Kol Bialik Winter 2017

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Kol Bialik WINTER 2017

‫קול ביאליק‬

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All in the Family: The Sugar’s Support of Bialik, from generation to generation

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Building Brilliance: Students use an array of tech tools to tackle modern challenges

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Shana’s Story: 31 Years at Bialik, her home

KO L B I A L I K | W I N T E R 2 0 1 7

LEADERSHIP GREETINGS

Kol Bialik is published annually through Bialik Hebrew Day School’s Development and Communications Departments, and is distributed to over 3,500 Bialik parents, grandparents, alumni and friends of the school.

WE’RE GROWING!

HEAD OF SCHOOL Shana Harris | sharris@bialik.ca EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Marlene Brickman | mbrickman@bialik.ca DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT Brenda Gurvey | bgurvey@bialik.ca

One of the greatest markers of a school’s success is its growth.

ADMISSIONS MANAGER Danielle Waltman | dwaltman@bialik.ca MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER Adam Segal | asegal@bialik.ca CAPITAL CAMPAIGN OFFICER Michal Daskalo | mdaskalo@bialik.ca 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 FACEBOOK facebook.bialik.ca INSTAGRAM @bialikhds TWITTER @bialikhds BOARD OF DIRECTORS President | Jodi Tanentzap Vice-President | Aviva Lowe Treasurer | Heidi Miller Dicker Secretary | Deanna Peranson BOARD MEMBERS Michael Betsalel, Sandra Brown, Elsa Chandler, Jonas Cohen, Mel Finkelstein, Renee Fogelbaum-Kraft, Janie Goldstein, Avi Glina, Amanda Kushnir, Marvin Lean, Pearl Mekler, Barb Nachman, Leslie Orbach, Paul Orlander, Mary Richmond, Janis Spinner, Joey Steiner, Michael Tylman, Rochelle Waxman

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At Bialik, we are growing in many significant ways. For the first time in our history, our total enrollment exceeded 1,000 students this year, a shining example of the confidence the community has in the unique Jewish and general studies education we provide.

As our numbers grow, our facilities must follow suit. We are proud to share that the next phase of our Himel expansion is set for the spring of 2017. Building on the solid foundation already established at Himel, our expansion will feature six additional new classrooms, a full size gymnasium/auditorium, along with a unique 1,400 sq. foot cutting-edge Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM) Lab. The lab will lead to a state-of-the-art outdoor classroom for exciting projects, including gardening and urban design. At Viewmount, the Kindergarten entrance has been renovated to benefit our students, parents and teachers. We also continue to make enhancements to our STEAM lab, which is evolving into a creative innovation hub for students.

The generosity of donors will enable ongoing expansion to meet the needs of our growing student body. We are most grateful for the support we are receiving from student philanthropists, as well as new and past loyal donors.

We write this message with some mixed emotions, as Jodi’s term as President of the Board concludes and Shana retires as Head of School at the end of the school year. However, we are confident and excited about the future. Bialik is really in great shape to continue to grow from strength to strength. We are eager to see our beloved school continue to build on its many successes, right to the top of the class!

Jodi Tanentzap President, Board of Directors

Here the Soul of the People is Forged |

‫פה בית היוצר לנשמת האומה‬

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Shana Harris Head of School

KOL BIALIK | WINTER 2017

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ALUMNI PROFILE

ALUMNI PROFILE

THE REAL DEAL

Super siblings Jodi Kovitz and Michael Katchen are proud Bialik alumni who are both carving out fantastic careers.

Their illuminating stories are below.

Relationship builder extraordinaire Jodi Kovitz practices what she preaches

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hen Jodi Kovitz speaks, you feel inspired, awed and motivated all at once.

She is eloquent. Brims with confidence. Shares brilliant ideas. And is completely authentic.

“I do a lot of public speaking,” says Jodi, CEO of AceTech Ontario, a non-profit organization for technology leaders to network, seek guidance and offer advice.

“That ability and confidence was nourished in part at Bialik, where I saw women in leadership positions and we had strong women as teachers who modeled confidence.”

Jodi has parlayed her confidence and myriad capabilities into a skyrocketing career.

After working at the Boston Consulting Group and Scotiabank, she went to law school and practiced family law for seven years.

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SMART + SIMPLE INVESTING SUCCESS Michael Katchen is revolutionizing wealth management with top-notch technology

“I loved law but I had this epiphany that I was not fully living up to my skills of being a strategist and revenue generator,” she reveals. “So I went to Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt and created a program on how to develop business relationships for 350 associates nationally.”

This experience put Jodi in her seemingly natural element as a relationship cultivator.

“People who do relationships well listen really well,” she explains. “You have to see every relationship as an opportunity; something that can drive value for both of you. Authenticity – showing up as yourself - is key. And then there is generosity. We need to help each other.”

Now leading AceTech, Jodi has big dreams. “I really want to have an impact on the tech leaders and companies we work with,” she reveals. “I want to provide our members with value, bringing them

together for education and support.”

Somehow, Jodi also finds the time to be a fantastic mom to her seven-year-old angel Lily and is involved with numerous charities, including SickKids Foundation.

“I learned at Bialik that as a Jewish person, you have an obligation to give back to the larger community and galvanize other people to do so,” Jodi enthuses.

She is also a devout Zionist and was recently one of only 50 people on an Innovation Mission to Israel with Toronto Mayor John Tory. “I love Israel and that came from my time at Bialik,” Jodi says.

Very appropriately, Jodi ends off by reflecting on why she does so much.

“It’s really about legacy,” Jodi opines. “I want to leave the world knowing that I reached my potential and that many other people benefitted from it.”

Here the Soul of the People is Forged |

‫פה בית היוצר לנשמת האומה‬

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hen Michael Katchen was a 12-yearold Bialik student, he entered a stock-picking contest to help raise money for MS. “This was my first exposure to the stock market and I loved it,” Michael recalls. With his dad’s guidance, Michael put together a solid stock portfolio. When the returns were tallied, he won. “I got super excited about stocks and started pursuing it as a hobby.”

This hobby for the precocious boy blossomed over the years. Now in his late 20s, Michael is revolutionizing the wealth management industry and earning praise as one of Toronto’s most brilliant tech innovators.

Michael is founder and CEO of Wealthsimple, the largest automated investing service in Canada.

“Banks and investment management companies

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have massive amounts of infrastructure which create big costs that are passed onto clients,” Michael explains. “Through our technology, we are able to bring down those costs dramatically.”

As an example, Michael points to the process of opening up an investment account, which has tra-

“I have distinct memories of amazing Bialik teachers who had a big impact on my life.” ditionally required heaps of paperwork and took weeks to do.

“We made it digital and it takes 5 minutes,” Michael says. “That’s why it’s resonating with young professionals because we’ve made the investing

experience as simple as ordering a cab.”

Reflecting on his success, Michael says Bialik played a major role.

“I have distinct memories of amazing Bialik teachers who had a big impact on my life,” Michael relates. “I wouldn’t be where I am today without them.”

Bialik’s focus on Israel in its curriculum also profoundly impacted him.

“Bialik helped instill in me a strong connection to Israel which I still have,” he says. “When I was in university, I started up a week-long trip to Israel that was offered to business students to help them learn how Israel built up an entrepreneurial culture without any natural resources. And that trip is still operating to this day.”

One can only imagine what innovation Michael will come up with next!

KOL BIALIK | WINTER 2017

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DONOR SPOTLIGHT

DONOR SPOTLIGHT

“There is a strong sense of family at Bialik. With family, you work together to make things better.”

ALL IN THE FAMILY A

ndrea Sugar looks very much at home as she sits in Bialik’s Viewmount campus.

“I was here in the 1950s when it was the Folk Shule and they were constructing this building around us as we studied,” she relates with a proud smile. “Our four children all attended Bialik, and now we have five grandchildren here, plus one graduate now at CHAT.” Indeed, the Sugar family’s roots at Bialik run deep. When their children were students, Andrea was an active volunteer, joining them on class trips, Young Peoples’ Theatre plays, ROM visits and apple-picking. She was involved in the PTA and was an active Board member. Now, when their grand-

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KOL BIALIK | WINTER 2017

children have special events at school, she and her husband Aubrey love returning to Bialik.

“We’re proud and grateful that our grandchildren are here,” she says. “We come to every possible event, which often makes us emotional. That’s what continuity means.”

It is this strong connection and continuity that has prompted Andrea and Aubrey to support the school, year after year.

“Before we make a donation, we want to know from our grandchildren what, in their experience, would be useful and helpful to them as students, so we ask them that question,” Andrea explains.

“We enjoy having them participate this way and targeting the gift so that it can have a direct impact on them and their classmates. We want our children and grandchildren to understand the thought and effort that goes into making these kinds of decisions.”

