‘A Bialik Straight’ is a Winner for this Family

A close-knit family’s commitment to Bialik

WHEN FARA AND EFREM Mandelcorn chose Bialik for their eldest daughter, Abby, over 12 years ago, they didn’t realize the family trend they were about to set in motion.

Abby flourished at Bialik and graduated as one of the 2021 valedictorians. Her positive experiences, academic success, and commitment to Bialik’s Jewish values inspired several family members to follow in her footsteps. Brother Zach entered the school two years later. Next came cousin Reese (daughter of Jessica and Sammy Redlick), followed by Abby’s brother Jacob, then cousin Jack (Reese’s brother), and fi nally another cousin, Julian (son of Robyn Waxman and Harley Redlick).

Although familial connections are nothing new at Bialik, these five siblings and cousins form a unique chain. They’re now in Grades 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 — a Bialik straight if you’re a poker player!

The family’s trendsetters, Fara and Efrem, did a lot of research into Jewish day schools before picking Bialik. “We chose Bialik based on the fact that we were so impressed with the initial orientation and curriculum outline,” recalls Fara. “My siblings saw how happy our children were in the early years and wanted the cousins to be together, so they put their faith in Bialik too.”

Still, Sammy and Jessica did their due diligence before committing Reese and Jack to the Bialik community. And they’re not disappointed with their decision. “The teachers, the administration and all of the staff are really positive, warm and caring towards the kids — they go above and beyond,” says Sammy. “And the kids have made some great friendships.” Likewise, the adults have forged good friendships and share common values with other parents.

When it came time for the youngest family member, Julian, to attend JK, the positive experience of his older cousins was key. Now in Grade 4, “Julian absolutely loves Bialik and I love that he loves it,” says Robyn.

The cousins — minus Abby, who’s in Grade 10 at TanenbaumCHAT — “adore seeing each other at school every day,” says Fara. “They play together at recess, high five each other in the hallways, and often have after-school playdates.”

Zach and Reese, currently in the Senior Division, enjoy being role models and leaders for not only their younger siblings and cousins but for the whole student body.

And Jacob, Jack and Julian — the “J boys,” as the family calls them — dream of being together on a Bialik Bears sports team someday.

“My favourite part about Bialik is that Julian gets to go to school with his five older cousins,” says his dad, Harley.

“It’s made the cousins a lot closer,” says Jessica of the school ties. “They talk about school all the time — their teachers and the funny things that happen at recess — and the older ones will even help the younger ones with homework.”

That closeness permeates the adult relationships as well. “We were a closeknit family anyway, but we’re all closer because we’re part of the Bialik community,” says Fara.

“Bialik does a very good job of making the entire family feel inspired and part of the community,” says Efrem. “This even extends to the grandparent level — all grandparents get invited into the school for special programs, Yiddish nights and ceremonies.”

The family is so satisfied with their experience, that they’re among Bialik’s committed volunteers and donors.

For example, Fara and Jessica began their involvement as Grade Parents, and then moved on to serve on the PTA Executive for two years. They’re currently in their second year as Co-Chairs of the Day of Giving at Viewmount, serving as school ambassadors and bringing in volunteers and donors for the Day of Giving.

“I enjoy giving back to the school and it models the importance of goodness for our children — it’s important to lead by example,” says Fara. “Hopefully, they will follow and participate in leadership or community volunteer opportunities.” Adds Jessica, “There’s such a nice sense of community in being involved.”

While it’s obvious that being at school every day together has made the cousins closer, it has also brought the whole family together. They all agree that they are proud to be part of the Bialik family for 12 consecutive years and counting.