VBS Day School Annual Report 2014-2015

CONTINUING THE LEGACY OF RABBI HAROLD M. SCHULWEIS

ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015

ANNUAL REPORT 2014-2015

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MISSION Our mission is to empower each child to reach his/her potential as a confident, skilled, and passionate learner with a strong Jewish identity. Exceptional, forward-thinking academic general and Judaic studies programs emphasize inquiry, critical thinking, and creativity while instilling Jewish ethics, values, spirituality, a personal connection to Israel, and a strong sense of social responsibility. Embraced by a nurturing and dynamic community, our students build a foundation that fosters academic achievement, celebrates the joy of Jewish life, and cultivates a desire to make a difference in the world.

Looking Back to Look Forward Sheva Locke and Rabbi Ed Feinstein

Financial Summary 2014-2015

Bringing Academics to Life Art as a Reflection of Values Sportsmanship on and off the Field Our Community in Action

A Thriving Community Accolades and Achievements

In memory of Rabbi Harold M. Schulweis (z�l) 1925-2014

Where are our Alumni?

Giving at VBS Day School Honor Roll Ways to Give

Painting by Day School Alumna Hannah Drew

LOOKING BACK TO LOOK FORWARD Sheva Locke, Head of School We are the Harold M. Schulweis Day School.

At a recent school assembly, a teacher asked students what they would do to support a friend who needed help on the playground. Ben, a 4th grader, replied, “You should not stand idly by; this is what we learned from Rabbi Schulweis.” For Ben and generations of VBS Day School students, Rabbi Schulweis’ teachings are a way of life.

In 1978, Rabbi Harold M. Schulweis pioneered a day school at Valley Beth Shalom with aspirations of weaving together a strong secular education with a modern dynamic Jewish life experience. He believed the school must be a place where both boys and girls should be inspired and have equal access to academics and Jewish life. The fabric of the school must be steeped in Jewish values that lead to action. Rabbi Schulweis had high expectations for our students, saying “you are not the future, you are the present and can make a difference now.” For more than 36 years, the school and students have thrived based on these ideals.

When I began as the Head of School 13 years ago, I met Rabbi Schulweis and understood that this was no ordinary school. The moral imperative of Tikkun Olam would be at the forefront of all that we do. He taught, “God is a verb,” and it was incumbent upon each person to find that personal connection to God through action. I feel so blessed to be guiding the next generation of children and families to realize their own potential in making our world a better place. Ten years ago at age 80, Rabbi Schulweis started the Jewish World Watch to end genocide in Darfur. The Day School 6th graders took on a leadership role by raising funds and standing next to Rabbi Schulweis with a drumming performance as he would kick off the walk each year.

In January 2016, the Day School will honor Rabbi Schulweis’ legacy by dedicating an annual Hineni Action Day in his name. Students will learn about Rabbi Schulweis and go out in the community to make a difference. Every week at Kabbalat Shabbat, our students recite the following blessing: “Thank you God for providing us with the opportunity to be your partner in repairing the world.”

We owe Rabbi Schulweis our heartfelt gratitude for guiding us in understanding how to be a partner with God.

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Annual Report 2014-2015

Rabbi Ed Feinstein, Valley Beth Shalom There was a Hasid who made a yearly pilgrimage to see his Rebbe. Upon his return from this long and arduous trip, his neighbors asked him why he made this journey each year. What Torah do you go to learn? What truth did the Rebbe impart? The Hasid answered: “I do not go to learn interpretations of Torah. I go to watch the way he ties his shoes.”

Try this experiment: Put your hands in your pockets and try to explain to someone verbally how to tie shoes. It’s an exercise in frustration. Because there are certain things you can learn by description.

And there are others that can only be learning in the doing -- learned not by words and concepts, but by involving fingers, hands, and heart. Theory is important. But there is a knowing through practice and participation that cannot be replaced by theoretical description. That kind of knowing has its own special character.

There is much of our Jewish tradition that can be conveyed through description. One can learn about the history, about the philosophy, about the culture of Judaism. But the core of holiness, the practice of Jewish ethics, the experience of God’s presence, cannot be learned about. It cannot be done for us by others. It requires the intensity of full personal involvement and investment. It requires the whole self.

What makes our VBS Day School program unique is that it engages the entire child. This educational environment invites children to embrace the values of Jewish life in their interactions with one another, with their teachers, with the social and natural environment around us. Judaism isn’t just studied here, it is lived. This is why Rabbi Schulweis so passionately insisted on the founding of our Day School, and took such pride in its development. This is his Judaism. And that is why the school bears his name.

This year, we remember Rabbi Schulweis and all he taught. And there is no better way than to contribute our support to a school where his vision and values are at the core of each day’s learning. Thank you for supporting our school with such heart.

