GOA Magazine - Fall 2023

GOA THE MAGAZINE OF GOLDA OCH ACADEMY

FALL 2023

WE STAND WITH ISRAEL Golda Och Academy mobilizes its efforts to support Israel and combat antisemitism after the October 7th attack.

Read more inside this issue.

The Next Generation Why our alumni choose GOA for their children

GOA

in this issue

fall 2023

SPECIAL COVERAGE

GOA is published 2-3 times per year by the offices of Institutional Advancement and Marketing and Communications.

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Send your comments, questions, story ideas, photos, class notes, and baruch dayan emets to: alumni@goldaochacademy.org.

COVER STORY

THE MAGAZINE OF GOLDA OCH ACADEMY

INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT Stephanie Bash-Soudry Director of Institutional Advancement Michael Bressman Director of Development Dana Halpern ’15 Alumni Engagement Coordinator Meegan Gliner Special Events Coordinator Jackie Cistaro Development Database Manager MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS Glenn Slavin Director of Marketing and Communications James Bratek Assistant Director of Marketing and Communications Erin Sternthal Associate Director of Marketing and Communications ADMINISTRATION Rabbi Daniel Nevins Head of School Jennifer Carlin Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer Sari Allen Director of Admissions and Enrollment Management Dr. Eytan Apter Principal, Upper School Carrie Siegel ’92 Principal, Lower School Heather Brown Assistant Principal, Lower School Rabbi Meirav Kallush Director of Israel Education

With Israel

6 From Generation to Generation FACILITIES

12 Building for the Future FACULTY PROFILE

14 Mr. Daniel Kurzweil COMMUNITY

16 Celebrating JFEDGMW’s Centennial

EVENT PHOTOS

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NEWLY-ENROLLED ALUMNI CHILDREN

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PARENTS OF ALUMNI FALL SUKKOT CELEBRATION

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CLASS OF 2018 5-YEAR REUNION

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CLASS OF 2013 10-YEAR REUNION

DEPARTMENTS

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FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL

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FROM THE DIRECTOR OF INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT

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CLASS NOTES

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BARUCH DAYAN EMET

BOARD OF TRUSTEES Steven Klinghoffer Chair, Board of Trustees GOLDA OCH ACADEMY is accredited by the New Jersey Association of Independent Schools, and is a beneficiary agency of the Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest NJ. It is affiliated with the National Association of Indepedent Schools, Prizmah, and the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism (NJ Region).

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FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL While for some Americans the crisis in Israel following the Hamas invasion and massacre may feel far away, for those of us in Jewish education and leadership it is right inside our hearts. Our festival season, our time of rejoicing, was abruptly truncated as we looked into the face of evil and realized that Jews everywhere must cooperate to protect our people and to live our values with strength and pride.

Whether our connections to victims of these attacks are immediate or more remote, we are all part of a community of grief, and we are all part of the Jewish response that will strengthen Israel and Jewish life everywhere.

“Love for Israel” is one of the core values of Golda Och Academy, and this value has never been abstract. You feel love for Israel when our youngest learners start each day by singing Hatikvah. You feel the love when our many Israeli teachers share their personal stories with colleagues and students. You feel love for Israel when our students study the history, culture, topography and language of our homeland and when they prepare for the extended Israel trips which are hallmarks of our school.

But why, you might ask, is this so important? Isn’t ours an American school that trains students to flourish primarily in America? Yes, but our vision is not for GOA graduates to become solitary Americans and Jews. Our vision is for them to become part of a Jewish community that transcends time and space, allowing them to connect meaningfully to our history, to be pillars of strength wherever our people are in need and to be fortified by Jewish knowledge, faith, and friendships that will allow them to build a proud and joyous Jewish future. This vision is shared by our families, all of whom chose this Jewish school for their children, and continue to choose it even when, or especially when, times are tough.

I am proud of how our staff, students and parents have responded to this crisis. I am proud of our GOA alumni who are serving in the IDF and contributing to Israeli society. I am proud of our college students who confront those who apologize for terrorism and of those who lead Jewish life on campus. I am proud that our school immediately said yes to the many Israeli families who have been displaced by the war and sought a safe haven for their children at GOA. We love Israel and are committed to building a safe, secure and peaceful future for our homeland and all of its inhabitants.

Rabbi Daniel Nevins Head of School

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FROM THE DIRECTOR OF INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT These are challenging times to be Jewish parents. The horrific October 7 attack on Israel and subsequent rise in antisemitism in the U.S., on our college campuses and around the world has created truly unprecedented scary and unsettling times.

Yet there is so much to be thankful for, especially our incredible GOA community that spans not only current students, families and faculty, but also alumni, alumni parents, grandparents and friends here in NJ, Israel and around the world. This special community is so very precious.

Everyday, when I arrive at school and see our joyful students led by our dedicated faculty, I feel inspiration and hope for the future. Whether it is celebrating a Bar/ Bat Mitzvah at the Upper School with a proud family or kvelling at a precious milestone at our Lower School, there are countless moments of pride and joy every day at GOA. Providing our next generation of Jewish children with a strong Jewish education in a safe and nurturing environment is one very important way to fight back from the madness and bring light and hope into the world. I never take this for granted.

