HAppenings Summer 2016

‫בס“ד‬

‫עלה נעלה‬ HIGHER AND HIGHER MONTONS ENCORE PLUS HAUT

A LOOK INSIDE

ACHIEVEMENTS & ACCOLADES P. 6 | OUR ATHLETES ARE GOLDEN P. 10 | STUDENT LIFE P. 26 | FACULTY & STAFF P. 38 | GRADUATES P. 42 | THANK YOU TO OUR VOLUNTEERS P. 44 | COMMUNITY P. 45 | DEVELOPMENT P. 50

CONTENTS Messages 4

2015-2016 Board of Directors / Conseil d’administration President and Chairman of the Board / Président du conseil d’administration Alvin Suissa ('85) Vice-President / Vice-président Shlomo Drazin ('92) Treasurer / Trésorier Eric Amar Secretary / Secrétaire Lori Diner Board Members / Membres du conseil Sharon Amar Peter Benisti Laurence Cohen Ami Drazin ('86) Vanessa Fallenbaum Edie Friedman Meir Israel William Jegher ('96) Chaya Lieberman Russell Samuels Lawrence Witt Administration Executive Director / Directrice Générale Linda Lehrer Elementary School Principal / Directrice d'école primaire Shauna Joyce High School Principal / Directrice d'école secondaire Dr. Laura Segall

A SOLID FOUNDATION

Achievements & Accolades

UNE FOI SOLIDE

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Media 12

Within the guiding framework of Torah values and Halachic principles founded

Kindergarten 13

on the tenets of Am Yisrael, Eretz Yisrael and Torat Yisrael, Hebrew Academy is proudly committed to academic excellence and innovation, fostering intellectual

Academics 14

curiosity and inspiring leadership. Our graduates emerge with a strong faith, a devotion to Am Yisrael and Eretz Yisrael, a solid academic foundation and fluency

Student Life 26

in Hebrew, French and English. True to our mission, Hebrew Academy graduates remain committed to Modern Orthodoxy while integrating and contributing

Athletics 36

to society at large. As leaders within their communities and professions, our alumni are equally comfortable navigating a challenging Gemara as they are

Faculty & Staff 38

solving a complex mathematical equation. A significant proportion of our alumni also make Aliyah with a number even volunteering for the Israel Defence Force -

Graduates 42

espousing the very values Hebrew Academy underscores on a daily basis.

Volunteers 44 L’Académie Hébraïque est fière de s’engager à viser l’excellence académique et l’innovation, à promouvoir la curiosité intellectuelle et à inspirer le leadership,

Community 45

dans le cadre des valeurs de la Torah et des principes halachiques fondés sur le peuple d’Israël, la Terre d’Israël et la Torah d’Israël. Nos diplômés sortent avec

Development 50

une foi solide, un amour pour le peuple d’Israël et la Terre d’Israël, de solides bases académiques ainsi que la maîtrise de l’hébreu, l’anglais et le français.

Fidèles à notre mission, les diplômés de l’Académie Hébraïque suivent la voie de l’orthodoxie moderne en s’intégrant et en contribuant à l’ensemble de la société.

En tant que leaders dans leurs communautés et dans leurs professions, nos diplômés sont aussi à l’aise pour décortiquer une Gemara difficile que pour résoudre un problème complexe de mathématique. Un nombre significatif de nos diplômés déménagent aussi en Israël et se portent volontaires dans les forces armées israéliennes, des actions qui sont véritablement en ligne avec les valeurs que l’Académie Hébraïque souligne quotidiennement.

Editor / Rédactrice : Aviva Engel, Director of Communications / Directrice des communications Contributors / Collaborateurs : Gabrielle Abergel, Mimi Bengio, Myriam Bensimon, Richard Bond, Zehava Cohn, Jackie Douek, Joanne Druker, Karen Edery, Simon Forget, Sheri Gray, Elyse Haber, Shauna Joyce, Alanna Korman, Linda Lehrer, Yoni Lehrer, Chaviva Lifson, Beth Moskovic, Celia Natanblut, Norma Newman, Rabbi Sorin Rosen, Barbara Rotenberg, Dr. Laura Segall, Rabbi Eddie Shostak, Jacqui Silbiger, Alvin Suissa, Chris Taylor, Lauren Thurber Photography / Photographie: Aviva Engel, Shalom Diamond/VIA Photo, Hebrew Academy faculty and staff Graphic Design / Conception graphique: Joelle Fhima-Berdowski HAppenings is a publication of Hebrew Academy of Montreal and is distributed to current families, alumni, staff and friends of the school . HAppenings est une publication de l’Académie Hébraïque de Montréal et est distribuée aux familles actuelles, aux anciens élèves, le personnel et les amis de l’école.

Please send submissions to / Envoyer vos soumissions à : aviva.engel@ha-mtl.org

Our school is in a strong position, with a promising future ahead.

MESSAGE FROM

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

I

t’s hard to believe that my time as President is

recognizing that good, sustainable fundraising is and

coming to an end. Two years ago, my term began with

will be the basis of financial stability for our school. Our

uncertainty and excitement around a number of changes

Search Committee continued its mandate to find a Head

that were being made at Hebrew Academy. I would like

of School. It was very gratifying to be able to bring in Dr.

to thank the outgoing Board of Directors for its tireless

Kalman Stein, one of North America’s top educators. Our

dedication and for guiding us through this year of growth

school will benefit greatly with him at the helm.

and success. Our board worked diligently to ensure that our administration had the proper support for a smooth transition so that it could continue to successfully run the school with accountability and evaluation. We worked

I

want to thank our Administrative Team: Linda Lehrer, Dr. Laura Segall, Shauna Joyce, and their respective teams.

They have done an amazing job in navigating the school

on ensuring the financial stability of the school, and

over the past two years. Hebrew Academy is in a great

established long term objectives for both the board and

place due to their leadership. Finally, thank you to my wife

Hebrew Academy. We also worked on strengthening the

Lauren and my kids. Their support and patience over the

relationship between the administration and the board,

past two years has allowed me to dedicate myself to the

and ensuring that everyone understood their respective

school. I couldn’t have done it without you. I love you.

roles. We ended the first year with a focus on fundraising.

P

eople ask me if I’m happy to be ending my presidency.

O

ur goals for this year were to continue to strengthen our governance and ensure proper support for our

I tell them it’s not happiness that I feel but satisfaction

and a sense of accomplishment. Our school is in a strong

administration; to continue fostering a culture of respect

position, with a promising future ahead. As I hand over the

and collaboration at all levels; to give the administration

reins of the presidency to Shlomo Drazin, I am confident

the tools and resources to raise the levels of General

that Hebrew Academy is in wonderful hands.

and Judaic Studies. We placed particular importance on building a culture of giving at Hebrew Academy,

We can take pride in having realized a number of objectives that were set at the start of the year.

Alvin Suissa (’85)

UN MESSAGE

THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

DE LA DIRECTRICE EXÉCUTIVE

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elcome to the 2016 edition of Happenings! In assembling this year’s issue, we were confronted with a unique challenge: there were so many wonderful successes, initiatives and programs to highlight from the past year that we actually had difficulty fitting everything into the confines of 52 pages! I am truly proud of how far our school has come since our very first issue in 2013. This is one instance where a shortage of space is actually a “good” problem!

his past year, Hebrew Academy was featured in local and international media no less than 30 times. It’s no wonder our school is garnering so much attention – we are doing some incredible things! From our spectacular Elementary Schoolwide multimedia exhibit From Generation to Generation, to a slew of new extra-curricular Judaic programs in the High School for both young men and women, to our students’ overwhelming participation and achievements in Chidon HaTanach, Moot Beit Din, science, math and athletic competitions – to cite but a few – we have a tremendous amount to celebrate and be proud of as a family. he successes of the past year can be attributed to the collaborative efforts and unparalleled support of a number of people: our exceptional Leadership Team, including principals Dr. Laura Segall and Shauna Joyce, all of the directors, coordinators and department heads, our wonderful parents, talented faculty and staff and committed volunteers, our valued HAPA partners and our generous donors. hanks to our unity as a community, we can also take pride in having realized a number of objectives that were set at the start of the year. Together, we have continued to foster a culture of respect in the school, become a community that recognizes the importance of giving, and secured a new Head of School who is lauded as one of the top educators in North America.

Indeed, we have a come a long, long way.

look forward to working with our new Head of School Dr. Stein and to continue to partner with all of you – the vital members of the Hebrew Academy family – to bring our school to even greater heights in the coming year.

Linda Lehrer 4|

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ienvenue à l’édition 2016 de la revue Happenings! Lors du montage de cette édition, nous avons fait face à un défi unique en son genre : comment allions-nous y intégrer toutes nos réussites, initiatives et programmes de cette année en seulement 52 pages? Je suis véritablement fière de ce que nous avons accompli à l’école depuis notre première édition en 2013.

Dans le cas actuel, un manque d’espace est une bonne chose! ette année, l’Académie Hébraïque a obtenu de la couverture médiatique locale et internationale plus de 30 fois. Ceci n’est pas étonnant, puisque nous faisons de choses incroyables ici! Nous avons de quoi célébrer et d’être fiers. Nous sommes fiers de l’exposition multimédia à l’école primaire qui a eu pour thème De génération en génération. Nous sommes fiers des nombreux nouveaux programmes parascolaires d’études juives au secondaire pour les filles et les garçons, ainsi que de la très grande participation et des réussites de nos élèves au Chidon HaTanach et au Moot Beit Din. Sans oublier nos concours de sciences et mathématiques, et nos compétitions sportives qui sont toujours un grand succès.

es réussites de la dernière année découlent des efforts communs et du support sans pareil de plusieurs personnes : notre équipe exceptionnelle de direction, qui comprend les directrices Dr Laura Segall et Shauna Joyce, tous les directeurs, coordonnateurs, et chefs de département, nos formidables parents, le personnel enseignant et administratif, nos bénévoles dévoués, nos partenaires HAPA et nos généreux donateurs.

râce à notre unité en tant que communauté, nous pouvons aussi être fiers d’avoir atteint de nombreux objectifs que nous nous étions fixés au début de l’année. Ensemble, nous avons continué à favoriser une culture de respect dans l’école, nous sommes devenus une communauté sensible à l’importance de donner, et nous avons engagé un nouveau directeur de l’école, qui est considéré l’un des meilleurs éducateurs en Amérique du Nord. En effet, nous avons fait beaucoup de chemin. e suis impatiente de travailler avec notre nouveau directeur d’école, le Dr Stein, et de continuer à collaborer avec vous, les membres essentiels de la famille l’Académie Hébraïque, afin d’atteindre encore de plus hauts sommets au cours de l’année à venir.

Linda Lehrer

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ACHIEVEMENTS & ACCOLADES

GRADE 2 BOASTS ADVANCED READERS

We applaud this year’s honourees, who brought us tremendous Nachat! Mazel Tov! May you go from strength to strength.

Mazel Tov to Grade 2’s Talia Aspler and Yitzhak Minciotti upon winning this spring’s Concours national de lecture at the Bronfman Jewish Education Centre..

HA STUDENT TO REPRESENT CANADA AT INTERNATIONAL CHIDON IN ISRAEL Mazel Tov to Gabriel Mamane (Gr 9), who placed Third in the national leg of the Chidon HaTanach in Toronto in May. Gabriel will represent Canada in Israel next year at the International Chidon on Yom Ha’Atzmaut! Mazel Tov as well to Lev Wexler (Gr 5) for placing in the Top 5 in the semi-finals, and to Nathaniel Ouazana (Gr 10) for placing in the Top 8 in the semi-finals! Yasher Koach to 2015 National winners, Grade 11’s Eliana Rohr and Yehonatan Haimovici, who served as national judges this year.

Twenty-five HA Elementary and 14 High School students represented the largest contingent of competitors against peers from Herzliah, Bialik, Maimonide, JPPS, Hebrew Foundation and Akiva in the Montreal Regional Chidon HaTanach in March; 30 of our students went on to compete in Toronto. Thank you to 2009 National Winner, Coach Noah Cohen (’13) for working so diligently to prepare our students.

NAVIGATING LEGALESE WITH EASE Mazel Tov to Grade 10’s Rebecca Benchaya, Noa Cohen, Samantha Illouz and Gita Margolese upon winning Second Best Facta on the topic of Who to Tell at this spring’s Moot Beit Din, and to Rebecca Benchaya upon winning Best Pleader! A program of the Bronfman Jewish Education Center and McGill University’s Faculty of Law, Moot Beit Din introduces Grade 10 students to the intricacies of defending a legal case using Halachic sources and critical thinking. After months of study and preparation, teams of students argue their cases before their Jewish day school peers and a panel of distinguished judges and Rabbis.

Hebrew Academy students won two out of the four awards presented at this year’s competition. Thank you to their coach, Rav Mechanech Rabbi Eddie Shostak, for his time and dedication to our students’ success.

STUDENTS EXCEL AT REGIONAL SCIENCE FAIR The winners of our Annual High School Science Fair participated in March’s Hydro-Quebec Montreal Regional Science & Technology Fair at Concordia University and impressed both visitors and judges alike!

