Kol Bialik Winter 2019

Kol Bialik WINTER 2019

‫קול ביאליק‬

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BIALIK.CA

Pursuing excellence and passion at our thriving Himel Branch

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Students learn essential life skills from their STEM projects

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Parents love learning with kids at Family Education Experiences

KO L B I A L I K | W I N T E R 2 0 1 9

Kol Bialik is published annually by Bialik Hebrew Day School’s Advancement Department and is distributed to the members of our Bialik community.

HEAD OF SCHOOL Benjamin Cohen EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Marlene Brickman DIRECTOR OF MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS KOL BIALIK EDITOR Lydia Levin DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT Heather Gutmann DIRECTOR OF ADMISSIONS Danielle Waltman CAPITAL CAMPAIGN OFFICER Michal Daskalo VIEWMOUNT BRANCH MAIN OFFICE 2760 Bathurst Street Toronto, Ontario M6B 3A1 416.783.3346 THE BEN AND EDITH HIMEL EDUCATION CENTRE ON THE JOSEPH & WOLF LEBOVIC JEWISH COMMUNITY CAMPUS 180 Ilan Ramon Boulevard Vaughan, Ontario L6A 4P6 905.417.3737 PHOTOGRAPHY Bialik staff Caley Taylor Photography Justine Apple Photography Paula Feig Photography CONTRIBUTORS Chuck English Sidura Ludwig Nicole Stoffman DESIGN Waverly Creative KOL BIALIK PROJECT MANAGER Sidura Ludwig facebook.bialik.ca @bialikhds

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Here the Soul of the People is Forged |

‫פה בית היוצר לנשמת האומה‬

HEADLINES

HEADLINES Leading the way to innovative education

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he Jewish community’s strength has always been our people’s ability to adapt to change while holding steadfast to our values. The creative thinking of visionary Jewish leaders, and their willingness to take bold steps to meet the challenges of their times, has resulted in great success in both Israel and the Diaspora. Similarly, even as enrolment grows and Bialik flourishes in every way, our focus is firmly on the future and positioning our school as a leader in Jewish education.

In Bialik’s strategic plan, two interrelated areas of focus stand out as particularly exciting — the development of our STEM program and the expansion of our building facilities. We have set our sights on developing a revolutionary STEM approach that will permeate all elements of Bialik’s educational program — both in general and Jewish studies — and live at the very heart of our expanded and redesigned school spaces.

STEM at Bialik is evolving to mean much more than simply Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. Increasingly, our students’ learning is centred around authentic problem-based tasks and a design-thinking model that challenges them to engage with real-world problems. This approach emphasizes the process itself as a learning opportunity, as well as the learning that comes from trial and error. With this model, we are pleased to be providing our students with skills to become true 21st-century problem solvers.

Importantly, Bialik’s STEM program also creates a nexus for the integration of general and Jewish studies. Whether projects focus on ecology and the environment, modern Israel, energy and mechanical systems, or Jewish holidays,

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students think critically and creatively. They collaborate to synthesize their knowledge from various disciplines as they develop the qualities of future Jewish leaders. Our students are well positioned to face the unknown challenges ahead and use these skills to lead by example.

Just as STEM learning is becoming central to Bialik’s academic program, so too are makerspaces and design hubs moving to the heart of our physical facilities. Infused with Israel-related projects and displays, these spaces give voice to our core value of Ahavat Yisrael in a forward-looking approach. A key element of our Himel Branch expansion is a double classroom that will house the tools and workstations used for STEM projects. At Viewmount, we are planning an exciting transformation of our ground floor — a new STEM Learning Commons that will include a modular workspace, makerspace, greenhouse, library and resources for individual study and group collaboration. Laptops, robots, laser cutters and 3-D printers will complement a wide array of tools, making creativity and innovation come alive at both Bialik branches.

With STEM and our building improvements leading the way, the future is very bright for Bialik students.

Benjamin Cohen Head of School

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G R O W I N G CO M M U N I T Y

PURSUING EXCELLENCE WITH PASSION Beverley Young leads the thriving Himel Branch

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sk Principal Beverley Young to describe the Himel Branch in one word, and she doesn’t hesitate. “Thriving!” she says with her signature, warm smile.

Indeed, the branch buzzes with activity. The school library doubles as a Jewish studies resource centre — an inviting, open-concept area adjoining the front lobby. Right outside Young’s office window, children play together on the recently opened playground. And, you can hear the sound of construction as phase two of the Himel Branch nears completion on the south side of the building.

At first glance, this level of activity may seem overwhelming but Young sees great learning and team-building opportunities. “It’s a wonderful problem to have outgrown our space. The key to succeeding in the period of transition is that everyone realizes we’re in this together: students, teachers, parents and administrators.”

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Young is no stranger to change. She started at Bialik 33 years ago as a part-time French teacher, newly arrived from South Africa. She moved on to become Senior Division Coordinator and then Vice Principal.

Six years ago, when the Himel Branch opened, she was at the helm as Branch Principal.

It’s Young’s personal philosophy that drives this branch: Pursue your dreams with passion. She has pursued her vision of growing this community with characteristic determination.

Together with the Bialik leadership, she envisioned the dynamic elementary program serving the needs of the Vaughan community. Now, the branch that started with 64 students in 2013, proudly provides outstanding Jewish education to 285 students.

“It’s such a privilege to be part of something from the ground up,” she says. “I have always believed that every child can achieve success. As educators, it is our

responsibility to help them find their way with resilience, optimism, and perseverance. This is the Bialik model and this is what we are building here.”

Benjy Cohen, Head of School, says the school’s transition and success could not have happened without Young’s dedication and trusted leadership.

“Beverley has seen our school through so many changes. She was a natural fit to lead our expansion in the north. She leads by example every day and the success of the Himel Branch is the result.”

As the Grade 6 students return to their classrooms after being outdoors, Young asks a student, “How was your recess?”

“Good,” he says. “But it would have been better if the big playground was open.”

“Soon,” she answers. “But this is already better than before, right?”

He agrees. Guided by Mrs. Young, success means always celebrating the good.

Here the Soul of the People is Forged |

‫פה בית היוצר לנשמת האומה‬

G R O W I N G CO M M U N I T Y

HIMEL EXPANSION Walk into Bialik’s Himel Branch on the Lebovic Campus and you can’t help feeling the community growing around you

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he Himel Branch sits in the heart of a growing community. In fact, it’s one of the fastest growing Jewish communities in North America. Over the past two decades the Jewish population of the school’s catchment area in Vaughan has grown by over 600% while the number of Jewish children has increased by over 700%.

As Bialik has responded to the needs of this burgeoning area, it too has become a hub for Jewish education. In the five years since the Himel Branch opened, the school has grown exponentially. Parents are responding enthusiastically to the unique educational experience at Bialik. For the first time ever, there will be three Grade 1 classes in 2019-20.

Now, in response to this exceptional demand, the Himel facility is also growing physically. The current expansion will see the addition of six new modern classrooms, a STEM lab and art studio, and an IT centre, in addition to a large gymnasium and auditorium. Complementing these additions

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will be outdoor learning spaces, play areas and resource rooms.

The building is alive with activity. Parents schmooze with each other and faculty members. From the outset, parents have been involved in day-to-day activities, taking on a wide range of volunteer positions. Families look out for each other.

The growth of the Himel Branch isn’t the first time Bialik has responded to the needs of Toronto’s Jewish community. In 1961, when Bialik first opened its doors at the Viewmount Branch, and in the seven expansions that have followed, Bialik’s leaders and supporters have ensured that an ever-growing array of possibilities would be available to a larger number of students.

And, these students are having powerful experiences each day at Bialik — experiences that build future generations of our Jewish community and inspire those who will lead it.

BEYOND THE MODERN BUILDING,WHAT TRULY DISTINGUISHES THE HIMEL BRANCH IS THAT IT HAS BECOME A COMMUNITY — IN EVERY SENSE OF THE WORD.

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BEYOND ALEPH-BET

ith pride and excitement, Grade 4 Hebrew teacher Michal Dinary says, “Ivrit is no longer just for studying Torah, holidays and Aleph-Bet.” In Dinary’s class, as in many others at Bialik, Hebrew is also for learning science.

Grade 4s are spending this year exploring the topic of water as part of their Jewish studies. They are learning about the symbolism and meaning of water in Jewish holidays, the Torah and modern Israel. As they look into some of the environmental concerns — such as why the Dead Sea is shrinking or why the water is polluted — they are learning how to research, question and come up with solutions. All in their second language.

“Years ago, people said this kind of critical thinking in another language couldn’t be done,” says Kathy Friedman, Director of Jewish Studies. “But, the students are able to grasp complex concepts, even within the parameters of their Hebrew vocabulary. They’re doing it.”

