A N N UA L REP ORT 2 0 1 4 -2 0 1 5
PREPARING LEADERS FOR THE 21ST CENTURY
BUILDING A COMMUNITY OF EXCELLENCE
THE MISSION of Gann Academy is to educate, to inspire and to empower intellectually confident, passionately engaged, ethically responsible Jews who, through critical thinking and the contribution of their unique voices, will create a vibrant Jewish future and build a better world where human dignity will flourish
.
AT GANN ACADEMY, young people develop the knowledge, skills and moral compass they need to embark on many kinds of life journeys—geographical, academic and spiritual. The heart of the fouryear high school experience is Gann’s safe and supportive community. Participating in this community allows students to connect meaningfully with themselves and the world around them, to rise to intellectual challenges and to explore and define their own values. Armed with these skills, they venture forward with confidence toward the future. At Gann we are always exploring and seeking new ways to evolve, to remain at the pedagogical vanguard and to improve
on what we already do best: educating new generations of young adults and helping them become passionate, informed citizens and leaders of a vibrant Jewish community. The willingness to take calculated risks is central to Gann’s philosophy and is woven through every aspect of the school’s work, from the student experience to our mission and strategic vision. Throughout this Annual Report, we share the exciting journeys that Gann faculty, students and alumni are taking as they expand the boundaries of 21st century education, Jewish identity, community outreach and professional achievement.
DEAR FRIENDS, On behalf of the Board of Trustees, we are delighted to present Gann Academy’s 2014-2015 Annual Report. Thank you to all of our donors—families, grandparents, board members, alumni, alumni parents, employees, corporations, foundations and community members—who help make Gann an exceptional school. In November 2015 we celebrated Gann’s 18th anniversary and the vibrant, pluralistic community that we have created together. Over 18 years we have educated more than 1,300 students, who are carrying their passion for learning and their Jewish values into the broader world. We are excited to share some of their stories with you and to spotlight the leadingedge initiatives we are undertaking. Thank you for the important role that you have played in our success. May we go from strength to strength. B’vracha (With blessings and gratitude),
Alan Crane President, Board of Trustees
Rabbi Marc Baker Head of School
2014-2015 GANN ACADEMY BOARD OF TRUSTEES BOARD OFFICERS
Alan Crane, President Scott Cohen, Vice President Frank Litwin, Vice President Lisa F. Wallack, Vice President Adam Suttin, Treasurer Michael Weilheimer, Secretary Michael Bohnen*, Clerk TRUSTEES
Michelle Black Rachel Chafetz Stephen Cohen Lisa Popik Coll Elizabeth Cooper
William Foster Shira Goodman Linda Greenseid* Carol Harris Elizabeth Jick* Deborah Lovich Anya Manning ‘03 Cynthia Marcus* Jamey Rosenfield Mark Rubin Stuart Salzberg Yakir Siegal Benjamin Sigel
Carl Blanchard Solomon Eisenberg Rabbi Joshua Elkin Bonnie Hausman* Joshua Katzen* George Krupp Alan Lobovits* Shari Redstone Shira Ruderman Jonathan Sarna Leo Sprecher* Sidney Swartz *Past Presidents
LEADERSHIP TEAM Rabbi Marc Baker, Head of School Susan Appelbaum, Director of Institutional Advancement Christine Miller, Chief Financial and Administrative Officer Jacob Pinnolis, Director of Teaching and Learning Farrah Rubenstein, Director of Enrollment Management Ralph Van Inwagen, Interim Assistant Head of School
DEVELOPMENT STAFF Susan Appelbaum, Director of Institutional Advancement Gina Carballo, Administrative Assistant Helen Phan, Data Specialist Michelle Provorny, Annual Giving and Alumni Relations Associate Jennifer Weinstock, Senior Development Officer
DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE Lisa F. Wallack, Chair Stephen Cohen Lisa Popik Coll Chrysanthi Gikas Ron Iken Anya Manning ‘03
HONORARY TRUSTEES
Cynthia Marcus Stuart Salzberg Harriet Sherman Stuart Sherman Hope Suttin
FORGING NEW PATHS IN STEM EDUCATION To prepare young people for today’s complex global society, schools must experiment and innovate, continually testing their long-held views about how students learn, how teachers and students interact and what kinds of knowledge to convey. That’s where educational boundary-pusher Joshua Neudel thrives. As Gann’s Chair of Educational Innovation (and former long-time Chair of the Science Department), he leads the school’s Connected Learning Strategic Initiative, which encompasses STEM subjects including science, technology, engineering
and mathematics, as well as experiential learning and innovative pedagogies for all classrooms. “As research solidifies our understanding of how individuals learn, we need to use that knowledge to employ the best possible teaching approaches,” he says. At Gann that’s meant refocusing the educational program to make it more student-centered, positioning teachers as mentors and guides in developing critical skills such as collaboration, ethical decision-making, analytical thinking, problem solving, creativity and curiosity. It’s also meant leveraging wireless technologies to enhance everyone’s engagement in the learning process.
GIRLS IN STEM: LAURIE FINKIELSZTEIN ‘16 Gann senior and science aficionada Laurie Finkielsztein recalls often being among a tiny minority of girls in science classes full of boys. “At any school, it’s very rare to see equal numbers of girls on robotics teams and in advanced math or science classes. Last year I started exploring the gender gap outside of school and looking for ways to close that gap in my community.”