Mazel Tov to our students upon earning the following honours: McGill University Prize from the Department of Natural Resource Science Jacob Silverman & Ethan Fallenbaum (Gr 7)

YOUNG PUBLISHED AUTHORS Hebrew Academy submitted several entries to Polar Express Publishing’s poetry and short story student writing competition last fall. Mazel Tov to the following students whose poetry and short stories were selected for publishing in the company’s anthologies released in the spring: Raphael Benizri (Gr 4), Liora Abenhaim (Gr 3), Livia Mamane (Gr 2), Emma Laredo (Gr 5), Lielle Suissa (Gr 5), Emmy Rubin (Gr 6), Sabrina Laredo (Gr 5) Shiri Rosen (Gr 5) and Tia Samuels (Gr 4).

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Great Distinction Daniel Sternthal & Adam Levy, Gabriel Amar, Jacob Silverman & Ethan Fallenbaum (Gr 7) Distinction Dov Vas & Ben Gabbay (Gr 7) Honourable Mention Elika Oliel & Rebecca Cohen (Gr 8), Leah Elkaim & Arielle Rohr (Gr 9), Zachary Rehany & Meir Hersson-Edery (Gr 10)

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FOR THESE COMPETITORS, IT ALL ADDS UP Kol Hakavod to the winners of this year’s University of Waterloo’s CEMC Beaver Computing Challenge: First Place & Distinction at the Canadian Level: Gabriel Mamane (Gr 9) Second Place & Distinction at the Canadian Level: Samy Bendayan (Gr 10) Third Place: Meir Hersson-Edery & Zachary Rehany (Gr 10)

EYE ON THE PRIZE

STUDENTS ACE NATIONAL MATH COMPETITION

Yasher Koach to Grade 11’s Yakir Bender who ranked 7th Place in the International Jerusalem Science Competition.

Run by Chicago’s Walder Lab, the chidon enables students to explore a science topic and the Talmudic tractates that relate to it. This year, in conjunction with the UNESCO International Year of Light, the competition focused on Light, Optics and the Human Eye.

Each year, HA students in Grades 9 to 11 participate in the nationwide University of Waterloo CEMC Math Competition, together with 60,000 of their peers. Mazel Tov to our winners:

D’ARCY MCGEE HONOUREE Congratulations to Grade 10 student Ben Feldman upon winning the D’Arcy-McGee Victor Goldbloom Vivre Ensemble Essay Contest open to students studying within the riding.

Ben was honoured in a ceremony and congratulated by Premier Philippe Couillard and MNA for D’Arcy-McGee David Birnbaum.

BOYS COMPLETE MASECHET Kol Hakavod to the Grade 10 and 11 Boys’ Talmud class upon celebrating a siyum of Masechet Makot in the spring.

Grade 9 Pascal Competition First Place, HA medal winner, with Distinction at the National Level: Gabriel Mamane Second Place: Michael Kuperstok Third Place: Kyle Fallenbaum

Grade 10 Cayley Competition First Place Tie, HA medal winners, with Distinction at the National Level: Sam Drazin & Meir Hersson-Edery Second Place with Distinction at the National Level: Gita Margolese Third Place: Netanel Elfassy

Grade 11 Fermat Competition First Place, HA medal winner, with Distinction at the National Level: Elisheva Eisenberg Second Place Tie: David Gabbay & Gabriel Bensimon Third Place: Eitan Drazin

HEBREW ACADEMY TOPS JEWISH SCHOOLS

TEACHER AWARDED FELLOWSHIP

In its newly-released 2014-15 annual report, the Commission consultative de l’enseignement privé (CCEP) gave the highest commendation to a Jewish school to Hebrew Academy.

Mazel Tov to Ethics and Religious Culture Teacher Celia Natanblut on being chosen for the Zechor Yemos Olam fellowship.

This six-month long Holocaust Education program integrates hashkafic, historical and pedagogical perspectives designed to empower educators to serve as leaders in this field at Jewish schools across North America.

NHS INDUCTEES RECOGNIZED FOR EXCELLENCE Hebrew Academy inducted 14 new members into the Rambam Chapter of the National Honor Society (NHS) in May. Established in Pittsburgh, PA in 1921, the NHS serves to recognize students who have demonstrated excellence in the areas of Scholarship, Leadership, Service and Character.

Mazal Tov to this year’s inductees: Grade 9: Leah Elkaim, Maayan Levy, Gabriel Mamane

GIRLS WIN BASKETBALL FINALS Bravo to the Grade 6 Girls’ Basketball Team and Coaches Bobby Comeau and HA parent Fred Malamud upon winning the YMHA Wolves Elementary School Basketball League (WESBL) Finals against JPPS this year!

Grade 10: Samy Bendayan, Naomi Bouhadana, Shai Edery, Meir Hersson-Edery, Gita Margolese , Zachary Rehany Grade 11: Rachel Blanshay, Eitan Drazin, Elisheva Eisenberg, Mendel Jacobson, Gabriella Malamud

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OUR ATHLETES ARE GOLDEN Hebrew Academy High School athletes excelled in myriad sports this past year! Mazel Tov to the following teams and their coaches on their stellar performance:

MIDGET BOYS BASKETBALL TEAM

and Coaches Eric Lasry (’92) and Natan Schecter (’91), upon winning Gold in the JISA Championships.

JUVENILE BOYS BASKETBALL TEAM

and Coaches Morrie Levy (’83) and Daniel Shaul (’04) upon winning Gold in the JISA Championships, placing second in the Maimonides Invitational Basketball Tournament and second in the Annual Oren Grunbaum Invitational Basketball Tournament.

JUVENILE BOYS RUNNING TEAM

and Coach Yoni Lehrer (’99), for reaching the highest combined team score in the Greater Montreal Athletics Association’s Cross Country Run on Mount Royal. Hats off to Avi Somech (Gr 11) who placed second, Mendel Jacobson (Gr 11) who placed third and to Elisheva Eisenberg (Gr 11) who placed fourth in the Juvenile Girls category.

JUVENILE GIRLS BASKETBALL TEAM

and Coaches Warren Rohr (’78) and Bobby Comeau, upon winning Gold at the JISA Championships.

JUVENILE BOYS SOCCER TEAM

and Coach Yoni Lehrer (’99) upon winning Silver at the Jisa Championships.

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JUVENILE BOYS FLOOR HOCKEY TEAM

and Coach Yoni Lehrer (’99) upon winning Gold in the Jewish Interscholastic Sports Association (JISA) Championships. Kol Hakavod as well to our Midget Boys and Coach Bobbie Comeau upon winning Silver.

BANTAM BOYS SOCCER TEAM

and Coach Bobby Comeau upon winning Silver at the JISA Championships.

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MEDIA

News outlets spotlight our acts of chessed and creative educational initiatives

HEBREW ACADEMY MADE HEADLINES 30 TIMES IN THE PAST YEAR Hebrew Academy garnered significant media coverage this year, having been featured 30 times in both local and international media in the past 10 months. The Canadian Jewish News, The Suburban, The Free Press, Yediot Achronot, MikeCohen.ca and Bill613.com were among the print and digital media outlets that covered our initiatives. Team Hebrew Academy’s participation in the Chai Lifeline Half Marathon, our Juvenile Boys’ GMAA Cross Country Run win, Elementary’s “Be a Mensch” program and High School’s Gesher Chai program were among the myriad projects that generated publicity.

HA WEBSITE GETS NEW LOOK Visitors to ha-mtl.org were greeted with a fresh, updated site at the start of the academic year. True to Hebrew Academy’s branding and colours, the new, easy-to-navigate website features dynamic content, vibrant images and links to Hebrew Academy’s library, social media pages and educational affiliates.

FACEBOOK LIKES SOAR From June 2015 to June 2016, Hebrew Academy’s Facebook Page “likes” rose from 353 to 687 – an increase of 94.6%! The most popular post of the year – about our dedicated Security Guard Jordan Byer – reached 6,982 people and generated 380 reactions, comments and shares.

VIDEOS CELEBRATE SCHOOL PRIDE Hebrew Academy produced four videos this year, each highlighting a different aspect of HA pride. “We Live It” captured our success at bringing learning to life, while our welcome back video built anticipation for the exciting year ahead. Our dedicated educators were honoured in a special Teacher Appreciation Week tribute, and a final video highlighted Jewish Music Week festivities and guests. Our Bnot Sherut complemented these releases with their Chanukah, Purim, and end-of-year productions.

AN EXCITING MORNING WITH BREAKFAST TELEVISION Thursday, December 3 was a particularly exciting day at Hebrew Academy when the crew from City TV’s Breakfast Television came to film four segments about Chanukah.

Kindergarten B, Grade 1B, the Grade 6 Bnot Mitzvah and Grades 7 and 11 were the lucky classes chosen to represent our school!

Our eloquent student and faculty representatives did a remarkable job of speaking extemporaneously and our High School students led a poignant candle-lighting ceremony coordinated by High School Director of Judaic Studies Vicky Szyf.

Among the highlights of the morning was the chance for students to meet and interact with the engaging BT host Catherine Verdon Diamond, who even took the time to pose for some group selfies.

KINDERGARTEN

Enriching experiences lay foundation for future learning

Kindergarten students and their Morahs enjoyed a year of tremendous highs – punctuated by stimulating outings, captivating activities, chessed projects and ruach-filled celebrations. Some of the year’s highlights included apple picking, visits to classmates’ sukkahs, Vowel and Chanukah parties, cookie and hamentaschen-baking, a special unit on the rainforest, creating windpipes, weekly Shabbat parties, a puppetry workshop, a Purim party with residents of the Donald Berman Maimonides Geriatric Centre, outings to the Biodome and Matza Factory, Pajama Day, a Skype session with the Victoria Bug Zoo, a model Seder and end-of-the-year Chagiga!

Among the children’s greatest achievements, was their collection of over $1000 for Cystic Fibrosis Canada; money they raised with their teachers through the sale of their Chanukah cookbook, Sweets from our Sweets. This wonderful chessed project was featured on City TV’s Breakfast Television in December.

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ACADEMICS

NOS ÉLÈVES ONT MAÎTRTISÉ LE CODAGE EN UNE HEURE

Innovation and creativity are cornerstones of 21st century learning at Hebrew Academy

FUN WITH WORDS AND NUMBERS In honour of World Literacy and Math Days in October, Elementary students played skill-testing games online against international student competitors.

Congratulations to our winners:

World Literacy Day

First Place: Yair Bouhadana (Gr 4) Second Place: Keira Moss (Gr 2) Third Place: Janie Punski (Gr 3)

Les élèves de l’Académie Hébraïque y compris nos petits gamins de cinq ans peuvent déjà ajouter à leurs compétences acquises à la maternelle, celle du codage. Pour la semaine mondiale Computer Science Education Week en décembre, tous nos élèves de la maternelle à la sixième année ont participé à un événement international, nommé une Heure de Code. Celui-ci offre une introduction de 60 minutes au codage et à l’informatique à des enfants de différents âges avec de différents niveaux de compréhension.

KIDS EARN 100% FOR PARTIPATION

« Je voulais que nos enfants participent à cet événement parce que le codage est le langage de leur futur », a dit Elyse Haber, coordonnatrice des études anglaises et de l’intégration technologique au primaire. Alors que les séances sur Skype sont fréquentes dans les classes et que les élèves du primaire s’aventurent dans la robotique dès la troisième année, Mme Haber croit que le codage (la programmation derrière les sites web, applications et logiciels) est une compétence cruciale à maîtriser.

Kol Hakavod to the following Grade 6 students who participated in the Quebec Math Competition in April: Raphael Somech, Gavi Aspler, Eliyahu Cano, Sara Hamaoui, Hadassah Gomolin, Ethan Bendayan, Moshe Azoulay de Courten, Josh Samuels, Aliza Cano, Eliana Eisenberg, Emmanuel Sorek and Liraz Ohayon.

World Math Day

C’est une compétence qui devrait être enseignée comme la lecture et l’écriture » a dit Mme Haber. « Le codage nécessite la créativité et la résolution de problèmes, des compétences essentielles dans l’apprentissage du 21e siècle. Les élèves apprennent à persévérer et à ne pas abandonner lorsqu’ils résolvent des problèmes. Ceci est le monde dans lequel nos enfants vivent et savoir écrire du code ne peut ’être que positif pour eux et les aider dans n’importe quel domaine qu’ils choisissent ».

First Place: Benjamin Bendayan (Gr 3) Second Place: Aidan Knafo (Gr 3) Third Place: Moshe Cohen (Gr 3)

SPELLING BEE CHAMP’S ON A ROLL

L’événement portait sur des leçons du site web www.code.org.

Les classes de 3e et 6e année ont créé une galaxie à l’aide des tutoriels Star Wars. Les classes de la 1ere, 2e, 4e et 5e année ont attrapé un « vilain cochon » dans Angry Birds. À l’aide des élèves de la 6e année ainsi que les professeurs, les enfants de la maternelle ont utilisé une application qui s’appelle Kodable.

Congratulations to reigning Spelling Bee Champion Josh Samuels (Gr 6) upon claiming First Prize in our Annual Spelling Bee Finals for the second consecutive year! Hats off to finalists Sara Hamaoui (Gr 6), Noam Marciano (Gr 4), Sabrina Laredo (Gr 5), Josh Jegher (Gr 4) and Yaniv Dahan (Gr 5).

