “Daniella Lee Casper Israel Scholarship” for YULA Girls Division graduates. Over the last 10 years, over $250,000 has been awarded to nearly 50 YULA graduates who share the love of Torah learning, strong faith in Hashem, and desire to grow, that Daniella personified. May the Torah the girls learn in Israel, be a z’chut for Daniella’s neshama, as well as for her son Gavriel.
EDUCATION
GAZA CRASH COURSE
YULA Boys and YULA Girls students in grades 9-12 receive a 3-part crash course in the history of Gaza and Hamas in the context of the Arab-Israeli conflict and the history of Zionism.
SENIOR SEMINAR ARAB-ISRAELI CONFLICT
12th graders at YULA Boys and YULA Girls engaged in an intensive one-semester analysis of the history of the conflict with a focus on responding to contemporary anti-Zionist language and claims.
PARENT CLASS AND ISRAEL CRASH COURSE
A weekly class was offered to YULA parents and community on the history of Zionism and the Arab-Israeli conflict.
YIAC LUNCH CLUB
A series of student-organized and student-taught sessions on the history of Zionism, Israel, and the Arab-Israeli conflict (ongoing).
SEMINARY AND YESHIVA AT YULA
Daily lineup of classes and shiurim offered to YULA graduates who returned to LA offered in fall semester 2023, including classes on Zionism, Anti-Zionism, and the Gaza war.
STANDWITHUS
The Girls and Boys Division is partnered with StandWithUs for a five part Senior Seminar on how to defend Israel on college campus and become familiar with
Israel Advocacy at YULA had a unique role this year as we worked hard with the international community to educate, advocate, and support our homeland. Now is the time for our students and faculty to stand as passionate, educated and articulate Zionsts, activists, and advocates. With this in mind, YULA has engaged in a wide range of initiatives this year, aimed at educating, inspiring, and making a difference. A sampling is below.
how to report anti semitism to campus officials. They will also take a crash course on their legal rights as a college campus student.
CONNECTION
OCTOBER 7 MEMORIAL
ART INSTALLATION
YULA faculty and students are designed and installed a permanent art installation of the blooming wildflower fields around Gaza in honor of this year’s Yom Hazikaron.
CANNES YULA FILM FESTIVAL
YULA hosted 250+ community members for an Israeli short film festival focused on resilience and strength through trauma.
GUEST SPEAKERS
Students had the opportunity to meet and hear from guest speakers such as: Ruth Wasserman-Lande, a former MK and political consultant, Einav Danino Mother of hostage Ori Danino, Sigal and Meitar Yakobi October 7 survivor from Kibbutz Kfar Aza, Ran Bar Yoshafat Israeli attorney, activist, and reservist, and Nitzana Darshan Leitner the president of Shurat Hadin , the organization suing Hamas and terror organizations in jurisdictions around the world.
MEETING DISPLACED STUDENTS
YULA students on both the Boys and Girls campus hosted groups of displaced Israel students, learned about their experience living near Gaza- before, on October 7, and in its aftermath, and shared love and support with them.
UNITY EVENTS
YULA students participated in a number of Israel unity events- including a kumzitz, tefilla and learning with partnering LA Jewish high schools and a Tehillim rally with students from 25+ Jewish high schools from around the country.
ADVOCACY, ACTIVISM, AND SUPPORT
YULA GIRLS & BOYS MISSIONS TO ISRAEL
The annual January Israel trip for YULA seniors became an opportunity for YULA students to visit with wounded soldiers, former hostages and families, and to volunteer at multiple locations in the Gaza area and around the country. In addition, a group of YULA upperclassmen self-organized a mission- including fundraising, purchasing supplies and gifts, volunteering, and visiting families.
MEZUZOT FOR ISRAEL
YULA faculty and students created and sold 100+ olivewood and resin mezuzot with funds supporting Israeli emergency response teams and displaced families.
KIPPOT FOR ISRAEL
YULA faculty and students created and sold 100+ Israel-themed kippot with funds supporting Israeli emergency response teams and displaced families.