Annual Report 2014-2015

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FINANCIAL SUMMARY 2014-2015 TOTAL INCOME $5,260,038

TOTAL EXPENSES $5,253,926

TOTAL GIVING $580,259

6%

5%

3%

1%

82%

TUITION

6%

3%

PARENT ORGANIZATION FUNDRAISING

$4,379,445

$143,361

FEES

GRANTS, AWARDS & OTHER DONATIONS

$300,334

$139,381

ANNUAL GIVING

INTEREST INCOME

(ANNUAL FUND & TEMPLE APPEAL)

$267,444

$30,073

5%

4%

3% 2%

80%

EMPLOYEE SALARIES & BENEFITS

TECHNOLOGY

$4,206,126

$215,416

INSTRUCTION & PROGRAM

OCCUPANCY & BUILDING

$336,832

$153,738

ADMINISTRATIVE

ADVANCEMENT

$259,230

$82,584

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BRINGING ACADEMICS TO LIFE VBS Day School takes an innovative approach to learning. Seeing our students thrive across all fronts helps to build the foundation for their paths to make a difference in the world.

The children of VBS possess the wisdom to question and courage to hear.

- Rabbi Harold M. Schulweis

VBS Day School is in a unique position – not only do we live the legacy of Rabbi Schulweis through our community service, but we also take pride and leadership in academics, technology, the arts and athletics.

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Book Bash

In February, VBS Day School held its first ever book club meeting – Book Bash – for over 300 people to continue to foster a love of the written word and to celebrate reading! The evening consisted of several book club discussions facilitated by teachers, an extension activity associated with the chosen book, and a visit by one of three published authors. Students and parents worked in cross-age level groups as they discussed the different books.

S.T.E.A.M (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math)

We stay on the pulse of the latest technology/S.T.E.A.M education. In the 2014-2015 school year, VBS Day School introduced live streaming in the multi-media production studio, including live broadcasting to our parents of the morning message. Our robotics program fosters critical thinking and creativity through projects and competitions. In addition, the very first 3D printed projects came to life from design through production on our state-of-the-art 3D printer (shown left).

Robotics

Production Studio

iPads

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ART AS A REFLECTION OF VALUES

Art respects the emotional life of the individual so that we may reflect upon life’s values.

- Rabbi Harold M. Schulweis

The Day Schools’ arts program provides a wide array of opportunity for expression through visual, vocal, instrumental, dance and performing arts.

This past year, our productions of “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” and “101 Dalmatians” were superb in both costume-design, productiondesign and the children’s performances. These stage opportunities allow our children to grow more confident and foster an appreciation of the arts.

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SPORTSMANSHIP ON AND OFF THE FIELD Each day, we honor Rabbi Schulweis’ teachings about integrity and respect. Both boys and girls thrive in the Lions’ Athletic program with 95% participation, 30 teams and 240 games during the year.

Boys and girls must have the same opportunities for learning in all aspects of the school and in participating in Jewish life.

- Rabbi Harold M. Schulweis

We are proud of our 6th grade boys soccer team for bringing home the division championship adding a 17th championship to our shelf! More than just winning though is the amazing sportsmanship our student athletes show both on and off the field.

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OUR COMMUNITY IN ACTION God is not believed, but behaved. .

- Rabbi Harold M. Schulweis

Here at VBS Day School, we live Rabbi Schulweis’ legacy through our ongoing commitment to community service and Tikkun Olam. Rabbi Schulweis not only founded Mazon and Jewish World Watch, but he believed deeply that children can change the world.

Students participate in grade level Tikkum Olam projects throughout the year. For example, fourth grade students led the SOVA Food Pantry effort, collecting over 4,000 cans and fruits and vegetables for SOVA. Student Council organized a Read-a-Thon to raise funds for School on Wheels, a non-profit providing tutoring and school supplies for homeless children. Day School families also served meals at Hope of the Valley, a faith-based mission. In total, our students and the VBS Day School community raised nearly $10,000 of Tzedakah to help repair the world.

Jewish World Watch

In January 2016, we will dedicate our day of service learning as the Harold M. Shulweis Hineni Action Day. On this day, students will learn about Rabbi Shulweis and will go into the community to engage in community service projects.

Jewish Home for the Aging

SOVA Food Bank Annual Report 2014-2015

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Rabbi Schulweis was the founder of the Havurah movement, which strived to bring together families to share in Jewish learning, prayer and communal events. His vision for bringing together our families as a community is the basis for all that we do here at the Day School.

Thanks to the generous support of Jack and Rita Youdai, the Day School held its first annual all school Youdai Family Camp. Over 30 Day School families celebrated Shabbat at Camp Ramah. The weekend was a time to bring old and new friends together, to build friendships and to strengthen family bonds through prayer, community-building and fun-filled activities. This annual family camp will create memories for our children, parents, faculty and staff for years to come.