RTI MODEL VERY SUCCESSFUL DO YOU SPEAK GLOGSTER? HA STUDENTS DO! Under the guidance of English Teacher Sheri Gray, Grade 5A students researched, revised, collaborated, and problemsolved to produce wonderful weather inspired “Glogs” using Glogster, an online tool that enables users to create interactive posters, complete with text, images, audio and videos.

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For the past five years, Hebrew Academy has implemented the Response to Intervention (RTI) approach to reading instruction in Kindergarten through Grade 4. This year, Grades 5 through 8 participated in three benchmark universal screenings which assessed their progression in reading fluency and comprehension. The results enabled their Language Arts teachers to implement specific strategies in the classroom and in group settings. Teachers also continued to monitor students’ reading skills on a weekly basis in order to closely follow their development and readjust interventions as necessary. The RTI model has proven to be successful at Hebrew Academy; teachers are better able to understand their students’ needs and intervene appropriately to provide them with effective reading instruction.

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ROBOTICS COURSE CULTIVATES LIFELONG SKILLS

REAL ELEPHANT VISITS GRADE 2 Mrs. Leona Lands’ Grade 2B English class recently got up close and personal with Icky the elephant from the Center for Elephant Conservation in central Florida via Skype. Beyond their first-hand view, the children learned various facts about elephants and their adaptations.

Icky was very cooperative and even posed for a selfie with the class!

After a successful run with Grades 4 through 6 in 2014-15, the Robotics course was expanded this year to include Grade 3. Part of the French-Science curriculum, Robotics students learn to assemble, program and test robots using LEGO Minstorms EV3 and its visual programming environment via a series of hands-on workshops.

“Gradually, the students are exposed to simple and complex programming concepts and work to solve various challenges for their little machine creations,” said Technology Educational Coordinator Rabbi Sorin Rosen. Under his guidance, students taught their robots to differentiate between colours, to communicate using audio and visual signals, and to prospect terrains and count/avoid obstacles in their paths. The students have become skilled in flowcharting their logic, using programming structures such as “repeat-until” loops, “if-else” and “switch” blocks, managing variables and using logical operators, problem-solving, debugging code, as well as in selecting and configuring visualprogramming blocks to achieve pre-determined goals.

OFFICER REINFORCES IMPERATIVE OF ONLINE SAFETY As part of the Elementary-wide Digital Citizenship course, Station 9 Constable Nancy Ouimet delivered a captivating session on Internet Safety this year to students in Grades 5A and 6B. The Digital Citizenship course is designed to teach students to use the Internet safely and efficiently; to recognize potential online pitfalls and threats; and to become responsible and educated digital citizens. Topics covered include “Going Places Safely”, “Show Respect Online” and “Cyberbullying”, among others.

BACK IN TIME Grade 3A and both Grade 4 classes visited the Château Ramezay this year as part of their studies on 18th Century Nouvelle France. Director of French Studies and Academics Miriam Schrager organized the field trip as part of the grades’ Géographie, histoire et éducation à la citoyenneté curriculum.

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Thanks to the resourcefulness of English Studies and Technology Integration Coordinator Elyse Haber and her colleagues, Elementary students welcomed a number of other exciting guests this past year. Among them: • Both Grade 3 classes, along with English Teacher Alanna Korman, marked “Shark Week” with a fascinating Skype session with a scientist from Boulder, Colorado.

Grade 3 also had a virtual visit from Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield. Hebrew Academy was one of only 200 schools across Canada that had the opportunity to learn with Commander Hadfield and ask him questions.

• Grade 5A had an exciting Skype call with students from Netivei Am, our twin school in Be’er Sheva. The students introduced themselves and shared songs in honour of Chanukah, together with Morah Rivkah Benarroch and Music Director Amiel Bender.

• Together with English Teachers Lauren Thurber and Leona Lands, both Grade 2 classes participated in an exciting Skype session with Samantha Betancur, an employee at the North Carolina Aquarium, who introduced them to live sea turtles.

JOURNEY FROM CHARAN TO ERETZ CANAAN As an introduction to Parashat Lech Lecha, Grade 2 students and their Morot travelled all the way from Charan to Eretz Canaan by foot in September, guided by Avraham Avinu. Reenacting the experience gave students unique insights into Avraham’s first nisayon.

ON CALL IN THE CLASSROOM Grade 1 students had a special visit from their peer Aaron Edery’s mom in the spring. Dr. Fanny HerssonEdery addressed both classes about nutrition and led an interactive activity with the children and their parents. Ms. Lauren Thurber’s Grade 2A English class also welcomed a special guest as part of their study of the brain: student Leah Benmergui’s mom, Dr. Jessica Kovitz-Lensch, led a hands-on workshop about the brain and her career as a neurologist.

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Their projects were pure genius

LIENS INTERGÉNÉRATIONNELS CÉLÉBRÉS À L’EXPOSITION DE L’ÉCOLE ENTIÈRE

For the second consecutive year, Grades 3 and 5 participated in Genius Hour, a unique initiative that encourages students to explore topics they are passionate about in depth. Under the direction of their English teachers Alanna Korman, Elyse Haber and Sheri Gray, students created magnificent projects on topics including the Hoover Dam, Artificial Intelligence, optical illusions, skyscrapers, fashion and robots, to name a few. Their presentations took on the form of dioramas, Lego and clay models, PowerPoints and videos.

Après des mois de travail acharné, de collaboration et de planification créative du personnel, des enseignants et des élèves de l’Académie Hébraïque, la toute première exposition de l’école primaire intitulée « De Génération en Génération » a pris forme. Ouvert aux familles et amis des élèves, l’exposition trilingue et interdisciplinaire a représenté l’aboutissement des heures de recherche, d’étude et de travail novateur sur l’impact du passé, présent et futur des générations. « Notre passé nous apprend à vivre dans le présent et à nous préparer pour le futur », a dit Jordana Levy, directrice des études juives. « Notre exposition générationnelle met en vedette de précieux et intemporels trésors de notre Torah, de notre riche tradition, des valeurs et leçons transmises par nos familles ».

L’exposition incluait des travaux faits par les enfants de toutes les classes, de la maternelle à la 6e année. Ceuxci ont présenté des traditions de familles, de précieux objets et recettes de famille, une ligne de temps de l’histoire juive, des biographies sur des personnalités influentes dans le monde, des inventions, des capsules témoins, des albums de famille, des superhéros du futur, des membres de famille inspirants, des proverbes qui ont résisté à l’épreuve du temps et la toponymie des rues de Côte-Saint-Luc, et bien plus.

DEMYSTIFYING THE RESOURCE ROOM EXPERIENCE Students in Grades 1 through 6 now have a better understanding of the role of the Resource Room, thanks to a new sensitization program created by its staff. In the springtime, all Elementary classes visited the centre where they gained first-hand experience of the learning environment. Teachers Ivana Khadoury and Khansa Ellouze, and Director of Academic Support Services Beth Moskovic, facilitated group activities and tours and highlighted various Resource Room strategies and tools.

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A GLIMPSE INTO THE HEALTHCARE PROFESSION

BOYS LEARN IMPORTANT SKILL Rabbi Aaron Hazan treated his Grade 7 Boys Tefilla and Halacha class to a special lesson in tying Tzitzit this past year. After giving each student a new Tallit Katan, Rabbi Hazan demonstrated the knotting process, which the boys were excited to master.

VAAD VISIT CONTEXTUALIZES STUDIES

GIRLS PARTICIPATE IN UNIQUE LEARNING INITIATIVE

As part of their study of Megillat Ruth with Judaic Studies Teacher Chaya Elias, Grade 11 Girls had a meaningful outing to the Vaad Ha’ir where they met with Executive Director Rabbi Saul Emmanuel and Sheila Cooper, one of the directors of the Ruth Institute, which oversees Orthodox conversions.

The students learned many new insights about both the Vaad and the geirut process.

Rabbi Aaron Hazan’s Grade 9 Girls Tefilla and Halacha class had the unique opportunity this year to participate in JETS (Jerusalem Ed Tech Solutions); a distance-learning program directed by former HA Principal Rabbi Stanley Peerless.

Over the course of 12 sessions, the girls studied Mitzvot Hateluyot Ba’aretz together with Rabbi Alan Haber in Israel and then reviewed the material in-depth with Rabbi Hazan.

STUDENTS ACE PESACH CHIDON

Prior to Pesach, the entire High School student body received a booklet exploring the main concepts of the Seder, prepared

by Judaic Studies Department Head Vicky Szyf. Mrs. Szyf ran a fun Pesach Chidon based on the guide and the following students emerged on top: Yehonatan Haimovici (Gr11) Sam Drazin (Gr10) and Gita Margolese (Gr10). Kol Hakavod!

STUDENTS RISE TO TECHNOLOGY CHALLENGE Science and Math Teacher Karen Edery challenged Grade 7 students to build their own transformation of motion and transmission of motion systems as part of the Systems in Technology portion of the Grade 7 Science course. Working in teams, students were tasked with constructing systems that met criteria defined by the MEESR (Ministère de l’Éducation, Enseignement supérieur et Recherche). Their projects were then evaluated by Grade 10 Girls Science students and Grade 11 Boys Physics Team members. “All of the projects were amazing and reflected tremendous work and effort,” said Mrs. Edery, who treated Grade 7 to pizza as a reward. Congratulations to the three winning teams:

First Place: Daniel Sternthal, Ben Gabbay & Ethan Fallenbaum Second Place: Mikayla Abenhaim & Alexandra Malamud Third Place: Aurelie Amar, Naomi Azoulay, Miriam Minciotti & Arielle Sabbah Honourable Mention: Jacob Silverman, Adam Levy, Benjamin Ifergan & Gabriel-David Amar

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Mazel Tov to Grade 11 students Rebecca Azoulay and Gabriel Bensimon who were selected as this year’s HOPS (Hospital Opportunity Program for Students) participants. A program of the Jewish General Hospital Auxiliary and the English Montreal School Board, HOPS enables Secondary V students considering healthcare careers to experience the inner workings of a large teaching hospital.

NOS SCIENTIFIQUES EN HERBE IMPRESSIONNENT JUGES ET VISITEURS Familles, amis, membres du personnel et juges furent épatés par la portée, la sophistication et la créativité des expositions des élèves lors de la 7e édition de l’Expo-Sciences du secondaire de l’Académie Hébraïque. Tous les élèves du 1e et 2e secondaire ainsi que quelques élèves du 3e et 4e secondaire ont participé à l’événement, au cours duquel ont été présentés des projets de recherche sur des sujets tels que les bactéries et les tarentules.

Les projets furent évalués par un comité impressionnant de juges bénévoles composé de parents de l’Académie Hébraïque, d’autres membres de la famille des élèves et d’anciens élèves. Tous les projets gagnants ont été soumis à l’Expo-Sciences Hydro-Québec, qui a eu lieu en mars. Mazal Tov aux élèves suivants pour leurs résultats impressionnants!

Premier cycle (1er et 2e secondaire) 1er prix (égalité): Daniel Sternthal & Adam Levy / Gabriel David Amar 2e prix : Dov Vas & Ben Gabbay 3e prix (égalité) : Ethan Fallenbaum & Jacob Silverman / Rebecca Cohen & Elika Oliel

Deuxième cycle (3e et 4e secondaire) 1er prix : Leah Elkaim & Arielle Rohr 2e prix : Meir Hersson-Edery & Zachary Rehany

OUTINGS COMPLEMENT CURRICULA From museums to theatrical productions, High School students were treated to a number of exciting cross-curricular field trips this year. As part of the French curriculum, Grades 9 to 11 students saw Munchausen, les imageries de l’imaginaire and Sherlock Holmes et le Chien Des Baskerville, while Grades 7 and 8 enjoyed French-Géographie outings to the Saint Michel Environmental Complex and the adjacent Cirque du Soleil training school. Grade 8 students visited a water treatment facility as part of their Science and Geography courses.

STUDENTS PROVE THEIR METTLE AT MODEL UN A number of Grade 10 and 11 students got a taste of life as members of the United Nations as participants in the Jewish Canadian Youth Model United Nations (JCYMUN) conference in February. Miri Benedikt, Sarah Elkaim, Eden Oliel, Naomi Ovadia, Naomi Bouhadana, Leah Pisarevsky, Myriam Benchaya, Noa Cohen, Rebecca Benchaya, Gita Margolese, Zach Rehany, Michael Benlolo, Elie Amar, Shmueli Perton, Jordan Silver, Nathanial Ouazana and Meir Hersson-Edery “did an outstanding job in representing Hebrew Academy as intelligent, insightful and articulate speakers and demonstrated exceptional midot throughout the conference,” said ERC and Drama Teacher Celia Natablut, who prepared the students together with English Department Teacher Jackie Douek. Mazel Tov to Noa Cohen (Gr 10) who won the title of Honorable Delegate as representative of Spain on the UNICEF committee.

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PHYSICS TEAMS TAKE A CRACK AT SAFE-BUILDING

UNE ÉCOLE PLUS PROPRE ET PLUS ACCUEILLANTE Dans le cadre du projet “Vivre dans une école plus propre et plus accueillante” coordonné par Richard Bond, chef du département de français, plusieurs activités ont été réalisées à l’école secondaire cette année : • Les 11e années ont créé des publicités trilingues pour faire connaître notre slogan pour notre projet qui démontre que respecter l’environnement, c’est se respecter soi-même et respecter les autres.