I am inspired by the beautiful way that our community has taken in displaced Israeli families and their children into our hearts and homes. I am inspired by our parents, alumni and students who are engaged in countless activism and chesed projects. I am inspired by our alumni who are serving in the IDF and their families and classmates who are standing strong behind them with support.

I am inspired by our school donors who recognize that we need their support more than ever during this time. I am inspired by our young families, many of them alumni, who are signing up their children for Pre-K and Gan next year and ensuring that we have the next generation of proud and knowledgeable Jews.

Every act of positive Jewish affirmation is our way of saying hineni, “I am here.”

Am Yisrael Chai!

Stephanie Bash-Soudry Director of Institutional Advancement

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GOA STANDS WITH ISRAEL

Since Israel was attacked on October 7 by Hamas, our hearts have been broken. As a community, we mourn for the lives lost, the families destroyed and the devastation that has come upon the Jewish people. In the days after the attack and since that date, our school has been a safe space for our faculty and students to express themselves and support one another.

On Tuesday, November 14, our 8th-12th grade students traveled to Washington DC to join the March for Israel to stand up to antisemitism, demand the release of the hostages and show our love for Israel. Many of our Lower and Middle School families, alumni and parents of alumni also traveled to join hundreds of thousands of Jewish people in solidarity. At this historic moment, our Jewish values and the mission of our school have never been more prominent.

Over the last several weeks, we have continued to help students learn about the context of this latest attack on Israel, to pray for its safety and to express support for Israeli children in our partnership region. Our Gan students created heartfelt pictures for GOA alumni soldiers serving in the IDF, and our 3rd graders wrote alumni soldiers letters. In the Upper School, the Middle School Student Council put together a project to support lone soldiers in the Israeli Defense Forces, the 9th grade parents organized a challah-making event in support of Israel with the Friendship Circle and our Alumni Society collected video greetings to send to their classmates in the IDF. For our graduates, this war has hit home on another level. As a day school, we have educated and prepared students to combat antisemitism on college campuses, and now they are putting their education into practice. To help guide our alumni, our Alumni Society together with our Israel Department sponsored a zoom for college students on October 26 to support them in dealing with antisemitism and anti-Israel activism on campus. Finally, our Israel Field Operations Manager, Rabbi Rob Kahn, has been hosting weekly zooms from Israel for Neshama participants from the last four years.

To assist Israeli families who have been displaced, GOA administration, under the leadership of Rabbi Meirav Kallush, created a special program at our Lower School to provide programming for children on a temporary basis. With the help of the Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest, elementary school students have been working with teachers and rishonim to complete schoolwork and play in a warm, Jewish, Hebrew-intensive environment. Our Upper School has also opened its doors to a large group of Israeli high school students who are temporarily displaced, allowing them to attend classes. These students have been warmly welcomed into Middle and High School classes.

We are grateful to our Parents’ Association for leading an effort to provide needed assistance to the Israeli families together with our administration and faculty. A parent WhatsApp group, called GOA Helps Israelis, has also been formed with over 140 members that has become a source for Israel advocacy and concrete help for our Israeli guests. It has been truly inspiring to see our GOA families come together during this crisis. As the war continues, we as a school community continue to pray for our brothers and sisters in Israel and for the Jewish people around the world during this difficult time.

Am Yisrael Chai.

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COVER STORY

From Generation to Generation Alumni share the importance of sending their children to GOA As a high school student, it’s nearly impossible to know what your life will be 15-20 years down the road. Your world is centered around academics, extracurriculars and socialization. Yet, when the time comes to settle down and have a family of your own, you have a decision to make as to where to send your children to school.

For nearly 20 percent of our students, their parents’ choice was clear—return to their roots and give their children the same gift of a GOA education.

While the school may have changed over the years with building renovations, curriculum changes and new faculty members, the values and mission of GOA and the warm community have remained the same. Many of our alumni sending their children to GOA have returned simply for those reasons and a handful shared with us how GOA has shaped their lives and their childrens’ lives.

Jocelyn (Levine) Klar ’01 Greg Klar ’98 Jocelyn (Levine) ‘01 and Greg Klar ‘98 both had very positive experiences at Golda Och Academy. They made friendships they say that have lasted a lifetime and found the teachers and warm community to be incredible assets. “The school’s dedication to nurturing both our secular and religious education was a unique and invaluable experience,” said Joceyln and Greg. “This not only helped us both maintain a connection to our heritage, but also enabled us to excel academically. The school’s focus on values, ethics and moral development have been instrumental in both of our personal and professional lives.”

After moving from New York City to New Jersey, Joceyln and Greg always assumed they would send their children to GOA. Having met at school, GOA holds a special place for them.

“We wanted to give our children the same gift of a day school experience that our parents gave to us. GOA is very good at instilling important Jewish values in children that one cannot get from a regular school environment—one of acceptance, inclusiveness, one that teaches children to be kind and caring towards others, to be proud of their Jewish heritage and to have a love for Israel.”