In recent years, the school’s playground, athletics trophy case and Innovation Lab for STEAM

(Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) have all benefitted from the Sugars’ generosity.

“The playground was really a community effort to give students a safe, stimulating and environmentally-friendly place to play,” Andrea reveals.

“After attending an exciting and successful basketball tournament and learning that there was no place to honour athletic achievements, we donated the trophy case. Two grandchildren were enthusiastic about the STEAM Innovation Lab, making it another great choice.”

Throughout Bialik’s six decades, the Sugar family has made Bialik an integral part of their own family. Aubrey and Andrea hope and believe that the Bialik family will continue to grow and prosper with Sugar parents, children and grandchildren contributing in the future.

“There is a strong sense of family at Bialik,” Andrea offers. “With family, you work together to make things better.”

Here the Soul of the People is Forged |

‫פה בית היוצר לנשמת האומה‬

TEACHING C TZEDAKAH

BY EXAMPLE This love for Bialik and multi-generational connection was the impetus for the Glick family’s contribution to enhancing the Kindergarten Wing at Viewmount.

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hoosing which school to send one’s children to is a major decision, one which David and Marilyn Glick took very seriously nearly four decades ago.

“We looked at several schools,” recalls Marilyn. “At Bialik, we saw that they really see the school as being in a partnership with the family, which we liked. Put that together with Bialik’s Zionist focus and our own personal philosophies, and it was a really good fit.”

All four of the Glick’s children went to Bialik and excelled. “We have four very different learners and they were all successful at Bialik,” says Marilyn.

“The teachers were able to adapt to all of their learning styles”.

The ever-growing Glick family could one day have nine grandchildren as Bialik students at the same time!

“We love the school,” Marilyn enthuses. “It offers such a wonderful experience and I think it has grown and moved with the times. It’s very forward thinking”.

This love for Bialik and multi-generational connection was the impetus for the Glick family to contribute to enhancing the Kindergarten Wing at Viewmount.

“Giving back to the community is a value that we learned from our parents, Holocaust survivors, and one that we’ve strived to pass on to our children,” says David.

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YO U N G P H I L A N T H R O P Y

ockup

TECHNOLOGY

BUILDING BRILLIANCE

YOUNG PHILANTHROPIST SPOTLIGHT: Coby Tanentzap

Students use an array of tech tools to tackle modern challenges

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ai Siegel is beaming with brilliance as he talks about the solar powered hot wheels car he is building at Bialik.

“We get to use all these materials to build the car and then we have a competition to see whose vehicle travelled the fastest, furthest and smoothest,” says the Grade 6 student. “It’s really cool.”

Siegel’s excitement is shared by hundreds of Bialik students who are gaining hands-on education in STEAM – Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math.

At Viewmount’s STEAM Lab, Cai and his peers learn and work with Lego robotics, laptops with design software, a 3D printer and building materials such as hammers and saws. The upcoming stateof-the-art lab at Himel will also lead to an outdoor ‘green space’ classroom for everything from urban design, to gardening projects.

Together, these learning centres are incubators for innovation.

“The students are learning to solve big problems as a collaborative team,” explains Dr. Amy Platt, Bialik’s Director of General

It was really meaningful for me to do this

hen Coby Tanentzap celebrated his bar mitzvah a year ago, his heart was set on donating some of his gift money to an important cause. The question was, which one?

“I was looking at different charities,” says the 14-year-old Bialik alum. “Initially, I couldn’t find the one, but then I thought about Bialik and how I spent 10 years learning there and I really loved it, so what a great place to donate to.”

While Coby attended the Viewmount branch, he opted to donate to the Himel branch, making him the first and only former Viewmount student to give to the burgeoning north branch.

“I thought that since the school is still small and will need more classes for more grades, I wanted to help,” says Coby.

Coby’s generosity is recognized on the colourful Aleph Bet other 1 Donor 2 3 Wall 4 at 5 Himel.

6 7 He8 hopes 9 10 DAVE alumni will follow in his footsteps. “It was really Approved as per layout TAURO specifications indicated meaningful for me to do this,” he says.

And it means a lot to Bialik, too! this document

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Studies. “Planning, brainstorming, coming up with a model and then finding solutions are all teaching the kids to see projects as a combination of small steps.”

Bialik has formed a STEAM partnership with the Galim School in Eilat, Israel.

“We have common robotics problems for classes at Bialik and Galim and the students at each school will solve the problems and then trade their solutions to see how the same problem was solved in a different way, using different codes,” says Amy. He may only be 11 now, but Cai sees the lessons he’s learning now as opening the door to his future.

“I think this is a really good introduction to STEAM and how it can open up possibilities later on,” the articulate student reveals. “Maybe one day when I grow up, I’ll have a STEAM job.”

He’s certainly on the right path to realize his dream.

Phone: 905.660.7310 Toll Free: 1.888.236.4703 151 Spinnaker Way Fax: 905.660.0777 Concord, ON L4K 4C3 i n f o @ s p e c t r a - s i g n s . c o m

Coby and Jodi Tanentzap

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Here the Soul of the People is Forged |

‫פה בית היוצר לנשמת האומה‬

bialik.ca

KOL BIALIK | WINTER 2017

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H I M E L E X PA N S I O N

EXAMPLES OF NAMING OPPORTUNITIES:

HIMEL EXPANSION MOVES FULL STEAM AHEAD

This coming spring, construction on the next phase will begin with completion by September 2018.

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Here the Soul of the People is Forged |

‫פה בית היוצר לנשמת האומה‬

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n 2013, The Ben and Edith Himel Education Centre on the Joseph & Wolf Lebovic Jewish Community Campus opened its doors with three classes: one in Junior Kindergarten, another in Senior Kindergarten and a Grade 1 class, for a total of 67 students. In September 2016, the school year started with over 190 students in 9 classes! Bialik’s Himel branch is thriving. Enrolment is robust and the demand for a Bialik Jewish education in the northern GTA is as strong as ever.

This coming spring, construction on the next phase will begin with completion by September 2018. There will be an addition of 6 classrooms, accommodating two classrooms per grade from JK-6 plus one grade 7 and one grade 8, a large gym/auditorium, as well as an exciting STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) Lab. A total of $7 million is needed to complete the next phase of the Himel branch.

YOUR GENEROSITY WILL ENABLE FAMILIES TO GIVE THEIR CHILDREN AN EXCEPTIONAL JEWISH EDUCATION.

bialik.ca

SCHOOL ENTRANCE ROAD

$1,000,000

GYM/AUDITORIUM

$1,000,000

ELEMENTARY DIVISION

$750,000

SENIOR DIVISION

$750,000

ISRAEL INTERACTIVE CENTRE

$500,000

STEAM LAB

$500,000

STAGE IN GYM/AUDITORIUM

$250,000

LIBRARY

$125,000

ULAM CHAGIGOT

$250,000

STEAM OUTDOOR CLASSROOM

$100,000

CLASSROOMS

12 available

SOLD

SOLD

$54,000

8 SOLD

HEAD OF SCHOOL OFFICE

$54,000

ADVANCEMENT OFFICE

$25,000

RESOURCE ROOMS

$18,000

SOLD OUT

KINDERGARTEN PLAY LOFTS

3 available

$10,000

1 SOLD

ALEPH BET WALL TILES

13 available

$5,000

9 SOLD

MEZUZAH

20 available

$1,800

14 SOLD

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT NAMING OPPORTUNITIES OR OTHER WAYS TO SUPPORT BIALIK’S CONTINUED GROWTH, CONTACT BRENDA GURVEY, DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT, AT BGURVEY@BIALIK.CA OR 416.783.3346 EXT. 232.

KOL BIALIK | WINTER 2017

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RETROSPECTIVE

RETROSPECTIVE

SHANA’S STORY 31 Years at Bialik, Her Home

It was October 1985 in Johannesburg, South Africa. The era of Apartheid was in full force and the once thriving Jewish community was leaving in waves.

Jewish day schools were in a crunch to raise funds.

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nter Toronto’s beloved Rabbi Irwin Witty z”l.

He was visiting to help fundraise. Leading him on tours of the King David Jewish Day Schools

was Shana Harris, Coordinator of General Studies at the South African Board of Jewish Education. “On the way to one of the schools, Rabbi Witty looked at me and said in his charismatic way, ‘Shana, what are you doing here?’” Shana recalls. By ‘here,’ the dignified Rabbi meant South Africa. “I told him that my family was already considering emigrating and Toronto was very much a top option for us,” Shana says.

Rabbi Witty took Shana’s resume and gave it to Bialik. Not long after, Shana was invited to Toronto for an interview. “I was picked up at the airport by the head of Bialik’s personnel committee who drove me to his home,” Shana reflects with a smile.

“He had already walked into his house, but I was just standing outside, playing with snow for the very first time in my life.”

Shana’s trip was a whirlwind. She met all Board members. She was interviewed for the role of Vice Principal. And she spent time visiting the school.