Félicitations aux étudiants suivants pour leur travail exceptionnel :

GIFTED ORATORS Mazel Tov to the winners of this year’s QAIS (Quebec Association of Independent Schools) English Public Speaking competition:

In February, a number of Grade 11 students participated in the annual Physics Tournament of the Weizmann Institute of Science’s Davidson Institute of Science Education. The safe-cracking competition challenges teams to design a locking mechanism for a standard wooden box with a transparent window. Kudos to the students and their coaches for their incredible efforts: Girls Team: Galia Benchaya, Elisheva Eisenberg, Gabriella Malamud, Eliana Rohr & Janna Sternthal / Coach Nathan Friedman (‘04) Boys Team: Yehonathan Haimovici, Noah Oiknine, Aryeh Punski, Shane Safran & Avi Somech / Coach Raymond Murphy

1er et 3e prix : Éliana Rohr, Racheli Blanshay & Galia Benchaya 2e prix: Danielle Levi & Janna Sternthal • Les 10e années ont construit des murales sur carton pour faire connaître ce qui peut être recyclé, ce qui peut être composté, ce qui doit être jeté aux poubelles et pour expliquer ce que l’on fait avec les déchets médicaux. Félicitations aux étudiants suivants pour leur travail exceptionnel :

Junior Division (Grades 7 & 8) First Place: Eva Mamane Second Place: Daniel Sternthal Third Place: Liana Friedman

Senior Division (Grade 9 to 11)

LES ÉLÈVES FONT DES GUIDES TOURISTIQUES MERVEILLEUX Au mois de juin, les élèves de 7e année ont présenté leur projet final dans le cadre du cours de géographie avec Simon Forget. Lors d’une grande foire touristique, chaque équipe ont eu à préparer un kiosque et une brochure publicitaire afin de présenter la beauté de différentes régions touristiques à travers le monde comme Tahiti, Mont-Tremblant, la Savoie, Singapour, Venise, Barcelone, le Mexique ou l’Île-de-France.Chaque groupe devait montrer le potentiel de leur région aux visiteurs, qu’ils soient des enseignants ou d’autres élèves. Tous ont découvert de nouvelles régions remarquables à visiter!

1er prix : Jeremy Laîk, Benny Kaufman & Elie Amar 2e prix: Noa Cohen, Julia Rimokh, Eden Oliel & Naomi Ovadia 3e prix (égalité) : Myriam Benchaya, Leah Pisarevksy, Sarah Elkaim & Naomi Bouhadana / Michael Elhadad-Benlolo,Yoni Mydlarski & Ben Malka • Les 9e années ont créé des vidéos pour expliquer le point de vue de l’éthique juive sur le gaspillage et la recuperation. Félicitations aux étudiants suivants pour leur travail exceptionnel : 1er prix : Michael Kuperstok & Sam Benisti 2e prix : Miryam Avni & Sarah Amar 3e prix : Leah Elkaim, Maayan Levy & Malka Witt •Les 8e années ont créé des sculptures en utilisant seulement des objets recycles. Les 7e années, dans le cadre du cours de géographie, ont organisé une campagne publicitaire pour mettre en évidence les trois R: reduire la quantité de produits qu’on utilise, reutiliser certaines parties d’un produit avant qu’il devienne un déchet, recycler les matières premières. Félicitations aux étudiants suivants pour leur travail exceptionnel : 1er prix : Talia Diner, Mikaela Abenaim & Rebecca Preisler-Banoon 2e prix : Jacob Silverman & Moshe Tordjman 3e prix : Michaela Dadoun, Myriam Minciotti & Arielle Sabbah

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Congratulations to this year’s winners of the Concours d’art oratoire:

Junior Category

First Place: Devora Kaufman Second Place: Arielle Sabbah Third Place: Jacob Silverman

Senior Category

First Place: Noa Cohen Second Place: Yehoshua Amar Third Place: Rebecca Benchaya

SHOAH SURVIVOR INSPIRES CLASS

CREATIVE WRITERS FÊTED Together with English Teacher Joanne Druker, Grade 8 Girls worked hard over the past year to hone their creative-writing skills and produce short stories. In an assignment that centered on plot-development, descriptive language and creativity, the students designed beautiful posters to illustrate the titles and themes they explored. In the winter, the girls hosted their moms at a special creative writing party featuring their work, as well as pizza and cupcakes in celebration of their accomplishments. “I am exceedingly proud of their cooperation and initiative in this project,” said Mrs. Druker, who is head of the High School English Studies Department.

Guests were very impressed with the caliber of the girls’ projects.

First Place: Eitan Drazin Second Place: Zachary Rehany Third Place tie: Noa Cohen & Shane Safran

Grade 7 Girls and Teacher Celia Natanblut welcomed classmate Nediva Aspler’s grandmother in the fall, as part of their ERC (Ethics and Religious Culture) class. A hidden child of the Holocaust, Sylvia Goodman recounted her experiences and delivered a powerful message, imploring students “not to stand by and let evil happen.” Her moving address added tremendous value to the class lesson.

SUPREME COURT CHALLENGE

Students of Jackie Douek’s Grade 11 Law class participated in a compelling Moot Supreme Court Challenge in May on the constitutionality of the ban on assisted suicide. The students presented the legal, medical and religious perspectives of the issue before a panel of judges comprising Hebrew Academy parent Me Lawrence Witt, English Studies Department Head Joanne Druker and Israel Advisor and Judaic Studies Teacher Rabbi Eddie Shostak.

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LES ÉLÈVES DÉCOUVRENT LA BEAUTÉ DE LA VILLE DE QUÉBEC

ARTS STUDENTS ENJOY PRODUCTIVE YEAR The Visual Arts Department was a hub of activity this year!

Hebrew Academy parents were treated to a beautiful vernissage in May, which showcased the artwork of Grade 7 and 8 students under the direction of Visual Arts & Multimedia Teacher Chris Taylor. Visitors were treated to magnificent landscape and cityscape watercolor paintings, self-portraits, clay sculptures, model planes and cars, abstract works, paintings of architecture, model houses and bridges, kinetic sculptures, perspective drawings, photography and short films, and Claymation videos. “What struck the guests the most was the variety of projects that lent themselves to different talents and abilities and the push to incorporate building and engineering skills into the Visual Arts,” said Mr. Taylor, who also teaches Grade 11 Multimedia. Students in that class also had a very productive year; their creative endeavours included dramatic still-life photos featuring simple, classroom objects, and vibrant, powerful posters illustrating the effects of bullying on school life.

Cette année, les élèves de 9e année ont visité la ville de Québec dans le cadre des cours de français et d’histoire. Organisé par Simon Forget, enseignant d’histoire et géographie, les élèves ont visité le musée de la civilisation de Québec afin de voir des artefacts historiques antiques et de modernes grâce à l’exposition “Le temps des Québécois”. Les élèves ont également visité l’Hôtel du Parlement de Québec dans toute son élégance, où une présentation de l’architecture et de l’histoire politique leur a été racontée, en plus d’avoir eu la chance de visiter les lieux les plus importants de la démocratie au Québec : la salle de l’Assemblée nationale et le Salon rouge. Entre-temps et pour le reste de la journée, les élèves ont exploré les mythiques (et uniques en Amérique du Nord) fortifications du Vieux-Québec en plus d’avoir déambulé dans les rues pittoresques de la Hauteville. La visite s’est terminée à l’avant du château Frontenac, où la vue magnifique du fleuve Saint-Laurent était possible à admirer le long de la place Dufferin. Malgré le froid et le vent, les élèves ont découvert la beauté de cette ville historique avec un grand plaisir!

Bravo to the following students who were recognized for their superb work and artistic talents this past year: Cityscape watercolour: Rebecca Preisler-Banoon (Gr 7) Pen and ink Zentangle: Oren Marciano (Gr 7) Watercolour window: Michael Zrihan (Gr 8) Linocut print: Sarah Bensoussan (Gr 8)

SHARK TANK COMES TO HA 24 |

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LEARNING CENTRE LAUNCHED Grade 11 Business students participated in an exciting Shark Tank simulation in June, organized by Teacher Jackie Douek. Working in groups, students created business plans for new products or services. The competition was fierce!

From Spot It, a GPS-tracker sticker that parents can put on their children’s belongings, to MUV, an Uber-style shipment company that will ship parcels locally via an app, students presented inventive projects before a discerning panel of sharks – including Hebrew Academy parent Lorne Lieberman (’89), Executive Director Linda Lehrer, Daniel Blumer of Revol Technologies and Greg Isenberg, a San Francisco-based venture capitalist. Kol Hakavod to winners Benji Friedman and Jonathan Oiknine for their project that taps into the $1 billion sneaker resale market with their online sneaker emporium Ultra, and to Jordan Silver and Eitan Drazin for their USBchargeable heating/cooling coffee mug.

Grade 7 and 8 students who participate in the Individualized Learning Program welcomed the launch of the High School Learning Centre this year. Modelled on a Resource Room environment and furnished with myriad high-tech tools, the centre aims to help ease the transition from elementary to high school and offers consistent support both in class and in the ILP room through specialized strategies and programs. Students accessing the Learning Centre receive academic support (remedial and curriculum-based) from two Resource Room teachers. In addition to cultivating important executive functioning, organizational and test-taking skills, students may also receive guidance in the development of soft skills designed to enhance their high school experience.

ISRAEL ADVOCACY As part of the Grade 11 History course, Teacher Joanne Druker and her students welcomed experts on Israel Advocacy this past year. Jeff Bicher and Myriam Azougui-Halbwax of CIJA and Hillel ran various stimulating activities centered on Israeli history. They also encouraged students to be active in Jewish life on campus and demonstrated how to advocate for the State of Israel.

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LA SEMAINE DE LA MUSIQUE JUIVE: UNE NOUVELLE TRADITION EST NÉE

STUDENT LIFE Diverse extra-curricular activities enrich students’ experience

BUDDY PROGRAM A HIT WITH STUDENTS

La harpiste Olga Gross s’est rendue à l’Académie Hébraïque dans le cadre de la toute première semaine de célébration de la musique juive, en conjonction avec Shabbat Shira. Mme Gross a déjà joué dans le Fantôme de l’Opéra et dans le Cirque du Soleil et a aussi accompagné de célèbres chanteurs comme Placido Domingo et Ginette Reno.

Hebrew Academy’s Buddy Program was once again a tremendous success this past year. Grades 1 to 3 students along with their buddies in Grades 4 to 6 enjoyed a humorous play on the theme of humility, participated in a tasty Tu B’Shvat Seder, and created slime in a fun science experiment, among other activities. Elementary School Counselor Jillian Rudnitsky oversaw the program with the help of colleagues from various departments.

A CREATIVE WAY TO LEARN ABOUT STAV Together with Morahs Sari Atteich-Rohr and Galit Shushan, both Grade 1 classes went on exciting nature walks in September. The children had a wonderful time examining and collecting beautiful leaves for an art activity.

LIVING LEGACY VISITS As a complement to their Judaic Studies curricula, some Elementary classes were treated to visits by Rabbi Nachum Greenwald of Living Legacy, a program that links “Jewish learning to Jewish practice and family celebrations.” In September, Grade 5 attended an exciting shofar workshop where students learned related halachot and even crafted a kosher shofar on the spot!

In anticipation of their Chagigat Shabbat in February, Grade 3 created their own Havdalah candles; in the spring, Rabbi Greenwald returned to address the Grade 6 boys on the significance and halachot of tzitzit and demonstrated how to tie a talit katan.

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Ce n’est pas tous les jours que l’on reçoit la visite d’une musicienne talentueuse de l’Orchestre symphonique de Montréal (OSM) et que l’on assiste à une prestation unique de Canon de Pachelbel jouée sur une magnifique harpe, pesant 80 livres. Mais encore, ce n’est pas tous les jours que l’on célèbre la semaine de la musique juive à l’école.

Conçu par Amiel Bender, directeur de musique à l’Académie Hébraïque et financé par l’Association des parents de l’Académie Hébraïque, le programme comprenait des kumzits, des activités d’arts, des visites d’artistes célèbres tels que Olga Gross et Jason Rosenblatt, compositeur, réalisateur, musicien et vocaliste primé. M. Rosenblatt, ancien élève et parent de l’Académie Hébraïque est connu en tant que « l’un des innovateurs d’harmonica le plus en vue dans le monde ».

Dès le lundi matin, les élèves furent accueillis par M. Bender qui jouait de la musique animée sur sa guitare. M. Bender a aussi organisé plusieurs activités avec les élèves, incluant des kumzits émouvants basés sur les histoires et les chansons de Reb Shlomo Carlebach pour les élèves de cinquième et sixième année. Les élèves de la première année à la troisième année ont participé à des ateliers d’art musical, dans lesquels ils ont créé des guitares et des xylophones. Ils ont même reproduit l’œuvre de l’artiste canadien Creg Curnoe, Le piano camouflé ou Cocardes françaises. En plus d’avoir acquis des connaissances sur les instruments de musique de l’époque Biblique, les élèves ont aussi participé à des danses festives, à la présentation d’une chorale et ont dégusté des petits gâteaux décorés d’un thème musical.