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A THRIVING COMMUNITY Our Parent Organization has made it a priority to focus on community. Our togetherness and accessibility, not to mention genuine fun that we have together is what sets our Day School apart. Spring 2015 marked the first “Daughter Dance,” an 80s themed event. The dance was a wonderful way for parents to get to know each other while having a great time rockin’ out to Michael Jackson and Madonna!

God. Where then?

God not in me nor in you.

But between us.

God not me or mine nor you or yours But ours.

God known not alone but in relationship.

Not revealed through lonely power but through our kinship, friendship healing, binding raising up of each other.

To know God is to know others to love God is to love others to hear God is to hear others.

- Rabbi Harold M. Schulweis

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ACCOLADES & ACHIEVEMENTS Milken Family Foundation Jewish Educator Award Winner: Ariela Nehemne In December 2014, Ariela Nehemne received the Milken Jewish Educator Award, recognizing her as one of the top four educators in the community for the year. Ariela wears multiple hats as a kindergarten Hebrew and Judaic Studies teacher, peer mentor and technology leader at VBS Day School. Kindergartners enter the year with little if any Hebrew background; yet, speaking only Hebrew, Ariela brings the language and Jewish heritage to life through music, art, cooking, drama, movement and literature. Whether students explore a classroom transformed into a Persian Shushan castle at Purim or lead a Passover seder by performing the story in Hebrew, they are building a foundation for success in school.

Ariela also mentors the Day School staff in best practices to achieve Hebrew proficiency, in curriculum mapping, and by integrating diverse forms of technology into the curriculum.

Children are not the future, they are the present and can make a difference now!

- Rabbi Harold M. Schulweis

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Yossi Dresner Scholarship Award The 2014-2015 recipient of the Yossi Dresner Scholarship is Julia Hartman. Generously funded by Victor and Lisa Kohn, this scholarship is presented annually to an outstanding student who demonstrates academic excellence.

Szabadi-Patt Teacher of the Year: Nora Moreno We congratulate Nora Moreno, our 5th grade general studies teacher on receiving the Szabadi-Patt Teacher of the Year Award for 2014-2015.

Nora is a passionate, committed and dedicated teacher. She instills a love of learning, and a self confidence in her students enabling them to achieve and reach their personal best. Envisioning a dynamic curriculum for the grade, she has made 21st Century learning come to life in an inspiring way. Working as a team with her grade level partner, she has set the tone for excellence and helped to further the mission of VBS Day School. Nora also leads a mentoring program to support new teachers in their first year at the school. With her calm and professional demeanor with her colleagues, and outreach to parents, she serves as a fine ambassador for the school.

Adina Bender Jewish Values Award Noa Noudel is the 2014-2015 recipient of the Adina Bender Jewish Values Award for exemplifying Rabbi Schulweis’ vision of changing the world.

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WHERE ARE OUR ALUMNI?

VBS DAY SCHOOL CLASS OF 2009

COLLEGE FRESHMAN CLASS OF 2015 Brown University Boston University California State University, Northridge Emory University George Washington University Lehigh University Nativ College Leadership Program in Israel New York University Northwestern University Santa Barbara City College Sarah Lawrence University University of Arizona UC Berkeley UCLA University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign University of Indiana University of Oregon USC University of Wisconsin Wesleyan University Willamette University Wake Forest University

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ISRAEL

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GIVING AT VBS DAY SCHOOL VIVA VBS 2015 VIVA VBS Gala, Cirque du 36, honored Head of School, Sheva Locke on the occasion of her 13th year, in conjunction with the 36th Anniversary of VBS Day School and the celebration of the legacy of Rabbi Harold M. Schulweis. Sheva believes in the teaching and vision of the school’s namesake, Rabbi Schulweis, that an investment in a strong Jewish Day School education is an investment in the future of Jewish life.

Under her leadership, the Day school is thriving as a top accredited school and has received national recognition and awards.

Over 400 parents, alumni and colleagues attended to share and celebrate Sheva’s leadership as Head of School and as chair of the Head of School Council in conjunction with the Builders of Jewish Education (BJE). Sheva credits an amazing faculty, rabbis, staff, board and VBS community of families for the partnership in the school’s success. She also thanks the Parent Organization and Gala chairs, Amy Green and Andrea Epstein for a magical evening.

The Harold M. Schulweis Day School has thrived for 36 years based on its mission that is steeped in Jewish values and the belief that children can make a difference in the world.

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Shachar Astor, Roee Astor, Sheva Locke, Ron Astor and Maya Astor-Haritan

Parent Organization Contributes to Endowment

The Parent Organization diligently worked to raise $143,361 in funds to help support the Day School. In June 2015, the Parent Organization decided to invest in the schools present and future by making a $10,000 gift to the VBS Day School SEEDS Endowment. The Endowment ensures the future of the Day School and the ability to provide our children with a Jewish education, carrying on Rabbi Harold M. Schulweis’ legacy as pioneer of the Jewish day school movement.