SCHOOL ADVOCACY PROJECT
YULA joined 40+ North American Jewish day schools in an ongoing weekly letter-writing campaign sending thousands of emails a week to elected officials, company leaders, media, and others to combat anti-Zionism and anti-Semitism and to share appreciation for support of Israel.
UNPACKED STUDENT FELLOWSHIP
Several YULA students served as Fellows in the Unpacked High School Fellowship, gaining knowledge and skills as Israel advocates and activists. In addition, YULA hosts all Unpacked high school fellowship events.
STANDWITHUS STUDENT FELLOWSHIP
Several YULA students served as Fellows in the Stand With Us High School Fellowship, gaining knowledge and skills as Israel advocates and activists and bringing that knowledge back to YULA by planning and leading Israel events on campus.
AJC STUDENT FELLOWSHIP
Several YULA students served as Fellows in the AJC High School Fellowship, gaining knowledge and skills as advocates and activists on behalf of the Jewish people.
YIAC & STUCO EVENTS
YIAC student leaders have planned and executed dozens of special events and programs to support Israel, including traveling to LAX to greet lone soldiers returning to LA from the war; traveling to LAX to pack and ship dozens of cases of supplies for the war effort; a special Kickoff event focused on standing for Israel in the media and arts; ongoing Israel war news updates; ongoing Tehillim campaigns; an ongoing Whatsapp Good News chat; multiple letter writing campaigns for wounded soldiers, active soldiers, and hostage families; packages for Israeli soldiers; creating beaded bracelets for IDF soldiers; distributing shabbat candle kits in honor of IDF soldiers; challah bake in honor of IDF soldiers; selling Shabbat flowers to fundraise for IDF soldiers; penpal program with students in Israel; toy drive for displaced families in Israel.
RALLIES
YULA students joined the pro-Israel community to rally for Israel on multiple occasions. This includes locally and traveling to Washington, DC.
LOBBYING
YULA students have had the opportunity to meet with multiple elected officials to urge continued strong American support of Israel’s right and responsibility to defend itself. Noted meetings include Rep. Josh Gottheimer, Senator Jon Tester, Rep. Shri Thanedar, and Rep. Joe Wilson
TEFILLA
Shacharit and Mincha at YULA continued to add Avinu Malkeinu and extra Tehillim each day.
We are so proud of Gad Ohayon ‘24, Eli Chriki ‘25 , and Isaac Amouyal ‘25 who went to Israel over Thanksgiving, on their own, where they accomplished incredible things helping in Israel. They were featured on the Israeli news. They raised thousands of dollars and delivered toys, visited hospitals, worked farms, BBQ’d and prepared meals/equipment for over 1,000 soldiers and the list goes on. Yasher koach for their incredible efforts!
PROTECTING ISRAEL
We are incredibly proud of our alumni that have chosen to protect Klal Yisroel and ask that you keep them and all of the soldiers in your tefilot
Liam Abucasis ‘21
Rivkah Abrams ‘18
Samuel Azair ‘12
Daniel Blumenstrach ‘18
Simi Broner ‘21
Ava Chernicoff ‘22
Nathan Dahan ‘21
Daniel Dahan ‘19
Louria Chriki ‘18
Meir Dunner ‘20
Ethan Frankel ‘22
Elliot ‘21
Danny Glass ‘02
Yossi Etshalom ‘14
Yehuda Oles ‘12
Yoni Merkin ‘21
Ezri Menachem ‘17
Rochie Newman ‘21
Menachem Nissim ‘22
Anat Rimmon ‘21
Oren Rimmon ‘19
Aaron Reiss ‘18
Rabbi Eli Skaist
Ariel Safaradi ‘12
PARENT ENGAGEMENT
PARENT COUNCIL
Felice Gottlieb ‘00 and Rivka Most , Co-Presidents
Jennifer Wintner ‘98 , Treasurer
We have tremendous hakaras hakarat to the Parent Council for their invaluable contributions to our school community. Their dedication and selflessness in volunteering their time play a vital role in enhancing the educational experience for our students. Through initiatives such as monthly Rosh Chodesh breakfasts for teachers, appreciation days for security and maintenance, and parent
gatherings, the Parent Council fosters a sense of unity and support among parents, faculty, and staff. Their efforts not only demonstrate their commitment to our school’s success but also create meaningful opportunities for parents to actively engage with and contribute to our vibrant school community. We are truly grateful for their tireless efforts and unwavering support.
