B’nai Shalom Day School inspires curiosity, critical-thinking, confidence, and connection to Jewish values.
Every effort is made to ensure that the information in this publication is accurate. If you notice any omissions or errors, please accept our apologies and notify Eva Turner, Director of Advancement, at eturner@bnai-shalom.org so that we may update our records.
We are honored to lead B’nai Shalom into its fifty-fourth year. The success and longevity of our school can be directly attributed to the generous spirit of this community. Together, we have built a school where students learn to apply Jewish values to all aspects of their lives. At B’nai Shalom our students develop a strong Jewish identity that they will carry with them into their futures.
Albert Einstein once said, “Imagination is more important than knowledge,” but so too are kindness, responsibility, and respect. A student-centered approach to learning fosters each child’s creativity and individual character. Our talented faculty and staff cultivate our students’ young minds, encouraging them to wonder and to ask important questions. Here, every student is seen, known, and understood. None of this would be possible without the support of our generous donors. Thank you for your past and future support of the school we all hold close to our hearts.
We would also like to pay special tribute to the leadership of the Greensboro Jewish Federation. B’nai Shalom has been a beneficiary agency of the Federation for many years and the Federation’s unwavering support of our school and the education of our community’s children is truly appreciated.
Our students, families, staff, and supporters come together to create a school environment rich in Jewish values, ruach (spirit), and a love of learning.
With gratitude,
Susan Siegel Jen Strasser Head of School President, Board of TrusteesDear Friends,
Never has this sentiment been more true than at B’nai Shalom. This report on the 20222023 school year reflects the hard work and dedication of so many people. It is an honor to recognize and thank you, our devoted donors and volunteers, whom we celebrate on these pages.
This year will mark the end to a multi-year campaign in honor of our 50th anniversary. We are grateful to Aaron Strasser, the chair of this campaign, for his time, dedication, and support of our school. It’s hard to imagine where B’nai Shalom would be today without his leadership. This report holds a snapshot of the campaign’s accomplishments and its supporters. We look forward to sharing a final report with you after the close of the campaign.
We reimagined an annual fundraising event that would be more accessible to all members of our community, while raising critical funds for our school. The first annual Sneaker Soireé was a roaring success. Thank you to our planning committee who turned this vision into reality.
We have benefited immeasurably from our community’s support. You have each enhanced the teaching and learning that takes place within our classrooms and school programs. Thanks to you, B’nai Shalom is, and will always be, a safe, caring, family environment for our children to grow and prosper.
In partnership,
Eva Turner Linda Shapiro Director of Advancement Chair, Development Committee2022-2023
Board of Trustees
Jen Strasser, President
Peggy Bernstein, Vice President
Linda Hale, Vice President
Brian Ross, Past President
Steven Woolf, Treasurer
Linda Shapiro, Recording Secretary
Susan Feibelman, Three Year Trustee
Mark Bochkis, Three Year Trustee
Matt Slaine, Two Year Trustee
Janis Fields, Two Year Trustee
Eryn Greenstein, One Year Trustee
Brandon Gray, One Year Trustee
Frank Brainard, Presidential Appointee
Linda Shapiro, Chair
Mindy Andrews
Mark Bochkis
Peggy Bernstein
Janis Fields
Brandon Gray
Lenny Samet
Jen Strasser
We’ve always known social-emotional health is foundational to academic success. This truth has become even more evident as we navigate the continuing impact of the Pandemic. At B’nai Shalom, we have increased our investment in Social Emotional Learning (SEL) across all three divisions, from our youngest students to our oldest. Our school counselor facilitates a weekly SEL class starting in Pre-K and continuing through 8th grade, but also meets individually with students and families. We also added the role of a Development Specialist who supports teachers and families to better meet the needs of our youngest students.
Just visit Preschool Family Shabbat or Monday morning Havdalah with our Lower and Upper School and you will feel a palpable sense of joy. This ruach reflects a love of Jewish tradition that continues to be cultivated here at B’nai Shalom. Our Jewish learning and connection to Israel was enriched by the presence of Noya and Maskit, our community Shinshiniot this year. Their enthusiasm and creativity elevated the Jewish learning experience throughout our school.