Later this year, Dinary’s class will visit the school’s STEM lab and experiment with how to change salt water into fresh drinking water — a challenge most relevant to modern-day Israel. But the students will not be provided with all the steps to success. They will have to find their own solutions, using the same 21st-century principles of inquiry, research and experimentation that apply throughout the Bialik school day.

“It’s never about giving students the answer” , says Marcus Dickler, STEM Coordinator. “It’s always about asking more questions so the students can figure out how to get the answers.”

Dinary calls the moment when students realize they have the ability to do this kind of research in Hebrew “magic.”

“They are so engaged in their learning,” she says.

“They feel accomplished. Hebrew has meaning that reaches beyond the school walls. They feel they are doing something for the world.”

Critical thinking in a second language

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Here the Soul of the People is Forged |

‫פה בית היוצר לנשמת האומה‬

I N S P I R I N G E D U C AT I O N

THINKING BY DESIGN Learning real life skills from STEM projects

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he American futurist and author, Alvin Toffler, once said, “By instructing students how to learn, unlearn and relearn, a powerful new dimension can be added to education.”

That dimension is the students’ ability to learn from mistakes, to see failure as part of the process, and to understand that there may not be a right or wrong answer. The learning is in the process and not just in the end product.

This is the basis of design thinking and, excitingly, it’s happening in every grade at Bialik, from JK to Grade 8.

Teacher Megan Candib saw design thinking at its best when she led her Grade 2 students in a boat-building challenge. She tasked them with creating a vessel that could float and carry a load for five minutes, as well as be able to move on water, powered by a Sphero robot motor.

“When we first started, I thought this was going to be too difficult,” she remembers. “I was nervous. I didn’t want any tears. But the students tackled it with incredible ideas and resilience.”

The boat challenge is one of many STEMrelated projects being taught in the classroom.

In this case, Grade 2 students first learned about buoyancy and how different materials react to water. They worked with partners to share ideas for how best to construct their boat. They then drew a two-dimensional design and, finally, built a prototype.

The real learning happened when 95 percent of their models sank on the first try.

“It’s fun for them to make mistakes,” says Candib. “If it wasn’t working, you could see them saying to each other, ‘Let’s try this material now’

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or ‘Oh my goodness, I have such a good idea!’”

Shoshana Taitz, Director of General Studies, says the integration of STEM education across all grades at Bialik puts the emphasis on process learning.

“STEM is a pedagogical flip of learning. Traditionally in school, students study, take tests and then receive grades based on their output. But with STEM, students engage in learning, designing, testing, failing, refining and reflecting. It is as much, if not more, about the process than the product. They become active learners. This whole

“THE REAL LEARNING HAPPENED WHEN 95 PERCENT OF THEIR MODELS SANK ON THE FIRST TRY.” process models the skills they need in life for any kind of problem solving.”

Sure enough, whenever Candib’s students came to her with questions about their boats, she always turned the question back to them.

“They learned, ‘I can problem solve. I can fix this.’ They learn the skills, strategies and confidence to do it themselves.”

In the end, every pair of students built a boat, but no two boats were alike.

“The students learned that one problem can have 100 different answers,” says Candib.

“Everyone can do their own thing and do it well.”

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FINDING THE RIGHT PATH

Himel Branch Grade 3 Hebrew teacher Meirav Cohen describes the joy of becoming a student again

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he fact that I am a teacher is not a coincidence, but the fact that I became a student again is hard to believe. You see, I was never a model student. Sitting still was always difficult for me and still is. I only learned to read at the end of Grade 2. So who would have thought, many years later, when I was casually searching for information on second language instruction, I would come across Middlebury College in Vermont? Or that I would decide to work on my master’s degree in Hebrew proficiency? Coincidence? Perhaps. But there’s no question that I’m on the right path.

Middlebury is internationally recognized as a school for foreign language instruction. It was not easy leaving my family for six weeks, living in a dormitory and sharing a room, and being part of an intensive master’s program. But I did it — and I feel fully invigorated! I am so grateful to have received the support I needed from my supervisors at Bialik — Kathy Friedman and Beverley Young.

I learned that a language is more than the words we speak; it incorporates all aspects of a culture. I learned so much from the other students as we studied Israeli authors, watched films, danced and sang. In essence, we did much of what I do as a teacher every day and what, at Bialik, we believe to be the correct methodology for language instruction.

At Bialik, we have created our own units based on authentic language experiences. I grew to appreciate the way our school gives teachers access to best practice learning and the many opportunities we have to further our skills.

I learned something else as well—that my students are my best teachers. Watching their enthusiasm and their learning inspires me to continue to seek out opportunities to improve my teaching methods. Coincidence or not, I am thrilled that I had the opportunity to explore best practices at Middlebury and to implement them in my classroom.

Here the Soul of the People is Forged |

‫פה בית היוצר לנשמת האומה‬

P R O F E S S I O N A L D E V E LO P M E N T

GREAT TEACHERS MAKE GREAT LEARNERS!

FOR THE LOVE OF LEARNING

Bialik is so proud of our staff members’ devotion to learning. Many of our faculty are pursuing higher education and their learning benefits our students every day. We congratulate the following staff members for their hard work in their respective educational programs:

Debra Danilewitz York University — PhD in Humanities: Therapeutic Literature and Mindfulness

Abigail Colucci Memorial University of Newfoundland — MEd in Educational Technology

Rachel Cosman OISE — MEd in Curriculum, Teaching and Learning

Adi Barel Better Lesson Coaching Program

Emma Csillag OISE — MEd in Developmental Psychology and Education Lindsay Springer OISE — MEd in Developmental Psychology and Education Meirav Cohen Middlebury College — MA in Hebrew Proficiency Yasmine Merri Middlebury College — MA in Hebrew Proficiency Lea Zaltzman Middlebury College — MA in Hebrew Proficiency

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Hagit Dekel Yad Vashem — Jewish Educators Program, Part 2 Oriane Falkenstein Better Lesson Coaching Program Yad Vashem — Jewish Educators Program, Part 2 Martha Fleury Legacy Heritage Teacher Institute for the Arts Program Maya Goreshnik Legacy Heritage Teacher Institute for the Arts Program

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ach week, the email boxes of Bialik’s leadership team are flooded with professional development opportunities. While the team is excited to provide ongoing professional development to faculty members, it’s often difficult to find the right fit from the huge array of options.

This dilemma led the team to ask: What if we were to create our own learning hub right here at Bialik?

Director of General Studies Shoshana Taitz says, “We realized that we have many experts in different fields and we could set up our own learning network where Bialik teachers could engage with each other. They would be thinking critically and working together.”

Over and above the conferences and courses that our staff regularly attend, the school would be able to draw on the knowledge within our own community to engage in discussions on important, topical issues.

“As educators, we have a responsibility to continue learning ourselves and regularly pursue personal and professional growth,” says Viewmount Principal, Jake Gallinger. “Not only does this set a good example for our students, but our individual learning enhances their classroom experience.”

The educational leadership team has set up Bialik’s learning hub for professional development with a program that includes the following four courses:

• Not Your Bubbie’s Israel How we learned to stop worrying and love the Middle East.

• W ● hat is Happening to the World Around Us? The exploration of environmental issues and our responsibilities as Canadians and as Jews.

• L ● GBTQ — There’s Nothing Queer About It Understanding sexual and gender identity.

• G ● reat Minds Don’t Think Alike Building bridges to every brain.

Workshops take place four times during the year and all topics are facilitated by Bialik staff. Gallinger says the teachers’ enthusiasm for these learning opportunities reinforces why Bialik wanted to offer these courses in the first place.

“It was a real opportunity for people to share their ideas and for relationships to form around issues of common interest.”

Grade 3 teacher, David Cohen-Olivenstein, agrees.

“Having the opportunity to collaborate with my colleagues to discuss ways in which we can further support our students is invaluable — this has been an informative, meaningful experience that will help me to make a big impact in the classroom.”

Bialik is very pleased to be able to offer staff these unique learning experiences. “After careful consideration and planning of our professional learning sessions, we are excited to see the faculty’s high level of engagement and love of learning,” says Shoshana Taitz. “They are truly passionate about learning for learning’s sake.”

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AALU LUM MN NII PPRRO OFFI L E S

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WORK HARD, PLAY HARD AND LOVE YOUR COMMUNITY 10

KOL BIALIK | WINTER 2019

ina Hagler Wine’s 1981 Bialik graduating class was small — only 16 students. But their expectations were big. “You worked hard, you played hard and you had your teachers and friends to support you,” she says.

Wine lives by that mantra today. She is a sought-after endocrinologist with LMC Diabetes and Endocrinology, a specialized diabetes research and health care provider.