“There was an immediate bond with all the people

I met,” Shana relates. “I was really inspired by how everyone was so committed to doing the best for the school. I felt an immediate connection to Bialik.”

By the summer of 1986, Shana, along with her husband, Jonathan and sons Dan and Greg, were the newest members of Bialik’s extended family.

From the moment they arrived, they felt embraced

by Bialik, as the community invited them to holiday meals, Shabbat dinners and Pesach Seders. Nostalgically, Shana muses, “We fell in love with the Bialik family and knew Bialik was our new home.”

In 1986, Bialik was experiencing declining enrollment. As the new VP, Shana, together with her colleagues, began to explore the enrollment issue. Shana went to the Board to request support to hire remedial teachers and the Board fully backed her suggestions. “We kept statistics on enrollment over time. As we implemented more resource support and other initiatives, including staff professional development and Differentiated Learning, enrollment increased significantly,” Shana says.

“It was wonderful to see this new trend.”

Shana developed strong relationships with faculty, administrators, Board members and parents. This helped her spearhead many innovations at Bialik.

One of her favourites is the Mechanech Program.

Senior Division teachers, who take on the role of Mechanchim, act as mentors, advisors and advocates to students. “They help create caring communities in our classes,” Shana says. She tells a poignant story about a student who had experienced difficulty ‘fitting in’. As part of the program, he brought in his violin and played it for the class. “All the students were mesmerized,” Shana enthuses.

“From then on, his peers displayed a whole new level of admiration for him!”

Shana and the school eagerly took on the challenge of introducing EQAO assessments. “While the public schools were mandated to participate,

independent and private schools like Bialik were not required to do so. But we wanted to take the lead,” Shana says. “We were the first Jewish day school to do it and we still are the only Jewish day school in Toronto that participates in the testing.

It exemplifies our commitment to academic excellence, transparency and accountability.”

Another constant priority has been building school spirit. “School spirit brings people together and helps make the students feel they are part of something special,” Shana relates.

While there have been many initiatives to foster school spirit, including athletics and house programs, Shana and her colleagues introduced a unique Bialik school song with great success. “Students have developed a real sense of pride in Bialik through the school song,” Shana enthuses.

Over Shana’s three decades at Bialik, the school has embraced many other successful endeavours.

Some highlights include the Peacemaker program, mentoring new staff, Kabbalat Shabbat services, laptops for all senior division students, and innovative STE(A)M (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) learning. All of this has been made possible, Shana says, because of the dedication of the entire Bialik family. “It has been an honour to have worked with bright, enthusiastic and energetic people committed to raising the bar at Bialik,” Shana says.

“I WAS REALLY INSPIRED

BY HOW EVERYONE WAS SO COMMITTED TO DOING THE BEST FOR THE SCHOOL. I FELT AN IMMEDIATE CONNECTION TO BIALIK.”

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at Himel with the oldest and youngest students in the school

Shana and her family

In 2006, Shana became Head of School. “This enabled me to realize my vision,” Shana says. “In particular, my dream of making a Bialik Jewish education available to the entire Jewish community has come true. Thanks to the dedicated teamwork and generosity of lay and professional leaders, we were able to open the Ben and Edith Himel Education Centre on the Joseph & Wolf Lebovic Jewish Community Campus. This has positively impacted Bialik’s growth and success.”

As Shana approaches retiring at the end of this year and reflects on her time at Bialik, she is especially touched by the multiple generations that share in the Bialik experience. “Seeing former students come back to the school as parents, and their parents back as grandparents, is heart-warming,” Shana says.

“They are clearly as proud to be part of Bialik as I am!”

Shana is grateful for her 31 incredibly rewarding years at Bialik. While she will miss the school community, she will always treasure her many magical moments at the school.

Students sharing their learning with Shana

Shana and a colleague dress as Thing 1 & 2 for Purim.

Shana celebrating an ECHOage birthday with a student

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KOL BIALIK | WINTER 2017

Here the Soul of the People is Forged |

‫פה בית היוצר לנשמת האומה‬

KOL BIALIK | WINTER 2017

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AT H L E T I C S

A H AVAT I S R A E L

SHOOTING FOR THE STARS

BIALIK STUDENTS CONNECTED TO ISRAEL AND JEWISHNESS, STUDY FINDS

Nearly half of all students are on at least one sports team

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t was a 2-0 deficit at half time. Victory would be a long shot for most soccer teams.

But Bialik’s Bears weren’t thinking that way.

“We didn’t let ourselves get upset,” reveals player Issy Wunder, a grade 8 student. “We just knew we had to show up and try our best.”

And that’s what they did. The Bears netted two goals to tie the game. “In overtime, we scored a golden goal,” says Issy. “It was the best way to cap a great tournament and what an amazing memory for me.”

It is memories like these that encapsulate what Bialik’s athletics program is all about.

“I think what makes our athletics program special are the kids,” explains Marcus Dickler, Bialik’s director of athletics.

“They listen, they show up for practices and put in the time it takes to be successful. And there’s always a sense of pride in wanting to represent your school.”

Marcus adds that the commitment of coaches – 95% of whom return to coach - along with financial resources from the PTA, the Development Office, dedicated parents and support from administra-

tion, has enabled the athletics program to flourish.

To that end, when Marcus started eight years ago, there were six teams at one branch with 6% of students on at least one sport team. Today, there are 25 teams at two branches and 47% of students on at least one team.

“Being able to provide more opportunity to more students is a top goal for us,” Marcus relates.

Issy, who has played on all seven teams offered in the senior division, says the variety of sports is a major driving force for the high levels of participation.

“It’s really fun to be able to try out for sports like ultimate Frisbee or volleyball, which you wouldn’t get outside of school,” she says.

She adds that the program’s inclusive mantra has been especially welcoming for girls like her.

“When I was in grade 6, I played on our hockey team that was almost all grade 8 and they made me assistant captain,” she beams. “Being a girl doesn’t affect the way I play or feel or the way other players act towards me.”

With that attitude, Issy and all the Bears are sure to keep shooting for the stars.

What do our students think about Israel?

What does being Jewish mean to them?

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“WE DIDN’T LET OURSELVES GET UPSET”

niquely at Bialik, these are not simply the types of questions we address through our rich curriculum – we put important questions like these directly to our students through our Ahavat Yisrael research study.

The study probes our students’ attitudes about Jewish identity, priorities and choices.

Bialik is one of a very few Jewish day schools in North America that has taken an empirical approach to determining success in building Jewish identity.

Developed in consultation with experts at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem, the study is done using surveys with students in grades 6 and 8 (2012-2015).

Ultimately, the goal is to measure how well Bialik students are doing in all areas related to Ahavat Yisrael - their love for Israel, engagement with the country, connection to it and their support for Israel.

The study is comprehensive, delving into such aspects as:

Issy Wunder

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KOL BIALIK | WINTER 2017

Here the Soul of the People is Forged |

‫פה בית היוצר לנשמת האומה‬

• Commitment to Israel • Interest in Israel’s history and geography • Sense of Jewish Peoplehood and Jewish identity • Perceptions of Jewish values and Mentchlichkeit and learning about the Holocaust • Attitudes towards Israel, including the IDF and whether it is ‘my homeland’

bialik.ca

Overall, the study found Bialik students have developed strong Jewish identities and have very positive attitudes towards Israel and their Jewish learning. Students are proud of and feel connected to Israel and their “Jewishness.” The vast majority view Israel as the homeland of the Jewish people.

WE PUT IMPORTANT QUESTIONS DIRECTLY TO OUR STUDENTS THROUGH OUR AHAVAT YISRAEL RESEARCH STUDY A high percentage of students felt the following aspects of Bialik Hebrew Day School connect them to Israel: • Their Jewish studies and general studies teachers at school • The Shinshinim • Chidon HaTanach Yisrael • Visits from soldiers and other Israeli guests Feedback from the surveys drove the development of Bialik’s LIVE manifesto, which guides our vision for Jewish life at Bialik.

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A L U M N I PA R E N T S

LIMITLESS POSSIBILITIES

BACK TO BIALIK! Many Bialik alumni return to their alma mater as proud Bialik parents. Shauna Waltman ’92 had no doubt Bialik was the school she would send her children to.

MATH AT BIALIK: RICH TASKS LEAD TO IMPRESSIVE RESULTS

“Bialik was the place where I realized what it means to be a part of a community, learned how to think critically and discovered how Jewish values add meaning to my life. It was always where I wanted to send my children to school because I know they will not only leave Bialik with a strong academic education, but with a solid foundation of how to be good human beings and positive contributors to the world around them. Watching Judah and Hannah on their own Bialik journeys has been a wonderful experience so far. I am so grateful to all the incredible Bialik teachers and staff who have ensured that Bialik is as special a place for them as it was for me.”