If you visit our FabLab, you will see our 3D printers in action producing work that our students have designed. Drawing from General and Judaic Studies, Coding, Art, and more, this crosscurricular endeavor creates an environment where students can take risks, flex their creativity, and express their learning in innovative ways. We know we are preparing our students for jobs that don’t yet exist and in order to do that critical-thinking, problem solving, and collaboration are necessary for this unknown future.
B’nai Shalom was awarded a three-year grant from the Center for Israel Education. Funded by Israel’s Ministry of Diaspora Affairs, this grant supports teachers as they weave Israeli education into all areas of our curriculum. Our goal is to develop a lasting connection to and relationship with Israel that grows with complexity and confidence. Teachers build background knowledge and act as facilitators, capable of leading nuanced discussion and guiding students to form their own ideas. We are excited to share how this program develops over the course of the grant.
Contributions to our Annual Giving Fund collectively grow B’nai Shalom’s educational resources, supporting our operating budget and funding opportunities as they arise.
Thank you to our donors!
Tree of Life ($10,000+)
Scott Kaplan
Mimi Levin
Teresa and David Tolin
Crown ($3,600-$9,999)
Sylvia and Mike z”l Berkelhammer
Peggy and Nat Bernstein
Anita and Mark Hyman
Kathy and Eric Kraus
Debby and Ken Miller
Linda and Jerry Shapiro
Joyce and Bob Shuman
Susan and Gary Simmons
Jen and Aaron Strasser
Elizabeth and Joe Strasser
Polly and Richard Strasser
Fruit ($2,500-$3,599)
Rachel and Joshua Faucette
Janis and Andy Fields
Jane and Richard Levy
Simone and Joel Liebling
Susan and Joseph Nehmen
Susan and Jerrold Pinsker
Linda and Tom Sloan
Ellen and Sigmund Tannenbaum
Flowers ($1,800-$2,499)
Beloved Heartsong
Joan Samet
Jennifer and Todd Schwarz
Corinne Segal-Waxman and Freddie Waxman
Leaves ($1,300-$1,799)
Michele Gordon and Pat Levy, III
Ellen and Leonard Samet
Branches ($800-$1,299)
Rose and Victor Ackermann
Lacie and Clay Burton
Irene and Irving Cohen
Sheryl and Brian Glickman
Amanda and Richard Lerner
Lois and Howard Mezer
Laura Pollak and Jeff Petrinitz
Halina Podlipsky
Philip Silver
Michele and Matthew Slaine
Starr Snead Anonymous
Trunks ($360-$799)
Elizabeth and Matthew Applebaum
Alyssa Samet and Mark Bochkis
Rene and Thomas Cone
Valerie Amsterdam and Kevin Daniels
Cheryl David and Mark Davidowitz
Blair and Benjamin Denkin
Stephanie and Mark Eidelman
Marsha and Jon Glazman
Karen and Joshua Gould
Eryn and Avishai Greenstein
Susan and David Gutterman
Linda and Mark Hale
Stacy and Amit Hampel
Jenny and Brian Kaiser
Whitney Kraus
Catherine Levinson
Carmen and Steve Mendelson
Annabel and Dean Norman
Lisa and Jon Perlmutter
Peggy and Ray Rosenthal
Shelley and Jeffrey Segal
Phyllis Shavitz
Sylvie Spielman
Leslye and Marshall Tuck
Susan Feibelman and George Turner
Marian Ruderman and Lewis Weinstock
Karen and Michael White
Rachel and Dan Wolf
Roots ($180-$359)
Mindy and Bryan Andrews
Marilyn and Robert Chandler
Teresa Walch and Yael Dinur
Ashley and Mateo Eckstat
Emily and Brandon Gray
Sherril Herman
Ruth and Joshua Hoffman
Jo Ann and Bruce Jones
Jessica and Shlomi Kagan
Sharon and Barry Kaiser
Emily Linden and Jeffrey Kaplan
Ila Rosenthal and Jeff Katz
Sandra and Neil Kaye