EVENTS HOSTED
Parent social Cooking Class
Appreciation days
Rosh Chodesh Brunch for Staff Book Club
Security Appreciation Thanksgiving
PARENT EDUCATION
ULPAN FOR MOMS WITH MORAH PLATTNER
Hebrew Department Chair Ziva Plattner led an Ulpan Ivrit class for moms every Monday at the girls campus. Mrs. Plattner gives back to the community by teaching beginner level Ivrit to moms. We thank Morah Plattner for this amazing program!
ZIONISM AND ISRAEL CRASH COURSE
Rabbi Dr. Menachem Hecht held a weekly class offered to YULA parents & community on the history of Zionism and the ArabIsraeli conflict.
GUIDING GOOD CHOICES
Guiding Good Choices (GGC) is a distinctive program aimed at preventing drug and alcohol misuse. It comprises a series of
workshops designed for parents to reduce family conflict, strengthen bonds, and clearly communicate their values to their children. These aspects are linked to better short- and long-term outcomes for teenagers. Parents attended weekly sessions over a five-week period. Thank you to Dr. Shuli Steinlauf and Rabbi Maslow for facilitating this new program.
STUDENT PARENT LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
In the Boys Division, Dor L’dor Sunday learning for fathers and sons continued to take place weekly. Both the Father-Son and Mother-Son Learning Programs saw strong attendance. In the Girls Division, Yom Iyun, Pre-Pesach Leil Iyun, weekly Midrasha, and shiurim offered valuable opportunities for parents to learn alongside their children. Shavuos learning programs in both divisions were uplifting and inspiring.
FACULTY HIGHLIGHTS
Rabbi Dov Rosenbluth , Boys Division Rebbe, performed the ultimate kindness, and donated one of his kidneys to a complete stranger. This heroic act is not only an expression of compassion and empathy but also a reflection of Rabbi Rosenbluth’s commitment to the principles of pikuach nefesh, the obligation to save human life. As the Gemorah in Sanhedrin says, “Saving even one life is akin to saving an entire world.’’ Rabbi Rosenbluth’s decision to donate his kidney leaves us speechless and embodies this profound principle in action.
As part of The OU Women’s Initiative, Mrs. Shira Hershoff joined a national fellowship for Rebbetzins, Kallah Teachers, Kiruv and Chinuch Professionals, focused on the foundations of support for counseling and referral skills for women in communal roles.
Rabbi Yitzchak Etshalom served as Scholar-in-Residence at various shuls in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Florida and California. His book on Amos, published by Koren, is due out in early summer.
As part of the OU Women’s Initiative: Mrs. Bruria Seigel ran a national Virtual Lunch and Learn Rosh Chodesh Series and Mrs. Racheli Luftglass delivered a ten part Sefer Ezra Nach Yomi series, a program offered to members of the OU nationwide.
Mrs. Elimor Ryzman is a Puah Cares team member, giving emotional support to women through their infertility journeys. She also handpicked new mashgichot to expand the LA Mashgichot team who will be trained this summer. Mrs. Ryzman hosted and founded what is known in LA as the “Matriarch Event”, a luncheon for the senior woman of the community. This magnificent event, under the auspices of Bikur Cholim of Los Angeles, took place bi-monthly and before the Yomim Tovim. Mrs. Ryzman, is also captain of the Sister2Sister team, and helped organize events for divorced women in the LA community.
Our Athletic Director, Ms. Alexandra Novack was recognized by National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NIAAA) as a Certified Master Athletic Administrator. Alexandra Novak is one of a very elite group of interscholastic athletic administrators nationwide to attain this level of professionalism.
Congratulations to Ms. Pam Felcher on being published in the current issue of California Riding Magazine!
Congratulations to Ms. Candice Kelsey on publishing another manuscript, Postcards From The Masthead, published by “boats against the current”.