Jocelyn and Greg’s three children attend GOA and all three have had positive experiences with their teachers and classmates. “Watching our children thrive at GOA has been immensely rewarding. The school’s emphasis on values, treating others with kindness and being a good person has contributed to their personal growth. The curriculum is excellent, and it challenges them in a positive way.

“Having our children at GOA holds deep significance for us as parents. We are proud to see our children receiving a comprehensive and well-rounded education that not only equips them academically but also molds them into individuals with strong values and a deep appreciation for their heritage who want to also give back and take care of their community in a charitable and kind way.”

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“

What’s beautiful is the school’s Zionism has never waivered, its love of Jewish children has not waivered and its dedication Merisa (Vinick) Fink ’00 to excellence Merisa (Vinick) Fink ‘00 began her SSDS/GOA journey in Kindergarten at the Cranford campus and recalls the has not waivered. groundbreaking for the Eric F. Ross Upper School Campus.

“I remember the hats and the shovels we were given, but I didn’t know at the time how momentous it was,” she said. “As an adult, I appreciate the significance of a moment like that— laying roots that significant.”

After graduating GOA, Merisa attended Rutgers University and said SSDS/GOA prepared her for the demands of college.

“The workload didn’t scare me because the education at GOA was so rigorous. I felt so prepared for the journey I’ve taken since graduation—from Mrs. Brooks’ history classes to Mrs. Steinberg’s writing classes, which fostered my appreciation for writing.”

”

What she was not prepared for, she said, was the hatred of Israel on campus. “I was on campus and stunned that people were speaking about Israel that way. Today, GOA knows it needs to prepare students on campus for that friction and it does.”

Merisa went on to law school and worked for a counterterrorism Israeli non-profit. She eventually made aliyah with her husband Asher, but returned home to be closer to family, which is why the current war in Israel really hits home. Upon moving back to the U.S., Merisa and Asher enrolled their daughter in Kindergarten, and now all three of her children are at GOA—one in the Middle School and two in the Lower School.

“The GOA I came back to send my kids to is not the GOA I remember,” said Merisa. “The school has evolved. It’s meeting childrens’ needs in a new way. What’s beautiful is the school’s Zionism has never waivered, its love of Jewish children has not waivered and its dedication to excellence has not waivered.”

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Hillary (Aaron) Moore ’05 “During my time as a student at Solomon Schechter Day School/Golda Och Academy (SSDS/GOA), I felt supported, valued and challenged,” said Hillary (Aaron) Moore ‘05. “I have nothing but the fondest memories of my time as a student at SSDS/GOA.” Among her memories are the 2nd grade Chumash celebration, her first Torah reading, the 5th grade Moving Up play, Kindergarten buddies, countless hours on the soccer and softball fields, Monday lunches in the Beit Knesset for choir rehearsal, and of course, Neshama.

At Washington University, Hillary double majored in biology (as pre-med) as well as Jewish, Islamic, and Near Eastern Studies. She spent a semester at Hebrew University in Jerusalem and had an internship at Hadassah Hospital.

Currently, Hillary works as a pediatric gastroenterologist at Columbia New York Presbyterian. “In my professional life, I come in contact daily with colleagues and patients from many different circumstances, ideologies and religions.

Being confident with who I am at my core, as a person and as a Jew, has helped me to navigate the outside world with empathy and tolerance. I am positive that my years at SSDS/ GOA are what instilled this in me from the very beginning.”

Instilling such values in their own children led Hillary and her husband Ryan to send their son to GOA. “To us, it is vital that Jewish values and an innate love of Judaism and Israel

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become a core part of who our children are, just as they did for me,” she said. “We wish for our children to grow to be strong and confident in their Jewish identities and to be forces of positivity and tolerance in the world. Beyond this, we recognize the fragility of the future of our people.

Continuing the chain from generation to generation is more important now than ever.”

While Hillary’s son has been having what she said is the most wonderful experience at GOA, she is also eager to have her two younger daughters join the school in the coming years.

“We have been extremely impressed with the breadth of educational experiences, from general studies and science, to gardening and technology, as well as the way that the Jewish curriculum is tied into most of what they learn. Day by day he is learning the importance of doing good deeds, respecting others and giving tzedakah to those less fortunate.”

For Hillary, seeing her son walk the same halls she did and interact with some of the same teachers is surreal.

“Especially in these trying times, knowing that he is in an environment surrounded by love, support and an emphasis on tikkun olam is invaluable,” she added. “It is really amazing seeing him form friendships with the children of other alumni and realizing that the next generation is being the same gift that we were given. We are so thankful for our GOA community.”

Shuli (Yoskowitz) Herbert ’97 Having attended SSDS/GOA since Kindergarten, Shuli (Yoskowitz) Herbert ‘97 has so many fond memories of her time at school including her Siddur, Chumash and Moving Up ceremonies; moving to the brand new Eric F. Ross Upper School Campus as one of the first new students in the building; and of course, Neshama. “It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to go to Israel for three months with all of my closest friends,” she said. “It really felt like home there, and it was also a great bonding opportunity for the entire grade.”

After graduation, Shuli attended Washington University in St. Louis and says she felt extremely prepared for college.