Andra and Aaron LeBauer
Dana Logan and William Levin
Mechelle and Gary Lindenberg
Alexandra and Brandon Lundie
Maricela Daniels and Eric Lustig
Shaina and Matthew Mack
Courtney and Travis Matherly
Dana and Shachar Ravins
Lisa Shapiro
Rick Shapiro
Susan and Fred Siegel
Toby and Jay Siegel
Tracy and Jeffery Simon
Ruth and Bob Turner
Seeds ($18-$179)
Dana and Jonathan Amos
Jenny Schultz and Jennifer Badik
Linda Baggish
Melissa and Jeffrey Bullins
Vicki and Jason Cathcart
Betsy Gamburg and Phil Cohen
Anya and Andrew Dabrusco
Mankie Fedler
Kathy Miller and David Friedman
Alyssa and Daniel Gatto
Ellen Haskell and John Gibbs
Monica and Stefan Giovan
Mollie and Liam Grandidge
Hope Gruber
Judith and Stanley Hammer
Stacy and Amit Hampel
Nahomi and Jonathan Harkavy
Carolyn and Jeff Hawks
Perri and Matthew Hoyt
Judith Hyman
Janice and Stephen Hyman
Sharon and Barry Kaiser
Noelani Kochlani
Sydney and Nick Kochmanski
Michal and Andy Koren
Lisa and Paul Lasovsky
Gail and Gene LeBauer
Judy and Michael Linden
Dinorah Cossio and Miguel Llanos
Amanda and Michael Loflin
Amanda Medendorp and Mario Lofton
Dani and Ryan Luft
Laura and Tim McGuire
Sharman Michaelson
Rachel and Adam Miller
Sarah and Patrick Neff
Barbara and Scott Neitlich
Michal Eckstein and Jim O’Gara
Holly and Jon Oner
Edna and George Rubenstein
Lolly and John Schweninger
Ilana Siegel
Eileen Silver
Dianne and Elliot Silverstone
Robin Skirboll
Dassi Sklan
Stacey Rubain and Todd Smith
Rebecca and Mark Spielman
Margaret Vellani and George Sullivan
Nichol Walters
Breton and Matthew Weaver
Beth Mannella and Ron Yardenay
Rochel and Hershel Zaklos
Herman and Zelda Bernard Endowment Fund for Judaic Studies
Rose and Victor Ackermann
Donna and Ilan Mizrahi
Dina and Etan Wiesen
B’nai Shalom Endowment Fund
Lois and Howard Mezer
Debby and Ken Miller
Field Day Sponsors
Paymaster Pilot Benefits
Pinnacle Financial Partners
Systel Business Equipment Southeastern Cleaning Company
Founders Endowment Scholarship Fund
Sue and Ron Green
Frank Weiner Scholarship Endowment Fund
Elaine Abrams
Peggy and Nat Bernstein
Irene and Irving Cohen
Nina Starr Cohen
Linda Fleishman
Margot Lobree
Lynda Moss
Midge Pines
Loretta Jacobson and Robert Refinati
Linda and Jerry Shapiro
Kay and Larry Thompson
Ellen and Leonard Samet
Susan and Gary Simmons
Eileen Silver
Linda and Jerry Wearb
Shelly Weiner
Greensboro Jewish Federation Allocation
Judy Groner Curriculum and Technology Enhancement Fund
Lacie and Clay Burton
Head of School Discretionary Fund
Geoffrey Claussen
Library Fund
Kim Cuny
Barbara and Ned Gross
Ellen and Sig Tannenbaum
Reading Week
Polly and Richard Strasser
Shapiro Family Security Fund
Peggy and Nat Bernstein
Gail and Gene LeBauer
Emily and Robert Nudelman
Linda and Jerry Shapiro
Bill and Mimi Stang
Israel Trip Fund
Alexis Cavic
Gloria Feibus
Carolyn and Jeff Hawks
Sara and Allan Jacobs
Matthew LeBauer
Laura and Daniel Strouse
Susan and Fred Siegel
We are in the final stretch of our three-year campaign celebrating the 50th anniversary of B’nai Shalom’s founding. This campaign aims to position B’nai Shalom as a home of continuous innovation and Jewish traditions where students become compassionate life-long learners. A portion of every gift is directed to the BSDS Endowment Fund in order to sustain us for generations to come. To date, we have raised more than $1.1 million of our $1.3 million goal.