Our Boys Division Director of Admis -
sions and Marketing, Mr. Jesse Orenshein , competed for the 4th time on American Ninja Warrior and published another children’s book, pandering to the Ninja Warrior community called Our Little Ninja.
We are deeply grateful for your many years of dedication and the positive impact you’ve had on countless YULA students. As you retire, we wish you all the best in your future endeavors and hope you enjoy this new chapter. The indelible mark you have left on YULA will forever be part of the YULA nation.
44 YEARS
Rabbi Nachum Sauer
Rebbe
25 YEARS
Dr. Paul Soifer
History Department Chair
17 YEARS
Rabbi Joseph Schreiber
Principal
13 YEARS
Mrs. Nancy Schiff
Director of Finance
We wish to express our hakarat hatov to our Lay Leaders Seth Berkowitz, David Nagel, Alan Gindi and the Board of Directors for their steadfast and unwavering commitment to the fiscal success of the school. Your involvement is instrumental in driving our mission forward and ensuring the success of YULA for future generations to come.
Thank you to Yona Elishis , Chair of the Development Committee. Your ongoing involvement and insight play a pivotal role in our continued success.
FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGNS
FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGNS
777 Pledges/Gifts
160 First time donors
113 Alumni supporters
$400k in new capital pledges Over
ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT
A big Yasher Koach to David Nagel and to Decron on another successful Golf Tournament!
The 14th Annual Golf Tournament raised over toward financial aid due to the generosity of all our corporate sponsors and supporters.
$700k
$4k
Over was raised at the tournament for United Hatzolah. This number is incredibly meaningful as it primarily came from the non Jewish community.
As you may be aware, the Decron Golf Tournament is comprised of non Jewish participants, and having their support and showing their solidarity with Israel was a true kiddush Hashem.
98%
ANNUAL TRUSTEE EVENT
YULA High School held its Annual Trustee Event, raising over
$1.1MM
which are critical funds to ensure that the high quality YULA education are accessible to all of our students. Mazal tov to Rabbi Joseph and Mrs. Robin Schreiber , the Trustee Honorees. The Schreiber’s unwavering dedication, compassionate guidance and profound wisdom have left an indelible mark on generations of learners. Your legacy of excellence and devotion will forever be a part of the YULA nation. Mazal tov to Mindy ‘99 and Betzalel ‘99 Hellman , the Alumni Award recipients!
Our Night of Achdut and Comedy was record breaking with over NIGHT OF ACHDUT AND COMEDY
500 attendees!
Thank you to the YULA community for helping us raise over
$260k for scholarships. A big mazal tov to Nancy and Mark Schiff , who were honored and recognized for their community impact.
YULA GIRLS
COMMITTED TO JEWISH EDUCATION
Since the merger, YULA has successfully frozen tuition for the fourth consecutive year, which is no small feat. This achievement is due to our focus on sharing resources, reducing expenses, and increasing fundraising. These factors have enabled us to maintain financial stability without compromising the quality of education and student experience.
YULA BOYS
CAMPUS ENHANCEMENTS
BOYS DIVISION
This year, we completed the renovation of the Emil & Gail Kestenbaum Beit Midrash and installed the Etz Chaim Wall in the Sassoon Beit Midrash, dedicated by Mehnaz & Asher Esagoff.
GIRLS DIVISION
The wildflower wall was created by YULA students and faculty to remember the 1,200+ victims of October 7. The klanit (crown anemone) wildflowers bloom red in the fields around Gaza each spring, symbols of fragility and resilience of tragedy and beauty of death and rebirth.
May Hashem bring comfort and peace to the victims’ families and to all of Am Yisrael.
The capital donor wall, dedicated by Ilana and Gil Goldschein, will be installed this coming fall.
Thank you to Taylor and Jeremy Kahn for dedicating the Kahn Stairwell in the Ambassador Roland Arnall Pavillion! The Taylor and Jeremy Kahn stairwell was dedicated in honor of Rabbi Joseph Schreiber, in appreciation of his nearly 50 years in Jewish Education in Los Angeles.