GRADE 4 MAKES HA PROUD AT ZIMRIA Under the direction of Music Director Amiel Bender, Grade 4 students shone at the 33rd annual Zimria at Congregation Shaar Hashomayim in March. Students performed a number of songs before a crowd of 1500 that included their parents, and students and staff from six other Montreal Jewish Day Schools. Our students “represented Hebrew Academy with pride,” said Director of Judaic Studies Jordana Levy. “Their voices filled the hearts of every member in the audience and it is an event such as this that allows Hebrew Academy to soar.”

Mazel Tov to Amiel upon celebrating 20 years of directing in the Zimria this past year!

VISITING AUTHORS Thanks to Hebrew Academy’s continuing partnership with the Jewish Public Library, students met and interacted with some fabulous and entertaining Jewish authors this year. As part of Jewish Book Month, our Elementary students met author and storyteller Selina Eisenberg Smith. In the fall, many girls and their mothers attended the “Girls Night Out” evening at the JPL to be inspired by author Sarah Dessen. In the spring, in conjunction with the Blue Metropolis Children’s Festival, our students participated in a lively presentation by author Helaine Becker. The outings were organized by Librarians Norma Newman, Zehava Cohn and English Studies and Technology Integration Coordinator Elyse Haber.

STUDENT AMBASSADORS DEMONSTRATE LEADERSHIP Congratulations to this year’s newest Elementary ambassadors: Emmanuel Sorek (Gr 6), Miriam Gelerman (Gr 5) and Nathaniel Benitah (Gr 5) who were selected by a committee of Elementary School staff and administrators based on the quality of their applications and leadership skills. The ambassadors represented Hebrew Academy at various events, and implemented initiatives in the Elementary School this past year.

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OUTINGS EXPAND STUDENTS’ HORIZONS

YOM SHEKULO TORAH

Elementary and High School students enjoyed numerous field trips this past year; apple-picking, tubing, skating, rockclimbing, the Biodome, le Centre d’éducation physique et des sports (CEPSUM), the Botanical Gardens, zip lining and laser quest were among some of the activities and destinations that contributed to students’ overall school experience.

Grade 5 students and their parents enjoyed Yom Shekulo Torah in the spring, a special day dedicated to Torah study, organized by their teachers, Morahs Edith Copel, Rivka Benarroch, Rachel Bohbot and Tova Abitbol. In the theme of Shirat Hayam, the students dressed in costumes and played instruments as they traversed the sea. They also participated in a creative art activity and baked pizza.

THE VALUE OF BEING A MENSCH

UNE ANNÉE EXCEPTIONNELLE POUR LES BNOT MITZVAH

Thanks to an innovative, trilingual, school-wide program that celebrated character strengths and virtues, hundreds of Hebrew Academy Elementary students and educators stood a little taller this past year.

Les filles de la 6e année ont passé une année remplie d’études et de maturité en préparation de leur célébration de Bat Mitzvah de groupe au mois de mai. Sous la direction de la coordonnatrice du programme Sari Attaiech-Rohr, les filles et leurs parents ont participé à des programmes engageants comme des shiourim, la mitzvah de hafrashat challah, un cours de danse, un melave malka, des projets de hessed, un henné et un shabbaton. Le programme s’est terminé par une magnifique soirée à la congrégation TBDJ, qui a inclus des discours inspirants, une performance émouvante de la chorale, des brachot de la part des éducatrices et pères des filles et une magnifique réception remplie de joie et de danses.

Led by School Counsellor Jillian Rudnitsky and Rav Mechanech Rabbi Eddie Shostak, the Be a Mensch Project encouraged participants to recognize positive values in their peers and take pride in their own Middot Tovot via the awarding of special cards that were sported as badges of honour. Be a Mensch centered on nine values – Bravery, Curiosity, Compassion, Teamwork, Perseverance, Creativity, Humour, Gratitude and Being Pleasant – each of which was printed on a card with an accompanying definition.

In the first of the three-week program, faculty and administrators generated enthusiasm for the project by wearing badge holders and exchanging values cards. The following week, students were introduced to the program and given badge holders to fill as well. Teachers integrated the values within their lessons, and the library even circulated valuesthemed books.

At the end of Be a Mensch, student buddies reflected on the traits they had earned during a special writing and drawing activity. The coordinators also visited each class and discussed the imperative of being a mensch not only for the program’s duration but for the rest of the participants’ lives.

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READING WEEK PUNCTUATED BY FUN Elementary students and faculty brought out their inner bookworms in June in celebration of Reading Week. In addition to welcoming Mystery Readers to their classrooms, students sold and purchased bookmarks, participated in a trivia contest, designed creative book posters, savored delicious cupcakes and even dressed up together with their teachers as their favorite characters.

SOULVIVOR GUIDES ICE CREAM FOR BREAKFAST High School Principal Dr. Laura Segall and Judaic Studies Teacher Chaya Elias surprised the Grade 7 to 9 Girls’ Tefillah Group with ice cream one morning in recognition of their sincerity and model conduct during Tefillah each day. As leader of the group, Mrs. Elias explored various Tefillot with the students with the goal of furthering their understanding and appreciation of the text, bakashot and brachot. The girls were thrilled with the surprise.

Kol Hakavod to the numerous High School students, who, together with Coordinator of Judaic Programming Rabbi Eliyahu Delouya, released two informative, inspirational booklets exploring the minhagim and halachot of both Yom Kippur and Pesach. The guides included eye-catching graphics and engaging text-boxes that piqued readers’ interest.

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GIRLS BOND AT SCHOOL SLEEPOVER

A SHABBAT TO REMEMBER

Long after the event ended, students were still talking about the incredible time they had at the Motzei Shabbat High School Girls’ Sleepover in March. Organized by the Grade 11 Girls, the amazing evening included a tisch, dancing, lipsynching, a henna, pizza, glow-in-the-dark dodgeball and tons of ruach!

WORKSHOP EXEMPLIFIES TORAH U’MADA PHILOSOPHY Grades 5, 6, and boys in Grades 7 through 9 had the unique opportunity to participate in an exciting Torah U’Mada workshop in the spring where they learned all about the mitzvah of tchelet and even created their own in the science lab. Joel Guberman of Ptil Tekhelet Partners in Innovation North America reviewed the Talmudic and Torah sources and halachot relating to tchelet and went into depth about the process of creating the colour, before providing students with all of the necessary materials - including murex, a tropical sea snail - to create their own.

CHOL HAMOED SUKKOT TRIATHLON A group of Grade 10 and 11 boys enjoyed a particularly meaningful day on Chol Hamoed Sukkot; following Tefillah and breakfast in the Sukkah where a Dvar Torah was shared, the boys embarked on a triathlon to Parc Réne Lévesque, then ate lunch in a Sukkah before travelling by bus (where a second Dvar Torah was shared) to Mont St. Hilaire. There, they hiked up to the top to enjoy a beautiful view. Afterward, they davened Mincha back in Montreal in a shul, went swimming, and capped off the day with a Simchat Beit Hashoeva complete with a festive meal and more Divrei Torah. The boys then davened Maariv and participated in a raffle draw for two platinum tickets to a Habs game.

Grade 11 Girls participated in a very special shabbaton in Outremont in the fall, organized

by Judaic Studies Teacher Chaya Elias. “We welcomed Shabbat together by lighting the candles and having a meaningful campstyle Kabalat Shabbat,” said student Elisheva Eisenberg. “After the delicious meal, Rabbi Dovid Merling delivered a shiur about the parsha, and about how we can keep our strong Jewish identity throughout CEGEP and university. On Shabbat morning, we prayed in Morah Elias’ husband’s Kollel. For lunch, we ate at different families from the community. When we returned to Morah Elias’ house, we prayed Mincha and then ate a delicious Seuda Shlishit, as Rebecca Rouimi, a Hebrew Academy graduate, spoke to us about her experiences at seminary in Israel, at Dawson, and at Concordia. After Havdalah, the Shabbaton unfortunately ended, but we all had a great time and we are so thankful to the Elias family for hosting the wonderful Shabaton!”

YOM HASHOAH V’HAGVURA Hebrew Academy marked Yom HaShoah with two outstanding commemorations organized by our very own students and staff. Elementary Bnot Sherut Odeya Aviv and Aviya Shilo prepared an exceptional, interactive exhibit for Grades 3 to 6 which presented the Shoah through the eyes of a child. Bnei Akiva Shlichim Rav Asael and Dana Levin and their Grade 10 Madrichim Sam Drazin, David Friedman, Rebecca Benchaya, and Michael Benlolo led a very moving High School ceremony featuring guest speaker Leon Honigwachs, a Holocaust survivor and grandfather of Adam Shizgal (Gr 8). The team also showed a remarkable video produced by Shane Safran (Gr 11).

SEUDAT MITZVAH IN THE SUKKAH HIGH SCHOOL JUDAIC PROGRAMS ABOUND

MEMORIES OF THE SIX-DAY WAR Rosh Kollel Torah MiTzion Rabbi Amnon Herman, Judaic Studies Department Head Vicky Szyf and High School Bnot Sherut, Tzofnat Halevi and Noam Korngut prepared a meaningful Yom Yerushalayim assembly about the day’s history and significance. Following an account from Morah Szyf who shared her memories of the Six-Day War as a young girl in Israel, the assembly culminated with a fun online game of Kahoot that tested students’ knowledge of Israel and Jerusalem.

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There was a new energy in the High School this year, thanks to a slew of novel Judaic programs that attracted students with tremendous gravitational force. Extra-curricular offerings this year included: CSL (Cholent, Sports & Learning) Mishmar classes, a Shnayim Mikrah V’Echad Targum group, chavruot with Kollel Torah MiTzion Bachurim and Bnot Sherut, a parashat hashavua shiur exploring Chumash and Rashi, a shiur exploring one Aliyah per day, melave malkas, and Toes and Torah and HA Café sessions featuring dynamic female speakers.

Our High School student body experienced a Sukkot celebration like no other this year.

Following Tefillat Shacharit, students – who came dressed in Shabbat attire for the occasion – gathered for a Siyum Mishnayot conducted by Yehonatan Haimovici (Gr 11).

Everyone then enjoyed a beautiful Student Council-sponsored buffet – complete with eggs, potatoes, pancakes, fruit, cereal, rolls and candy. Following breakfast, students gathered to hear a pre-recorded drasha delivered by Rabbi Gavriel Friedman of Israel.

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DISTINGUISHED RABBIS IMPART WISDOM

VISITORS SHARE STORIES OF RESILIENCE Ehud Amiton’s eyes welled with tears as he recalled being wounded in battle while serving as a staff sergeant in the IDF in 2006. Addressing students in Grades 9 through 11 in September, 29-year-old Amiton recounted the emotional and physical trauma he experienced when he was struck in the leg by Palestinian terrorists that year in a major combat mission in Hebron. Amiton and former IDF corporal Shimon Pertz – who was captured during the 1973 Yom Kippur War and spent three months in an Egyptian prison – visited HA as part of a delegation from Beit Halochem, a non-profit organization that assists over 51,000 disabled Israeli veterans and victims of terror to rebuild their lives through rehabilitative programming and other support.

Grades 7 to 9 Boys were treated to a special lecture in the fall by renowned speaker and author Rabbi Manis Friedman. Rabbi Friedman regaled the students with humour and personal anecdotes and highlighted the central role of the Torah – which he likened to the Jewish People’s “family album” – in our lives. Rabbi Friedman also stressed the importance of Kibbud Av Va’Em and encouraged students to do things for others daily.

HA PARENTS AND ALUM PRESENT AT CAREER FAIR Grade 10 and 11 students gathered for the 6th Annual Hebrew Academy Career Fair in January, organized by CLC (Community Learning Centres) Coordinator Suzie Horvath.

Special thanks to the following volunteers who shared their job experiences and highlighted how they integrate their personal lives and Jewish identities as professionals: Lori Anders, Phyllis Frost, Brahm Blumenthal, Hebrew Academy parents Dr. Jake Burack, Yahel Farkas(‘00), Michael Zobin, Michele Shemie, Ralph Rimokh (‘88), Sandra Fine, Lawrence Witt, and Dr. Haim Abenhaim (‘92).

LE PROGRAMME GESHER CHAI FAIT LE PONT ENTRE LES ÉLÈVES À l’occasion de Yom Ha’Atzmaut à l’Académie Hébraïque, on retrouve du bleu et blanc, des drapeaux israéliens, des ballons, de la musique, et des petits gâteaux sur le thème de la journée. Cependant, il y a une autre tradition que les élèves et le personnel attendent avec impatience : l’arrivée de la délégation d’élèves de Be’er Sheva, la ville jumelle de Montréal, qui rend visite à notre école dans le cadre du programme Gesher Chai, en collaboration avec le Centre Bronfman de l’éducation juive. Le groupe de cette année, composé de 10 élèves du 4e et 5e secondaire et deux accompagnatrices, n’avait qu’une mission : partager leur amour de la Terre d’Israël et de son peuple avec nos élèves du secondaire.

Durant leur visite, les participants rencontrent les élèves en classe ainsi qu’en dehors des cours pour des activités engageantes qui permettent de sensibiliser les élèves à différents sujets portant sur Israël. Les élèves israéliens conçoivent aussi une murale pour l’école et la communauté qui demeure exposée une fois qu’ils quittent.