Besides caring for patients, she also lectures family physicians on up-to-date treatment options for Type 2 diabetes.

Two days a week, Nina trades her stethoscope for a virtual hard hat when she works for her father’s property management company, DH Management.

“I’m constantly learning,” says the mother of three Bialik graduates. “I like to be busy! It sets a good example for my children — especially my daughters — when they see an independent woman.”

While her two careers may not appear to be linked, Nina says there is a lot of overlap between medicine and real estate.

“In both cases you are looking at numbers, odds, percentages, probabilities, weighing the pluses and minuses and then deciding based on the data how to move forward.

Also, as a doctor, your ability to develop a rapport with your patients and be their advocate is as important as the relationship you develop with your tenants in real estate.”

Building strong relationships has always been a priority for Wine, going back to her Bialik days. As the daughter of a beloved teacher, Ziona Hagler, who taught at Bialik for 49 years, the school became Nina’s second home.

“We were educated far beyond the basic principles of math and Hebrew. The school raised us to be who we are. It was more than a community. We really were a family,” she says.

Dedication to community, and especially Israel, is still a large part of Nina’s identity. She continues to be a big supporter of the school, as well as a number of other organizations, including TanenbaumCHAT, Magen David Adom and Beth Tzedek synagogue. She is also working with Toronto’s University Health Network to partner with different Israeli high-tech initiatives on developments in medicine.

Nina’s drive to give back to the larger community has its roots in that small graduating class.

“The ties we made and the sense of community are really amazing to me. I can reach out to many members of my Bialik graduating class and know I would have their support. We weren’t just classmates. We were siblings.”

Here the Soul of the People is Forged |

‫פה בית היוצר לנשמת האומה‬

A LU M N I P R O F I L E S

THREADS OF SUCCESS A

t first glance, it would be hard to find the links between the many parts of Neil Closner’s varied and highly successful career. But when you ask Neil about it, not only can he immediately identify two distinct threads, he attributes both to his experience as a student at Bialik.

Neil graduated Bialik in 1988. He earned a BA in Economics from McGill University that included a year at the London School of Economics, and went on to complete an MBA at the Wharton School of Business.

His career path has included: becoming an investment banker; leading half a dozen start up companies; and becoming a business development executive for a hospital. Most recently, he’s turned his business skills to the medical cannabis industry.

So, what are the threads? Almost all of Neil’s experience has had a connection to Israel, including MedReleaf, the company he formed after visiting Israeli seniors who were being treated with medical cannabis.

“Bialik instilled in me an appreciation and love for Israel,” Neil explains. “On top of that, my ability to speak Hebrew is something I credit entirely to Bialik.”

Neil also devotes his volunteer efforts to Israel as an executive committee and board member at Technion Canada.

The other common element is caring for others through health care.

“My desire to help people in need was fostered at Bialik,” he recalls.

“There was always a focus on tzedakah and that’s something I’m intent on passing on to the next generation.”

Neil’s daughter, Quinn, is an SK student at Viewmount and he’s very pleased with her experience. “I’m impressed with the focus on developing character traits like grit, empathy and compassion. Also, the concentration on STEM is wonderful. Bialik is definitely preparing kids for their futures.”

One of the most important things Neil says he is teaching Quinn is that the words “I can’t” should not be part of her vocabulary. Based on what she is learning at Bialik, and the example set by her father, that’s one lesson she’s sure to learn.

Calling all Bialik alumni! Drop us a line and tell us what you’re up to. We’d love to hear about your news, life events and achievements for our upcoming alumni newsletter.

Email Michal Daskalo mdaskalo@bialik.ca

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A SLICE OF LIFE

CLIMBING TO SUCCESS Bialik students had an amazing year of learning

Pressing oil to light the chanukiah

Learning the symbolism of Rosh Hashanah

Bonding and fun are always part of school trips 12

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Exciting climbing adventures

Generations learning together about the Holocaust

Building respect, brick by brick Here the Soul of the People is Forged |

‫פה בית היוצר לנשמת האומה‬

Yiddish comes alive with song and dance

Go, Bialik Bears!

Joyous celebration of Yom Ha’atzmaut

Coding robots is a fun way to learn about world issues bialik.ca

The soul of Bialik at Kabbalat Shabbat 13

S P E C TA C U L A R K I D S

INCLUSIVE AND SUPPORTIVE H annah Minsky and Olivia Kramer figure the key to a happy school is a place where all students feel supported and included. So, when the entire Senior Division broke out into a dance party at lunch for Think Pink Day, the Student Council event co-ordinators knew they were on the right track.

“It wasn’t just every grade dancing by themselves. It was everyone dancing together. And I thought that was really important and special,” says Hannah. Olivia adds, “We want to become like one community.”

The girls work with Student Council to co-ordinate spirit and fundraising events. Think Pink was

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for breast cancer awareness and to raise money for research. They also plan a Pyjama Day, as well as a week on bullying awareness.

Modelling inclusivity is something the girls take seriously.

“When we’re in class, we make sure that everyone who wants a partner has one. We make sure to ask other people to work with us,” says Hannah.

“This is a leadership role that goes beyond Student Council. We want to be role models for other kids.”

Supporting their friends starts with supporting each other. The girls are both accomplished in and out of school. Hannah plays high-level soccer five times a week. Olivia dances com-

petitively and trains 10 hours weekly. Managing a busy schedule means knowing when to reach out for help.

“It can be stressful,” says Olivia. “But we rely on each other.” Hannah laughs, “I don’t go a few days without FaceTiming Liv!” They’ll take their strong friendship and work ethic with them when they graduate this year and both head to TanenbaumCHAT. Even when they move on, they plan on maintaining the supportive role they have developed at Bialik.

“I want to make sure that we’re inclusive,” says Hannah. “Especially in a new setting. I don’t want people to feel like outsiders.”

Here the Soul of the People is Forged |

‫פה בית היוצר לנשמת האומה‬

S P E C TA C U L A R K I D S

NO PROBLEM HE CAN’T SOLVE G

rade 8 student Ryan Fox likes problem solving.

Call it a bit of a hobby. Two years ago, when he wrote the Caribou Math Contest, he landed in the top one percent.

This year, the well-rounded student decided to take his problem-solving skills and apply them to student life.

His friends complained that there weren’t enough boys on Student Council. So Ryan took up the challenge and now holds the position of vice president.

“I wanted to make sure that the boys had a say in what’s happening in student life,” he says. “I see myself as a representative.”

Being on Student Council has made Ryan more aware of all his peers and their school experience. “I can have a big impact on students’ experiences at Bialik. I want everyone to have an enjoyable time, especially in Grade 8.”

Ryan is preparing for the Caribou contest again, while also keeping up with his other school work, Student Council duties, and four nights a week of baseball. The secret to his success? Hard work, no procrastination and a love of learning.

“I’m really interested in what I’m trying to learn and not just the marks I get,” Ryan says.

That focus on personal growth is something Ryan applies to all areas of his life, be it in class, on council or on the baseball diamond.

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“FAMILY EDUCATION IS LESS ABOUT PRESENTING INFORMATION AND MORE ABOUT SHARING THE EXPERIENCE.”

LEARNING TOGETHER Family Education Experiences

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or Grade 3 parent Glenna Fuss, attending the Bialik Sukkah Experience was more than just a chance to celebrate her daughter’s education. It was an opportunity to be educated as well. Making education a family experience is a priority at Bialik. Each grade hosts a family learning experience during the year — for example, in Grade 6 it’s tied to Tu B’Shvat; in Grade 1 it’s during Chanukah. Rather than hearing about their children’s lessons, parents participate in the learning.

“In the car ride home, my daughter and I were talking about sukkahs, that they aren’t permanent; what makes one kosher. Because of the Sukkah Experience, I knew what she was being taught in school. I wouldn’t have known otherwise.”

For the Sukkah program, parents and children not only learned together, they also participated in a tzedakah-related project. Drawing on the idea of the sukkah as an impermanent home, students learned about homelessness in the local community. Together with parents, they decorated canvas bags with words of encouragement and then filled them with scarves, gloves and socks. The bags were given to Ve’ahavta to be distributed to those in need.

Glenna’s daughter Marissa enjoyed doing a school art project with her mom. “I loved that we got to make art together and then also give things to children who can’t get them by themselves,” she says.

As Director of Jewish Studies, Kathy Friedman, notes, the program was about how educational experiences build community.

“The children are so involved. They want to show what they know. On top of that, the parents and families are sitting and working together, supporting each other, learning from each other. This is real community.”

Glenna Fuss says that in the end, not only did she come away better educated about the holiday, but the combination of learning and creating together helped her daughter appreciate the importance of tzedakah on a deeper level.