Shelley Margulies and Kyle Van Pelt, Parent Organization Co-Presidents

Reznikoff Award Winner The Rita Reznikoff Leadership Award was presented to outgoing Day School Board of Trustees President, Larry Weisenberg. Dutifully serving the Day School for the past two years, Larry made a lasting impact through his leadership and dedication.

Suzanne Marks, Larry Weisenberg and Stacy Reznikoff Kent

Coach Sam & Lev the Lion’s Biking Journey!

After weighing options of what to do with his summer, in July 2014, Coach Sam decided to take Lev the Lion and ride his bicycle from Los Angeles to Charleston, South Carolina. Coach Sam shared his journey with the school through photos and videos. He used his adventure to raise money for his beloved VBS Day School’s athletic program, raising $5,000.

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HONOR ROLL Donations to the Annual Fund, Temple Appeal & VIVA VBS received between July 1, 2014 - June 30, 2015 VISIONARY (25,000+) Jon and Susan Dolgen PARTNER ($15,000-$24,999) Victor and Lisa Kohn The Howard & Irene Levine Family Foundation Lefkowitz Family Foundation TRAIL BLAZER ($10,000-$14,999) Anonymous Marc and Lisa Bender ITW Foundation The Rabbis and Cantors of Valley Beth Shalom Synagogue VBS Day School Parent Organization PIONEER ($5,000-$9,999) Daniel and Tahli Abramovitch Michael and Anne Bazel Dennis and Ilene Berman Sergio Bicas and Tamar Dolgen Gil and Aileen Borok Zorik and Ilana Gordon Scott and Ann Lieberman Rachel Lipman Milken Community High School Brad and Mara Pressman Richard and Nurit Robin Darryl and Kim Schall Jay and Nancy Schulman Allan and Stephanie Walsh

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HEAD OF SCHOOL CIRCLE ($3,600-$4,999) Anonymous Kamran and Diana Boudai David and Roslyn Grinberg Howard and Irene Levine Robert and Lélia Maltzman Moshe and Debra Meppen Stephen and Avril Ozen Edward and Peggy Robin Karen Rubinstein Tom and Melody Yadegar INNOVATOR ($2,500-$3,599) Michael and Judy Altman Herbert and Geri Bieber George Hess and Lisa Kabaker Hess Eric and Thalia Kingsley Craig and Shelley Margulies Oren and Orit Rappaport Sean and Nazila Rastegar Daniel and Jordana Signer David and Tammy Temkin The Walt Disney Company Foundation LION’S CLUB ($1,800-$2,499) Kamyar and Ilyse Boudai David and Tiffany Boxer Howard and Franceen Davine Clyde and Nicole Isaacson Michael and Patti Jacobs Morris and Lillian Klempfner Ron Astor and Sheva Locke David and Sarah Osterman Torag and Monika Pourshamtobi Ilya and Adina Reyter Jay and Rebecca Rosen

David and Claudia Sack Robin and Vicki Samuel Richard and Ellen Sandler Daniel Spitzer and Elaine Meyers Michael and Susan Tabibian Larry and Gariann Weisenberg Jon and Lee Weisner Jack and Rita Youdai BLUE & WHITE ($1,000-$1,799) Anonymous Morad and Guita Amirieh Yoav Avicasis and Sharona Pony Avicasis Scott and Nancy Beiser Naftali Bendetson and Ada Janklowicz Sean and Shiraya Ben-Menahem Stuart Berkley and Alyse Golden Berkley Martin and Victoria Binder Ronald Blanc Tony Boxer Richard and Barbara Braun California United Bank City National Bank Martin and Sharleen Cohen Robert Cohen and Nancy Sher-Cohen CPEhr Mark and Sylvie Deutsch Jonathan and Robyn Fener Joshua and Lisa Furman Barry and Renee Gordon Dan and Tali Gordon Jonathan and Jo Carol Hiatt Keith Jacobs Kesselhaut Family Foundation Mark and Kimberly Kuskin Ronald and Doreen Lever Jerry and Pamela Offsay Steve (z”l) and Toni Parker