In the fall, Grade 11 students had the honour of meeting Miriam Peretz and her son Avichai. Miriam is the mother of fallen Golani Brigade soldiers Uriel and Eliraz, who gave their lives for the State of Israel. Uriel was killed in Lebanon in 1998 at age 22, and Eliraz was slain in Gaza in 2010 at 31. Miriam spoke of the power of faith in dealing with tragedy and shared how this became the inner source of her strength. Avichai then explained why, after losing two brothers, he felt compelled to join the IDF. The assembly ended with dancing to Am Yisrael Chai and the singing of Hatikva.

GIRLS’ CHOIR WOWS AUDIENCE Under the direction of Music Director Amiel Bender, Hebrew Academy’s High School Girls’ Choir put on an electrifying performance at the firstever Neguina Fest this spring at Concordia’s Oscar Peterson Concert Hall. Organized by the Bronfman Jewish Experience Centre, the festival showcased talented student singers and musicians from local Jewish schools.

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A MEANINGFUL TRIP TO WASHINGTON Accompanied by Principal Dr. Laura Segall, High School Director of Student Activities Yoni Lehrer, and High School Judaic Studies Teacher Rabbi Eddie Shostak and Visual Arts and Multimedia Teacher Chris Taylor, Grade 11 students travelled to Washington D.C. during the week of Yom Hashoah. Together, they explored the city’s myriad museums, rich history and culture, and marked Holocaust Remembrance Day with a special assembly and memorable visit to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum.

« Nos élèves s’enrichissent énormément à travers cette expérience», a dit Linda Lehrer, directrice exécutive. « Le programme Gesher Chai permet à nos élèves d’apprendre d’autres élèves de leur âge. Nos élèves se font souvent des amis pour la vie avec les participants au programme Gesher Chai, c’est merveilleux à voir ».

Dina Hagbi, enseignante à la Yeshiva Amit, qui a accompagné les cinq participants masculins a dit que ses élèves avaient des idées préconçus du niveau de Tzionout (Sionisme) des personnes de la diaspora. « Avant notre voyage à Montréal, nous avons demandé aux élèves s’ils pensaient que les gens en dehors d’Israël tenaient à célébrer Yom Hazikaron et Yom Ha’Atzmaut. Jamais ne se seraient-ils imaginé que les élèves de l’Académie Hébraïque seraient aussi solidaires envers Israël ».

In March, Grade 9 to 11 students were privileged to hear Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks at an NCSY-organized event. Rabbi Sacks empowered them to be agents of change as the future leaders of tomorrow. Finally, at a pre-Pesach assembly celebrating Ashkenazi and Sephardi customs, Rabbi Michael Whitman of Adath Israel and Rabbi Yehuda Benoliel of Centre Chouva Israel addressed the students on the meaning of Pesach in our present-day lives.

CYCLE 1 EXPLORES CYBERBULLYING In collaboration with Ometz, Grades 7 and 8 participated in stimulating sessions on digital citizenship and anti-bullying this past year, organized by High School Guidance Counselor Shari Chankowsky.

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STUDENT COUNCIL 2015-16 BATTLE OF THE BOOKS

Yasher Koach to the members of High School Student Council:

Under the guidance of Librarians Norma Newman and Zehava Cohn, Hebrew Academy sent two teams to the QAIS (Quebec Association of Independent Schools) Battle of the Books this year, hosted at ECS. Our Senior Team comprised Jeremy Rimokh (Gr 11), Shai Edery, Meir Hersson-Edery, Amanda Marciano, Gita Margolese and Shmulie Perton (all of Gr 10). David Basch (Gr 9), Matthew Silver (Gr 8), and Dov Vas, Ben Gozlan and Adam Levy (all of Gr 7) represented our Junior Team. Despite fierce competition, our students battled hard and consistently maintained high spirits and inspiring camaraderie. Each was recognized with a new book of his or her choice.

Executive President Avi Somech Vice President Aryeh Punski Treasurer Zachary Rehany Communications Director Shane Safran Athletics Directors Eitan Drazin & David Rogozinsky / Elisheva Eisenberg & Eliana Rohr Chessed Directors Mendel Jacobson & Gabriel Bensimon Secretary Gaby Mamane

Class Representatives Grade 7 Yonah Suissa/Aurelie Amar Grade 8 Emmanuel Castiel, Marcus Rehany/ Aliza Cohen, Rebecca Cohen Grade 9 David Somech & Isaac Safran / Sarah Azoulay & Arielle Rohr Grade 10 Shai Edery Grade 11 Jordan Silver & Alex Benlolo / Janna Sternthal & Emily Lawrence

THE TALENT AWAKENS The stars were aligned on January 26 for the skilled performers of this year’s High School Boys’ Talent Show, “The Talent Awakens”. Guests enjoyed a variety of acts that included music, magic, comedy, science and sleights of hand. The evening was a Grade 11 fundraiser for graduation-related activities.

Kol Hakavod to all of the organizers, participants, and to Grade 11’s Eitan Drazin who was the night’s winner for his incredible performance of Ron Pope’s song, A drop in the ocean.

COLOUR WAR 2016: THE TRADITION CONTINUES An annual tradition in Hebrew Academy since 1976, Colour War 2016 was every bit as exciting as in previous years. In two full days of friendly competition, our students showcased their exceptional talents in the realms of athletics, Judaic and secular studies, theatre and arts. Teams Avar (black, red and silver) and Atid (blue, white and gold) battled neck and neck for the winning title, determined by student judges Alex Benlolo, Sam Attias, Noah Oiknine, David Friedman and Noah Cohen. Our teachers even got in on the fun, producing and starring in a very funny skit and video. Kol Hakavod to all of our participants for demonstrating incredible team spirit and ruach and congratulations to winning Team Atid!

HA LAUNCHES GAMING CLUB HA fans of the ever-popular Minecraft videogame had the chance to play together in the same community this year, thanks to a new High School Gaming Club initiated by French Department Teacher Simon Forget. The club offered students access to a free Minecraft HA-exclusive server, supervised by M. Forget and a team of Grade 11 administrators.

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OH, QUELLE SOIRÉE! C’était une performance que tout le monde avait hâte de voir, mais que personne n’avait prédit. Depuis quelques années, les filles du secondaire de l’Académie Hébraïque organisent un spectacle, et cette année n’a pas fait exception. Le spectacle, intitulé Flight 67, a rendu hommage à l’État d’Israël et à tout ce que la terre et son peuple ont à offrir.

Le spectacle mettant en vedette les filles du 1er au 5e secondaire a véritablement démontré les meilleurs talents de chant, de chorégraphie et de conception de costumes. Ce fut également un véritable témoignage de leur créativité, talent, unité et leur travail d’équipe.

Sous la direction de Tia Ayrton, enseignante d’art dramatique, les filles ont emballé la salle pleine de spectateurs avec des danses figuratives, des costumes féeriques, de la musique dynamique (incluant une chorale trilingue) et un scénario fabuleux qui a bien fait rire du monde à plusieurs occasions. Kol Hakavod aux réalisatrices de Flight 67, ainsi qu’aux participantes talentueuses du spectacle!

BOYS START THE DAY ON THE RIGHT FOOT In an HA first, Grade 8 and 9 boys launched the Breakfast Learning Club in the fall.

Following Tefillah, “the boys studied the six Constant Mitzvot while eating breakfast, with the hopes of strengthening themselves in some of the foundations of Judaism,” said High School Coordinator of Judaic Programming and Judaic Studies Teacher Rabbi Eliyahu Delouya, who learned together with the students.

HIGH SCHOOL JEWISH LIFE AWARDS Gabbai Award for Outstanding Contribution to Jewish Life: Shane Safran, Avi Somech & Isaac Zardouk Ba’al Koreh Award: David Somech, Avi Somech & Yehonatan Haimovici

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HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS ACHIEVEMENTS

ATHLETICS Our athletes are champions of Teamwork, Midot Tovot and Sportsmanship

RUNNING A POPULAR HA SPORT

High School soccer players had the opportunity to compete as part two leagues this past year; GMAA (Greater Montreal Athletics Association) and JISA (Jewish Interscholastic Sports Association). Kol Hakavod to our Juvenile Boys who made it all the way to the JISA Soccer Tournament Finals in October, and to our Midget and Bantam Boys and Juvenile Girls who reached the Semi-Finals. Kol Hakavod to Coaches Yoni Lehrer (’99) (Juvenile Boys), Marilyn Lucas (Juvenile Girls), Arik Messalem (Midget Boys) and Bobby Comeau (Bantam Boys).

Félicitations aux élèves de la 6e année Eliana Eisenberg et Noah Lasry pour avoir remporté le prix de MVP (Joueur le plus utile) dans le match des étoiles de la ligue WESBL (Wolves Elementary School Basketball League) du YMYWHA!

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Midget Boys Defensive player of the year: David Somech Sportsmanship Award: Shalom Zobin All Stars: Sam Malamud & Eliezer Fish Most Valuable Players: Samuel Benisti, Yoni Drazin & Isaac Safran

Juvenile Girls All Stars: Leora Suissa, Becky Benisti Sportsmanship Award: Eliana Rohr Most Improved Player: Becky Assouline Defensive Player Awards: Rebecca Azoulay & Levana Dahan Most Valuable Player: Elisheva Eisenberg

SOCCER TEAMS GAVE IT THEIR ALL

LES ÉTOILES DE LA 6E ANNÉE

Basketball

Bantam Boys Most Improved Player: Oren Marciano Sportsmanship Award: Adam Levy Best Defensive Player: Daniel Sternthal All Stars: Yaacov Azoulay & Nachman Mann Most Valuable Player: Ethan Fallenbaum

Thirty-one students in Grades 7 through 11 participated in this year’s GMAA (Greater Montreal Athletics Association) Cross Country Run on Mount Royal in the fall. Under the direction of Coach Yoni Lehrer (’99), the Juvenile Boys achieved the highest combined team score in the race! Please see the Achievements & Accolades section for this and other accomplishments in Athletics.

While the HA Hammers Midget Boys lost their first GMAA playoff game against LaurenHill Academy, the team make a big comeback in the Division 3 Championships, in a 3-2 victory over LaurenHill. “Our team was losing 2-0 and came back to score three in a row to win,” said Coach Andrew Albanesi with pride.

TOURNAMENT HONOURS MEMORY OF HA ALUMNUS

A RARE OPPORTUNITY HA students, staff and alumni were privileged to play a basketball game in June that was refereed by 1965 Maccabiah Games gold-medalist Tal Brody, who was in town as the star of Kollel Torah MiTzion’s Film Gala.

Juvenile Boys All Stars: Aryeh Punski & Benji Friedman Golden Boot Award: Avi Somech Midget Boys Most Valuable Player: Meir Hersson-Edery Team Leadership Award: Nathaniel Loran Top Offensive Player: Eliezer Fish Top Defensive Player: Nethanel Elfassy Bantam Boys All Stars: Yonah Suissa & Daniel Sternthal

Floor Hockey Juvenile Boys All Stars: David Cohen & Ness Cabessa Most Valuable Player: Eitan Drazin Midget Boys All Stars: Michael Benlolo & Nathaniel Loran Bantam Boys All Stars: Joshua Cons & Yoni Drazin

Tennis All Star: Nachman Mann

Track & Field

Runners of the Year: Mendel Jacobson & Avi Somech (Juvenile Boys) Elisheva Eisenberg (Juvenile Girls) Meir Hersson-Edery (Midget Boys) Gabriel Amar (Bantam Boys)

This year’s tournament united teams from Hebrew Academy, Derech HaTorah, North Shore Hebrew Academy and HANC of New York, Toronto’s Or Chaim, and Yeshiva Yavne. Players spent the weekend together at a lively shabbaton. The tournament culminated with a banquet and meaningful awards ceremony.

Following is a thank-you letter composed by a parent about his son’s experience:

Bantam Girls Most Improved Player: Naomi Azoulay Sportsmanship Award: Ronit Benizri Best Defensive Player: Arielle Laredo All Stars: Alexandra Malamud & Mikayla Abenhaim Most Valuable Player: Michaella Dadoun

Soccer

For the 21st year, Hebrew Academy’s gymnasium was the hub of activity in February as fans of all ages gathered to cheer on players competing in the Annual Oren Grunbaum Hebrew Academy Invitational Basketball Tournament. Founded in 1995, the tournament brings together top players ages 15 and 16 from Montreal and the United States to participate in four days of friendly competition on the courts. In 1996, the tournament was renamed after Hebrew Academy alumnus Oren Grunbaum (’93), an outgoing free spirit with a fun-loving personality, who passed away that year in a tragic accident.

My son, Yosef Halevi, just returned from the Oren Grunbaum Basketball Tournament. He came from Derech Hatorah in Brooklyn. It was his first time playing out of town in a tournament. My wife and I watched on YouTube from Brooklyn. That was amazing to be able to do.

PLAYERS TURN UP THE HEAT IN THE U.S Kol Hakavod to our Juvenile Boys and Girls basketball teams which participated in the Maimonides Invitational Basketball Tournament in Boston in January. Yasher Koach to our boys - coached by Daniel Shaul (‘04) and Morrie Levy (‘83) - who won their games against Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy of Kansas City and Houston’s Beren Academy.