Laurie has also founded several local chapters of Girls Who Code, a nationwide program that supports female teens interested in computer sciences.
In just one year, 45 students have joined the club, which offers a safe environment for girls to express their interests freely. They meet women involved in careers such as biomedical engineering, math, finance and physics and interact regularly with female college and graduate students who are pursuing careers in STEM fields.
Laurie also appreciates Gann’s support for her efforts to eliminate exclusionary boundaries around careers in science and technology. “It’s one of many examples of the faculty encouraging us to take intellectual and social risks—to venture outside our comfort zones—while providing a safety net, if we need it.”
An aspiring engineer, Laurie says that her Jewish values have influenced her efforts. “I value access and equity,” she says. “I have a firm conviction to ensure that nobody tries to discourage Faculty member Joshua Neudel approached Laurie with the girls from pursuing STEM-related interests. My Gann education idea to found and lead a Girls’ STEM Club at Gann. She didn’t hesitate. “STEM is something everyone should do. Young female has exposed me to numerous opportunities in STEM-related fields and has empowered me to serve as a voice for other female students need to experience and understand the possibilities students and for all women interested in careers in these areas.” STEM fields offer for career fulfillment and success.”
SHAPING A BOUNDARY-LESS 21 ST CENTURY LEARNING ENVIRONMENT Gann is committed to continually adapting its technology to best suit the needs of 21st century students. In that spirit, the school is implementing a number of cutting-edge technology upgrades that enhance learning and participation, while simultaneously fostering community. Recent Enhancements: • In each classroom, older smart boards were replaced by 200 square-foot whiteboard walls, along with projectors wirelessly connected to new 2-in-1 laptops. Teachers can now project materials and notes in real-time and are no longer tethered to the front of the classroom, allowing them to enhance their focus on individual students. •A ll students, faculty and staff now have access to Gann’s virtual cloud collaboration space. Along with the whiteboard walls that are present in both classrooms and gathering spaces, this strengthens teamwork among students and faculty alike.
• A generous anonymous donor provided Gann with funding for 3D printers, a laser cutter and music and video-editing hardware and software—tools that expose students to new technologies that facilitate the design and prototyping process. In the coming years, Gann will open a new MakerSpace equipped with saws, drills, hand tools, a CNC Router, the laser cutter, 3D printer and raw materials for designing and creating projects. The space will serve a wide array of classes, not only in STEM but also in the Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, allowing students and faculty to imagine and build tangible materials that convey the information and ideas they are learning. Gann is additionally expanding its bring-your-own-device (BYOD) program to ensure that all students have access to online tools that enhance learning. “These changes are a paradigm shift,” observes faculty member Joshua Neudel. “They create more opportunities for communal and interactive learning and, especially, for serendipitous connections among students.”
BLAZING NEW TRAILS IN JEWISH STUDIES “ Learning about our rich tradition in many different time periods has really helped me understand and grow as a Jew. I have evolved Jewishly in the sense that I have not just learned the technical skills to literally understand our liturgy, but also the meaning behind the words.” YONI OFFIT ‘16 Last year Gann launched a pioneering Jewish Studies curriculum that encompasses a wide array of courses from Talmud to social justice. What sets Gann’s approach to Jewish Studies apart is its focus on thematic exploration of Jewish texts. Students take on a modern issue, such as organ and tissue donation, delve into all relevant texts and commentaries and build a strong understanding of the breadth of Jewish thought on a particular subject. This approach allows students to see how Jewish positions on a given issue have developed over time, from the Torah through rabbinic and medieval texts up to contemporary perspectives, adding their own voices to the chain of tradition. Gann faculty member Rabbi Yaakov Komisar observes, “What’s on the written page informs all of our students, who then become links in a thousands-of-years-old chain of meaning,” he says. “The broad approach we take at Gann offers students the full context of these writings, so that they can respond in their own way and figure out for themselves what they really mean, as opposed to only learning the verses. Jews have never learned like that until today.”
Faculty member Rabbi Hillel Greene ‘00 adds that Jewish Studies classes at Gann address big questions of meaning, purpose and belief. “After taking Gann’s Jewish Studies courses, students will know what they believe, why they believe it and how those beliefs inform their actions,” he says. “I think we here at Gann do an excellent job of accomplishing that.” Beit Midrash courses are designed for students who have a strong interest in deepening their facility with traditional text study. They expose students to a breadth of genres of classical Jewish texts in their original languages and focus on textual literacy and in-depth textual analysis. Additionally, through classes such as Bioethics and History of the Jews, students engage in rigorous analysis and the development of ideas and explore source materials, including classical texts and modern and contemporary Jewish writings in translation. This is particularly valuable for students with less Hebrew fluency. “ I was surprised at the amount of philosophy that came up in our discussions. Through my classes, I have looked more deeply at my religion and, quite literally, explored its core. I have also been able to develop my close reading and text analysis skills.” OLIVIA SIEGAL ‘17
MOOT BEIT DIN Moot Beit Din is one of the most exciting programs available to Gann Jewish Studies student scholars. The program, run by RAVSAK, the association of community day schools, allows students to apply their legal and debate skills to issues of Jewish law. Each fall participating students are assigned an issue of contemporary moral significance, such as Internet privacy, and then spend the next several months exploring Jewish texts and building an argument. In the spring they meet students from schools across the country for a weekend-long shabbaton, during which they present their conclusions to a panel of judges. In 2015 Gann took second place in the Bader Ginsburg Division competition.