“There’s value and pride. It’s tangible versus just being asked to bring in money to support a cause. Anytime a child creates something that can be used for tzedakah, this is a more meaningful way to get them involved.”

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Here the Soul of the People is Forged |

‫פה בית היוצר לנשמת האומה‬

CO M M U N I T Y S P OT L I G H T

REIMAGINING BIALIK A family’s love of Jewish day school and their commitment to making it even better

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ombine the vision of a better way with a deep sense of communal obligation and you begin to understand what drives Ronnie and Debra Aronson to impact the future of Bialik. The Aronsons see Jewish day school as being essential to the future of the community. “Most of the builders and leaders of our community have roots in Jewish day schools,” says Ronnie. Debra also notes that many parents are choosing private schools over Jewish day schools. “We need our schools to be modern and appealing to 21st-century parents.”

Not surprisingly, there’s a technological thread to the Aronsons’ support of Bialik. When they first became involved, they provided the funds for new computers in the computer labs. They then funded a matched donation program that resulted in the school being fully equipped with SmartBoards.

Now, they are spearheading a campaign to reimagine the way students learn, by providing the space and the resources for the STEM Learning Commons at the Viewmount Branch. It will be a leading-edge facility that brings design thinking and STEM learning to life. As Ronnie puts it, “Reimagining the various spaces created the pathway to an elegant, modern learning commons.”

The Aronsons’ commitment to community building goes beyond the philanthropic. In addition to Bialik, Debra devotes her time to a number of community causes including Magen David Adom for Israel, Federation’s Israel Engagement Committee, the Diller Teen Fellowships and the Women’s Cabinet at the Village Shul.

Likewise, Ronnie has devoted countless hours to the school, having served on the Board of Directors for six years, chairing the Head of School support committee and as a member of the recent Head of School search committee.

Ronnie and Debra’s relationship with Bialik began when they chose the school for their daughters, Shira and Yarden, both of whom are alumni, now attending CHAT. “They had a wonderful, academically excellent experience that created a strong connection to Israel,” Debra reports.

For the Aronsons, the motivation to support Bialik is actually quite simple. As Ronnie says, “When you fall in love with Jewish day school, you naturally think about how it could be even better.”

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CO M M U N I T Y S P OT L I G H T

Tina Erlich Profile

WHEN GIVING BACK IS A FAMILY TRADITION J

oining Bialik’s Development Committee was “an easy yes” for Tina Erlich. “I grew up in a home where community involvement and Jewish education were important,” she explains.

“So, it was natural for me to want to get involved.”

Tina attended Jewish day school through Grade 12 and she and her husband, Adam, considered educational choices for their kids very carefully.

They wanted an environment that was both academically rich and grounded in Jewish experiences. Bialik fit that bill. “When I see my kids knowing exactly what to do and sing on Friday night, in the sukkah or at the seder, I know I made the right decision,” Tina says proudly.

“My kids have found a place where they can

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KOL BIALIK | WINTER 2019

thrive,” she reports. “Issie, who is in Grade 3, has gone from being quiet and reserved and has blossomed into a confident, vibrant student. And Blake, in SK, is having a similar experience. My kids are getting a great education. On top of that, my husband and I have found a home at Bialik and we find ourselves surrounded by a supportive social circle.”

Tina’s parents, David and Judy Engel, each have remarkable records of community service and that motivates Tina. “I’m the luckiest person in the world to have been born to my parents. I don’t feel the need to replicate what my parents did. Rather, I want to find my own way to make my mark.”

Tina’s involvement on Bialik’s Development Committee has been gratifying. “Last year, the

Annual Campaign for Excellence raised over $1 million — an incredible success! I’d like to see the annual campaign continue to grow so that, beyond the tuition support we provide, we can fund many necessary enhancements to our programs and our facilities.”

“It’s important for my kids to see me in the school,” Tina reflects. “It tells them a very powerful and personal story. I want them to understand the importance of giving back and that there are lots of ways of doing that.”

Putting it all in perspective, Tina says, “I’m going to do what my parents have done by perpetuating the example they, and my grandparents, have set through a lifetime of Jewish values, chesed and giving back.”

Here the Soul of the People is Forged |

‫פה בית היוצר לנשמת האומה‬

CO M M U N I T Y S P OT L I G H T

LEADING BY EXAMPLE W

hen you ask Sandy Brown — a past president and lifetime member of the Bialik Board of Directors as well as the former chair of Toronto’s Board of Jewish Education — for the highlight of her involvement in Jewish education, she is quick to answer: “Seeing my children and grandchildren graduate from Bialik provided a sense of accomplishment for them and for me. It was overwhelmingly emotionally satisfying.”

Sandy talks about her role as a grandparent with great passion. “Being a grandparent is being a teacher, creating experiences for your children and grandchildren,” she enthuses. As it does for educators in classrooms, that takes

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planning and preparation. “My husband and I have thought deeply about our personal values and how to transmit them. More than anything we can say or tell, we recognize that we are role models in the way we choose to lead our lives.

We want our grandchildren to remember us by what we do Jewishly.”

Sandy and her husband, Mel, have three daughters, all Bialik alumni, and eight grandchildren, all of whom attended Bialik. The two youngest will graduate from Bialik next spring and will attend TanenbaumCHAT, as did their cousins.

For Sandy, it’s tremendously important that her grandchildren are lifelong learners and make Judaism an active part of their lives. That’s one

of the reasons she regularly attends a number of classes on Jewish topics. As she says, “When you are the example, you send a powerful message about what’s important.” Beyond that, Sandy has conversations with her grandchildren about how important it is to her that they remain Jewish.

“You can’t be afraid to tell people what’s in your heart,” she implores.

Sandy has hopes and dreams for her grandchildren: “I want them to be healthy, happy, pursue as much education as possible and let Judaism create excitement in their lives. I want them to understand that we are all links in the chain of Jewish continuity and that they must do their part to keep that chain unbroken.”

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FA M I LY S P OT L I G H T

WHY WE CHOSE BIALIK

THE GROSSMAN FAMILY, VIEWMOUNT

THE KANE FAMILY, HIMEL

C

T

am Grossman was having a great academic experience in JK at his secular private school. But his dad couldn’t shake the feeling that something was missing.

“My husband is a day school graduate,” says Jordanne Grossman, Cam’s mom and a public school graduate. “In his gut, he really wanted that experience for our kids.”

Upon advice from friends and members of the community, the Grossmans decided to check out Bialik and, very soon, Cam was enrolled. Now, Cam loves coming to school every day.

“He’s learning so much!” says Jordanne. “And he loves Jewish studies. He’s busy telling me all the other kids’ Hebrew names!”

“I get it now,” she continues about the value of Jewish education. She remembers at their previous school attending a holiday concert where the performances focused on winter. “We’re Jewish,” she says. “We celebrate Shabbat and the holidays. The fact that our kids are getting an understanding of who we are makes a difference.”

The Grossmans haven’t wasted any time ensuring the Bialik experience continues for their young family. Younger brother Heath is already enrolled for JK next year!

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KOL BIALIK | WINTER 2019

he moment Shayne Kane and Tatyana Slavny-Kane decided to move their daughter Maya from public school to Bialik, it was like a light bulb went on. Or, more appropriately, a candle was lit.

“We were celebrating Chanukah with our friends,” Tatyana remembers.

“And their kids all knew the prayers and the songs. Maya was mumbling along, trying to remember what she had learned from when she was in daycare [two years before]. We decided to move her that January. We’ve never looked back.”

Maya entered SK in the middle of the year at Bialik’s Himel Branch. After six weeks, her teachers told the Kanes it was as if she had been there from the beginning of the year. Now, a year later, the Kanes continue to be wowed by the community and the support they’ve found.

“It’s family that drives this Bialik engine,” says Shayne. “We really feel loved in this environment.”

These days, Maya sings Hebrew songs in the car and shares the Hebrew vocabulary that she’s learned with her younger sister, Sienna, who will be at Himel next year.

“She would be there now, if she could!” Tatyana laughs.

Like the lighting of Chanukah candles, this family’s passion for Jewish education continues to be passed on.

Here the Soul of the People is Forged |

‫פה בית היוצר לנשמת האומה‬

FA M I LY S P OT L I G H T

MUCH MORE THAN AN EDUCATION B

ialik Himel parents Marcie and Avner Shwarzman were extremely lucky when their son, Ben, who was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, got a rare chance to receive an operation that could allow him to walk without support.

The five-year old was chosen as one of six children — from 6,000 applicants — to receive Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy surgery to correct his muscle spasticity.