I know these events take planning, care and love. So please accept my thanks. He had a wonderful time and got to really share in the camaraderie of such a tournament. He grows from such experiences meeting other kids, sharing and making new friends from far places. Clearly, you all set the right tone in giving these kids the opportunity to enjoy something they love in an atmosphere of Yiddishkeit that is physically, mentally and spiritually healthy and supportive.

Many thanks and blessings, Alan J. Rich

In March, our Juvenile Boys travelled to New York to participate in the Yeshiva University Red Sarachek Tournament. Bravo to the team upon beating Philadelphia’s Kohelet Yeshiva High School by a score of 54-26.

DES MOMENTS MERVEILLEUX AVEC MACCABI CANADA Pour une première fois à l’école, des représentants de Maccabi Canada ont visité l’Académie Hébraïque au printemps et ont organisé une journée interactive de sports avec nos élèves du secondaire. Après une présentation engageante sur les jeux de Maccabiah en Israël, les représentants ont organisé des ateliers simultanés de softball, soccer et basketball et ont parlé aux élèves de la prévention des blessures sportives. Tout le monde a passé de beaux moments. Les activités ont été organisées par Yoni Lehrer (’99), directeur des services aux élèves.

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FACULTY & STAFF

It takes a village

Hebrew Academy students are truly blessed to have the support, encouragement and guidance of dozens of peerless faculty and staff members. We extend our heartfelt Hakarat Hatov to these often unsung heroes and thank them for being such wonderful role models for our children.

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PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT Facilitated learning opportunities offer educators a chance to collaborate and learn from one another

Hakarat Hatov We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Samuel and Brenda Gewurz and to Federation CJA‘s Generations Fund for sponsoring all of our Professional Development initiatives this past year. We are touched by their investment in our teachers and children and their commitment to helping us to continually reach higher and higher.

Leadership Team participates in meaningful retreat

‫תהא נשמתה צרורה בצרור החײם‬ Morah Kizelnik will be remembered for her love of children and music During Pesach, Hebrew Academy sadly lost a beloved family member – Rebbetzin Pnina Kizelnik z”l. Shortly before Shavuot, we paid tribute to her together with The Chevra at a meaningful Shloshim gathering. The evening was well attended

by Hebrew Academy parents, faculty, staff and students, both past and present.

Those who knew and loved Mrs. Kizelnik z”l, will always recall her devotion to Hebrew Academy as our dedicated Elementary School Judaic Studies and Music teacher. Long after her official retirement after 30-plus years, Mrs. Kizelnik returned to our school as an exceptional volunteer, sharing her love of music and providing musical accompaniment to our students at countless Chagigot and productions.

We are delighted to have established a special scholarship in Mrs. Kizelnik’s memory. The Pnina Kizelnik z’’l Memorial Fund recognizes an Elementary School student who excels in, or demonstrates a particular passion for, music. Grade 6 graduate Aurelie Cohen was the first recipient of the scholarship, which was introduced at the Elementary School Graduation in June.

We can think of no better way to honour Mrs. Kizelnik’s memory, than by encouraging our youth to pursue a love of music – something she herself was so passionate about.

To make a donation to the Pnina Kizelnik z”l Memorial Fund, please visit ha-mtl. org/donate-now/ May Mrs. Kizelnik’s memory be a blessing and may the music of her neshama continue to play on in all those she touched in her lifetime.

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Coordinators, directors and department heads from both the Elementary and High School explored various aspects of effective leadership at an enriching professional development retreat hosted by Executive Director Linda Lehrer in November.

Together with Leadership and Education Consultant Jonathan Cannon, team members set an educational goal for each of their departments and committed to its implementation with their respective teachers.

Qualitative programs for faculty Our teachers and administrators attended a number of engaging professional development sessions this past year, both in and out of school. Following are some highlights: Education and Leadership Consultant Jonathan Cannon returned to Hebrew Academy in January and met with administrators, faculty members and High School Student Council. Mr. Cannon sat in on a number of classes and led a session for all teachers on “Student-centered approaches in the classroom.”

Faculty and staff enjoyed an insightful lecture on “The emotional needs of students” in April, delivered by renowned educator and speaker Rabbi Jonathan Rietti.

In May, a number of Elementary and High School professionals attended a morning lecture by Dr. Laurence Steinberg, one of the world‘s leading experts on adolescent development. Dr. Steinberg presented new and exciting research on the teenage brain.

Hebrew Academy was proud to host BJEC (Bronfman Jewish Education Centre) Day in November for the second consecutive year. Six hundred Jewish Day School teachers attended the event, which featured presentations by various professionals in the education field. This year, Visual Arts and Multimedia Teacher Chris Taylor and Principal and Science Teacher Dr. Laura Segall led two of the workshops.

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HIGH SCHOOL ACHIEVEMENTS

GRADUATES

Valedictorians English: Eliana Rohr French: Elisheva Eisenberg Hebrew: Yehonatan Haimovici

Mazel Tov and Hazlacha Rabba to our Graduates!

MESSAGE FROM THE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PRINCIPAL Dear graduates, First, I want to wish you all congratulations. Your graduation is a celebration of many years of hard work and learning. I truly hope that your Elementary years will be years that you will remember fondly.

As I look at you all today, I am amazed by how much you have grown and how each of you is truly coming into your own. While you are still early on in that journey, I see some students who earlier in the year had trouble owning their behaviour who are now able to step up and take responsibility. I see students who are growing more confident in who they are and I see friendships which have developed based upon true caring for one another. I see a genuine and authentic desire to learn, and incredible young men and women taking the responsibility to participate in their learning community. I see a shift in leadership where Grade 6 students can be relied upon to be role models and student ambassadors, and who give to their school and community without asking what’s in it for them.

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL ACHIEVEMENTS Valedictorians Hebrew: Josh Samuels French: Liora Dayan English: Aliza Cano

Prizes and Awards Molly Erdstein Memorial Prize - Award of Merit: Rebeccah Ohayon Riva Schwartz Memory Prize for Art: Ethan Bendayan Simon Bouganim Memorial Award for Chesed: Michaela Amos Yette Kallus Memorial Award for Writing: Emmy Rubin Eddie Schachter Award for Midot Tovot: Raphael Somech Rabbi Chaim and Lisa Steinmetz Award for Chesed: Andrea Ouazana Pnina Kizelnik z”l Award for Music: Aurelie Cohen Élèves de l’année en education physique: Samuel Sidloi & Yardena Zobin

I am so proud of the young adults you are becoming; I want to encourage you to continue to be good classmates to one another.

As a group, we have seen you take good care of each other, support one another, stand up for each other, I have seen you demonstrate forgiveness and really allow each other the opportunity to change, to grow and to mature. It has been a pleasure being your principal. I wish you the best of luck as you begin this new chapter.

Sincerely, Shauna Joyce

JOIN OUR 50TH ANNIVERSARY PLANNING COMMITTEES 2017-2018 will mark Hebrew Academy’s Golden Anniversary! Like our 40th anniversary celebrations, our 50th will be punctuated by local and international reunions, guests of honour, a Shalshelet tribute book and other opportunities to reminisce and reconnect – including a special family Shabbaton! We are also collecting Hebrew Academy memorabilia and photographs from the last 50 years. If you have pictures or mementos that you would like to share, please email aviva.engel@ha-mtl.org. To join our 50th Anniversary Planning Committees or for more information about our 50th Anniversary activities, please contact linda.lehrer@ha-mtl.org.

Top Honours Gold Medal: Eliana Rohr Governor General Award: Abraham Somech

MESSAGE FROM THE HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL Dear Graduates, The author Paulo Coehlo wrote: If you love someone, you must be prepared to set them free. But what if you have 39 someones, and you are not so sure you are ready to do so?

Over the years, we have had the opportunity to watch you grow and mature before our eyes, we have spent these years guiding you and nurturing you, redirecting, correcting, and yes, even chastising, but always with the goal that when the time comes you will be ready to go out into the world and live up to the potential that we know lies within each and every one of you.

In Parashat Beha’alotcha, Aharon receives the command: “When you raise up the lamps, the seven lamps shall give light in front of the candlestick.” Rashi explains the use of the words “raise up” as opposed to “light” or “kindle” as follows: Aharon was to kindle the flames until they could rise on their own, literally to hold the fire to the wick until it is able to sustain the flame on its own. Aharon is really being commanded not to just inspire the Jewish people, but to bring them to a point where the light within them shines brightly, on its own, to bring them to a point that they can sustain the flame without his help. (Likutei Sichot, vol. 2, p. 316-317).

My dear graduates, it has been a privilege for me to be part of your lives for the past five years. My sincere wish is that you remember the lessons you have learned at Hebrew Academy. And, if I may speak on behalf of the faculty as well as myself, it is our fervent wish that the sparks we see in each and every one of you, rise into flames that will make our world a brighter place for having you in it.

Dr. Laura Segall

Highest Achievement Certificates Science and Math: Avi Somech & Eliana Rohr Torah and Navi: Yehonatan Haimovici & Eliana Rohr French: Avi Somech & Eliana Rohr English: Yehonatan Haimovici & Eliana Rohr Talmud: Yehonatan Haimovici & Eliana Rohr Safa/Jewish History: Yehonatan Haimovici & Eliana Rohr Highest Overall Average: Avi Somech & Eliana Rohr

Awards and Scholarships Trudy L. Saxe Creative Arts Award of Merit: Shane Safran Stanley C. Beiner – Pursuit of Excellence Award: Rachel Blanshay Ilana Murad Award for Excellence in Safa: Danielle Levi Eddie Schacter Scholarship Fund: Shane Safran Midot Tovot Award: Yehoshua Fish & Rachel Blanshay Esther Rudner Memorial Prize for Excellence in Mathematics: Noah Oiknine Marcy Fewkes Award for Excellence in Science: Matan Tordjman & Janna Sternthal Riva Schwartz Prize for Excellence in Creative Arts: Gabriella Malamud The McGill Prize for Math & Science: Shane Safran Barbara Hayes z”l Memorial Scholarship for Personal Achievement: Efraim Liber Role Model: Elisheva Eisenberg Personal Achievement: Erika Meisels The Max and Clara Rothstein Award for Excellence in Biblical Studies: Yehonatan Haimovici The Dr. Monroe Miller Creative Writing Award in Memory of Oren Grunbaum z”l: Eliana Rohr Haim Shimon Bouganim (z”l) Chesed Prize: Menachem Jacobson McGill Social Sciences Award: Benjamin Friedman Emunah Women Scholarship for Post Secondary Studies in Israel: Eliana Rohr, Emily Lawrence, Elisheva Eisenberg & Rachel Blanshay Anita Hirsh Silverman Award for Post Secondary Studies in Israel: Eliana Rohr &Yehonatan Haimovici The Andre Veres z”l Kollel Torah MiTzion Scholarship for Post Secondary Studies in Israel: Rachel Blanshay & Eliana Rohr Dobenstein/Zlata Award for Post Secondary Studies in Israel: Rachel Blanshay, Eliana Rohr, Rebecca Azoulay, Elisheva Eisenberg & Emily Lawrence

STAY CONNECTED WITH THE HA FAMILY We’re always delighted to receive updates from former students. Please share your news with us and send us your contact information so we can remain in touch. Please send your contact information to jacqui.silbiger@ha-mtl.org, like our Hebrew Academy Facebook page and follow us on Twitter @myHA_Updates.

VOLUNTEERS

COMMUNITY

“Do not follow where the path may lead. Go, instead, where there is no path and leave a trail.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson

A place where midot tovot, tzedaka and gemilut chassadim are paramount

We express our heartfelt Hakarat Hatov to this year’s exceptional volunteers. As exemplary members of the Hebrew Academy family, you have carved a solid path for your peers and children to follow, and have left an indelible mark on the trail of Chessed and Midot Tovot. Thank you for investing your time, insights, skills, attention and passion in our school and our students!

Devorah & Haim Abenhaim Guila Abenhaim Lyat Abicidan Ariane Abikhzer Valerie Abikhzer Melissa & Daniel Alloul Sharon & Emmanuel Amar Elisa Amar Eric Amar Ayala Amos Phillipe Anidjar Sarah Arzouan Laura Assor Allan Avigdor Ilan Benamara Anne Benchaya Alex Benchaya Carole Benchaya Peter Benisti Candice Benizri Rebecca Benizri Daphne & Leon Benmergui Guila Benyayer Lynda Bitton Sherri Bratin Jake Burack Michele Cale Esther & Yaacov Cohen Eva Cohen Francine Cohen Laurence Cohen Muriel Cohen

Stephanie Dadoun Beth & Ilan Dahan Lori & David Diner Ami Drazin Adrianne & Shlomo Drazin Rony & Alain Elkaim Vanessa & Karl Fallenbaum Osnat Feldman Steven Fox Sandra Fine Edie & Phil Friedman Marla Goodwin Zipper Melanie Goldfarb Gali & Elie Goldstein Nathan Hadid David Hutman Yaelle Ifergan Meir Israel Jacob Jegher William Jegher Rachel Kadoch Gabriel Kaufman Earl Kimmel Ilana Krief Pearl & Eric Lasry Linda & Jack Lehrer Isaac Levy Jordana & Morrie Levy Nathalie & Philippe Levy Chaya & Lorne Lieberman Sara Malka Cohen Fred Malamud

Alain Mamane Harry Marciano Alain Matarasso Yael & Aaron Minciotti Dobah & Marc Miresco Adina Moss Laura Ohana Karen Ohana Bohbot Elizabeth Ohayon Galit Ohayon Noemie & Yariv Oliel Yael Orzech Pascale & David Pisarevsky Liora R‘Bibo Mordechai Rehany Carole Rimokh Warren Rohr Isaac Sabbah Cindy & Russell Samuels Mark Sasson Natan Schecter Daniel Shaul Ahuva Shostak Brenda Sufer Lauren & Alvin Suissa Alexis & Avi Toledano David Tordjman David Vas Lawrence Witt Elana Zelikovic Mindy & Michael Zobin

WELCOME TO THE FAMILY Hebrew Academy’s Shalom Committee warmly welcomed our 25 new families to the school this year via a number of initiatives: in August, families were treated to an elaborate breakfast where they were warmly greeted by committee members and the Administrative Team. Prior to Rosh Hashana, each received a beautifully-wrapped apple cake, baked by our chef, Ilana Melloul. Finally, on Purim, each family received a pretty Mishloach Manot basket.