“Studying Jewish texts has strengthened my analytical abilities in classes like English and History because analyzing any text requires a common set of skills.” MIRIAM MCNERNEY ‘17
“ Jewish Studies at Gann has helped me evolve by exposing me to different practices and customs and by giving me a chance to try some of them in order to help me figure out which ones mean the most to me and which ones I want to apply to my everyday life.” MARISSA ROSENZWEIG ‘18
A GREENER GANN
SARA JAYE ’16 AND MICAH NEWBERGER ’16 A central part of Gann’s mission is to inspire its students to “build a better world, where human dignity will flourish.” This sentiment thrives in the dedication and passion that Sara Jaye and Micah Newberger give to the Environment Club, whose goal is to make Gann a greener school, while encouraging the community to think sustainably and with sensitivity toward the natural world.
“ As human beings, we have a moral responsibility to be kind to that which sustains us and to let the next
generation experience the world and its beauty as we have,” Micah says. The Environment Club fulfills this responsibility by engaging in activities that educate Gann’s faculty, staff, students and visitors about decreasing the school’s environmental footprint. The club’s projects have included instituting single-stream recycling and educating fellow students about rising sea levels, one of Sara’s most memorable experiences. “We affixed blue tape along the walls of our school with an infographic explaining where the sea level was in the past, where it is now and where it is predicted to be in 100 years,” Sara explains. “Seeing so many people stop and take a moment to understand what the tape meant was really special. I felt like we were making a difference.” In 2016 the Environment Club plans to do a week-long series exploring issues related to water use, from resource availability to gender politics to social justice issues.
“Gann has offered me professional opportunities that I would not be able to participate in elsewhere. By helping with the school’s communications since sophomore year, I practiced the photography skills that helped me get accepted to an Ecuador and Galapagos Islands expedition with the National Geographic Society last summer. I’m currently in the college application process, and my top choice is George Washington University in Washington, D.C. They offer a photojournalism major and many internships, and D.C. is also home to a number of photographic publications like National Geographic.” ISAAC JONAS ‘16
STEPPING INTO THE SPOTLIGHT LEILA ZISK ’18
When deciding whether or not to pursue theater arts at Gann, sophomore Leila Zisk consulted her peers. “I talked to some older students who had done drama before, trying to figure out if I should audition for the play,” she recalls. “I was strongly encouraged to try out and also to attend the Red Curtain Drama Club. Now it just feels like I’ve always been a part of it! Everyone in the club is celebrated for what they bring to the table.” Leila loves the satisfaction that comes from practicing a performance for months, then seeing it come to life. “And for me, being in front of an audience is something I’ve discovered that I really like,” she says. The sense of identity, creativity and community Leila has found in Drama Club reflects Gann’s belief that the arts help students to develop a deeper sense of selfexpression, openness to others and greater mindfulness. Gann artists like Leila learn to take creative risks, problem-solve and communicate in new ways.
To nurture this growth, Gann offers a broad range of performing and visual arts courses for students of all abilities and backgrounds. While not every student will choose to pursue an artistic future, at Gann they will be exposed to the creative process and acquire the essential skills and vocabulary that will help them mature into more appreciative and informed citizens.
“ Just like Gann, Drama Club is a community that will accept you as you are and meet you where you stand,” Leila says. “And you’ll laugh a lot.”
Photos courtesy of Isaac Jonas
CARRYING ON A TRADITION OF EXCELLENCE COMMUNITY, CAMARADERIE AND CHUTZPAH: FIRST BENCH VENTURES From the day Gann Academy opened its doors, Gann has focused on developing students’ character, teaching them about the Jewish values that underpin their identities, creating a supportive community, adding a dash of chutzpah and encouraging them to ask the evervaluable question, “Why?” That’s the formula behind the entrepreneurial pursuits of a trio of 2012 graduates—Gary Baker, Sam Glasgow and Zach Shwartz. Fast friends from the start of their freshman year, everyone knew where to find them at lunch time—sitting together on the first bench in the front hallway. “For four years, that was our little territory,” Sam recalls. Now, their territory is bigger and a few hours north. Two years ago—well before their upcoming graduations from their respective colleges—they launched First Bench Ventures, a real estate investment and management company focusing on Portland, Maine. Gann provided two fundamental lessons for the young businessmen. “First,” Gary explains, “recognize that learning is ongoing and that knowledge has little value until you learn how to use it. Gaining information, applying and experiencing and learning something new is an iterative, continuing process. Gann taught us that principle, and we’ve capitalized on it.”
The second lesson, Zach says, was the value of a little chutzpah. “Gann pushed us to take smart risks, to try out something we’d not done before—especially if the only real hit we might take was to our pride—and to never be afraid to ask questions. When we three 20-year old kids first applied for a mortgage, the lender turned us down. But it was natural for us to push back a bit and ask, ‘Why?’ This prompted a discussion with the mortgage officer, who—when she saw how carefully we’d prepared to launch our business— approved the loan.” Looking back at the institution that provided their launching pad, Sam likes that Gann is doing just what it urges students to do. “They’ve asked ‘why’ and then, armed with new information, taken a risk—changing the curriculum, changing how and where learning takes place.”