- Shauna Waltman ‘ 92

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alk into a math lesson at Bialik and you’ll find students enthusiastically working in groups, engaged in discussion and problem-solving using graphs, cubes and computers. These dynamic approaches are adding up to success. For instance, over the past five years, 82% of Grade 6 students at Bialik met or exceeded the provincial standard on EQAO tests, compared to 55% of students in the province. As well, Bialik students are outpacing Grade 6 students at comparable York Region schools while keeping pace with the top public schools in Toronto.

So, what’s the key to math success at Bialik? “Our students are finding the balance between math expertise and the practical application of skills,” explains Dr. Amy Platt, Bialik’s Director of General Studies.

“They are blending knowledge and its application into rich tasks that make math meaningful and con-

THE FOLLOWING ARE BIALIK ALUMNI WHOSE CHILDREN ARE CURRENT BIALIK STUDENTS IN JK. CLASS OF ‘80

CLASS OF ‘92

CLASS OF ‘97

Richard Bennett & Lisa Lipkin Shira Bennett

Michael Walton Blake Walton

Shira Goldenberg Pearl Goldenberg

CLASS OF ‘89

Shauna Waltman Judah Bornstein

Joanna Grossman Benjamin Tock

Dana Glassman Lea Fuerstenberg

CLASS OF ‘90 Michael Cole Elliot Cole

CLASS OF ‘91 Jonathan Spinner Seth Spinner

CLASS OF ‘93 Lindsey Title Charles Schlesinger

CLASS OF ‘94 Leah Zilnik Simone Zilnik

CLASS OF ‘96

Benjamin Zifkin & Shelly Bolotin Judah Zifkin

Ilana Halperin Cooper Ivers

Daniella Saguy Gabrielle Kaufman

Adam Hirsh Ryan Hirsh

Sharon Telem Kyla Benchitrit

Gillian Lindzon Sydney Leibowitz

Tali Waksman Emma Propst

Melissa Rausch-Majerovits Cole Majerovits

nect it to real life situations.” Rich math tasks stimulate curiosity and encourage experimentation using many methods and applications to demonstrate – and learn – concepts.

The goal is for students to confidently use number or computational skills in open-ended tasks. While rote based skills, like times tables, must be part of the program, they are regarded as a means to an end. Students must understand the skills behind the concepts so they can apply what they learn and make sense of math in the real world.

For example, Grade 4 students discuss multiplication and how a little bit of garbage in each class can multiply into a lot of garbage in the whole school.

The path to Bialik’s innovative approach to math has been three years in the making and over that time, the program has been dramatically transformed. And the numbers show impressive results.

Mara Reiff Ethan Reiff

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KOL BIALIK | WINTER 2017

Here the Soul of the People is Forged |

‫פה בית היוצר לנשמת האומה‬

bialik.ca

KOL BIALIK | WINTER 2017

17

TZEDDAKAH

ECHOAGE

THE POWER TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE

CELEBRATE A BIRTHDAY AND HELP BIALIK ALONG THE WAY: ECHOAGE

Student-driven Tzeddakah Campaigns Have Lasting Impact

J

osh Gelman slid a sock over his hand and then tried to piece together a puzzle. Not surprisingly, he struggled. “It made me feel what it’s like to have a disability,” the Grade 8 student relates.

Josh’s puzzle activity was part of Bialik Tzedakah collaboration with Zareinu, a school and treatment centre for children with physical and developmental challenges.

Josh and his peers took part in a fundraising campaign that raised over $10,000 for Zareinu. But the lessons didn’t stop there. “Later, we spent a half day at Zareinu,” Josh says. “It was a good learning experience to see where the money we raised is actually going.”

Tzedakkah projects are pivotal at Bialik. Spearheaded by Senior Division VP Shoshana Taitz, Tzedakah endeavours help students understand the value of giving back, while providing opportunities to get involved personally.

Bialik’s approach encompasses four spheres, each of which has its own campaigns and objectives.

“Our first Tzedakah sphere is supporting the broader community, such as projects for Sick Kids and the We Campaign,” says Shoshana. “The second sphere is Tzedakah for Israel, like Dollars for David. The third area is the local Jewish community, like the Zareinu project. And the final campaign is for the Bialik family, where students work to raise funds for tuition support.”

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JOSH GELMAN

RUBY GRINBERG

Shoshana notes the campaigns are driven by the kids themselves, which makes the learning impactful. “Our students are learning how to share a message about the importance of their cause and how to stand up for others,” Shoshana enthuses.

The projects foster a host of skills and knowledge. Students do presentations. Plan events.

Propose ideas. Organize meetings and clubs. Gain awareness about socio-economic issues. Feel empathy, passion and excitement. And take action.

“I know I am fortunate to have hot food at my home,” says Ruby Grinberg, a Grade 8 student who is president of the schools’ Free the Children Club.

“But through Out of the Cold, I learned many people don’t. So I collected boxes of non-perishable food and donated it to a food bank. When I do things like that, it makes me think about giving back to a society that has given so much to me.”

Shoshana says Tzedakah truly strikes a chord that carries on.

“We’ve had kids volunteer for Out of the Cold on their own time. One student who did the Zareinu project when he was 11, ended up doing his Bar Mitzvah D’var Torah about his Zareinu experience,” she says.

“These projects don’t only teach fundraising – they help our students realize they have the power to make a difference.”

Here the Soul of the People is Forged |

‫פה בית היוצר לנשמת האומה‬

TREE OF HONOUR

TREE OF HONOUR

W

hen Andrea Shapero was growing up in VerTHE SHAPERO CHILDREN mont, Jewish day school wasn’t an option.

“I’ve told my kids that they have a wonderful opportunity to be so connected to Jewish education and Jewish life,” says the mother of Bialik Himel students Elizabeth, 8, Naomi, 6, Ben, 5 and soon to be JK-er Adam, 3.

“And that’s why it’s so important to share the opportunity with those around you.”

To teach the value of sharing, all of Shapero’s children at Bialik Himel have hosted ECHOage birthdays.

The program allows parents to set up an electronic birthday party inviTHE PROGRAM ALLOWS tation and instead of a gift, the invite PARENTS TO SET UP AN ELECTRONIC BIRTHDAY requests a financial contribution. In PARTY INVITATION AND partnership with ECHOage, kids can INSTEAD OF A GIFT choose to have half the money go towards Bialik Hebrew Day School, to help with tuition support and to buy books for the school library, while the other half goes to the birthday boy or girl.

“For parents, it’s very easy to set up the invitations and not have to worry about buying presents,” says Shirley Slavens, whose Bialik Viewmount children Samara, 12 and Isaac, 10 have hosted several ECHOage parties. “And it’s a way for me to discuss with the kids that not everyone can afford a Bialik education and we can help out the community in this meaningful way.”

THE SLAVENS FAMILY Since the program started, more than $50,000 has been raised for Bialik.

bialik.ca

E

very October, Bialik Grade 8 graduates are invited for breakfast with their parents to kick off their graduating year.

This gathering gives parents and students the opportunity to reflect on their years at Bialik, such as fond memories and what they will miss.

It also gives families the opportunity to give back to the school with a “graditude” gift towards the tuition support fund and to register to sign the Tree of Honour in June.

This beautiful Tree of Honour cabinet, which was donated by former parents Terry and Nadine Walman, is prominently displayed in the Senior Division hallway. Over the course of 13 years and hundreds of graduates, the Tree of Honour cabinet is now full and a new one is needed. If you are interested in donating a new Tree of Honour cabinet so future graduates can continue with this wonderful tradition, please contact Brenda Gurvey at 416.783.3346 x 232.

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A SLICE OF LIFE

A SLICE OF LIFE

BIALIK IS CONSTANTLY BUZZING WITH ACTIVITY. From soccer games to holiday celebrations, below is a colourful collage of the many facets of our school community.

4

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KOL BIALIK | WINTER 2017

Here the Soul of the People is Forged |

‫פה בית היוצר לנשמת האומה‬

bialik.ca

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PHILANTHROPY

MAKING A GIFT

THE GIFT OF GIVING Three Bialik Families Discuss Their Special Ways of Supporting Bialik

HERE ARE SOME WAYS TO MAKE A PHILANTHROPIC GIFT TO BIALIK HEBREW DAY SCHOOL Giving is easy!

1

JONATHAN AND NICOLE SPINNER & FAMILY

ROCHELLE AND ROBERT WAXMAN & FAMILY

JORDAN LACK AND TAMAR KOPEL & FAMILY

Bialik is an important part of my life story and a thread of continuity in the story of my family.

We are proud supporters of the school, and we do our best to contribute to its ongoing growth and success. Part of that contribution comes by way of donations, and while we commit to giving what we can each year, we are always on the lookout for ways to maximize the impact of our donation dollars.