When the Shwarzmans’ Bialik friends — Shayna Merker, Whitney Benatar, Liora Betsalel and Vicky Nisan — found out that Marcie would have to take a leave from work to live at The Holland Bloorview Rehabilitation Hospital with Ben for three months, they sprang into action.

They set up a GoFundMe page and started a meal train to ensure Avner and the three other boys, Jacob, Joey and Noah, would have warm dinners in Marcie’s absence.

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Launching on a Monday with a $1,000 goal, by Friday, the GoFundMe page had raised a phenomenal $18,000, mostly from Bialik families, but also from friends and the Jewish community.

“The outpouring from Bialik was unbelievable,” Marcie says.

As an active PTA member, Marcie has played a key role in the Himel community. Although she is a very private person, Marcie realized that it was important for her family to know how many people stood by them during this transition. The community was inspired by Ben’s bravery, creating the hashtag, #nothingcanstopmenow, for their campaign.

“The life lessons that my children will get from this and the importance of giving back and paying it forward are immeasurable,” says Marcie.

“And, they did this for a child that does not even attend the school.”

Ben is doing exceptionally well since his surgery, but now the hard part begins as he has to relearn to crawl and walk. “We’re starting fresh,” says Marcie optimistically.

The success of the GoFundMe campaign will allow Ben to receive personalized therapy in St. Louis, Missouri, hydrotherapy, horseback and skating therapy to promote new neural pathways between his brain and his muscles. Marcie wants him to be ready to enter Bialik in Grade 2.

“I want people to know that Bialik is not just an education centre,” she adds. “It’s a place where you become part of a community, it’s a family. It’s tough being at Holland Bloorview, away from my family, but Bialik has made sure that my children are well taken care of. I feel that we are forever indebted to them.

We’ll ensure that the school continues to grow, and we’ll always be its #1 supporters.”

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O U R G E N E R O U S S U P P O RT E R S

PHILANTHROPY IN ACTION Thank you to our wonderful community for supporting Bialik so generously this past year and making an impact on our school and students. You are enabling us to inspire the curiosity and excitement of our future Jewish leaders.

2018 ANNUAL CAMPAIGN DONORS Donations received from July 1, 2017 - June 30, 2018 Anonymous (4) Hillel and Hanna Abergel Shalomi and Devra Abraham Benjamin Abramov and Shari Golberg Wayne and Mandy Abramsohn Mitchell Adelstein and Jennifer Kaufman Adelstein Ofer Agid and Ronit Agid Eric Agmnon and Stephanie Rosen Radmilla Akilov Jeffrey and Jennifer Alexandroff Eli Alter Yoel and Galit Altman Loren Altman David Altshuller and Rebecca Cash Irit Amar Merav Anafi Mark and Karen Anhang Jake and Vivian Anhang Gerry Anklewicz Greg and Jennifer Apple Jeffrey Appleby and Shayna Rosenbaum Allen and Michelle Aptekar Racquel Argumedo Ronnie and Debra Aronson Stacy Ash Yaron and Orly Ashkenazi Jeremy and Dara Back Michelle Bader Jonathan and Jennifer Baker Barry and Ricki Baker Michael and Sherri Baker Marc and Debbie Baker Alanna Balilty Alex Ball and Suzan Kerner Adi Barel Ira Barkin and Janice Bereskin Assaf and Shirley Bar-Menachem Jeremy and Leah Baruch Amy Baryshnik Ayala Beck Richard and Tamara Belfer

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KOL BIALIK | WINTER 2019

Bram and Ilana Belzberg Samuel Benchitrit and Sharon Telem Richard Bennett and Lisa Lipkin Alan and Jennifer Bensky Jared Bensky and Laurie Smilovits Bensky Gary Bensky Jack Benzacar and Andrea Somers Hava Bercovici Marshall Berenbaum and Dana Eilath Rebecca Bergel Steven and Deborah Bergson Roy Bernhard and Caroline Cohen The Benjamin Foundation Michael and Liora Betsalel Bialik Hebrew Day School - Elementary Division Students Bialik PTA - Himel Bialik PTA - Viewmount Melissa Bien Michael Binder and Jackie Saltsman Shoshana Black Alexa Blustein Richard Bockner and Leslie Gelfand Mark Bordo and Sabrina Kaufman Mel and Joyce Bornstein Jeremy and Shauna Bornstein Abby Brass Mark and Candice Braun Marlene Brickman The Edward Bronfman Memorial Fund David and Taryn Bross Allon and Pnina Bross Daniel and Jessica Browman Sidney and Gina Brown Melvin and Sandra Brown Alison Burke Immanuel and Lily Burton Poppie Butler Canada Cleaning Supplies Limited Elana Caplan Frank Carnevale and Randi Rahamim Jordan Carr and Stacey Silverstone-Carr Michelle Carroll Aaron Cash and Erin Klinghoffer Barry Cayen and Dara Maker Leo and Bayla Chaikof Ania Chernina Jackie Chia-Tisu Cassey Chisick and Sophie Milman Esther Chudy Neil Closner and Sherri Lavine