“My Jewish identity was also very strong after so many years at GOA. When I went to college, I was often the leader among my Jewish friends in terms of organizing holiday celebrations. I found that to be the case well beyond my college years as I was working in both NYC and Boston and in graduate school. Even today, I believe that these values that were instilled in me as I grew up at GOA have helped shape my family and provided us with strong Jewish values and traditions.”

This fall, Shuli and Adam’s daughter Tali began her freshman year here at GOA. From day one, Shuli says her daughter has

been happy and comfortable, becoming involved in clubs, sports and leadership positions that she might not have had the opportunity to become involved in at another school.

According to Shuli, it has always been important that their children develop a strong Jewish identity. (Their two sons currently attend Gottesman RTW Academy in Randolph.)

“I believe that Jewish day school is a critical part of that. I think it’s important for them to have Jewish friends, to be surrounded by others who celebrate the holidays and keep kosher like we do, and to learn about being Jewish from a source outside of just the family. I also believe that the high school years are especially important to help nurture their Jewish identity and prepare them to go to college as a proud Jew who can stand up for Israel and other Jews. This seems to be true now more than ever.”

For Shuli, and other alumni, returning to school as a parent has been extremely meaningful. “I love that my daughter is walking through the halls that I walked through, sitting in the classrooms that I sat and learned in, and hopefully feeling like it is her home away from home like I did. It’s been something that I’ve always wanted for her, and I’m so excited that the time is finally here.”

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Travis Weiss ’07 and his wife Suzanna Grobman enrolled their daughter Rafa in Pre-K.

Newly-Enrolled Alumni Children Sarah (Dobrowski) Glickman ’04 and her husband Perry enrolled their daughter Jenna in Pre-K. Shuli Herbert ’97 and her husband Adam enrolled their daughter Tali in 9th grade.

Rebecca (Rakib) Lillianthal ’08 and her husband Ethan ’08 enrolled their daughter Baila in Pre-K.

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Parents of Alumni FALL SUKKOT CELEBRATION OCTOBER 3, 2023

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FACILITIES

Building for the Future

Capital improvements enhance our Upper and Lower School campuses While our students were enjoying their summer break, our Facilities Department worked on a number of project enhancements and additions on both campuses that have been made possible by Golda Och Academy’s five-year, Go Forward Capital Endowment Campaign. At the Eric F. Ross Upper School Campus, the renovation project included a lobby renovation, brand new bathrooms and locker rooms on the first floor, a gender neutral bathroom, and newly-installed LED lighting and ceiling tiles in the gym. Our Building Committee, led by school trustees Alan Schall ‘92 and Jonathan Schwartz, prepared plans for this project and worked diligently with the GOA facilities team to have renovations completed by the first day of school. We look forward to extending this renovation project to the rest of the building in the future.

combination of orbital mechanics or astrophysics).

The senior class has a new Applied Calculus course which covers rocket science—deriving formulas needed to calculate the flight characterics of rockets. This experience involves students building and launching rockets, collecting data and comparing their previous calculations to real-world experiments. Additionally, there is a unit in the course that covers orbital mechanics and orbital energetics.

On our Wilf Lower School Campus, the former Technology Lab was transformed into the Livnot Lab as part of the STEM expansion for elementaryaged students. The new STEAM makerspace is designed to engage students in exciting design thinking and project-based learning. “Livnot” means “to build” in Hebrew, and the lab features While enhancements were being made to the interior state-of-the-art 3D printers, a blue screen studio, of our Upper School campus, our STEM team was a Lego and Vex robotics arena, and the Wall of also working round-the-clock to Engineering—a pegboard where build our Observatory on the Lower students can access tools they need Field. The idea was brainstormed to create their designs. In addition,

by Director of STEM Education Dr. the 12th grade STEM students are Shira Kelmanovich, Science faculty building a new sign for the lab. member Paul-Michael Huseman, “Our students have been amazed For more information about these projects, and Math faculty member Daniel and inspired to discover their please contact: Kurzweil who wanted to add an creativity while using the Livnot Stephanie Bash-Soudry Director of Institutional Advancement astronomy component to the Lab’s facilities,” said Andrew sbashsoudry@goldaochacademy.org curriculum. Thanks to grants from Mittleman, Lower/Middle School the Dr Lynne B Harrison STEM STEAM Educator. “From designing Endowment Fund and Project Moonshot, the idea for their own Lego Amusement Park to 3D Printing and the Observatory became a reality. testing dreidels for optimal spin, our students use hands-on learning to harness their education and Featuring a 9.25” optical telescope mounted on a reach new heights!” motorized positioning fixture and a sophisticated camera, the Observatory can image planets, Dr. Kelmanovich added, “We are excited to have nebulas and even distant galaxies. Because the a space in the Lower School that supports the Observatory is fully computerized, students have continued expansion of and excitement around our the ability to plan observations in advance, and STEAM program. With early access to equipment the setup will track the stars and take images such as 3D printers, robotics kits and digital design automatically. According to Mr. Huseman, “Very tools, students can learn design and engineering few schools have access to this kind of equipment, skills early on and continue to advance as they go and we hope that this will build excitement around through the Middle and High School curriculums.” space and inspire students to pursue their own independent research.“ Additionally, we are looking forward to expanding our gardening program at the Wilf Lower School In the spring semester, physics classes will be able Campus with our much-anticipated Greenhouse to use the Observatory to learn about ray optics Project, which is set to be installed in Spring 2024. (how the telescope collects light and how we are Thank you to the many donors who have made this able to see), as well as some space-based physics (a exciting project possible.