CAUSEMO 21ST CENTURY TIKKUN OLAM Soon after graduating from Brandeis in 2013, Joshua Hoffman-Senn ‘09 launched a business that has distinct roots in his Gann experience. “My company, Causemo, is a digital platform that helps non-profit organizations build audiences and financial support,” explains Joshua, the Director of Corporate Development and one of the start-up’s founders. Causemo recently completed its Series A Funding and already counts Susan G. Komen Foundation, Save the Children, Children’s Miracle Network and Easter Seals among its clients. “My time at Gann has played a big role in my early-career decisions. I trace Causemo’s non-profit focus directly back to the school’s emphasis on tikkun olam,” Joshua observes. “And my entrepreneurial perspective was fostered by our discussions at Limud Clali [community learning] and through the ongoing attention placed on thinking out-of-the-box and problem-solving for ourselves.
Pictured from left to right: Zach Shwartz, Gary Baker and Sam Glasgow
“Real world experiences, outside perspectives and contrarian ideas are ‘baked into’ the educational experience,” Joshua notes. “Gann taught me to seek out alternative paths. Sometimes they’re worth taking, many times not; but it’s always valuable to recognize they are there. That’s a hugely valuable lesson in a world as dynamic as ours has become.” In the fall Joshua will be taking his skills to the next level by attending Harvard Business School.
COLLEGE MATRICULATIONS, CLASS OF 2015 Barnard College/Jewish Theological Seminary of America Boston College Brandeis University Brown University Carnegie Mellon University Case Western Reserve University Clark University Colby College Columbia University/Jewish Theological Seminary of America Connecticut College Dartmouth College DePaul University Dickinson College Elon University Emory University Eugene Lang College - The New School for Liberal Arts
Franklin and Marshall College The George Washington University Gettysburg College Goucher College Ithaca College Johns Hopkins University Johnson & Wales University, Providence Lawrence University Marlboro College Massachusetts Institute of Technology Middlebury College Muhlenberg College Northeastern University Oberlin College Pratt Institute Princeton University Quinnipiac University Rochester Institute of Technology Skidmore College
Smith College Southern Vermont College Stanford University Syracuse University Tufts University Tulane University University of Cincinnati University of Maryland, College Park University of Massachusetts, Amherst University of New Hampshire University of Pennsylvania University of Rochester University of Vermont University of Wisconsin, Madison Vanderbilt University Washington University in St. Louis Worcester Polytechnic Institute Yeshiva University
Nishmat Shnat Sherut Torah V’Avodah Yeshivat Lev HaTorah
Yeshivat Ma’ale Gilboa Young Judaea Year Course
POST HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAMS Binah Kivunim Nachshon - The Israeli Mechina Nativ
GANN FINANCIAL REPORT FY 2014-2015
Tuition
REVENUES
Tuition $7,744,441 Gifts & Grants
Gifts & Grants
$2,059,507
Investment & Interest Income
$32 1,491
Israel Trip & Exploration Week Programs
$182,766
Investment & Interest Income
Other $186,002 Total Revenue
$10,494,207
Israel Trip & Exploration Week Programs Other
EXPENSES
Salaries & Benefits
$8,1 2 1 ,739
Educational Program
$57 9,904
Israel Trip & Exploration Week Programs
$230,714
Institutional Advancement
$247,084
Occupancy $ 1,049,410 Administrative $305,448 Food Services
$4,03 1
Other ($ 44,1 2 3) Capital, PPRRSM & Other Reserves Total Expenses
$10,494,207
Salaries & Benefits Educational Program Israel Trip & Exploration Week Programs Institutional Advancement Occupancy Administrative Food Services