Morton and Bracha Rappaport Herb (z”l) and Adele Reznikoff Lee Rosen Jason and Lorelle Schirn David and Michelle Schreier Jack and Rita Sinder Ansel and Lynne Slome Alex and Elisa Taub Sam and Gilda Torbati Eddie and Kyle Van Pelt Michael and Shari Weiner Stan Weiss Brett Winn and Pam Levin-Winn Alan and Judy Zweig PATRON ($500 TO $999) Abraham Joshua Heschel Day School Joel and Fay Adelman Eyal and Kelleen Balle Mory and Tal Barak Jesse and Lill Beim Ron and Donna Bender Lilian Bicas Klein David and Heather Binder Warren and Mojgan Binder Eran and Kamea Bitton Barry and Lisa Bloom Jeffrey and Ellen Brown Richard and Irene Burstein Barry and Debbie Cohn Tennyson and Brynie Collins Michael and Wendy Damico Stephen and Stacey Davis Jordan and Ailee Dembo Michael DiBenedetto and Shoshana Kapnek Stuart and Sally Drexler Daniel and Andrea Epstein Eugene Photography and Video Aaron and Toby Feit Elie and Pamela Gindi

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Michael and Julie Girocco Ariel and Karen Goldenstein Rob and Jessica Goldklang Rheba Goldman Lawrence Goldstein Lorin and Amy Green Jonathan and Robin Greene Earl Greinetz Morad and Sharona Hanasab Jonathan and Corine Hartman Dirk and Jennifer Hebert Neil Hoffman Leo Howard Scott and Marcie Howard Neville and Marilyn Isaacson Ron and Lindy Kadouri Patrick Knightly and Stacey Weiss Hooman and Elham Kohankabir Lee Stucker Construction Jim and Glennis Malcolm Jordan and Elsa Mandelberg Sarah Mann Dov Margalit and Jill Klein Darren and Robin Melameth Gary and Judith Miller Ricky and Cindy Mintz Nastec Reuven and Ellen Nitka Orion Security Barton and Linda Pachino Daryoush and Sanaz Rad Marshall and Diane Resnik Matthew and Anat Resnik Benjamin and Janice Reznik David and Amy Rice Gil and Sharon Rief Marvin and Carol Rowen Bernie and Annette Rubinstein Robert and Lara Sarvian Brandon and Lisa Schindelheim Pejman and Sima Shirazy Jilbert and Ilana Shirian

Jonathan and Rebecca Steinberg Leonardo and Andrea Szew Elliott and Maddie Taft Jeremy Faith and Niva TelerantFaith Time Warner Charles and Elaine Weidmann Jack and Caroline Weingarten Eric and Lisa Wilen David and Orit Zeichick Kourosh and Karolin Zoghi FRIENDS (UP TO $499) Anonymous (6) Behrooz and Maria Ahdoot Keren Aigen Deanna Allen Noah and Hope Alper Alan and Sophie Alpert Amir and Merseda Armin Menahem and Lina Aviani B&B Premier Insurance Affie Bahar Conolly Harry and Golda Bain Leeor and Dora Baisburd David and Nancy Bakhaj Harris and Penny Ballow Evelyn Bauer Bonner and Nicole Bellew Ilan and Adina Bender Karen Bender Bella Bergman Michael and Arline Berkson Sandra Berman Nate Bernstein and Judith Cymerman Peter and Linda Bernstein Rachel Bernstein Bruce and Cirel Blitz Chanon and Sarah Bloch Bernice Bloom Molly Bogad ‘87

Joe and Joana Breckner Carter Jacobs, LLP John Cefalu and Melissa Randall Kenneth and Judy Chasin Benjamin and Joan Cohen Ramin and Nazanin Cohen Dov and Sheila Cohn Sandra Cooper Mike and Barbara Cordova Sumner and Judie Cotton Tal and Inbal Dagan Bertrand and Janice Dann Brian and Sharon Davidoff Erwin and Molly Diller Saeed and Setareh Dini Lauren Dolgen Efraim and Miriam Donitz Joel Douglas Ruth Drexler Michael and Stella Dubey Allan and Bonnie Duboff Robert Een and Karin Levitas David Egdes and Victoria Kaufman Cameron and Sarah Eghbali David and Lisa Elan Baruch and Claudine Elkrief David and Susan Ellis David and Alana Epstein Edward and Elaine Epstein Houshang and Touran Farhadian Scott Farkas Arie and Sandra Feder Ralph and Marlene Feldman Richard and Aliza First Sean and Linda Foley Ezekiel Freed Marcia Freedland Audrey Freedman Habush Eric and Lauren Freedman Gordon Freeman Merle Freeman Nettie Freeman

Steven and Andrea Friedrich Lois Froch Lou and Hannah Furman Jerald and Marcia Gale Murray and Rose Geller Terri Getzug Afshin and Karmela Giladi Anthony and Ruth Ginsberg Jeffrey and Ellen Glettner John and Carlin Glucksman Jedd and Marissa Gold Gary Golden Richard and Katherine Goldman Jerome and Joan Goldwasser Gisele Goldwater Leonard Gordon Roger and Linda Gordon Michelle Gorman Gil Graff Norman and Sue Green Edward and Frances Greenberg Stuart Greenfield Michael and Barrie Grobstein Eric Grodan and Lori Brockman Daniel and Dana Hadl Jason and Shari Hahn Mariano Dugatkin and Cecilia Hanono Itamar and Brenda Harari Oren and Lucy Harel Charles and Laurie Harris Nancy Herbst Herman Berman Co. Sean and Olivia Herstein Jim and Michele Hess Sigal Hezi Boaz Hopenstand and Tanya Sorkin Hal and Rhonda Hurwitz Andrew and Helen Hyman Ignition Auto Consulting, LLC Robert and Judy Jackson Stanley Joffe Annual Report 2014-2015