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The new Livnot Lab at the Wilf Lower School Campus

The newly-renovated lobby at the Eric F. Ross Upper School Campus GOA FALL 2023 13

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FACULTY PROFILE

Mr. Daniel Kurzweil Upper School Math Faculty

Since coming to GOA in 2021, Mr. Kurzweil has helped make curriculum changes in the Math department, changing the Advanced Topics in Calculus class to Applied Calculus, enabling seniors to use real-life applications learned in AP Calculus. He is also extremely proud of his work on the new Observatory and is looking forward to incorporating it into the classroom. Mr. Kurzweil has even spent several nights there setting up and learning how to use the systems in preparation for when the students will begin using it.

Interacting with students on a daily basis, for Mr. Kurzweil, is what makes his job so special.

He enjoys having students flag him down to ask a question, share a joke or tell him about their weekend. “These small conversations let me know the students value me as a person and see me as more than just a math teacher.”

Outside of school, Mr. Kurzweil can be found enjoying multiple hobbies, including toying around in his classic British MG Midget in warm weather (he jokes that he spends more time fixing it than driving it) and hiking, backpacking, snowshoeing and rock climbing. Sometimes he even goes “off grid” without electricity, internet or phone service for two or more weeks at a time.

Ea rth

Although 2023-24 marks the beginning of Upper School Math Faculty member Daniel Kurzweil’s third year at GOA, he has already helped make positive changes at school and become a beloved teacher to our students. Currently, Mr. Kurzweil teaches Geometry, Algebra 2, AP Calculus, Introduction to Calculus and Applied Calculus.

In addition to teaching at GOA, he works for the City University of New York as a professor of mathematics and education. Perhaps most fascinating to our students is Mr. Kurzweil’s work at NASA in 2011 where he was part of the Earth Systems Research Program housed out of the Armstrong Flight Operations Center in California. Using their DC-8 flying laboratory, Mr. Kurzweil collected airborne science data using remote sensing to research agricultural water usage, algae blooms and air quality in southern California.

’s m

apture! age c m i t firs r u n, o oo

Over the last two years, students have truly connected with Mr. Kurzweil, both in the classroom and outside on class trips, specifically the Shabbatonim. To demonstrate their appreciation, the Class of 2023 bought him a personalized lab coat embroidered with Dr. Dan (inside joke of the class) and selected him to hand out their diplomas at graduation. “GOA quickly became a home for me,” said Mr. Kurzweil. “It is more than a school; it is a place where I can share my passions with those around me, both faculty and students alike.”

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COMMUNITY

Celebrating JFEDGMW’s Centennial GOA’s partnership with the Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest NJ is helping to nurture our Jewish community’s future This year, the Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest NJ is celebrating its centennial anniversary—100 years of incredible service to our Jewish community. As a Jewish day school, we are extremely fortunate to share a close partnership with the Federation to further our mission of educating the next generation of Jewish leaders. To help celebrate this momentous occasion, we wanted to highlight the Federation’s critical role in our school’s success and the tremendous community it has helped create.

Throughout the year, the Federation supports Golda Och Academy in numerous ways. We are provided with generous financial support through our annual allocation made possible by the UJA campaign, professional development through our Deans of Faculty and bi-annual Quest conference, generous grants and expertise through the MetroWest Day School Council and so much more.

We participate in the Rishonim program, which brings young Israeli emissaries to GOA each year, and are currently collaborating with the Jewish Community Foundation on our school’s Go Forward endowment campaign.

The Federation’s importance is felt throughout our school community, helping to strengthen the leadership skills of our students, many of whom participate in such Federation programs as the Iris Teen program, Diller Teen Fellows and Teen Israel Leadership. “GOA has strengthened my Jewish identity, thereby inspiring me to want to help my fellow Jewish community,” said Nomi H. ‘25. “The Iris Teen program was a perfect opportunity for service learning as it gave me deep insight into philanthropy, Jewish education, and leadership, and [the importance of] tikkun olam through various mitzvah events that I helped plan. I enjoyed the small group planning meetings, event coordination, and community organizing—all of which have given me the skills to be a confident leader and team builder.”

Doron F. ’24, who participated in the Diller Teen Fellows program, said GOA and the Diller Teen program helped him learn how to create a safe space for difficult conversations. “I learned the value of respectful leadership and [this 16 GOA FALL 2023

has] influenced how I lead at GOA, creating a compassionate environment and encouraging questions and further discussions with all my peers.”

In addition to our students, GOA parents and parents of alumni are major Federation lay leaders.

While her children were students at GOA, Michele Landau served as our Development Co-Chair and has since become the UJA Campaign Chair. ”It is such a privilege for me to volunteer and do good in our Jewish community,” said Michele. “As the UJA Annual Campaign Chair, I often say that I received my training from when I was the Development CoChair for Golda Och Academy. I saw firsthand how we can make an impact in our Jewish community today and build our future. I am grateful that we live in such a vibrant Jewish community with our day schools, JCCs, synagogues, many Jewish support agencies and of course, a strong Jewish Federation.”