WE THANK OUR DONORS The 2014-2015 Annual Report includes donations received from July 1, 2014, to June 30, 2015. Gann Academy is grateful for your support. $100,000+ Adelson Family Foundation Combined Jewish Philanthropies - Special Education Grant Estate of Barbara Feinberg* Cynthia and William Marcus $50,000 to $99,000 Anonymous Dr. Gerald Entine Joseph and Rae Gann Charitable Foundation Beverly and Donald Bavly Rita and Herbert Gann Shirley Saunders Lizbeth and George Krupp Sharon Mishkin and Mark Rosenzweig Rosalyn and Richard Slifka $25,000 to $49,999 Anonymous Kathleen and Scott Cohen Lisa and Arieh Coll Combined Jewish Philanthropies Combined Jewish Philanthropies HAIFA Grant Leslie and Alan Crane Lisa and Neil Wallack $10,000 TO $24,999 Anonymous (3) Noamit and Izhar Armony Cindy and Mark Blotner Carol and Stephen Cohen Karen and Robert Deresiewicz Merilyn and Joseph Geisberg Gelfand Family Charitable Trust Bob and Laurie Gervis Winnie Sandler and Steven Grinspoon Susan and Eric Hailman Diana Lloyd and Jordan Hershman Elizabeth and Daniel Jick Amelia and Joshua Katzen Janice S. Gross and Stephen Klar Jeannie and Jonathan Lavine Rabbi Suzanne A. Offit and Andrew Offit Barbara and Frank Resnek Deborah Sanders-Zilberman and James Rosenfield Lauren and Mark Rubin Louis & Ida Selib Memorial Fund* Hope and Adam Suttin Janis and Michael Weilheimer WilmerHale Michele and Jonathan Wolfman
$5,000 TO $9,999 Rita and Leonard Adelson Susan and Aron Ain Akamai Foundation Inc. Jill and Rabbi Marc Baker Joyce and Michael Bohnen Rachel and Laurence Chafetz Jennifer and John Chisholm Bernice B. and Raymond Coll Laura Davis Terri and Solomon Eisenberg Rachel and David Fine Jeannette and Marco Finkielsztein Rabbi Leslie Gordon and David Goodtree Jill Jacobs and Frederic Haber Lynn and Sheldon Hanau Carol Harris and Robert Kann Randy Gollub and Jon K. Hirschtick Diane and Robert Jaye Grace and Scott Offen Lisa and Jonathan Rourke Irma and Aaron Spencer Marjorie Tichnor Jennifer Slifka Vidal and Luis Vidal Carol and Michael Wasserman Chrysanthi Gikas and David Wihl $2,500 TO $4,999 Shelley R. Baker Michelle and Darren Black Arlene and Haldon Bryer Claire and Daniel Caine Century Bank Julie and Ronald Chaney Frances Elovitz Linda and Michael Frieze Nicole and Joshua Gann Catharyn and Myron Gildesgame Tania and Michael Gray Linda and David Greenseid Margot and Fred Kann Marcia and Alan Leifer Lisa Rosenfeld and Alan Lobovits Debbie and Mark Lovich Beth Byer and Fred Mermelstein David E. Moeser Trust Beverley and Peter Olsberg Elizabeth Waksman and Darren Orbach Sarah Markovitz and Jacob Pinnolis Ruth Langer and Jonathan Sarna Wendy and Yakir Siegal Toby M. Sloane Karin and Leo Sprecher Ayelet and Edgardo Sternberg The Irving & Edyth S. Usen Family Charitable Foundation* Elizabeth Van Ranst and Jerry Zuriff
$1,000 TO $2,499 Anonymous Julie and Laurent Amouyal Susan and Joel Appelbaum The Beker Foundation Marc J. Bloostein Lois and Mickey Cail CarMax Foundation Matching Gifts Program Chelsea Hebrew Free School Endowment Fund Jane and David Cohen Richard Cohen Elizabeth and Scott Cooper Dorit Harverd and Richard Dale Andre & Marilyn Danesh Fund Brenda and Jerome Deener Rajiv Desai Suzanne and David Diamond Janine and Jevin Eagle Ilana and Isaac Edry Judy and Joshua Elkin Rena Gray Fein and Robert Fein Gala and Samuel Finkielsztein Rachel and William Foster Rebecca and Michael Friedman Zelda and Elkan Gamzu Lori and Michael Gilman Mr. and Mrs. Ted Gladstone Elizabeth Brody Gluck and Ronald Gluck Edith Goldman and Morton Hoffman Shira Goodman and Rabbi Wesley Gardenswartz Lillian and Richard Gray Daniel A. Greenberg Helaine Hartman Zona and Martin Hoffman Fawn and Roger Hurwitz Claudia Marbach and Daniel Jackson Jonah Jacob Marcie and Jeffrey Jonas Claudia Davidoff and Joseph Kahan Lisa and Stephen Kaufer Jill Goldenberg and Sidney Kriger Lori B. Silver and Peter M. Lefkowitz Maor Foundation Sandra and Nathaniel Margolis Deborah Platek and Martin Oppenheimer Alison Kur and Michael Oshins Susan and Roger Patkin Sally and Stephen Patkin Dr. and Mrs. Barry Paul Gail and Jay Pearlstein Ilene Sussman and Paul Plasky Maria Ponsillo and Arthur Rabinowitz Marla and Robert Rosenbloom Clare S. Rosenfield Farrah and Barry Rubenstein Susan and Stuart Salzberg Ellen and Steven Segal Linda and Warren Sheinkopf Harriet and Stuart Sherman Robyn and Bruce Shoulson Martha Minow and Joseph Singer Ronit and Alex Smolyar Lisa and Andrew Sussman Carol and Norman Tasgal Abby Zanger and Roy B. Tishler Deborah Reck and Arthur Unobskey Selma and Daniel Weiss Ron Weiss Deanna and Sidney Wolk