Plans are in motion to upgrade hallways and classrooms in the Ambassador Roland Arnall Pavillion this summer.
SECURITY ENHANCEMENTS
Thanks to the federal security grant we received at the Boys Division, we implemented significant security enhancements. As part of target hardening measures, new locking hardware was installed on classroom doors, blast resistant film was applied on perimeter windows and doors of the campus, and bollards were installed at the walking entrance to the campus on Castello.
Thank you to the The Jewish Community Foundation of Los Angeles and Jewish Federation Los Angeles for awarding YULA with an Emergency Security Grant. We are deeply appreciative of The Foundation and JFEDLA’s unwavering support and commitment to our community’s safety. Their guidance, consistent communication, and expertise are invaluable in helping us implement security best practices and navigate the current climate.
SANFORD AND BEVERLY DEUTSCH Z”L
ENDOWMENT SOCIETY
DEDICATED BY ROBIN AND MEIR GELMAN
Sanford and Beverly Deutsch were instrumental in laying the foundation for the Modern Orthodox community that has flourished in the greater Los Angeles Area. Their philanthropic leadership includes starting Rambam High School, the Simon Wiesenthal Center, Yeshivat Yavneh and serving as President of Sharei Tefillah and of the Orthodox Union. Eleven of their grandchildren have attended YULA.
We are indeed grateful for our donors who have had the vision to ensure YULA’s vibrancy well into the future through the establishment of our endowment fund. We are looking forward to continued growth of this important fund, which will continue to have an impact on our school for generations to come.
YULA GIRLS DIVISION
Ruth and Seth Berkowitz
Lynda and Arie Buchman
Gregory Cortese
Robin and Meir Gelman
Elaine and Mark Gershenson
Rachel and Jack E. z”l Gindi
Barbara and Alan Gindi
Naomi and Gregg Gittler
Nancy and Yasha Gofman
Harwitt Foundation
Lauren and Ezra Kest
Kestenbaum Family Foundation
Lesley and Brian Kleinman
Aviva and Scott Krieger
Elayne and Howard Levkowitz
Tina ‘85 and Michael Loboda
Vivian and Jordan Lurie
Rick Macaya
Melody and Kamyar Mahboubi
Debi and Harry Peled
Gitel z”l and David Rubin and Family
Joanne Saks
Sheri and Arnold Schlesinger
Irine and Victor Schweitzer
Sara and Ronald Solomon
Jeff Stern
Ann and William Warnick
Fay z”l and Irwin Weiss
Geri and Isaac Wiener
YULA BOYS DIVISION
Susan and Michael Baum
Lynda and Arie Buchman
Class of 2012
Tabitha and Brian ‘89 Dror
Robin and Meir Gelman
Felice Gottlieb ‘00 and Shmuel Barak
Ann and Avi Hier
Sheryl Neuman and Mark Hyman
Hedy and Ted Orden z”l
Scholarship Fund (Helen and Moshe Sassover)
Amy and Mark Kestenbaum
Trudy and Louis Kestenbaum z”l
Lesley and Brian Kleinman
Rosina z”l and Robert Korda
Elayne and Howard Levkowitz
Tina ‘85 and Michael Loboda
Cheryl and Ronnie Nagel
Gitta and Jack z”l Nagel
Marnie and David Nagel
Judy Posner
Sassoon Family Foundation
Sheri and Arnold Schlesinger
Stephen Sigoloff
Sam Small
Tamar and R’ Arye Sufrin
Kity Wallace
Fay z”l and Irwin Weiss
Geri and Isaac Wiener
THANK YOU DONORS
$250k+
Amy & Mark Kestenbaum
$100k$249,999
Taylor & Jeremy Kahn
Sigal & Jonathan Kelly
Marnie & David Nagel , B Trust X
$50k$99,999
Ruth & Seth Berkowitz , B
Cushman & Wakefield
Decron Properties
Douglas Design Build GRUNDCO
Manhattan Equity
PS2 Inc
Lee Samson
Murielle & Steve Uretsky
Laura ‘99 & Danny Abergel
Allbright Painting
Cassi & Ken Alter
American Power Solutions
Alison ‘98 & Evan Anziska, B
Lisa & Geoffrey Aranoff
Armon Investments
Rita & Shalom Aynesazan, B
Banc of California
Michelle Barak
Barak, Richter & Dror
Susan & Michael Baum
Esther & Jacob Blaich
Robin & Elliot Broidy
Jenny & Moshe ‘00 Buchman
Builders of Jewish Education
CAM SERVICES
Thank you for including YULA in your charitable giving this year. Please note: This issue of the Annual Report deals solely with the 2023-2024 fiscal year which ended June 30, 2024. B Board Member S Staff Member
$25K-$49,999
Chicago Title
Edward Czuker
Yona & Isser Elishis, B
Barbara & Alan Gindi, B
Rachel Gindi
Ann & Mark Goldin
The J. Samuel Harwit z”l & Harwit-Aviv Charitable Trust
Steven Alevy
All Valley Washer
Donald Alter
AM House
Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.