Elisa Cogan

Michael Dorfman and Stephanie Brull

Benjamin Cohen and Jane Rimmer

Mark and Naomi Driman

Gideon and Meghan Cohen

Leonard and Alana Drimmer

Jonas and Jennifer Cohen

Daniel and Risa Drimmer

Jeremy Cohen and Adee Bross Cohen

Aaron Drucker and Nicole Kozloff

Meirav Cohen

Joshua Drury

David Cohen-Olivenstein

Liran and Stephanie Dry

Mihael and Simone Cole

Marvin and Miriam Dryer

Avi and Leora Cole

Shane and Katie Dubin

Italo and Ruth Colucci

Lauren Duchen

Abigail Colucci

Rose Durbin

Jordana Commisso

Fred and Anita Eckhaus

Matthew Connors

Peter Edrey and Chun Bei Huong-Edrey

Richard and Patricia Cooper

David and Paula Eichler

Eli Cooperberg and Joanna Mansfield

Elliott and Wendy Eisen

Randy Covens and Lindsay Ram

Hailey Eisen

Harvey and Alexandra Cyngiser

Sean Eisenbaum and Amanda Dale

Daniel and Heidi Czutrin

Evy Eisenberg

Jeremy Dacks and Ali Taradash-Dacks

Sam and Erin Elfassy

Dustin Dalgorf and Elisa Goldlust

Elliott and Cheryl Ellison

Craig and Lauren Damelin

Neil Elman and Andrea Rosenbloom

Francesca Dangelo

Bruce and Nancy Elman

Larry and Debra Danilewitz

David Elman and Laura Elinson Elman

Raphael and Andrea Danon

Morton and Roslyn Elman

Benny and Michal Daskalo

Adam Enchin and Dayna Freedman

Melissa David

The Anna Engel Memorial Fund

Larry and Carolyn Davidson

Ron and Diane Ennis

Steven and Marnie Davidson

Johanna Ennis

Jamie Davis and Jodie Kaufman Davis

Blake Enzel

Anna Dayan

Lesley Epstein

Brian and Gayle de Bloeme

Adam and Tina Erlich

Eitan and Daniela Dehtiar

Olga Fainer

Ran and Hagit Dekel

Candice Faktor

Michael and Lindsay Detsky

Oriane Falkenstein

Jay and Sivanne Detsky

Matthew and Suzanne Farb

Howard and Mirah Detsky

Oren and Renata Farbman

Jeremy Diamond and Sandra Zisckind

Jared and Jessica Faust

Barbi Dick z”l

Ashley Faust

Stuart Dicker and Heidi Miller Dicker

Mark Federman and Marina Gutman

Marcus Dickler and Jaimie Kudlats

Robbie and Helene Feldman

Berta Dilouya

Sara Feldman

Michal Dinary

Bruce and Lesley Ferman

Here the Soul of the People is Forged |

‫פה בית היוצר לנשמת האומה‬

O U R G E N E R O U S S U P P O RT E R S Lourds Fernando

Lianne Goldsmith

Laura Hochman

Zachary Klinghoffer and Jackie Ostro

Joseph Fernando

Ron Goldstein and Renee Flamenbaum

Bailee Hoffman

Gerry and Donna Koffman

Tony Ferreira

Sheldon and Millie Goldstein

David Holland and Ilana Zeidel

Daniel and Kimberley Kofman

Yottam Fichman and Shawna Hart

Abe and Joan Goldstein

Ari Huber and Vickie Sugarman

Erin Kofman

Benjamin Fine and Ronit Ossip-Fine

Alise Goldstein Bard

Rose Hurst

Eva Kogan-Greenwald

Adam and Beth Fineman

David and Naomi Goltzman

Scott and Cindy Hyman

David and Joy Kohn

Richard and Caren Finkelstein

Jessica Goodman

Darren Inspektor and Joanna Winter

Alana Konopny

Chad and Sheri Finkelstein

Rebecca Gootgarts

Hannah Isaac

Nella Koren

Darryl and Shelby Firsten

Anna Gordon

Noah Ivers and Ilana Halperin

Shawn Korman and Sharone Benegbi

Sharon Fligel

Erica Gordon

Shawn and Jessica Jerusalim

Mark and Genevieve Korman

Daniel and Sharon Fogel

Jack and Anita Goren

Rebecca Slan Jerusalim

Rebecca Kornblum

Robert and Shauna Fonn

Maya Goreshnik

Shaheen Joshi

Rom Koubi

Eric and Cheryl Foster

Aaron and Ilana Graben

Ora Kagan

Irit Koubi

Seth and Carly Foucault

Jeff and Jordana Grad

Renee Kaiman

Michael Kraft and Renee Fogelbaum

Jamie and Elisa Fox

Justin and Jordana Grant

Zoe Kalmanson

Justin and Melissa Kramer

Steven and Stacey Frankel

Daniel Green and Amanda Kushnir

Shayne Kane and Tatiana Slavny

Lauren Krasin

Kelly Freeman

Eric and Karen Green

Avery Karney and Adeana Axler

Jonathan and Corry Kreindler

Marshall and Toddy Freilich

Daniel and Emily Greenberg

Kasiel Kates

Jonathan and Janna Krieger

Anatoli Freiman and Andrea Kurtz

Jason and Sarah Greenspan

Vadim Kats and Risa Revin

David Krigstin and Cayla Brooks

Richard Fridman and Aviva Lowe

Cliff and Joanne Grevler

Ronny Katz and Rivka Krakofsky

Joshua Kuretzky and Anndra Schwartz

Avraham and Kathy Friedman

Allan and Fauna Grill

Shane and Lara Katz

Bindee Kuriya

Alan and Michelle Friedman

Bernie Gropper and Elise Stern Gropper

Oren and Adrienne Katz

Jeremy Kushner and Shoshana Mezelski-Kushner

Alex and Karin Friedmann

Adam Grossman

Stephen and Melanie Katz

Alf and Gayle Kwinter

Jenny Frisch

Helen Gurofsky

Darren Katz and Nadine Rockman Katz

Jordan Lack and Tamar Kopel

Joshua and Michelle Frost

Heather Gutmann

Ian Katz

Eric and Leora Laichter

Shay and Sarit Fuchs

Elliott Gwosdy and Deborah Wise

Leila Katz

Aaron and Miriam Landau

Zack Fuerstenberg and Dana Glassman

Ira and Sherri Haberman

Oren Katznelson and Dana Bell

Robin Lane

Steven and Glenna Fuss

Chaim and Jacqueline Habsha

Joshua Kaufman and Daniella Saguy

Gidon and Lenore Lanel

Amanda Gaeeni

Dan and Ziona Hagler

Jesse and Renee Kaufman

David and Joy Lanys

Shayna Galante

Aussi Hagshi and Pamela Greenspoon

Sue Kaufman

Steven and Miriam Leder

Jacob Gallinger

Jonathan and Shana Harris

Ron Kean and Nicole Paul

Eli and Mara Lederman

Sarit Gazman

Evan Hausman and Carrie Beallor

David and Avital Kellerstein

Marc and Michelle Lefler

Stella Gelfand

Marc Hazout

Adam Kerbel and Avi Zucker

Matthew Leibowitz and Gillian Lindzon

Elina Gelfand

Carly Heffner

Michael and Rachel Kerbel

Steven Leonoff and Deborah Miller

Gregory and Tara Gelman

Brian Heller and Bev Kupfert

Zach and Jen Kerekes

Paul Lessner and Samantha Ostry

Lisa Gelman

Stacey Herberman

Marc Kestenberg

Andy Lev

Ruth Gerlock

Agnes Herczeg

Ernest and Norma Kirsh

Ron Levi and Ronit Dinovitzer

Sam Gershkovich

Erin Hershberg

Robert Kizell and Samantha Zive

Corey and Shelley Levin

Abe and Karen Gerstein

Melissa Hershberg

David and Lisa Klein

Robert and Amanda Levine

Jonathan and Susan Giddens

Adam and Laura Hirsh

Amy Klein

Shaun and Delia Levy

Levi Giewercer

Gil and Dana Hirsh Nimni

Rami and Tali Kleinmann

Jeremy and Evelyn Lewin

Ori and Michal Gilad

Harry Hochman and Susan Leston Hochman

Jordan and Ester Klimitz

Elana Lewy-Fin

Jeffrey Gilman and Sheryl Smith-Gilman

Stephen and Robyn Libin

Brian and Yael Ginsler

Karen Lidor

Val and Elaine Ginzburg

Jonathan Lieberman and Rayzel Shulman

Giving Tree Associates

Howard and Emma Lieberman

David Gladstone and Gillian Kirsh

Neil and Shelley Linden

Jonathan and Janice Gladstone

Jay and Yael Lipman

Josh and Kari Gleicher

Hertzel and Naomi Lipner

Jordan Glick and Faye Kravetz

Anthony Lipschitz and Lisa Mawas

Leora Glick

Nir Lipsman and Sarit Marko

Josh and Risa Gluskin

Henry Lowi and Yasmine Merri

Ronald and Cindy Goelman

Lauren Lubchansky

Becky Gold

Stewart and Nicki Lyons

Jeff and Leah Goldband

Miroslav Maciulevic

Melissa Goldband

Page and Sasha Magen

Aviva Goldberg

Jill Magen-Lichtblau

Jenna Goldberg

Mark and Cherie Mager

Lindsay Goldberg

Joey Maimon and Michelle Simons Maimon

Arnan and Lori Goldenberg

Adam Maisels and Sarah Ingber

Carmi Goldenberg

Sia Makris

Jeremy and Simone Goldman

Connie Mallia

Bradley Goldsmith and Michelle Markowitz

Daniel Mamelak and Marci Goldstein

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O U R G E N E R O U S S U P P O RT E R S Amy Rechtsman

Dave Shekhter and Meytal Algranti Shekhter

Tal Regev

Yehuda and Caroline Shemesh

Craig Reid and Aviva Golberg

Lisita Shemesh

Alex and Jennifer Reidiboim

Oren Shemtov and Zoe Laksman

David and Deborah Reine

Justine Sherman

Jillian Reiner

David and Francine Shields

Benjamin and Simone Reitzes

Daniel Shiffand Dana David

Jeremy Rezmovitz and Ellie Richmond Les and Mary Richmond

Eran Shram and Sharon Shram

Shawn Richmor and Danya Ossip-Richmor

Van and Sonia Shron

Michelle Schwartzberg

Miriam Shuval

Clifford and Lindsay Ritter

Brahm Siegel and Paula Feig

Jonathan Ritter and Jill Spigelman Ritter

Stuart and Dara Siegel

Lauren Rivietz

Sam and Sheila Sieradzki

Rochelle Robbins

Jay Silber and Mara Cole

Jonathan Robinson and Aviva Dworkind

David and Joanne Silber

Steven and Leah Rodin

Evan Silver and Jennifer Shein

Mitchell Rose and Natalie Pancer

Ferda Silver

David and Jodie Rosen

Kayla Silver

Robyn Rosen Codas

Deborah Silverberg

Audrey Rosenberg

Josh and Ilana Silvertown

Lawrence and Elana Mandel

Orly Negrin

Joel and Chris Rosenthal

Jory and Ruthie Simpson

Efrem and Fara Mandelcorn

Michelle Neufeld

Aaron and Felice Rosenthal

Jay and Rebecca Goltzman-Singer

Ori and Gabrielle Mandowsky

Jason Nisker

Bobby and Judi Ross

Kali Singer

Harry and Molly Mann

Randi Nixon

Joel and Hindy Ross

Randal and Shirley Slavens

David and Melissa Mann

Lindsay Nyquist

Aaron Rotenberg and Jessica Feldman

Harvey Sliwowicz and Erika Krausz

Darryl and Andy Margau

Ilana Onel

Michael and Sandra Rouhi

Lorne Small and Debra Gerstein-Small

Arlin and Shawna Markowitz

Nir and Leslie Orbach

Julia Rowan

Carl and Shera Smith

Herb and Eva Marx

Neil and Naomi Orzech

David and Inna Rubenstein

Ellen Smith

Moti Mashiah and Nicole Elfassy

Jamie and Cara Orzech

Bruce Rubin and Steve Hummel

Kelly Smolinski

Adam and Jillian Matlin

David Ossip and Devra Baryshnik

Warren and Sari Rudick

Mark and Casey Soer

Michael Mawas and Sharon Markowitz

Mark Osten and Lisa Chodirker

S & R Stones International Inc.