$500 TO $999 Anne Lewin-Arundale and Henry Arundale Julie Somers and Maurice Blaustein Harvey N. Bock Doris and Jules Cohen Hanania Cohen Pamela and Leonard Cohen Janet and Mark Fagan Penny and Roy Feldman Marilyn and Gerald Fishbone Deborah and Marc Fogel Deborah and Jonathan Forman Pamela and Guy Forman Cheri Fox Brenda and Harvey Freishtat Cynthia and Richard Gilman Teri and Bruce Gorsky Wendy and Steven Handler Beth Silverman and Barry Kann Lee Krasner Deborah and Todd Krasnow Dr. Lisa Lehmann and Rabbi Daniel Lehmann Emily Beck and Jon Levisohn Selma L. Liebnick Susan Rodgin and Warren Manning Christine and Bruce Miller Bari and Charles Popkin Arlene and Sanford Remz Diane and Martin Richler Alyssa Wiener and Jay Rosenbaum Carol Saivetz Gabrielle and Benjamin R. Sigel Judy and George Small Margery and Jerome Somers Debra and Brad Weiss Rachel and Scott Weiss Louis Zatz $250 TO $499 Elisa Deener-Agus and Michael Samuel Agus Sandra and Sheldon Bass Jim Beck Kenneth Berman Wendy and Jonathan Bernays Phyllis Blotner Margaret and Chaim Charytan Madelyn and Bruce Donoff Dena and Gary Elovitz Diane and Neil Exter Tamara and Michael Fellman Myrna and Carl Franzblau Lynn H. Galen Emily and David Geller Sandi and Dan Geller Marian and Arthur Glasgow Marina Livshits and Michael Hiam Lynne Satlof-Karas and Steven Karas Marca and Brian Katz Adrienne and Randall Knopf Devorah and Joshua Kosowsky Isaac Kot Amy and Carl Kruglak Suzette Kushner and Rabbi Harold S. Kushner Yael Hurwitz-Lange and Steven A. Lange Nancy and Sidney Lejfer Laurie Jacobs and Steven Levine Nancy and Ralph Lieberman Allison and Elliot Mael
Ellen and Gabriel Margolis Carol and Daniel Milewich Marla and Simon Olsberg Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies Sari Anne Rapkin Bernice Rosenstein Norma and Mel Shakun Deborah Horwitz and Steve Shoyer Rabbi Joel and Heidi Sisenwine Ronni and Paul Skerker Barbara and Arthur Skydell Safran Laura and Alan Stockdale Judy and Paul Todtfeld Joan and Milton Wallack Ruth Weinrib and Paul Weiss Patricia and Loel Weiss Michelle and Jon Witkes $100 TO $249 Marilyn Weil-Abelman and David Abelman Lisa Spiegel and David Abotbool Ruth Adler Jane and David Akiba Rabbi Sharon C. Anisfeld and Dr. Shimon C. Anisfeld Tali and Avner Applbaum Lisa and Alan Avery-Peck Barbara S. Bach Adeline Bain Leslie Bazer and Rabbi Laurence Bazer Ivy Feuerstadt and Barry Becken Ifat Rubin-Bejerano and Yaniv Bejerano Smadar and Jaime Belkind Gerson Amy and Mark Benjamin Judy and Murray Berk Sharon and Jerry Berkowitz Carone and Stanley Berman Jodi and James Blankstein Elaine Blaustein Beverly and Andrew Blazar Harry Bloom Miriam and Morton Brown Mary Burstin Jane and Dennis Carlton Shoshana Jacobs and David Charytan Irene Chavez Andrea and Jon Clardy Rhonda Cohen-Boyar Yael Miller and Stuart Cole Sherri and Ira Davoudgoleh Rachel and Behzad Dayanim Rachel Herschenfeld and Aaron Deykin Micki and Walter Dore Alisa and Todd Ente Ellenjoy Fields and Herbert Morse Franklin Fisher David Fromm Jody and David Gastfriend Sylvia DeLange and Lawrence E. Gastwirt Tanya and Vladimir Geisberg Eva and Peter Glaser Jordana and Adam Glasgow Barbara and Bob Gold Heidi and Neal Gold Jill and Michael Goldberg Jody and Charles Goldman Vicki Goldsmith Doris and Martin Goldstein Betty S. Goodfarb
Roberta and Lenn Goodman Carmel Gottlieb Marla Choslovsky and Paul Greenberg Ronna Bach and Michael Greenwald Eleanor and Martin Gross Christine Hanlon Bonnie and Leonard Hausman Loren S. Stolow and Mitch Heineman Debby and Ron Iken Amy and Jonathan Imber Sherry Israel Cindy and Daniel Jacobs Carol and Edward Kantner Steffi and Eric Karp Peter and Linda Kasten Jeffrey Katz Lisa and James Kaufman Ann F. Klayman Audrey and JosÊ Kleinberg Lisa and David Kling Roselyn and Edwin Kolodny Brenda and David Korn Carole P. Kramers Lori and David Kreidberg Fanna M. Kreidberg Andrew & Doreen Kriegel Charitable Gift Fund Rhonda and Eric Levin Jasmine Gruia-Gray and Murray Levine Elaine and Joel Levine Eileen Levinson Cindy and Joseph Levy Daniel Libraty Donna and Gene Lichtman Howard I. Lipsey Suri Cybuch-Maron and Myron Maron Heidi Epstein and Jeffrey Marx Eve L. Leeman and Timothy McNerney Ellen and James Meisel Becky Behar and Daniel Mekler Deborah and Carlos Mendez Lynnie and David Mirvis Arlene and Roger Moore E. Melvin Nash Dylan Neidorf Nelnet Business Solutions, Inc Lois G. Newberger Jennifer and Joel Newman Inna O’Brian Barbra Sher and Edward Pastor Beverly Siegal and Richard Peiser Michelle and Robert Pepe Janet Strassman Perlmutter and Joel Perlmutter Debra and Stephen Pinals Miriam Newman and Michael Pinnolis Sally Plone Mary Collins and Wesley Potter Terri and Gil Preuss Ruth and Peter Preuss Anita and Ken Rabinoff-Goldman Lynn and Arthur Rauch Rachel and Joel Reck Ina and Jerry Regosin Charna Reichel Judy and Jeffrey Remz Nina and Yaacov Rone Patricia Wasserman and Michael Rosenblatt Susan Gordon and Mitchell Rubenstein