To date the following people have made pledges and/or gifts:
Rose and Victor Ackermann
Karen Levin Bauersfeld
Peggy and Nat Bernstein
Margaret and Frank Brainard
Eileen Claussen
Deirdre and Larry Cohen
Janis Levin Fields
Ellen and Gary Fischer
Karen and Joshua Gould
Laura and Ari Hausman
Anita and Mark Hyman
Linda Levin Hyson
Pam Tillman and David Kaplan
Kathy Manning and Randall Kaplan
Carole Krusch
Adam Lasovik
Gail and Gene LeBauer
Joe LeBauer
Mimi Levin
Jane and Richard Levy
Michele Gordon and Pat Levy, III
Lois and Howard Mezer
Debby and Ken Miller
Haber-Mostofsky Family
Emily and Robert Nudelman
Susan and Freddy Robinson
Kendra and Brian Ross
Emilie and Arthur Samet
Ellen and Lenny Samet
Linda and Jerry Shapiro
Phyllis Shavitz
Rebecca Siegel
Susan and Fred Siegel
Sue and Gary Simmons
Michele and Matthew Slaine
Starr Snead
The Strasser Family Foundation
The Jack Levin Foundation
Leslye and Marshall Tuck
Shelly Weiner Anonymous
Our campaign will officially conclude on December 31, 2023, after which time we will share a more robust campaign report. In the meantime, we’d like to thank Campaign Chair Aaron Strasser along with Jen Strasser, Peggy Bernstein, Linda Shapiro, Brian Ross, Lenny Samet, and Rachel Wolf for their time and efforts to make this campaign a success. If you’d like to contribute, it’s not too late! Please contact Eva Turner at eturner@bnai-shalom.org or (336) 897-0705.
The first annual Sneaker Soireé brought together more than 175 families and community members for a night of fun and fundraising in our school gym. We are grateful for the time and talents of our planning committee: Emily Gray, Mollie Grandidge, Ginny Vellani, Marian Stein, and Rachel Faucette.
Thank you to our sponsors and supporters!
Golden High-Top ($5,000)
1618 On Location
24K Event Rentals
Blueprints Wedding and Event Coordination
Malke and Gary Torgow
The Nixons Photography
Designer Sneaker
Drink Sponsor ($3,000)
Havana Phil’s Cigar Company
Art & Sole ($2,500)
O’Henry Hotel
Proximity Hotel
Retro Kicks ($1,500)
Peppelah Challah
The Aberman Family
The Bubbe & Zayde Special ($1,000)
Karen and Kevin Bauersfeld
Irene and Irving Cohen
Hampel Investment Advisors, LLC
Susan and Freddy Robinson
Ellen and Allan Ross
Marian Stein and Jerry Samet
Linda and Jerry Shapiro
Frandee and Steven Woolf
Latest Pick Up ($500)
Advancement Connections
Greensboro Center for Pediatric Dentistry
Inkkas
Travis A Bell DDS PLLC
Well-Spring Retirement Community
Mishpocheh Midtops ($500)
Rose and Victor Ackermann
Jeri D’Lugin
Rachel and Joshua Faucette
Phyllis and Alan Kritz
Player Exclusive ($250)
Fancy That Gift & Decor, Inc.
Fleet Feet
Karen and Joshua Gould
Mint Skin Studio
Orangetheory Fitness
Carmen and Steve Mendelson
Alina Spaulding
The Carroll Companies
Total Wine & More
Chai Top ($180)
Wendy Norris and Ryan Attenson
Mindy and Bryan Andrews
Peggy and Nat Bernstein
Rene and Thomas Cone
Monica and Stefan Giovan
Ricki and Sidney Gray
Anita and Mark Hyman
Judith Hyman
Cheryl and Stuart Kersky
Eva Feibelman Turner and Jamie Kolb
Kathy and Eric Kraus
Jo Ann and Bruce Jones
Lois and Howard Mezer
Ellen and Leonard Samet
Joan Samet
Tracy and Jeffery Simon
Sue and Rob Stevens
Barbara Teichman
Susan Feibelman and George Turner
to the Greensboro Jewish Federation for their continued support of B’nai Shalom Day School.
Accredited by the Southern Association of Independent Schools
Member of the National Association of Independent Schools
Member of the North Carolina Association of Independent Schools
Member of the Prizmah Center for Jewish Day Schools