Ian and Jill Solomon

Bernie Mayer and Andrea Plotnick

Sean and Kelly Ostro

Jordan and Lisa Sacks

Arnold and Renata Somers

Arie and Ilana Mazur

Jonathan Otis and Lily Latner Otis

Mark Sager and Lisa Starr

Dina Somin

Karen Medina

Brian Park and Carrie Buckspan

Martin Saipe and Adina Lubek

Sean Spector and Tamara Center

Jordana Mednick

Sorel Park

Alan and Sharon Saipe

David and Janis Spinner

David and Hila Erez Meisels

Rebecca Paul

Jen Salsberg

Hal and Sari Springer

Pearl Mekler

Carolyn Pearl

Kevin Sanders and Nina Hay

David Stastny and Jill Levine

Doron Melnick and Shana Haberman

Marcelo Pechersky

Tarnjeet and Michaela Sandhu

Eric Stein and Drorit Weiss

Neil and Marilyn Melnick

Eddy and Deanna Peranson

Kevin Sandler and Michelle Gordon

The Max and Beatrice Wolfe Charitable Foundation

Eli and Rivka Melnick

Iris Perlman

Jonathan Sandler and Tamara Kerbel

Harvey and Orly Stein

Meira Mendelaoui

Ran Perry and Rachel Kohl

Adam Sargon and Jessica Kudlats

Jose Steinberg

David and Jenny Michaels

Daniel and Nataly Pesin

Laurel Sas

Joey and Elaine Steiner

Jordan and Daniela Milchman

Patrick and Jassy Philosophe

Lucian and Dafna Savin

Mark Steinman and Mariel Heller

Laura Mincer

Jeremy and Romy Pilarski

Sequence Production Studios Ltd.

Stan and Bernice Steinman

Samantha Minden

Katy Pitch

David and Lindsey Schlesinger

Shawn Stevens

Julie Mitz

Aaron and Amy Platt

Adam Schneiderman and Ilana Hechter

Helen Stollar

Aaron and Suzanne Mocon

Pulsar Printing LTD.

Sarah Schopp

Irene Sudorgin

Andrew and Rebecca Moffs

Philip Plotnick and Bonnie Zelman

Jonathan and Michelle Schrieder

Aubrey and Andrea Sugar

Assaf Mordachay

Steven Polisuk and Liana Lowenstein

Jodi Schwarz

Anastasia Sukalsky

Tracy Morgan

Jonathan and Stacie Pollack

Adam Segal

Elena Sukovati

Jason Morrow and Barb Nachman

Ron and Carolyn Polster

Ran and Nurith Sela

Michael and Shoshana Taitz

David and Marni Morrow

Martin Pont and Cecilia Alterman

Mary Seldon

Eitan and Jodi Tanentzap

Stewart Moskovitch and Janie Goldstein

Ian and Arlene Pont

Carmela Serebryany

Angelica Tannenbaum

Brian Moskowitz and Jennifer Pearlman

Cheryl Posner

Elena Serebryany

Estelle Tastasa

Adam and Amanda Moskowitz

Morton and Joanna Prager

Ariella Shachar

Lorne and Jennifer Taylor

Sean and Stacey Moxley

Andy Rafelman and Lori Chochinov

Michal Shahak and Shlomit Broder

Blanche Teitelbaum

Na’amat Canada

Ryan and Jessica Rakowski

Shlomo and Varda Shalev

Doron and Michal Telem

Edward and Hyla Nagel

Stefanie Rakowski

Andrew Shalit and Sarah Marx

TELUS Community Affairs

Harvey and Barbara Naglie

Daniel and Dara Rames

Richard and Melissa Shapero

Sheldon Tenenbaum and Samantha Solomon

Matthew and Blair Naiberg

Suzanne Rapoport

Jonathan and Andrea Shapero

Errol Tenenbaum and Nicole Salama Tenenbaum

Ron Nathan Bar and Julia Rabinovich

Marjorie Rasky

Michelle Shavim

Shawn Tock and Joanna Grossman

Brahm and Lara Nathans

Barb Rebelo

Mark Shay

Michael and Judy Tock

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KOL BIALIK | WINTER 2019

Here the Soul of the People is Forged |

‫פה בית היוצר לנשמת האומה‬

O U R G E N E R O U S S U P P O RT E R S The Victor z”l & Renee Topper Family Fund

David and Debra Weizman

Larry and Frieda Torkin

John and Marcia Wenus

Rob Trager and Aimee Schneiderman

Jeffrey and Lisa Werger

Paula Trossman

Lisa Werger-Adler

Tybie Trossman

Lawrence Westreich and Irina Mirzokandov

David Tsivian

Heidi Wilk

Graham Tugetman

Dustin Wilkins and Marilyn Perelshtein

Aaron and Donna Unger

Jamie Wilson

Albina Unger

Paul Winton and Shelley Rosenbaum Winton

Barbara Urman

Matthew Wise

Jonathan Usher

Ben and Keren Wisniewski

Steven and Melissa Uster

Jeff and Debra Wolfe

Rosie Uster

Micah Wood and Amy Weizman

Daniel Vajda and Veronika Goldberg-Vajda

Jody Yoken

Michael and Rebecca Valo

David and Beverley Young

Lisa Vankay

Erin Yuffe

Edaterina Vendrova

Lea Zaltzman

Ofer and Danielle Vicus

Ran Zeev and Lisa Gold-Zeev

Michael and Jennifer Vilner

Sean and Melanie Zeitz

Zohar and Janet Waisman

Matthew Zeitz

Joshua and Katie Waks

Brian Ziedenberg and Tracey Lazare

Romi Walker

Benjamin Zifkin and Shelly Bolotin

Ruvan and Danielle Waltman

Dan and Leah Zilnik

Jonathan Wasserman and Joanna Fox

Itzhak and Ilanit Zvi

Marc and Sheryl Wasserman

Darrin Zweig and Francine Bernstein

David and Hannah Wasserman

Kelly Zyblock

David and Hayley Waugh

Michael and Julie Zylberlicht

Robert and Rochelle Waxman Daniel and Alanna Weill Eitan Weinberg and Diana Tamir Ari Weinberg and Brenda Fontes Daniel and Alyssa Weinerman Carlie Weinreb Taryn Weinstock Elan Weintraub and Sharon Karvat-Weintraub Mark and Julia Weisz Eric and Leah Weisz

2017-18 CAPITAL CAMPAIGN DONORS Donations received from July 1, 2017 - June 30, 2018 Oscar Amaya and Miri Fatael The Abraham Bleeman Foundation Melvin and Sandra Brown Charitable Fund Ronald Cardy Howard and Elsa Chandler David and Judy Engel Arunachalam Ganashing Richard Fridman and Aviva Lowe Sharon and Norman Gottlieb Eric and Karen Green and Family Shane Grosman Martin and Brenda Gurvey Jonathan and Shana Harris Hertzel and Naomi Lipner Howard Mager Jonathan Margel Mark and Sheryl Nightingale Eddy and Deanna Peranson Jeffrey and Joanna Shore Van and Sonia Shron Ed and Fran Sonshine Jonathan Spinner and Nicole Lester TD Bank Group Shawn Tock and Joanna Grossman Florence Urbach David and Beverley Young

2017-18 CHARIDY DONORS Donations received from April 16 - 17, 2018

Amnon and Karen Baruch Sheldon and Janice Baryshnik Todd and Cathy Beallor Donald Bennett Gary Bensky Roy and Naomi Berman The Betsalel Family Bialik Hebrew Day School - Elementary Division Students - Himel Bialik Hebrew Day School - Elementary Division Students - Viewmount Bialik Hebrew Day School - Senior Division Students Bialik PTA - Himel Donald and Cookie Biback Steve Bibla Alex and Ilene Bronsteter Daniel and Jessica Browman Heidi Brown Jeff and Jenn Brown Melvin and Sandra Brown Paul and Tammy Brown Robert and Marilyn Burke Elana Caplan Henry and Sophie Cash Leo and Bayla Chaikof Casey Chisick and Sophie Milman John Cleworth Sherri Closner Benjy Cohen and Jane Rimmer Yael Cohen Ian and Merav Cooper The Dacks Family Debra Danilewitz Arnold and Naomi Davidson Marnie Davidson Jamie Davis and Jodie Kaufman The Day Family The Dehtiar Family Michael and Lindsay Detsky Richard and Rhonda Diamond Stuart Dicker and Heidi Miller Dicker Alan Dryer and Nitsa Kohut

bialik.ca

Anonymous (84)

Marvin and Miriam Dryer

A&G The Road Cleaners Ltd.