That’s why I donate to Bialik through my employer, who offers donation matching (up to a limit) for employee contributions to registered charities. We can give at a level we’re comfortable with, and Bialik reaps the benefit of our donation, coupled with that of my employer’s matching funds.

My husband Robert and I have been Bialik parents for six years now. Our girls, Maya, grade 2 and Hallie, grade 4, love Bialik and go to school each day looking forward to what new things they are going to learn. They have been nurtured and encouraged by fabulous teachers in both general and Hebrew studies. We watched them develop a love for Israel and the Jewish values we practice at home are reinforced at school. No car ride in our family is complete without a Hebrew or Yiddish sing-along.

It is important for us to support other families for whom this exceptional education environment is a priority, but may be out of reach financially. As an employee of Telus, I was fortunate enough to have my contribution to Bialik doubled by my employer.

When we were looking for a school for our son Nadav, Bialik had the right balance between traditional and modern in a warm community. As he grows, we will enjoy seeing the Himel branch grow with him and that’s why we are supporting the school. Through my employer, CIBC, we are all encouraged to give back to the community through the United Way and its list of affiliated charities, which fortunately includes Bialik. It’s particularly convenient to have the funds withdrawn directly in support of Bialik.

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Here the Soul of the People is Forged |

‫פה בית היוצר לנשמת האומה‬

You can give to Bialik through the transfer of appreciated stock. The school will provide you with the information needed in order to complete this transaction, which may result in significant tax savings.

2

Visit canadahelps.org to donate online. Canada Helps is a registered charity with the goal of making giving simple.

3

You can make a gift through the United Way. If your workplace participates in a United Way campaign, you can designate your gift to a charity of your choice.

4

There are many corporate matching gift programs. Many corporations will match charitable contributions made by their employees.

5

You are able to direct a gift through a donor-advised fund with a community foundation, the Jewish Foundation of Toronto or a private foundation.

6

Legacy gifts are becoming increasingly popular. We can help you plan your legacy gift and the correct wording needed for a bequest.

7

Taking out a life insurance policy is one of the best ways to leave a charitable legacy. Purchasing an insurance policy with Bialik as a beneficiary can be a greater benefit in several ways, if you qualify.

bialik.ca

TO MAKE A DONATION OR DISCUSS OTHER WAYS OF SUPPORTING BIALIK, PLEASE CONTACT BRENDA GURVEY AT BGURVEY@BIALIK.CA OR 416.783.3346 X232.

KOL BIALIK | WINTER 2017

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GENEROUS SUPPORT

2016 ANNUAL CAMPAIGN DONORS Donations received from July 1, 2015 - June 30, 2016 Anonymous (3) Yoel and Karen Abells Shalomi and Devra Abraham Ronald and Marcia Abraham Benjamin Abramov and Shari Golberg Risa Abrams-Greenspoon Mitchell Adelstein and Jennifer Kaufman Adelstein Ian and Sasha Adler Shelly and Lisa Adler David and Marlowe Ain Matt Alexander Loren Altman Yoel and Galit Altman Bernie and Elaine Altshuller David Altshuller and Rebecca Cash Jake and Vivian Anhang Michael and Zena Applebaum Jeffrey Appleby and Shayna Rosenbaum Michael Arbus and Julie Catzman Arie and Vera Avraham Robert and Jennifer Backstein Bob and Rena Bader Alexander Baker and Rayna Laiken Baker Adrian Baker and Sarah Beder Marc and Debbie Baker Michael and Sherri Baker Alex Ball and Suzan Kerner Ron Bar and Julia Rabinovich Assaf and Shirley Bar-Menachem Henry Barkin Morry and Sabrina Barmak Michael and Tammy Baruch Nessa Bayer Todd Beallor and Catherine Weinberg Pamela Beiles Rebecca Beitchman Jodi Belchetz Bram and Ilana Belzberg Jacob Benbihy and Rachel Moses Ruben and Nicole Benchitrit Samuel Benchitrit and Sharon Telem Richard Bennett and Lisa Lipkin Alan and Jennifer Bensky Gary Bensky Jared Bensky and Laurie Smilovits Bensky Jack Benzacar and Andrea Somers Hava Bercovici Marshall Berenbaum and Dana Eilath David and Eileen Berger Jesse Berger and Anne Gross Ana Berman Guy and Michelle Berman Debbie Bernamoff Roy Bernhard and Caroline Cohen Trevor and Debbie Berns Michael and Liora Betsalel Bialik Hebrew Day School - Elementary Division Bialik Hebrew day School - Senior Division Bialik Social and Gift Fund

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KOL BIALIK | WINTER 2017

Steve Bibla and Ariella Eben-Ezra Dianne Binder Alon and Nili Birshtein Howard and Marlene Black Richard Black and Marla Ceresne Thomas and Lauren Black Samuel Blaichman and Jessica Bortnick Samara Bleiwas Barbara Bloom Rhona Bloom Mitch and Deena Blum Richard Bockner and Leslie Gelfand Sophia Bogoch John Bohnen and Anne Matlow Mark Bordo and Sabrina Kaufman Jeremy Bornstein and Shauna Waltman Michael and Carolyn Bowman Dennis and Nomi Brans Mark and Candice Braun Marlene Brickman Shlomit Broder and Michal Shahak Daniel Brodsky and Ann Weiszmann Amanda Brody David Bronfman David and Taryn Bross Daniel and Jessica Browman Jeffrey and Jennifer Brown Jennifer Brown Melvin and Sandra Brown Elana Caplan Joshua and Helaina Cappel Frank Carnevale and Randi Rahamim Jordan Carr and Stacey Silverstone-Carr Ian and Lexi Carvalho Aaron Cash and Erin Klinghoffer Barry Cayen and Dara Maker Ruslan Chalmiev and Tamara Aminov Anita Chang Nikolai Chekhmatov Ania Chernina Lisa Cherns China Soong Ching Foundation Paul and Lainey Chodirker Laura Chorneyko Lawrence and Nicole Clarfield Howard and Shelley Clasky Benjamin Cohen and Jane Rimmer Dani and Lisa Cohen Gideon and Meghan Cohen Howard and Marsha Cohen Jeremy Cohen and Adee Bross Cohen Jonas and Jennifer Cohen Oz and Yael Cohen Ron and Ellen Cohen Lindsay Collis Italo and Ruth Colucci Eli Cooperberg and Joanna Mansfield Randy Covens and Lindsay Ram Haniel and Keren Croitoru Theodore Croitoru and Edith Devico Kacey Crouch Lior Cyngiser and Ilana Gould Daniel and Heidi Czutrin Carrie D’elia Joe and Nancy Dack Jeremy Dacks & Ali Taradash-Dacks and Jordan & Abby Dacks

GENEROUS SUPPORT

Robert and Alisa Daly Alexia Danef Leah Danon Moishe and Roz Davidson Steven and Marnie Davidson Jamie Davis and Jodie Kaufman Davis Brian and Gayle de Bloeme Jay and Sivanne Detsky Jeremy Diamond and Sandra Zisckind Michael and Janette Diamond Samantha Diamond Stephen and Robyn Diamond Stuart Dicker and Heidi Miller Dicker Neal Dlin Jeremy and Jessica Donath Michael Dorfman and Stephanie Brull Jonathan and Esther Dostrovsky Mark and Naomi Driman Daniel and Risa Drimmer Leonard and Alana Drimmer Daniel Drucker and Cheryl Rosen Marvin and Miriam Dryer Geoffrey and Jennifer Duviner Fred and Anita Eckhaus Peter Edrey and Chun Bei Huong-Edrey Peter and Moran Eichler Sean Eisenbaum and Amanda Dale Sam and Erin Elfassy Elliott and Cheryl Ellison Jennifer Elmaleh Bruce and Nancy Elman David Elman and Laura Elinson Elman Isaac and Mina Elyasian Adam Enchin and Dayna Freedman Jonathan Ender and Sari Sadofsky-Ender Ron and Diane Ennis Lesley Epstein Roy and Ayelet Erez Adam and Tina Erlich Matthew and Suzanne Farb Stacey Farber Oren and Renata Farbman Jared and Jessica Faust Andrew and Michelle Feifer Jeffrey and Joanna Feldman Jonathan Feldman and Shlomit Hirsch Clifford Feldstein and Marni Wiener Bruce and Lesley Ferman Yottam Fichman and Shawna Hart Adam Fineman and Beth Title Lynne Fineman Chad and Sheri Finkelstein David Finkelstein and Rachel Urowitz Leah Firsten Robert and Maxine Fish Wendy Fish David Fishbaum and Anne McDonagh Jamie Fisherman Eran and Roni Fishman Taly Fleischer Sharon Fligel Michael and Sandra Florence Melanie Florence-Hanna Daniel and Sharon Fogel Robert and Shauna Fonn Eric and Cheryl Foster Krista Foster