Current president of the Jewish Community Foundation Board of Trustees, Steve Levy, is also a parent of alumni. “As a proud alumni parent of two GOA graduates, I know firsthand how the school provided them both with a strong foundation for their success professionally, personally and Judaicaly,” he said. “In my capacity as a volunteer leader in our local Federation and particularly in the Day School Initiative, I have gained additional insights into the positive contributions that Golda Och Academy has made and continues to make in strengthening our community, its families and our future leaders. Greater MetroWest is a better place because GOA is here.”

Current GOA parents Jon and Emily Gantman served as Vice Chairs of the Federation’s Centennial Mission to Israel this past summer, which was also attended by many of our parents and parents of alumni. Jon is a current trustee at GOA and the two serve in various leadership roles, including the National Young Leadership Cabinet, Women’s Philanthropy Board, Young Family Programming Committee and the NextGen Leadership Team. Last year, Jon received the Julius and Besse Cohn Young Leadership Award.

Teen leadership programs “Jon and I have both been very involved with Federation since moving out to New Jersey,” said Emily. “As young parents, one of the reasons we were eager to join a community and ‘settle down’ was so that we could begin to build the valuable relationships and roots that our own parents modeled, to make a difference in our community and be those examples for our own children. We have always thought it was incredibly important to give back to the communities we are a part of, and Federation is an organization that supports so much of our community.”

Israel mission

Two of our current board members are also past Federation presidents and community leaders: current Board Chair Steven Klinghoffer and Leslie Dannin Rosenthal. “Golda Och Academy is critical to the future of our MetroWest community,” said Klinghoffer. “We are educating the future leaders of our community. Our alumni have taken critical leadership roles on campus and in Greater MetroWest.”

In addition to lay leaders, GOA is proud to have many school parents and parents of alumni who are Federation professionals. Amy Biloon, who has two children in the Upper School, is the Chief Engagement Officer at JFEDGMW. “As a Jewish communal professional and GOA parent, I am thrilled to live in an area where our Federation and our school share the same deep commitment to developing the Jewish leaders of tomorrow in a vibrant Jewish community,” said Amy. “Federation’s Centennial is an opportunity to showcase and celebrate this long-standing partnership while looking to the future with hope and optimism.”

We are truly blessed to live in such a warm and connected Jewish community. As we all receive information about this year’s Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest’s Centennial anniversary, we affirm our commitment to our special partnership and encourage our community to help celebrate the anniversary of our remarkable Federation.

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5 Class of 2018 SEPTEMBER 9, 2023 FIVE-YEAR REUNION

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10 Class of 2013 TEN-YEAR REUNION SEPTEMBER 21, 2023

SSDSEU

CADEMY A H C O GOLDA

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CLASS NOTES 1995

2007

Steven Balter and his wife Aviva Bukiet welcomed the birth of a baby boy, Lev Simcha, on September 7, 2023.

Rabbi Jason Herman and Yael Merkin were married on May 21, 2023 in New York. Jason is son of former GOA Director of Athletics, Janet Herman. In attendance were GOA alumni Rabbi Tracy Kaplowitz ’94, Lily Kalish Gersh ’95, Dr. Jacob Labendz ’95, and Dr. Richard Herman ’96.

2008

1998

Jeffrey Burghauser released his 5th book, The Heavy Lifting: A Boy’s Guide to Writing Poetry.

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Lindsay (Aaron) Frieman and her husband Eric welcomed the birth of a baby girl, Riley Ava, on July 17, 2023.

BIRTHDAYS • ANNIVERSARIES • WEDDINGS • BABY ANNOUNCEMENTS • GRADUATIONS • VACATIONS • NEW PETS • NEW JOBS • PROFESSIONAL INDUSTRY AWARDS • CAREER CHANGES • MOVED TO A NEW APARTMENT/HOUSE • RELOCATED TO A NEW TOWN/STATE/COUNTRY • MITZVAHS • BOOK/TV/FILM RECOMMENDATIONS • ATTENDED A MUSIC CONCERT OR PRO SPORTS GAME • TRIED A NEW FOOD/RESTAURANT • LEARNED A NEW SKILL • VOLUNTEERED/GIVING BACK • ENROLLED CHILDREN AT GOA • RECONNECTED WITH CLASS FRIENDS

alumni@goldaochacademy.org

2008

2010

Adam Butensky and former student Laura Slifer were married on May 7, 2023 at the Crystal Plaza in Livingston, NJ. Their wedding party included Adam’s siblings Dan ‘04 and former student Rachel, Laura’s sister Pam Slifer ’07 and Aaron Paul.

’08 ’10 Madison (Cargan) ’10 and Joel Davis ’08 welcomed the birth of a baby boy, Hudson Nathaniel, on June 20, 2023.

Andrew Wingens and Ilana Rayport were married on August 6, 2023 at the Crystal Plaza in Livingston, NJ. In attendance were Andrew’s brothers Jon ’15 and David ’19, Jonathan Rabner and former student Marshall Cohen.