Peter Edrey

Charles Abergel

The Eichler Family

The Abramov Family

Cooper Eisenbaum

Lisa Adler

Evy Eisenberg

Anna Aleinikov

Sam and Erin Elfassy

Mark Alexander

Bruce and Nancy Elman

Mark and Susanne Alter

Neil Elman and Andrea Rosenbloom

Michele Alter

Roz Elman

Yoel and Galit Altman

Chuck and Lydia English

David Altshuller and Rebecca Cash

Harry and Cecile Erlich

Mark and Karen Anhang

Oriane Falkenstein

Greg Apple

Oren Farbman

Alan and Rona Applebaum

Karen Feder

Michael and Zena Applebaum

Robbie and Helene Feldman

Jeff Appleby and Shayna Rosenbaum

The Fine Family

Dean Aronovici

Adam Fineman and Beth Title

Arie and Vera Avraham

The Finkelstein Family

Joy Balboul

Martha Fleury

Ira Barkin and Janice Bereskin

Daniel and Sharon Fogel

25

Mel and Lally Fogel

Justin and Melissa Kramer

Jerry and Barb Rosenstein

The Unger Family

Matthew Forezli

Erika Krausz

Bobby and Judi Ross

Michael Valo

Jamie and Elisa Fox

Felix Kreichman and Lauren Nightingale

Sabina Rotenberg

The Vertlieb Family

Dayna Freedman

Barry and Elaine Kuretzky

Sari Sadofsky

The Vicus Family

The Freiman Family

Jeremy Kushner and Shoshana Mezelski

Shaun and Andra Sadofsky

Ruvan and Danielle Waltman

Richard Fridman and Aviva Lowe

Alf and Gayle Kwinter

Alan and Sharon Saipe

David and Hannah Wasserman

Gordon and Ena Garmaise

Jordan Lack and Tamar Kopel

Andre Salama

Robert and Rochelle Waxman

Leora, Maddy and Reuben Glick

The Latner Family

Kevin Sanders and Nina Hay

Israel and Malka Weisblum

The Gluskin Family

Lily Latner Otis

David Schlesinger and Lindsey Title

Yair Weisblum and Aviva Klein

Leonard and Celia Golberg

Frank Lavorato and Suzanne Steinberg

Michael and Daphna Schwartz

Eric and Leah Weisz

Norman and Linda Gold

Marvin Lean

The Segal Morrison Family

Ann Weiszmann

The Goldband Family

Arlene Leder

Russel Segal and Romy Saibil

Ken Wiener and Linda Dagg

Charles Goldberg and Carole Gruson

Judi Lederman

Carmela Serebryany

Neil Wiener

The Goldenberg Family

Steven Leonoff and Deborah Miller

The Shapero Family

Jacob, Noah and Eden Wilson

Lorne and Carol Goldstein

David Lester and Liane Cutler

The Shaw Family

Gale and Jerold Winter

Gloria Gordon

Aryeh and Ayelet Levine

Judith Shostack

Lauren Wise

Anita Goren

Lawrence Levine

Adi Shvalbe

Jack and Nan Wiseman

Iris Gorfinkel

Steve and Marnie Lewis

The Siegel Family

Jeff and Debra Wolfe

Murray and Miri Gotkind

Stephen and Robyn Libin and Family

The Silber Family

Association of Hebrew School Educators

The Graben Family

The Lieberman Family

The Singer Family

Gloria Wunder

Peter and Hazel Graben

Neil and Shelley Linden

The Slavens Family

Brian and Tracey Ziedenberg

Jeff and Jordana Grad

Allan and Rene Lipman

The Smith Family

The Zilnik Family

Rabbi Seth and Leba Grauer

Naomi Lipner

Carl and Shera Smith

Robert and Brenda Green

Vicki Loftus

The Snipelisky Family

These lists have been checked for accuracy

The Grevler Family

Jeremy Logan and Hilary Goldstein

Telly Sondak

but errors may have occurred. If you

Bernie Gropper and Elise Stern-Gropper

Marvyn and Baila Lubek

David and Janis Spinner

have not been appropriately recognized,

Barbara Grossman

Bubbie Lynne

Jonathan and Nicole Spinner

please email the Advancement Department

Joanna, Shawn, Benji and Orly Grossman

Larry Maker

Judy Starr

advancement@bialik.ca.

Marci Grossman

Efrem and Fara Mandelcorn

Mark and Lisa Sager

Robert Grossman

Sonia, Elías and Zipora Manevich

Joseph and Elaine Steiner

Sharon Grossman

Harry and Molly Mann

Mark Steinman and Mariel Heller

Stan Grossman and Teresa Aversa

Bernie Mayer and Andrea Plotnick

Lorne and Vanessa Sugarman

Heather Gutmann

The Meisels Family

Eitan and Jodi Tanentzap

The Gwosdy family

Etti Miller

Targonsky Medicine Prof. Corp

Barbara Haberman

Andrew and Rebecca Moffs

Miriam Telem

Sandra Haberman

David and Marni Morrow

Dorothy Tessis

The Hagshi Family

Jason Morrow and Barb Nachman

Gillian Tessis

Brendan Hanna and Fern Matlin

Stewart Moskovitch and Janie Goldstein

Michael and Judy Tock

Nick and Rina Hartmann

Matthew and Blair Naiberg and Family

Einat Tomchin

The Hazan Family

Mark and Sheryl Nightingale

The Tropepe Family

Bluma Heimlich

Elie and Yael Orbach

David and Shirley Tsivian

Will and Jack Hershenfield

Nir and Leslie Orbach

United Bakers

Sandor and Mirna Hofbauer

Paul Orlander Helayna Shekter

Russell and Amy Hoffman

Warren Orlans and Naomi Epstein

Allan Horenfeldt and Galla Erenberg

Neil and Naomi Orzech

Ari Huber and Vickie Sugarman

David Ossip and Devra Baryshnik

Norman and Janet Ironstone

Judy Osten

Noah Ivers

Lowell Pancer and Dena Pollack

Glynis Jerusalim

Richard and Karyn Pasternac

Shawn and Jessica Jerusalim

Rhonda Pearl

Shayne Kane and Tatyana Slavny

Nicole Pekerman

Noah and Bella Kats

Eddy and Deanna Peranson

Ian Katz

Yael Perlon

Raymond and Diane Katzeff

The Perry Family

Jesse and Renee Kaufman

The Philosophe Family

Terry Kaufman

Romy, Jeremy, Jayme and Ryan Pilarski

Andrew Kay

Stacie Pollack

Charles Kazaz and Alyssa Minsky

Howard Price

Allan and Charlie Kerbel

Craig Reid and Aviva Golberg

Lisa Kerbel

Les and Mary richmond

Richard and Lynda Kimel

Lindsay Ritter

Ernie and Norma Kirsh

Janna Roizenman

Robert Kizell and Samantha Zive

The Rosenstein Family

26

KOL BIALIK | WINTER 2019

Here the Soul of the People is Forged |

‫פה בית היוצר לנשמת האומה‬

G E N E R O U S S U P P O RT

SPONSORS Inside Back

Thank you to our generous sponsors: Eagle Sponsor

Hole Sponsor

Nightingale Group

K&G Oakburn Apartments Ltd.

Birdie Sponsor The Sonshine Family Foundation

Longest Drive Preston Group

Golf Cart Sponsor

Closest to the Pin

DentalCorp

Property Vista

Skyline Investments L’chaim Cart Corporate Foursome

SpiceCart Holdings

2018 GOLF CLASSIC

Diamond & Diamond Lawyers Eldebron Holdings

In Kind Cintas

Forest Hill Real Estate Inc., Brokerage JLL Shelborne Capital Corp.

WJ Properties

Special thanks to Magen Boys Entertainment Ltd.

G

ood friends, good fun and great food were a hallmark of our inaugural Bialik Golf Classic, held in August 2018. Parents, grandparents, alumni and friends all came out to enjoy 18 holes at the GTA’s premier Lebovic Golf Club, winning great prizes on- and off-course.

We are proud to announce that the tournament raised more than $70,000 in support of our school.

Foursome by foursome, our players are helping to build a better tomorrow for Bialik’s students.

Thanks to everyone who made our Bialik Golf Classic such a great success.

This day would not have been possible without our dedicated sponsors and donors. Thank you all for your generous support. And, thank you to our innovative and tireless volunteers who put so much talent and time into the success of the day.

bialikgolfclassic.com

bialik.ca

27

Believe

Back Cover

in them.

Invest

in them.

They are our

future.

Your support for the Annual Campaign for Excellence makes a difference! donate.bialik.ca hgutmann@bialik.ca