Seth and Carly Foucault Alyssa Fox Jamie and Elisa Fox Nathalie Foy Jordane Frankel Lawrence and Elaine Freedman Pamella Freedman Stan and Susan Freedman Sandra Freeman Marshall and Toddy Freilich Michelle Freilich Anatoli Freiman and Andrea Kurtz Josef and Georgette Fridman Richard Fridman and Aviva Lowe Ben-Ari and Eve Fried Robert Fried and Tara Kaplan Alan and Michelle Friedman Avraham and Kathy Friedman Israel Friedman Stephen and Sari Friedman Julie Fruitman Gloria Fuerstenberg Zack Fuerstenberg and Dana Glassman Steven and Glenna Fuss Ron Gabriel and Nancy Roberts Marlo Galler Jacob Gallinger Gordon and Ena Garmaise Shana Gelbart Elina Gelfand Howard and Carole Gelfand Irene Gelfand Gregory and Tara Gelman Lisa Gelman Abe and Karen Gerstein Ryan J. Gertzbein Bradley Gibbert and Tamar Lee-Gibbert Jonathan and Susan Giddens Joe and Yvonne Gilinsky Brian and Yael Ginsler David Gladstone and Gillian Kirsh Jordan Glick and Faye Kravetz Joanne Glickman Avi Glina and Simone Lange Ira Gluskin & Maxine Granovsky Gluskin Charitable Foundation/Ira Gluskin and Maxine Granovsky Josh and Risa Gluskin Erica Godfrey Ron and Cindy Goelman Leonard and Celia Golberg Jodi Gold Rachel Gold Jeff and Leah Goldband Melissa Goldband Aviva Goldberg Rachel Goldberg Arnan and Lori Goldenberg Joel and Joan Goldenberg Hanan Goldfarb and Debi Stransky Goldfarb Ludmila Goldfarb Jeremy and Simone Goldman Jeremy Goldman and Heather Sternberg Michelle Goldman Rachel Goldman Sari Goldman Wendy Goldman

Here the Soul of the People is Forged |

‫פה בית היוצר לנשמת האומה‬

Bradley Goldsmith and Michelle Markowitz Abe and Joan Goldstein David and Jodi Goldstein Leonard and Bayla Goldstein Lisa Goldstein Liz Goldstein Lorne and Carol Goldstein Morris and Marsha Goldstein Shari Goldstein Seth and Amy Goldsweig Tomer and Shiri Golomb Corey and Lemore Goodman Tal and Victoria Gootgarts Anna Gordon Jacob and Gloria Gordon Roni Gordon and Syndie Singer Jack and Anita Goren Joseph and Fran Goren John and Iris Gorfinkel Darren and Sara Gottlieb Gary and Pamela Gottlieb Vadim and Yana Gouterman Aaron and Ilana Graben Justin and Jordana Grant Bram and Erin Green Daniel Green and Amanda Kushnir Eric and Karen Green Kevin Green and Lisa Kreindler Robert and Brenda Green Danielle Greenberg Moishe and Ena Greengarten Jason and Sarah Greenspan Cliff and Joanne Grevler Allan and Fauna Grill Ryan and Keren Groll Bernie Gropper and Elise Stern-Gropper Sari Grossman Geoff and Caitlene Grove Martin and Brenda Gurvey Zach Gutmann Elliott and Deborah Gwosdy Dan and Ziona Hagler Aussi Hagshi and Pamela Greenspoon Sam and Marlene Hait & Family David Halasz and Dalit Weinberg Jonathan and Shana Harris Joseph and Linda Harris Nicholas and Rina Hartmann Marc Hazout Brian Heller and Beverly Kupfert Lisa Hemi Adam and Alison Hennick Agnes Herczeg Ron and Michele Herczeg Ashley Herman and Kara Gollan Stewart Hershenfield and Marla Engelberg Leslie Hershfield Stephanie Hewitt Adam and Laura Hirsh Bailee Hoffman David Holland and Ilana Zeidel Michael and Lindsi Hollend Ari Huber and Vickie Sugarman Clare Hutchinson Bernard Hyams and Ariane Siegel Gilda Iron Jessica Jacobson

bialik.ca

Jordan Jacobson and Alison Lubin Robert Jacoby and Mindy Gilbert Shy and Elana Jacoby Shawn and Jessica Jerusalim Stanley and Dale Joffe Barry and Patricia Kadoch Alan and Irena Kahn Jennifer Kalef Jeffrey and Vered Kaminker Ellen Jill Kaplun Evan Karasick and Stephanie Weiner Karasick Yael Karol Steven Kastner and Alana Vertlieb Allan Kates and Danielle Himel Kasiel Kates Vadim Kats and Rissa Revin Darren Katz and Nadine Rockman Katz Jason and Dani Katz Leila Katz Oren and Adrienne Katz Shane and Lara Katz Oren Katznelson and Dana Bell Jesse and Renee Kaufman David and Avital Kellerstein J. T. and Janet Kennish Elaad Keren and Karyn Dickler Shani and Maggie Kernerman Marc Kestenberg Sylvia Kestenberg Rosen Leslie Kimel Jody Kimelman Sam and Zina Kishinevsky Robert Kizell and Samantha Zive David and Lisa Klein Rami and Tali Kleinmann Jordan and Ester Klimitz Michael and Lori Kline Daniel and Kimberley Kofman Erin Kofman Adelina Kogut David and Joy Kohn Inna Koldorf Roya Komeili David and Jennifer Komlos Alana Konopny Mark and Genevieve Korman Shawn Korman and Sharone Benegbi Irit Koubi Michael Kraft and Renee Fogelbaum Justin and Melissa Kramer Jonathan and Corry Kreindler David Krigstin and Cayla Brooks Amy Kroft Reena Kronitz Jaimie Kudlats Joshua Kuretzky and Anndra Schwartz Jeremy Kushner and Shoshana Mezelski-Kushner Lorri Kushnir Alf and Gayle Kwinter The Lack Family Mitchell Lackie and Tammy Farber Aaron and Miriam Landau Rachel Landen Robin Lane Wayne and Michelle Langburt David and Joy Lanys Bonnie Laurie

Mark Laurie Frank Lavorato and Suzanne Steinberg Steven and Miriam Leder Eli Lederman and Mara Lederman Edward Lee and Mya Cosman Marc and Michelle Lefler Jay and Bonnie Lefton Jason and Susan Lehner Matthew Leibowitz and Gillian Lindzon Aliza Lemud Steven Leonoff and Deborah Miller Paul Lessner and Samantha Ostry David Lester and Liane Cutler Dax and Elyse Letham Lorraine Levene Ron Levi and Ronit Dinovitzer Corey and Shelley Levin Aaron Levine and Vivian Ringwald Amanda Levine Doreen Levine Jeremy Lewin and Evelyn Lewin Yael Lewis Carla Lieberman Jonathan Lieberman and Rayzel Shulman Mark and Naomi Lieberman Trina Liew Neil and Shelley Linden Michael and Joy Lipkin Jay and Yael Lipman Hertzel and Naomi Lipner Anthony Lipschitz and Lisa Mawas Arnold Litwin-Logan and Evgenia Zassepski Kimberly Liu Jen Logan Peretz and Zelda Lootsteen Larry Lowenstein Marvyn and Baila Lubek Aaron Luftspring and Karen Karvat Paul and Sharron Lungen Ilyse Lustig Ernest Luwish Stewart and Nicki Lyons Miroslav Maciulevic Reagan Macklin Sasha Magen Jill Magen-Lichtblau Joey Maimon and Michelle Simons Maimon Dina Majer Sean and Shari Majerovic Connie Mallia Matt Malowney Daniel Mamelak and Marci Goldstein Bill and Marilyn Mandel Lawrence and Elana Mandel Stu Mandel Efrem and Fara Mandelcorn Heather Mandell Lauren Mandell Randy and Danielle Manis Amihai Marco and Effrat Habsha Jamie Marcovitch and Debra Mawas Paul, Jaclyn & Michelle Marcus Eric and Kerri Margel The Marin Family Kyla Marsh Marie-Claire Mass Adam and Jillian Matlin