Sandra & Avy Azeroual
Yoli & Guy Bachar
Burns Environmental
Century Heritage Builders
Citi Private Bank
Commercial Roof Management
Compass Realty
Daffy Charitable Fund
Chava & Avi Dayan
Driver SPG
Chargie, LLC
CIRM
City National Rochdale
CLA CONSERVICE
Ilana & Bobby Daftari
Design & Develop
Earth & Sun Construction Inc
Elite Elevator Service
Euro Design Electric
Esthie & Walter Feinblum
Sharon ‘98 & Jeremy ‘92 Fine
Jenny & Emil Fish
Rena ‘82 & Jamie Frankel, S
Naomi & Ben Fried
Rachel & Steven ‘96 Fried
Chana ‘92 & Rabbi Paul Gelb
Alex Hendeles ‘99
Dena & Chaim ‘07 Katz
Magda & Harold Katz
Gila & Yitzy ‘00 Katz, S, B
The Kenneth Leventhal
Foundation
Lauren & Ezra Kest
Kerri & Frank Lee
$10K-$24,999
Tabitha & Brian ‘89 Dror
Empire Waterproofing INC
Mahnaz & Asher Eshaghpour
Shana ‘91 & Donny Feldman, B
Aliza & Jeffrey ‘88 Fish
Michal ‘91 & David Gershov, B
Ilana & Gil Goldschein, B
Greenberg Glusker LLP
Rachel ‘00 & Akiva Greenfield
Hedy z”l & Ted z”l Orden
Endowment Fund
Simona & Steven Heumann
Naomi & Jeremy ‘92 Ives
Joleen & Mitchell Julis
Aviva & Scott Krieger
$5K-$9,999
Robin & Meir Gelman
Gibson Dunn & Crutcher
Judith ‘97 & Aryeh Goldberg
Tracey & Joey ‘86 Goldstein
Grace Helen Spearman
Charitable Foundation
Sarah & Yanki Greenspan
HD Supply Facilities Maintenance
Angie & Moise Hendeles
Leeba & Zev Hertz
Chaya & Mark Horowitz
Rina & Sherwin Isenberg
Miriam & Jonathan Istrin
JLL Capital Markets
Marlene ‘86 & Mark ‘87 Kahan
Eva & Abe Kaplan
Phyllis & David Katzin
Elayne & Howard Levkowitz, S, B
Gitta Nagel
Sherri & Babak Rashididoust
Rhonda & Ted Roth
Seamless Flooring
Leslie & Geoffrey Sitbon
Sotheby’s International Realty
Shuli & Avi ‘88 Steinlauf, B
Melody & Daniel Mahboubi, B
Mark Meadows
Meridian Capital
Lauren & Mark Mintz
Carol & Larry Mizel
Annie & Daniel ‘02 Nagel
Cheryl & Ronald Nagel
Rinat & Nathan Newman
One Call Renovations, Inc.
Ziva & Dov Plattner, S
RealPage, Inc.
Mirriam & Aaron Robin
Rachel & Omid Shaye, B
Elizabeth & Peter Steinlauf Effie ‘90 & Uri Zisblatt, B