Arlene Rubin Phyl and Bernie Rubin Renee and Jack Rubin Gayle and Kenneth Rubin Judith Sagan Guy Sapirstein Susan and Philip Schneider Tamar and Craig Schneider Judith D. Powsner and Eric Scribner Iris Alpert and Jerry Selvin Julie and Thomas Shane Miriam Sheftel Sue and Joel Sherman Marlene and Michael Shiner Eleanor and Pablo Siegal Amy and Ross Silverstein Lori and Daniel Silverstone Wendy Berland and Steven Simon Linda and Ira Skolnik Tova and Ken Sperber Kathy Rosenbluh and Michael Stern Gillian and Manfred Steyn Jodi and David Strauss Rose-Jane and David Sulman Bonnie and Eugene Suttin Sandy and David Tall Sofia K. Simoun and Igor O. Tkachenko Jill Weiner and Bruce Todtfeld Carole and Carl Toltz Deborah and Herbert Turney Randy and Steven Ugent Ann Weiner Sharon and Gradon Winn Ilene Wolff Roberta Wollin Joan and Stephen Woogmaster Esther Yanow Lori Krasner and Michael Zackman Debra Zane and Max Gould Marilyn K. Zanger Lorel and Arnold Zar-Kessler UP TO $99 Melinda Grosser and James Abbisso Fran and Bernie Alpert Penny and Bruce Arons Rayna and David Aronson Karen and Ivan Audouin The Azoff Family Ina R. Bachman Marcia Bachman Mark Bailen Faye Blazer and Mohan Bala Rosaline and Alan Barron Marcia and Burt Bartzoff Pia Bertelli Mindell Betensky Paul Blazar Deborah Block Gloria Bloom Susan Bloom Marcia and Tamir Borensztajn Cynthia Krug and Aaron Brandes Miriam Bronstein Sheila Brownstein Susan Cantor and Dror Dushman Julie and David Chivo Alisa Cohen Sandra Cohen
Elizabeth David-Dembrowsky David Davidson Sandra and Andrew Deardorff Carole and David Decter Sarita Brouwer and David Diamond Linda and Deran Dinjian Nancy and Sheldon Epstein Rachel Levine and Aryeh Feder Roberta and Joel Feinblatt Dorothy Fine Deborah and Daniel Fins Carolyn and Steven Flammey Julie and Ezra Galler Florence Gallop Tamar Davis Galper and Allan Galper Wendy G. Gilman Marilyn Glaser Nancy Glazer Pearl and David Goldberg Barbara and Al Goldstein Robin and Wayne Goldstein Irene and Alan Graff Rosamond and Harvey Grant Janet Segal and Neal Green Tova and Steven Greenberg Debra Greenberg-Grisaru Phyllis Grosser Lisa and Mark Grossmann Evelyn Herwitz Harris and Alan Harris Joan and Matthew Hayes Lisa and Matthew Hills Ella and Hyme Hipsman Sue Tamber Housman and Robert Housman Dianna J. Huff Wendy and Barry Hurwitz Rose K. Hurwitz Robin and Jerold Jaeger Dahlia Rudavsky and Robert Jampol Morris Jampol Randi and Allen Joress Stephanie Karger Jo Ann David-Kasdan and Menachem Kasdan Selma Kent Jacqueline and Glenn Kesner Ilana Medvedovski and Sergey Khanukaev Lori Kipnes Deeana and Jeffrey Klepper Judith and Isaac Kliger Reena L. Kling Carol Korbman Gail and Ira Korinow Marcy and Kenneth Kornreich Rose Krasner Jill Kraus Lynda Fink and Maury Lederman Dorothy Levine Debka Janak and Eli Levy Barbara Lichtman Marcie and Bruce Lipsey Alison and Kenneth MacNeil Ursula and Rami Mangoubi Sarah Mangoubi Amy and Ronen Marcus Stephanie and Alfred Maroun Barbara and Stephen Merlin Abigail Jungreis and Jacob Meskin Laurie Nash Amy J. Solomon and Todd E. Nudelman Adell and Alvin Ornstein Sara and Michael Paasche-Orlow
Ruth and Larry Page Aliza Arzt and Meredith Porter Mieke Verfaelli and Victor Reinstein Julianna Kremer and William Rich Caren Jacobson and Blair Roberts Ellyn Rogal Ellen Gorowitz and James Rooney Gwenn E. Roos Henny Eagle Rosen and Arnold Rosen Elaine Rubin Marion Gribetz and Robert Rubin Amy and Jay Salinger Sharon and Rudolf Salinger Deborah Zaitchik and Jerry Samet Doris Sasson Marla and Harold Scheinman Elizabeth A. Schwartz Laura and Joel Segel David Sherman Marcia Plumb and Michael Shire Margery Sokoloff and Jeffrey Shoulson Rabbi Elyse Winick and David Small Libby Soffar Carol Sokol Susan and Stanley Sokoloff Madey and Allan Sperber Selma M. Stanzler Debra and Alex Teperman Suzanne and Alan Teperow Helene and Maurice Tuchman Sonya and Irving Tuck Carole Wasserman Lisa Wasserman Sivan and Ezra Zuckerman Sivan Rina Hoffman and Merril Weiner Joan and Robert Weinstein Melinda and Fred Whittum Bernice and Arthur Wilner Debbie and David Wolf Krystyna and David Wolf Millicent and Lionel Wolpert Aileen and Scott Yates Allison Page and Steven Zolondick ALUMNI DONORS Eliezah and Daniel Blumenthal Hoffman ‘03 Kenneth Bowen ‘03 Rachel Burstein ‘00 Benjamin L. Chartock ‘10 Andrew F. Cohen ‘09 Evan Crane ‘12 Joseph Davenport ‘12 Jonathan Elkin ‘04 Talia Fein ‘03 Gail Fogel ‘04 Leah Forman ‘04 Shai Fuller ‘03 Jonathan Gale ‘07 Sam Gardenswartz ‘07 Sophie Gildesgame ‘10 Gali Gordon ‘11 Jessica Gould ‘01 and Efraim Yudewitz Lily Rabinoff-Goldman and Hillel Greene ‘00 Lianne A. Gross ‘12 Alexandra Haber ‘09 Joseph Haber ‘11 Claire Hoffman ‘04 Joshua Hoffman-Senn ‘09