2011

Phil Nydick and his wife Dani welcomed the birth of a baby girl, Poppy Arleigh, on May 21, 2023. Phil is the son of Lower School faculty member Carol Nydick.

GOA FALL 2023 21

CLASS NOTES 2011

2015

Carly Rabner and Yoni Goldstein were engaged on September 4, 2023.

2015

Harris Mevorah and Dalia Gatoff were married on July 4, 2023 in New Jersey. Harris is the son of Lower School faculty member Shari Mevorah.

Sion Aronoff and Maxine Tannenbaum were married on September 3, 2023 at Temple Emanu-El in Closter, NJ. Sion is the son of Lower School faculty member Hope Aronoff. In attendance were Jon Wingens, Harris Mevorah, Elijah Rockman, Noah Pearlstein, Jessica Antiles Heller, Toren Aronoff ’13 and Nadav Aronoff ’17.

22 GOA FALL 2023

Jon Wingens and Shira Levie were engaged in September 2023.

BIRTHDAYS • ANNIVERSARIES • WEDDINGS • BABY ANNOUNCEMENTS • GRADUATIONS • VACATIONS • NEW PETS • NEW JOBS • PROFESSIONAL INDUSTRY AWARDS • CAREER CHANGES • MOVED TO A NEW APARTMENT/HOUSE • RELOCATED TO A NEW TOWN/STATE/COUNTRY • MITZVAHS • BOOK/TV/FILM RECOMMENDATIONS • ATTENDED A MUSIC CONCERT OR PRO SPORTS GAME • TRIED A NEW FOOD/RESTAURANT • LEARNED A NEW SKILL • VOLUNTEERED/GIVING BACK • ENROLLED CHILDREN AT GOA • RECONNECTED WITH CLASS FRIENDS

alumni@goldaochacademy.org

2015

Noa Shapiro and Noah Stein were married on August 3, 2023 at the Crystal Plaza in Livingston, NJ. Noa is the daughter of Upper School Dean of Faculty Gail Shapiro. In attendance were Ilana Schimmel, Emily Kadosh, Elijah Rockman, Noah Pearlstein, Jon Wingens and Harris Mevorah.

2017

Kim Robins and Micah Lewis were engaged in May 2023.

2016

Mikey Antiles and Amit Cohen were married on August 1, 2023 in Israel. Mikey is the son of Upper School faculty member Janette Antiles. In attendance were Mikey’s siblings Andy ’18 and Jessica Antiles Heller ’15, as well as Nadav Aronoff.

Rachel Kramer and Ben Plotnick were engaged in May 2023. Rachel is the daughter of Marc and GOA Board of Trustees past president Eleanor Kramer and sister to Arielle Kramer Kuzdral ’08 and Naomi Kramer Mullen ’10.

2018 Shifra Zuckerman starred in the movie Her Deadly Night in Paris. The movie premiered on August 19, 2023 on Lifetime and is currently available on Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video and Vudu.

GOA FALL 2023 23

BARUCH DAYAN EMET

AS OF NOVEMBER 12, 2023

Jean Abramowitz z”l, beloved mother of Gwen Leeds, Alton Abramowitz, and Jed Abramowitz; grandmother of GOA learning support coordinator Spencer Leeds, Sophia Leeds, Blythe Abramowitz, Jacob Abramowitz, Alex Abramowitz, and Peter Abramowitz.

Nancy Ball z”l, beloved mother of former Lower School Assistant Principal Karen Spector (Rabbi Geoffrey Spector), Susan Roane (David) and David Ball (Bonnie); grandmother of Joshua ’11, former student Jordan, Eli, Arielle, Benjamin and Jennifer.

Sholom Alexander “Alex” Banks z”l, beloved former GOA past board chair; husband of Ruth Banks; father of Michael (Robin) Banks, Beth (Jules) Cohn, Jonathan (Judy) Banks ’78, and Matthew Banks ’83 (Simone Schweber); and grandfather of Jeremy, Jess, David, Danny and Maya. In memory of his father, Alex z”l established the Morris Banks Memorial Prize in Jewish Thought awarded each year to a GOA graduating senior.

Irving Barocas z”l, beloved former GOA Lower School Principal, president emeritus of the Sephardic Jewish Brotherhood of America.

Florence Tsiporah Bialik z”l, beloved wife of Rabbi Chaim Moshe Bialik, beloved mother of Gary Bialik, beloved grandmother of former students Jordan Burnham-Bialik, Zach Bialik and Gayle Bialik.

Caroline Blecherman z”l, beloved wife of Sid Blecherman, mother of Barry Blecherman (Sarah), grandmother of Shayna, Mira ’16, Josh and Kayla ’21.

Lillian Coopersmith z”l, beloved wife of Bernard z”l; mother of Marvin Coopersmith, Cindy (Greg) Coopersmith-Seinfeld and Howard (Roberta) Coopersmith; grandmother of Caitlin (Eric) Hurrie, Brenna (Matt) Coopersmith-Roberts, Reid Coopersmith, Alex ’08 and Emery ’11 Coopersmith, Ean Seinfeld; great-grandmother of John, Viv Hurrie, Gemma Roberts.