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Eric McAvoy and Deborah SlaboMcAvoy Rhona Meyerowitz Robert and Judith Miller Ithzak Tzafrir and Nurit MilsteinTzafrir Jo Mintz Seligman Amiel and Manya Monson Sarah Moore Alan and Nora Moreno Ezra and Jenny Namvar National Advertising Co. Douglas and Barbara Neistat Donald and Carol Neumark Michael and Cheryl Newman Brian and Karen Nitzkin Art and Leslie Nordon Northwestern Mutual Foundation David and Natali Noudel Ronen and Shirley Nourian Frank Nozar Maya Nozar NSBN, LLP Sydney and Sylvia Orel Gregg Orloff Leigh Orloff Steven and Sandy Osterman Joel and Lynn Ovadia Donna Ozenne Ariel Palmieri Steven and Jill Pearl Andrew and Donalisa Pelter Judy Penso Larry and Robin Permaul Naidu and Jane Permaul Mark and Sharon Pollock Rochelle Pollock Barbara Ponse Miriam Prum Hess Benjamin and Wendy Radparvar Bruce and Tamar Raff Alan and Susan Raphael

Todd and Liora Raphael Murray and Naida Ravett Michael Razak Harold and Phoebe Reff Andrew and Dawn Reiner Rodger and Jill Reiss Alex and Elena Reyter Itzik and Sandy Rief Joshua and Marie Ritz Susan Roden Brent and Rachel Rosen Mark and Michelle Rosenblatt N. Paul and Margaret Rosenthal Lisabeth Rothman Daniel and Sandy Rouse Royal Finance Group Sheila Rubin Jack and Joan Rubin Susan Rubin Dan and Tilly Rubinstein Marc and Leni Sack Uri Sakal Ian Sander and Kim Moses Stephen Sass and Steven Hochstadt Steven and Janet Scharf Kevin and Sara Scharff Jerry and Ellen Scharlin Hillel and Bilha Schechter Arnold and Maxine Scheer Edwin and Elaine Schreiber Eric and Jackie Schreiber George and Felice Schulman Joseph and Ruth Schweitzer Sam Schwerdtfeger Ruth Scott Harold and Colette Segal Marc and Jackie Shapiro Lane Sherman Sara Shulkind Bernard and Gloria Siegel Michael Wachtell and Linda Silver Michael and Teddi Silverman

David and Linda Silverstein Joseph and Michelle Skolnick Arthur and Wendy Smith Steven and Pamela Sobo Navid Souferi and Tanya Hoorfar Darin Souza David and Michelle Spiegel Robert and Sima Stanley Andrew and Svetlana Stein Paul Steinberg and Maureen Sweeney Steinberg Diane Steiner Robert and Rochelle Steres Jason and Linda Stern Yoram and Carolyn Stern Charlie and Sharon Subero Lisa Suman Brian and Melanie Sweeney Edward and Doreen Taras David and Einav Telem David and Esther Telerant Norman and Marianne Tiano Doron and Laurie Tisser Maxine Tobey David and Lyn Tobman Alex Tofer and Jasmine Sasooness Lisa Torban Meir and Ornit Toren Burton Bernstein and Sylvia TregubBernstein Walter and Judy Uhrman Matthew and Karen Vear Stephen and Melita Vickter Judy Vollmer-Humes Benjamin and Elana Vorspan Rachel Waltuch Joseph and Mickey Wapner Fred and Cheri Warner Michele Warner Karen Warren Adam and Shana Wasserman Sylvia Wechter

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Annette Weinberg Joanne Weingarten Daniel Weisenberg Robert and Marcia Weiss Wells Fargo Bank James and Carole Wenger Martin and Rita Wenger Albert and Clarie Wilen Prosper Benhaim and Katherine Wininger Lazaro Wisnia and Vera Cerny Hilary Zalon Michael Zeldin Aaron and Janie Zimmer Paul and Tanya Zimmerman VIVA IN KIND DONATION Lauren Aronson Tahli Abramovitch Adina Design/Adina Reyter Jewelry Adina Reyter Adrienne Madden Publishing, LLC Alef Bet by Paula American Cinematheque American Girl Anarbargh Aquarium of the Pacific Art’s Delicatessen and Restaurant Astrocamp Lina Aviani Baby Jar Dora Baisburd Balboa Fun Zone Rides Inc. Cantor Phil Baron Mory & Tal Barak Battleship Iowa Museum Bay Area Discovery Museum Beatbike, LLC Scott & Nancy Beiser Nicole Bellew Marc & Lisa Bender Prosper Benhaim & Katherine Wininger