Hazzan Jesse ‘00 and Leora Holzer Abraham Jordan ‘06 Eliav Kahan ‘03 Benjamin N. Kasdan ‘10 Jennifer ‘01 and Ari Kaufmann Jeremiah Klarman ‘11 Talia F. Klein ‘09 Shira ‘01 and Jeffrey Kraft Rebecca Leffell ‘04 Elie Lehmann ‘04 Hillel Lehmann ‘10 Kate Liberman ‘03 Sarah D. Litwin ‘13 Joelle Mamon ‘09 Anya Manning ‘03 Sara Manning ‘05 Laurel Marcus ‘06 Jacob Merlin ‘03 David Micley ‘06 Joshua Micley ‘08 Michael Peiser ‘03 Leora Perkins ‘05 Eliana Perlmutter ‘12 Harlan Piper ‘04 Sarah Schneider ‘13 Arnon Z. Shorr ‘01 and Talia Landau Yoni Silverman ‘06 Charlene Thrope ‘10 COMPREHENSIVE CAMPAIGN DONORS Anonymous (4) Berkowitz-Regosin Family Sharon and Jerry Berkowitz Randi Berkowitz and Jonathan Regosin Ina and Jerry Regosin Kathleen and Scott Cohen Carol and Stephen Cohen Leslie and Alan Crane Dr. Gerald Entine Rachel and David Fine Susan and Eric Hailman Diana Lloyd and Jordan Hershman Judi and Douglas Krupp
Lizbeth and George Krupp Rabbi Suzanne A. Offit and Andrew Offit Rosalyn and Richard Slifka Hope and Adam Suttin Lisa F. and Neil Wallack 2014-2015 EMPLOYEE CAMPAIGN We thank the dedicated faculty and staff who continually go above and beyond their role at Gann Academy by supporting our Annual Campaign. Shira M. Androphy Susan and Joel Appelbaum* Jill and Rabbi Marc Baker* Audrey Marcus Berkman and Rabbi Jethro Berkman Julie Blazar Catherine Bleyl June Bowman Steven Cavender-Wood Matthew P. Conti Douglas Daniels Sarah DuBeau-Farley Carol and Abraham Englander Sarah Fendrick and David Kaplan Sherri L. Geller Sharona Goder-Peled Jonathan Golden Lindsay Goldstein Laila Goodman and Barry Moir Leslie Grossman Brian Infante Lisa Jacobs Rebecca and Yoni Kadden Rachel C. Kalikow Gregory Kee Louise Linder Rabbi Sara Meirowitz Christine and Bruce Miller* Elena C. Morgan Lindsay W. Murphy Samantha and Joshua Neudel Elaine M. O’Toole
June O’Toole Chana Penini Helen Phan and Jonathan Liu Sarah Markovitz and Jacob Pinnolis* Avi Poupko Michelle Provorny Shlomit and Oded Ravid Danielle Roman Rhonda L. Rosenbaum Farrah and Barry Rubenstein* Christopher M. Russo Abby Shapiro Francene and Scott Sokol Jennifer Gallop and David Starr Vered Strapp Gerri and Kenneth Sweder Shelley Stevens and David Tabachnik Jennifer and Amiel Weinstock Sara and Marc Winer Shoshanah and Edward Zaritt *Indicates Senior Leadership Team. L’DOR V’DOR SOCIETY We recognize and honor those who have made a legacy commitment by including Gann Academy in their estate plans. Joyce and Michael Bohnen Janine and Jevin Eagle Dr. Gerald Entine Shira Goodman and Rabbi Wesley Gardenswartz Elizabeth and Daniel Jick Amelia and Joshua Katzen Cynthia and William Marcus Lisa F. and Neil Wallack *Indicates Senior Leadership Team If we have inadvertently made an error, please accept our apologies and notify the Development Office at 781-642-6800.
Your legacy gift makes a difference! Many Gann families and friends have included Gann in their estate plans. Our deepest appreciation to Barbara Grun Feinberg, who passed away in May, 2014. Pre-deceased by her husband, Alan Feinberg, the couple generously included Gann Academy in their estate plan and left a meaningful gift to provide scholarships for Gann students. The Feinbergs had no children of their own but were inspired to make a Jewish education accessible to all families. We are deeply grateful for their planning and generosity. Their legacy lives on in the generations of Gann students who will benefit from their gift. Mr. and Mrs. Feinberg’s memories are truly a blessing. For information about legacy and planned giving, please visit gannacademy.org/giving or email Jennifer Weinstock at jweinstock@gannacademy.org.
333 Forest Street Waltham, MA 02452 WHO WILL YOU BECOME?
PH. 781-642-6800 G A N N A C A D E M Y.O R G
“ I like that Gann is a place where I can learn about and experience all types of Jewish living. Most of all, I think the faculty at Gann is amazing and the personal connection that you can create with your teachers is something you cannot find anywhere else.”
VERONICA LEIFER ‘16