Michael Mawas and Sharon Markowitz Bernie Mayer and Andrea Plotnick Shawn Mecklinger and Kailee Mecklinger Karen Medina David Meisels and Hila Erez Meisels Pearl Mekler Doron Melnick and Shana Haberman Richard and Sonya Meloff Meira Mendelaowi Berry Meyerowitz and Robyn Goren David and Jenny Michaels Jordana Milberg Sybil Milstone Samantha Minden Adam Minsky and Heidi Brown Honey Mitchell & Family Marla Mitchell Aaron and Suzanne Mocon Andrew and Rebecca Moffs Andrew Morris and Anna Aleinikov Colin and Berthe Morris Jason Morrow and Barb Nachman Israel and Sheila Moskovitch Stewart Moskovitch and Janie Goldstein Brian Moskowitz and Jennifer Pearlman Blake Murray and Nancy Riley Cyrelle Muskat Na’amat Canada Edward and Hyla Nagel Brahm and Lara Nathans Jodi Nathanson Gil and Phyllis Nefsky Mark and Sheryl Nightingale Barry and Victoria Nisan David and Leah Noon Lindsay Nyquist Kevin O’Brien Allan and Lesley Offman Paul Ogden Nir and Leslie Orbach Neil and Naomi Orzech Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP David Ossip and Devra Baryshnik Marc Ossip and Bonnie O’Hayon Martin and Myrna Ossip Mark Osten and Lisa Chodirker Ostrovtzer Independent Mutual Benefit Society Jonathan Otis and Lily Latner Otis Melissa Oziel Lowell Pancer and Dena Pollack Jody Panzer Annie Papazian Freda Papoff Rebecca Paul Eddy and Deanna Peranson Pamela Perlis Ran Perry and Rachel Kohl Sandra Pierce Jonathan Pinchuk and Rachel Silver Katy Pitch Aaron and Amy Platt Ariel Platt Fred and Sharon Platt Jordana Platt Robert and Bonnie Pollock Ron and Carolyn Polster Martin Pont and Cecilia Alterman

KOL BIALIK | WINTER 2017

25

GENEROUS SUPPORT

Portmor Investment Alison Posen Ari Posner and Tamar Kagan Lori Press Elise Pulver Brian and Rochelle Rabinowicz Ryan and Jessica Rakowski Daniel and Dara Rames Elaine Rapp Andrew Reback and Jill Steinberg Sammy and Jessica Redlick Craig Reid and Aviva Golberg Alex and Jennifer Reidiboim Andrew and Elissa Reiken Cole Reiken and Deborah Drukarsh Reiken Joel and Melissa Reiken David and Deborah Reine David and Elena Reiter Allan and Danielle Reitzes Jeremy Rezmovitz and Ellie Richmond Jonathan Richler and Sara Horowitz Darren and Leslie Richmond Les and Mary Richmond Avi and Michelle Ritter Cliff and Lindsay Ritter Jonathan Robinson and Aviva Dworkind Karen Rodney Jocelyn Schaffer Roff Daryl Roitman and Rosalie Steinberg Mitchell Rose and Natalie Pancer David and Jodie Rosen Harry and Malka Rosenbaum Joseph Rosenberg and Hedy Steinberg Gerald and Barbara Rosenstein Jonathan and Edit Rosenstein Aaron and Felice Rosenthal David and Caryl Rosman Jessica Ross Joel and Hindy Ross Robert and Dorothy Ross & Family Ted and Debbi Ross & Family Aaron Rotenberg and Jessica Feldman Lillian Rotenberg Steven and Diane Rothman Michael and Sandra Rouhi David and Inna Rubenstein Stephen and Barbara Rudberg Warren and Sari Rudick Meredith Rudin Stephen and Susan Rudin Martin and Judith Rumack Alan and Sharon Saipe Boris Salimianov and Viktoria Ginzburg Shane Saltzman and Joanna Seidel Daniella Samuel Gary Samuel and Paula Zivot Kevin Sanders and Nina Hay Kevin Sandler and Michelle Gordon Jordana Sanft Adam Sargon and Jessica Kudlats Laurel Sas Ayal Schaffer and Shauna Brail Stephanie Schecter Ori and Eva Schibi Anita Schmideg David Schrider and Pamela Gilbert

26

KOL BIALIK | WINTER 2017

Jonathan and Michelle Schrieder Jerome and Aliza Schrier Jeffrey and Jennifer Schwartz Michael and Daphna Schwartz Darren and Erin Sederoff Mary Seldon Silver Business Consultants Inc./Geoffrey Harris and Carmela Serebryany-Harris Jen Sernaker-Tytel Shlomo and Varda Shalev Andrew Shalit and Sarah Marx Jonathan and Andrea Shapero Richard and Melissa Shapero Adam Shapiro and Lani Lieberman Jodi Shapiro Larry and Pam Shapiro Susan Sharpe Hayley Shay Brandi Sherman David and Cami Sherman Justine Sherman Eitan Shibi and Melissa Rosen Danielle Shields David and Francine Shields Charitable Foundation/David and Francine Shields Michael and Tami Shimonov Tammy Shoore Jeffrey and Joanna Shore Judy Shostack Van and Sonia Shron Joy Shuchat Barry and Ethel Shuken Ken and Rhona Shulman Michelle Shulman Brahm Siegel and Paula Feig Dara Siegel Sam and Sheila Sieradzki Jay Silber and Mara Cole Evan Silver and Jennifer Shein Kayla Silver Lisa Silver Ryan and Justine Silver Shoel and Eileen, Aaron and Alexandria, Adrienne, and Candice Silver Ari Silverberg and Sari Feldstein Charles and Lynne Simon Martin and Noreen Simons Jay and Rebecca Singer Jennifer Singer Mark and Aliza Sinyor Mark and Hazel Skapinker Darren and Stephanie Slavens Randal and Shirley Slavens Harvey Sliwowicz and Erika Krausz Lorne Small and Debra Gerstein-Small Kelly Smolinski Leslie Sole Jordan Soll Tara Soloway Jeffrey Somer and Adina Bloom Somer Arnold and Renata Somers Rebecca Sorokin Syd and Linda Sosnovich Lauren Spanier David and Janis Spinner David and Samara Starkman

GENEROUS SUPPORT

David Stastny and Jill Levine Ady and Alana Steen Richard Stein and Cindy Lithwick Michael Steinberg and Corinne Rusch-Drutz Joseph and Elaine Steiner Mark Steinman and Mariel Heller Jared Stekel and Karen Stekel Debbie Stern Gary Stern and Sula Kogan-Stern Ian Stoppard and Irine Kishinevsky Michelle Stribopoulos Avi Sucharevski and Suzanne Reznick Irene Sudorgin Aubrey and Andrea Sugar James and Sara Sugarman Lorne Sugarman and Vanessa Pinsky Shelley Sukerman Jay and Linda Swartz Sean Sztern and Melanie Fefergrad Michael and Shoshana Taitz Jordan Talsky and Natalie Talsky Susan Tam Peter Tanenbaum Eitan and Jodi Tanentzap Angelica Tannenbaum Jay and Sandra Taradash Lynne Taradash Shaul Tarek and Natalie Strigberger Elisha and Irit Targonsky Marilyn Targonsky Lorne and Jennifer Taylor Oris and Hanna Taylor Asbe Teferra and Fran Bader Doron and Michal Telem TELUS Communications Co. Errol Tenenbaum and Nicole Salama Tenenbaum Sheldon Tenenbaum and Samantha Solomon Wilfred and Anna Teper Jamie Tepper and Tammy Lindover Nat and Sue Tepper Paul and Dorit Tepperman Ali Terner Dorothy Tessis Jim Tober Einat Tomchin Renee Topper/Victor z”l & Renee Topper Family Fund Amy Torch Larry and Frieda Torkin Harley Tsherna Hayley Turkel Barbara Tweyman Esther Tylman Aaron and Donna Unger Rosie Uster Steven and Melissa Uster Nick Vannan and Gillian Freedman Shanaz Vellani Michael and Jennifer Vilner Joshua and Katie Waks Ruth Waldman David and Hannah Wasserman Marc and Sheryl Wasserman Robert and Rochelle Waxman Daniel and Alanna Weill Allan Weinbaum and Karen Eidinger

Eitan Weinberg and Diana Tamir Daniel and Alyssa Weinerman Carlie Weinreb Erez and Li Weinreich Lauren Weinstock Elan Weintraub and Sharon Karvat-Weintraub Drorit Weiss Eric and Leah Weisz David and Debra Weizman Michael Weizmann and Talia Friedman John and Marcia Wenus Charlene Wexler Douglas and Ruth Wilansky Heidi Wilk Natalia Wilner Erin Wilson Jamie Wilson Melanie Wine Andrew Winton and Dana Kahan Paul Winton and Shelley Rosenbaum Winton Stacey Wintre Barbara Wise James Wise and Lauren Wise Joel, Sara, Lani, Josh Wise and Families Laura Wise Lauren Wise Paul and Rickie Wise Wise Family Ben and Keren Wisniewski Michelle Wittlin The Max and Beatrice Wolfe Charitable Foundation/ Harold and Carole Wolfe Jeff and Debra Wolfe Linda Wolfe Kathie Wood Micah Wood and Amy Weizman Shirley Worth Michael Wunder and Joanna Sugar David and Beverley Young Erin Yuffe Lisa Zackheim Lesley Zafran Jonathan Zamir and Amy Block David Zarek and Hayley Colt Sean and Melanie Zeitz Elyse Zelunka Jennifer Zelunka Zvi and Miriam Zemel Brian Ziedenberg and Tracey Lazare Isaac and Limore Zisckind Darrin Zweig and Franceen Bernstein Kelly Zyblock