Nate Bernstein Sergio Bicas & Tamar Dolgen Blend Z Winery Ilyse Boudai Greg & Rachel Bovitz Bowlmor AMF Braemar Country Club Brent’s Deli Derek & Lynette Brown Bubbles Pet Spa Cafe Bizou California State Railroad Museum Callaway Vineyard and Winery Camp JCA Shalom Capezio Dance Shop Capital Genealogy Carmel Bach Festival Casa Vega John Cefalu & Melissa Randall Center Stage Opera Charity by Design Chicago Children’s Museum Coach Sam Coach Toni Brynie & Tennyson Collins Coral Tree Cafe Corbin Bowl Barbara Cordova CorePower Yoga Courtyard by Marriott Crossfit Encino Dance Dimensions Performing Arts Center Daphne’s California Greek DClutterfly Liveable Organization Ailee Dembo Destination Science Discovery Cube LA OC Disneyland Resort Dolby Theatre Dowdell Abrams Encino Veterinary Clinic

Enzoani Designs Dan & Andrea Epstein Equinox Eyes Cream Shades Jeremy & Niva Faith Farfalla Restaurant Rabbi Noah Farkas Fashion Square Car Wash Fazio Cleaners Rabbi Ed Feinstein Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco Five Guys Operations, LLC Flair Cleaners Aliza First Four Brix Winery Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village Fox and Hounds Fresh Brothers Pizza Galileo Learning Galleria Park Hotel Gelson’s Market Gio Cucina Go Kart World Jedd & Marissa Gold Golden Performing Arts Center Katherine Goldman Jeffrey Goss Great Minds Robotics Lorin & Amy Green Robin Greene Roslyn Grinberg Dan & Dana Hadl Lucy Harel Hands to Hold Happy Hollow Park & Zoo Nancy Herbst Michele Hess Rabbi Josh Hoffman Hotel Lincoln Hugo’s Restaurants In-N-Out Burger

Jade Design Group, Inc. Jane Boutique Ada Janklowicz Jax Toys Jen’s List Just Food for Dogs Shoshana Kapnek Kaptured by Kristin Karen’s Toys Lisa Kaufman Zed Kelley Monica Klausner Koby B Salon Hooman & Elham Kohankabir Kuvera Partners LA Fitness La Fogata Mexican Restaurant Esther Lahav Lakeside Cafe Larsen’s Steakhouse Lasky Pediatric Dental Group Yvonne Lemunyon Kareen Lax Le Pain Quotidien Le Vigne Winery Lemonade Rachel Lipman Jason Litner LMG Studio Sheva Locke Lovi’s Delicatessen Lure Fish House Luxe Hotel Sunset Blvd.

Mad Science of Los Angeles Magicopolis Malibu Makos Surf Club Manatt Phelps and Phillips Marbles the Brain Store Craig & Shelley Margulies Maria’s Italian Kitchen Marmalade Cafe Massage Masters Annual Report 2014-2015

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Meant To Be Darren & Robin Melameth Michael Joseph Furie Salon Micro Kickboard Nurit Milstein-Tzafrir Miracle Springs Resort and Spa Miss Melodee Studios Mission Renaissance Fine Art Classes Mission San Juan Ami Monson Sarah Moore Nora Moreno Mulligan Family Fun Center My Gym Children’s Fitness Center Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County Ariela Nehemne Night Owl Nikki’s Tennis Crew Novanatural.com Old Faithful Geyser Olio E Limone Ristorante Oliva Trattoria Oliver’s Labels Oriental Trading Sarah Osterman Otter Box Stephen & Avril Ozen Pacific Edge Hotel Pacific Park Paintball USA Pali Adventures Yochi Peeri Pasadena Playhouse Pastries by Edie Pet Food Express Pier 39 Pinot’s Palette Pinz Planet Beauty Planet Smoothie

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Pumpkin Face Ultra Premium Dominican Rum Tamar Raff Orit Rappaport Real Food Daily Red and White Fleet Jill Reiss Rejuvenate Medical Spa Releve Studios Brent Rosen Susan Rosner Sandy Rouse Tilly Rubinstein Rudnick’s Ruth’s Chris Steak House Sacramento Zoo Saken Sports Camp San Diego Botanic Garden San Diego Zoo Global Sandbox Fitness Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Sarah Leonard Fine Jewelry Bilha Schechter Arnold & Maxine Scheer Schreiber & Schreiber David & Michelle Schreier SeaWorld Shannon Belfanti Sharky’s Sherman Oaks Castle Park Dan & Jordana Signer Simms Restaurants Skateland and Mountasia Fun Center Skirball Cultural Center Sky Dive Santa Barbara L.L.C. Smoke House Restaurant Snip-Its Sparkling Sage Sports Authority Sportsmen’s Lodge