Myra Gans z”l, beloved wife of Arnold Gans; sister of Illene Berg; mother of Fran Karpel (Ephraim z”l), Robin Strauss and Lauren (David) Weiner; grandmother of Lexi Karpel ’09, Dylan Karpel ’12, Dean, Max, Bennett and Danielle.

Ken Glass z”l, beloved husband of Merle Glass, father of Steven Glass (Melanie) and Beth Felsen (Daniel), grandfather of Lily Glass ’22, former students Annie Glass, Alex Glass and Sarah, Dina and Noah Felsen.

Ann Beth Greenburg z”l, beloved mother of Heather Kasdan, Robert Greenberg, Gary Greenberg, and Mickey Greenberg; sister of David Ashenofsky, Jay Ashenofsky, and Sammy Ashenofsky; grandmother of former student Eli and Abigail ’31 and Kole and Millie.

Roman Hartman z”l, beloved father of Eva Hartman-Drucks (Keith) and Ruth Hartman-Tillim, grandfather of former GOA student Ariella Hartman-Drucks and Liam Tillim.

On November 2, 2023, we held a beautiful tribute to Mr. Dov Laks z the Upper School campus. We appreciate all of his colleagues and 24 GOA FALL 2023

Robert Heine z”l, beloved father of Marjorie Berger (Robert Berger), grandfather of Rachel Berger ’18 and Josh Berger ’20.

Aaron “Arnie” Nierenberg z”l, beloved former faculty member, beloved husband of Claire, father of Rachel Pasternak ’86 and Marla Shanti ’86, grandfather of Grayson and Rebecca Pasternak, and Jacob, Benjamin and Joshua Hanan.

Harvey Stephen Pensky z”l, beloved husband of Ellen Pensky, father of Fara (Hunter) Gold, and grandfather of Marin ’21 and former student Riley Gold.

Terry Polaner z”l, former GOA faculty member; beloved mother of Ruth Miller (Howie), David Polaner (Lea) and Phyllis Polaner; sister of Marcia Zaccaria (Michael); grandmother of seven and great-grandmother of three.

Michele Pozner z”l, former GOA librarian.

Dr. Bernard Robins z”l, beloved father of Richard Robins (Cheryl Goren Robins), grandfather of former student Liam, Kim ’17 and Nina Robins ’19.

Sonia Samuels z”l, beloved mother of Janet Jacobs (Gil) and Marilyn Korman (Hezi), beloved grandmother of Ariel Jacobs ’94 (Alisha), Daniel Jacobs ’97 (Michelle ’97), Daniella Weinberg ’95 (Andrew), former student Andrew Korman (Emily) and beloved great-grandmother of Isaac ’26, Leo ’29, Zach, Jordan, Layla, Ryan, Jesse, Michael, Kira and Lyla.

Natalie Schonfeld z”l, beloved mother of Bennet, Steven, Shari Cherna and Alan; grandmother of Evan ’06, (Sarah ’06), Scott ’99, Sara ’01, Bryan ’12, Talia ’15 (Craig ‘14), Alexandra, Jeremy, Zach Cherna, Rebecca Cherna and Sammy Cherna; and great-grandmother of 11 great-grandchildren.

Lisa Silbermann z”l, beloved mother of Ron Silbermann (Jodi) and grandmother of Talia ’23.

Jay Teitelbaum z”l, beloved step-brother of Stephanie Marks (Jonathan Zellan), uncle of Isabelle ’23 and Gabrielle ’23.

Richard Waack z”l, beloved father of Sally St. John, GOA Upper School science faculty member.

Sheila Wechsler Freeda z”l, beloved sister of Marcia (Raphael) Paisner, aunt of Allen ’07, Rachel ’13 and former student Joel Paisner.

Sarah Wiener z”l, beloved mother of Debbie Rabner (Stuart), grandmother of Erica ’09 (David), Carly ’11 and Jack ’12.

Stephen Zucker z”l, beloved husband of Alicia Zucker; father of Lower School Principal Carrie Zucker Siegel ’92 (Jeff), Robert Zucker ’90 (Shana) and Julie Zucker ’95 (Greg); grandfather of Jacob, Elan, Lior, Stefanie ’19, Zach ’24 and Sasha ’33.

Judy Simon z”l, beloved former faculty member (1987-2008); beloved mother of Rob (Jane), Andrew (Jennifer) and Eric (Nancy); grandmother of Alex, Lily, Oliver, Emma, Sam, Delaney and Theo.

SUBMIT YOUR CONDOLENCES AT WWW.GOLDAOCHACADEMY.ORG/BARUCHDAYANEMET

z”l, beloved former math teacher, with a ceremony dedicating a bench and tree in his honor on d his family members for the beautiful words of remembrance. May his memory be for a blessing.

GOA FALL 2023 25

ERIC F. ROSS UPPER SCHOOL CAMPUS 1418 Pleasant Valley Way West Orange, New Jersey 07052

TO THE PARENTS OF ALUMNI: If this issue is addressed to your daughter/son who no longer maintains a permanent address at your home, please call 973-602-3603 or email alumni@goldaochacademy.org to update our records.