GRANDPARENTS` GARDEN DONORS Gifts received up to September 30, 2015 Tammy Brown, Jodi Bager, Robin Sims and Jennifer Grossman Doug and Terrie Davidson Elliott and Wendy Eisen Judith Eisen Morton and Roslyn Elman

Here the Soul of the People is Forged |

‫פה בית היוצר לנשמת האומה‬

Michael and Sandra Florence Pamella Freedman Stan and Susan Freedman Harry z”l and Fran Giddens Ira Gluskin and Maxine Granovsky Louis and Sharon Goelman Larry and Anette Goldstein Mendel and Helen Green Lony and Ruth Gropper Dan and Ziona Hagler Stephen and Marcia Herbert Ron and Heather Hoffman for Samantha and Jake Hoffman & Adam, Riley and Justin Goldenberg Ernest and Norma Kirsh Michael and Karen Lester Mallis Family Ralph and Sharon Orman

Joseph Burnett/Joseph Burnett Family Foundation Bayla and Leo Chaikof - In loving memory of Rose and Israel Appel Howard and Elsa Chandler Frank Cinotti Sam and Deena Biback & Family Benjamin Cohen and Jane Rimmer & Family Oz and Yael Cohen & Family Jeremy and Jo-Anne Cole Barbara Colucci The Liz and Tony Comper Foundation Mitch and Marcia Cosman Paul and Hagit Cravit Ken Crystal and Lynn Posluns CS&P Architects and Reich + Petch Architects Larry and Debra Danilewitz Benny and Michal Daskalo

Bloria Roizman Michael and Lois Rudberg David and Francine Shields Jerome and Margie Shore Arnold and Sandy Silver Sheldon and Vivian Silverberg Eric and Marsha Slavens Ed and Fran Sonshine Howard and Carole Tanenbaum Elliot and Sandra Title Allen and Janet Werger Jack and Nan Wiseman Harold and Carole Wolfe

Stephen, Robyn, Hudson, Sloane and Myles Diamond Stuart Dicker and Heidi Miller Dicker & Family Stephen and Blima Dreezer Daniel and Risa Drimmer & Family Fred and Anita Eckhaus Elliott and Wendy Eisen David and Judy Engel & Family/Innovative Graphics Oriane Falkenstein “Fieldgate Cares Foundation From the Fieldgate Family” Esther Fischler Stan and Susan Freedman Richard Fridman and Aviva Lowe & Family Dani Frodis, Alana Silverman and Adam and Jamie Frodis Arun (Rajan) Ganashing Gordon and Ena Garmaise Geler Family Ruth Gerlock Joe and Yvonne Gilinsky Linda Ginsberg Avi Glina and Simone Lange & Family Morty and Elaine Goldbach Charles Goldberg and Carole Gruson Michael Goldrich/Goldview Property Management Ltd. Israel z’l and Carole Goldstein Lorne and Carol Goldstein Jack and Anita Goren Michael Greenberg and Debbie Miskin Alan and Pearl Greenspan Allan and Fauna Grill & Family Bernie, Elise, Alix, Evan, Noah & Adam Gropper Irving and Susan Gurau Martin and Brenda Gurvey Dan and Ziona Hagler & Family Jonathan and Shana Harris Marilyn Herbert Michael and Betty Herman Mel and Pamela Himel Abraham and Rivka Kagal Kasiel and Lil Kates z”l Key West Video Inc. Warren and Debbie Kimel & Family Ricky Kirshenblatt Gerry and Donna Koffman Sam and Sheryl Kohl David and Joy Kohn

CAPITAL CAMPAIGN Gifts Received up to June 30th, 2016 Irving and Mel Himel and Families/B.A. Himel Family Foundation The Joseph and Wolf Lebovic Charitable Foundation Anonymous ( 2 ) Yoel and Karen Abells Eli Amon Portrait Photography Inc. Allen, Michelle, Ethan, Adam, Jacob and Abby Aptekar Association of Hebrew School Educators Sabrina Barczynski Asher and Hava Barnea Charles Benarroch Donald Bennett Ber Tov Capital Corporation Thomas and Julie Berkes Michael and Liora Betsalel & Family Bialik Hebrew Day School - Senior Kindergarten 2012 Bialik Hebrew day School - Senior Division The Bialik PTA - Himel Bialik Social and Gift Fund Cookie and Donald Biback & Family Estate of Daisy Biderman Harvey Blankenstein and Fay Sliwin Rhona Bloom Marlene Brickman Melvin and Sandra Brown Paul, Tammy, Danielle & Noah Brown

bialik.ca

Dr. Rolan, Melissa, Zachary and Jonah Koifman Uri and Dolly Korin Jack and Cheryl Krepel z”l Jaimie Kudlatz Barry and Elaine Kuretzky Labour Zionist Alliance The Lack Family Philip and Caryn Ladovsky Marvin and Merilyn Lean & Family Bruce and Lianne Leboff Manny and Arlene Leder Leo Baeck Day School - Eric Petersiel Hertzel and Naomi Lipner The Longo’s Charitable foundation in support of Life-Long Learning Marvyn and Baila Lubek Rael and Maylene Ludwig Jill Magen-Lichtblau The Maimon Family Stephen Manly and Sharon Domb Paul, Jaclyn and Michelle Marcus Pearl Mekler Darren, Shayna, Ryan and Halle Merker Jason Morrow and Barb Nachman Stewart Moskovitch and Janie Goldstein, Nicole, Justin & Matthew Na’amat Canada Agnes Nagel Michael Naymark and Reena Kronitz Mark and Sheryl Nightingale Kevyn and Deb Nightingale Alexander z”l and Shirley z”l Ogdan Nir and Leslie Orbach Paul Orlander and Helayna Shekter & Family Eddy and Deanna Peranson Donny Pichosky z”l and Rochelle Wise z”l Pickering Square Dental Office Aaron and Amy Platt & Family Philip and Bonnie, Samantha & Matthew Plotnick Ian and Arlene Pont Lisa Pont Faye and Gary Rewald Les and Mary Richmond, Ellie, Aaron, Noah & Danny Steven, Leah, Jacob & Maegan Rodin Allan and Ellen Rosenbluth Jonathan and Edit Rosenstein Bobby and Judi Ross Ruth Rotman Barbara Rusch Mark, Lisa, Samuel & Jordyn Sager Jeanne Salit Gary Samuel and Paula Zivot Stephen and Linda Sandler Chari Schwartz Mitchel and Sari Seifer Rick Seligman and Linda Godel Shlomo and Varda Shalev Heather Shapero Stanley and Lusette Shapson Shimmerman Penn LLP Jeffrey, Joanna, Matthew & Benjamin Shore The Shron Family Ken and Rhona Shulman Signature Electric Adam, Deborah, Hannah, Lilah & Benjamin Silver

Frank Simkevitz Mark and Hazel Skapinker Mark Smiley Anne Sokoloff Ian and Jill Solomon & Family Jay and Cayla Solomon Sonshine and Tanentzap Family Ed and Fran Sonshine Jonathan and Alison Sonshine & Family David and Janis Spinner Jonathan Spinner and Nicole Lester Hal and Sari Springer The Harry Steiner Foundation/Joseph, Elaine & Jonathan Steiner z”l Struct-Con Construction LTD. Michael and Shoshana Taitz Eitan and Jodi Tanentzap & Family TD Bank Group Renee Topper & Family Torgan Management Inc. The Trump Family The Tylman Family Barbara Urman Fred and Linda Waks Sue Walsh Ruvan and Danielle Waltman & Family Andrew and Fay Weisberg Linda Wells Lisa Werger-Adler The Estate of Elliott M. Wilson Linda Wolfe Bert and Lynda Wolfman Elizabeth Wynne z”l David and Beverley Young Zvi and Miriam Zemel

CAPITAL CAMPAIGN VIEWMOUNT Gifts received from July 1, 2015 - June 30, 2016 Bialik Hebrew Day School The Bialik PTA - Viewmount Naomi Alexandroff Brest Edward Bronfman Memorial Legacy Fund Daniel and Risa Drimmer Richard and Joan Gladstone David and Marilyn Glick Jack and Anita Goren David Lester and Liane Cutler Yossi Lior Nir and Leslie Orbach

These lists have been checked for accuracy, but errors may have occurred. If you have not been appropriately recognized, please contact the Development Office at bgurvey@bialik.ca.

KOL BIALIK | WINTER 2017

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AHeadof A GALA CELEBRATION IN HONOUR OF SHANA HARRIS MONDAY, MAY 29, 2017 | SIX IN THE EVENING BETH EMETH SYNAGOGUE | 100 ELDER STREET