Sprinkles Cupcakes Starlite Caterers Jonathan & Rebecca Steinberg Diane Steiner Sticks and Stones Stonefire Grill Sugarfish by Sushi Nozowa Lisa Suman Susie Cakes Sweet Lady Jane Avi & Amy Taff Taliesin West Tart Bites Einav Telem Youssef Terta The Cheesecake Factory The Counter The Distinguished Speaker Series The Elite Dance & Performing Arts Center The Ellen DeGeneres Show The Field Museum Chicago The Gymboree Corporation The Habit Burger Grill The Huntington The Ice House The Kim Hopkins Last Minute Auditon The Laguna Playhouse The Living Desert The Massage Place The Patina Group The Stand The Walt Disney Family Museum Tilly’s, Inc. Tiny Prints Tocaloma Summer Day Camp Tommy’s Tom’s Toys Tony Romas Gilda Torbati Trader Joes

Gregory C. Turks, D.D.S. Ultrazone Laser Tag Underwood Family Farms Urban Golf Performance Valley Beth Shalom Brotherhood Valley Beth Shalom Day School Valley Beth Shalom Sisterhood Gift Shop Valley Sports Cards & Picture Framing Eddie & Kyle Van Pelt VBS Early Childhood Center Karen Vear Veggie Grill Vinh Loi Tofu Viridian Art Academy Viviane Arlotto VJB Vineyards and Cellars Ben & Elana Vorspan Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts Rachel Waltuch Shana Wasserman Watson Adventures Scavenger Hunts Michael & Shari Weiner Larry & Gariann Weisenberg Marcia Weiss Western Bagel Baking Corp.

Wheel Fun Rentals Wheel of Fortune Whole Foods Lisa Woodward Writopia Lab Los Angeles Wundabar Tom & Melody Yadegar Zimmer Children’s Museum

Day School Administration 2014-2015

WAYS TO GIVE

Sheva Locke Head of School

Cash Online Giving Make a credit card gift online at www.vbsds.org/ giveonline. Donations can be made as a one-time gift or as a recurring gift.

Cash gifts are deductible to the full extent allowed by law and may be made by cash, check or credit card.

We accept planned or deferred gifts through charitable trusts, life insurance and bequests.

These options may reduce estate and inheritance taxes while securing the future of the school.

Many companies offer employee giving programs where they will match gifts that their employees make to nonprofits.

Stocks or other assets that appreciate in value can be donated and provide attractive tax advantages; often the full market value of the stock is tax deductible and capital gains taxes are avoided.

Sam Schwerdtfeger Dean of Students & Athletic Director

Ellen Glettner Business Manager Cindy Goodman Director of Admissions Carly Vazana Director of Development Elana Vorspan Director of Communications

VBS Synagogue Clergy

Tribute Gifts Appreciated Securities

Tamar Raff Director of Judaic Studies

Avi Taff Day School Rabbi

Matching Gifts Planned Gifts

Nancy Herbst Director of General Studies

Gifts in honor or in memory of a friend, family member, or a special occasion can be made to an endowed or designated fund.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Contact Carly Vazana, Director of Development, at 818-530-4074.

Rabbi Edward M. Feinstein Rabbi Joshua Hoffman Rabbi Noah Farkas Rabbi Avi Taff Cantor Herschel Fox Cantor Phil Baron

Annual Report Staff Tal Barak Cirel Blitz Zed Kelley Sheva Locke Diana Tagle Carly Vazana Elana Vorspan

Admission

Valley Beth Shalom Day School admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at this school.

The school does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admission policies, tuition assistance, or other school administered programs.

The Annual Report is a publication for the Valley Beth Shalom Harold M. Schulweis Day School, a nonprofit private school serving the San Fernando Valley’s Jewish community.

We gratefully acknowledge the many donors who supported VBS Day School and have made every effort to ensure that the listings in this publication are accurate. If, however, an error has been made, please accept our apologies and contact our Director of Development, Carly Vazana to address any questions or concerns.

FOLLOW US: @vbsdayschool

Vallley Beth Shalom Harold M. Schulweis Day School is a Solomon Schechter Day School accredited by the California Association of Independent Schools (CAIS), Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and the Builders of Jewish Education (BJE).

Annual Report 2014-2015

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15739 Ventura Blvd.

Encino, CA 91436

Each child is a blessing with seeds of potential.

Surround this child with rich soil and love and the child will grow, bringing wisdom, courage and compassion to our evolving world.

- Rabbi Harold M. Schulweis