SIMCHA IN THE SUKKAH The rain and cold weather did little to dampen the ruach at the Men’s Sukkah Party Under the Stars in October. Around 60 men gathered in Hebrew Academy’s beautiful Sukkah where they enjoyed delicious food, fabulous company, a meaningful Dvar Torah and festive dancing, at the event co-chaired

by Lorne Lieberman (’89), Alvin Suissa (’85) and Ilan Dahan.

BONDING OVER BREAD Over 100 mothers and daughters participated in our inspiring school-wide Hafrashat Challah in the fall. The event was dedicated to a refuah shelema for all of Cholei Am Yisrael, including a young member of our HA family.

Kol Hakavod to Director of Judaic Studies Jordana Levy and HAPA for organizing the beautiful evening, to High School Judaic Studies Head Vicky Szyf for her moving words of Torah, and to all of the women who led challahbraiding stations.

DRESS DOWN FOR FORT MCMURRAY Kol Hakavod to the Grade 11 Chessed Committee for spearheading our dress-down fundraiser in Elementary and High High School for the relief efforts in Fort McMurray in the spring. Participants raised almost $400.

We apologize for any omissions.

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UNE GRANDE VICTOIRE POUR LES ORGANISMES DE BIENFAISANCE LOCAUX

MADA MATTERS Hebrew Academy Elementary and High School educators and students continued to support MADA wholeheartedly this year, via numerous efforts: Our Grade 2 students and their English teachers Leona Lands and Lauren Thurber marked the 100th day of school by collecting 100 non-perishable food items for the organization; Prior to Pesach, our Bnot Mitvah packed boxes of food as part of MADA’s Fill the Pantry campaign; Grade 6 boys volunteered at MADA together with their teachers Madame Ninette Dayan, Rabbi Eddie Shostak and Morah Varda Sebbag, and Grade 9 Girls, along with Judaic Studies Department Head Vicky Szyf, helped out the nonprofit before Chanukah.

A COMMUNITY EFFORT In the fall, our entire school participated in “Feed the Truck”, an initiative of Federation CJA’s Tov division. Faculty, staff and students brought in non-perishable food items and groups of classes loaded them onto trucks to be distributed to Montrealers in need.

Que feriez-vous avec 5 000 $? Les élèves du 4e secondaire ont répondu à cette question de manière réfléchie en avril devant leurs enseignants et camarades de classe dans un affrontement palpitant. Les élèves de l’Académie Hébraïque ont figuré parmi les finalistes dans une compétition internationale, dans laquelle les participants visent à gagner le prix de 5 000$, non pas pour eux, mais pour un organisme de bienfaisance de leur choix. Cet affrontement représente l’aboutissement de mois de participation au Youth Philanthropy Initiative (YPI), un projet de la fondation Toskan Casale.

Le bénéficiaire de cette année fut Chai Lifeline Canada, représenté par Gita Margolese, Rebecca Benchaya et Amanda Marciano. Chai Lifeline est un organisme nord-américain qui fournit un soutien aux enfants atteints de maladies graves ainsi qu’à leurs familles. « Cette initiative fait vivre aux élèves une expérience qu’ils ne trouveraient jamais dans un livre scolaire », a dit Celia Natanblut, enseignante représentante du YPI de l’Académie Hébraïque. Mme Natanblut intègre l’initiative YPI dans son curriculum d’éthique et culture religieuse du quatrième secondaire. À partir de leurs recherches, les élèves ont eu à préparer une demande de financement au nom de l’organisme, ainsi qu’une présentation à leurs camarades de classe.

A MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE FOR STUDENT COUNCIL This past winter, High School Student Council members participated in a meaningful program with Summit School students at Friendship Circle.

“Every student was paired up with a child from Summit School, and gained a new amazing friendship,” recounted Emily Lawrence (G11). “We played various games all about the importance of valuing teamwork, and made Tu B’Shvat-inspired artwork. One of the best parts of the whole day was that every duo got to take a Polaroid photo with their buddy to keep and show to their parents. Every Student Council member had an unforgettable experience by having fun and learning a lot about their new friend.”

LACING UP FOR TEAM LIFELINE Kol Hakavod to Team Hebrew Academy Montreal members - parents Beth Moskovic, Adrianne Drazin, Lori Seidman and Chaya Lieberman, and alumni Tammy Israel (’02) and Amanda Abitbol (’08) - who participated in Chai Lifeline’s Miami Half Marathon in support of Team Lifeline in January and raised over $50K in support of seriously ill children and their families. Members met many of the organization’s beneficiaries and volunteers. “The weekend was life-changing for all the runners,” said Team Captain Beth Moskovic.

AN ISRAELI CAMPAIGN WITH A STRONG HA CONNECTION Kol Hakavod to our Elementary School students and Hebrew Academy faculty and staff who raised a total of $571 for the Muffin Boutique, a Jerusalem café that offered all on-duty soldiers, police officers and ambulance attendants free sandwiches, drinks and muffins in recognition of their work during last year’s very trying months. Yasher Koach to Rav Mechanech Rabbi Eddie Shostak for organizing the campaign at Hebrew Academy. The Muffin Boutique is owned by Hebrew Academy alumna Lainie (Dubrow) Richler (’83) and her husband Shmarya, who made aliyah with their children in 1995.

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Quatre équipes demi-finalistes ont présenté leurs organismes devant un public de taille et un comité de juges composé d’élèves du 5e secondaire, Rachel Blanshay (finaliste YPI 2015), Mendel Jacobson (gagnant YPI 2015), Ness Cabessa (finaliste YPI 2015) ainsi que Chaya Lieberman et Michael Zobin, parents à l’Académie Hébraïque. Parmi les organismes présentés, nous avons appris sur Sun Youth, MADA, et la Mission Old Brewery. « J’étais vraiment impressionnée par toutes les presentations », a dit Mme Natanblut. J’espère que les élèves ont aussi développé un lien avec les organismes qu’ils ont choisi et qu’ils continueront à s’impliquer avec ceux-ci dans le futur ».

THE SECRET TO STAYING HAPPY Close to 100 women participated in Hebrew Academy’s evening of learning and inspiration in March, featuring best-selling author and educator Chana Levitan. Faculty, staff, Grade 9 to 11 girls and their mothers, and members of the community learned how to “Get Happy, Stay Happy”, participated in a fun Mishloach Manot raffle, and enjoyed dancing and refreshments.

Yasher Koach to Coordinator of Jewish Programming Rabbi Eliyahu Delouya for organizing the event, and to Judaic Studies Teacher Chaya Elias for running the night’s program.

STUDENTS BRING JOY TO SENIORS

The chagim were undoubtedly brighter for many seniors this past year, thanks to a number of Elementary classes that enriched residents’ festivities. At Purim time, Kindergarten participated in a lively Purim party at The Donald Berman Maimonides Geriatric Centre; Grade 5 visited the Castel Royal prior to Sukkot and during Chanukah, and Elementary students collected and assembled exquisite fruit baskets for Maimonides, Mount Sinai Hospital, Caldwell Residence, Zehava Residence and Castel Royal in honour of Tu B’Shvat.

BOOKED SOLID Grade 3 students were very busy in the spring running the grade’s Annual Used-Book Sale in the library, which involved everything from setting up the inventory, to selling raffle tickets and managing financial transactions.

Their English teachers, Alana Korman and Elyse Haber, oversaw the event, which generated $1,000 for Yaldei Developmental Centre.

AN EXERCISE IN TZEDAKA More than 70 ladies enjoyed an incredible night of Zumba in the gym as participants of our annual fundraiser in support of Individualized Education Programs. A number of women were the lucky winners of raffle prizes that included gift certificates for manicures and blow dries, passes to Zumba classes and designer sunglasses. Hats off to Director of Academic Support Services Beth Moskovic for organizing this wonderful event.

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OH, HOW WE ADORE OUR BNOT SHERUT Hebrew Academy is fortunate to benefit from the creativity and enthusiasm of young women from Israel who devote an additional year of Sherut Leumi (National Service) to helping Jewish communities in the Diaspora. The Bnot Sherut contribute tremendously to our school and greatly enhance students’ love and appreciation for Eretz Yisrael.

This past year, we were delighted to welcome Aviya Shilo, Odeya Aviv, Noam Korngut and Tsofnat Halevi to our Elementary and High School.

Beyond decorating our halls and rooms with exquisite artwork, the women brought a taste of Israel to our school in everything they did – from starring in plays and filming videos, to leading class activities and ushering in holidays with overwhelming ruach.

NOUS POUVONS ÊTRE TRÈS FIERS DE NOS JOUEURS Les filles de la 6e année ont passé une année remplie d’études Dans un hommage émouvant à la mémoire d’Aharon Benitah, qui a été poignardé à Jérusalem, l’équipe de basketball Heat, niveau Midget, de l’Académie Hébraïque, ainsi que les garçons de la 5e année ont présenté un chèque d’un montant généreux au père et au frère d’Aharon pour venir en aide à la veuve de ce dernier et à ses enfants.

KTM & HA: PROUD PARTNERS FOR 17 YEARS In 1998, KTM Montreal’s founders approached Hebrew Academy and proposed that our school’s Beit Midrash be the permanent site of their new educational centre. What began as a partnership over 17 years ago has blossomed into a mutuallybeneficial relationship between our two institutions, which thrive on each others’ offerings and achievements. Kollel Torah MiTzion ran a number of creative and informal education programs this past year, including High School tisches, Yemei Iyun, movie nights, a Motzei Shabbat Family Learning Program, Bat Mitzvah shiurim, a High School Spring Break learning program, Avot U’Vanim learning and basketball evening, Parsha plays for Kindergarten, a Grade 6 Sukkah party, a lunchtime “Kahoot on the Parsha” High School competition, and an afterschool Bekiut Club, to name a few.

Cette année, le Kollel Torah MiTzion a aussi organisé plusieurs évènements communautaires, incluant la célébration de Simchat Beit Hashoeva, des fêtes de Hannouca et de Pourim pour les élèves du secondaire, la seoudah de Pourim, le seder de Tou BiShvat, une cérémonie en l’honneur de Yom Hazikaron, une seoudah shlishit à l’occasion de Yom Yeroushalayim, un barbecue pour Lag Ba’omer et un programme d’étude de Shavuot qui a duré toute la nuit.

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BNOT MITZVAH SHAPED BY ACTS OF CHESSED As part of their Grade 6 Bat Mitzvah Program, our Bnot Mitzvah and their coordinator Sari Attaeich-Rohr organized myriad chessed projects in support of diverse beneficiaries. Prior to Rosh Hashana, the group raised $500 for Yaldei Developmental Centre and The Friendship Circle through the sale of beautiful Rosh Hashana baskets. In November, the students ran a fun Bake Day for girls in Grades 1 to 3 and donated the event’s proceeds to Connections Israel, which purchased a beautiful silver Chanukiah for an IDF base. The group received a lovely thank-you letter from the officers and soldiers of the Paratroopers Brigade. The Bnot Mitzvah also raised $806 for The Association for the Soldiers of Israel.

Au mois de septembre, lors de la fête juive de Souccot, Aharon Benitah, âgé de 21 ans et le Rabbin Nehemia Lavi, âgé de 41 ans, ont été tous les deux poignardés à mort par un terroriste armé d’un couteau dans la vieille ville de Jérusalem. Odel, la femme d’Aharon a également été poignardée 17 fois et leur fils de deux ans Nathan s’est fait tirer dans la jambe. Michael, le père d’Aharon se trouvait à Montréal à ce moment-là pour rendre visite au frère d’Aharon, Natan et sa famille, qui demeurent à Côte-Saint-Luc. Au lendemain de la fête, la famille Benitah est repartie en Israël pour assister aux funérailles d’Aharon. La veille de leur départ, une centaine de Montréalais se sont réunis devant la maison de Natan pour leur témoigner leur soutien.

« Lorsque j’ai aperçu mes joueurs chanter et prier ensemble lors de la veillée main dans la main, j’ai réalisé qu’ils voulaient faire beaucoup plus que jouer au basketball cette année » a dit l’entraineur Eric Lasry, un avocat et parent de l’Académie Hébraïque ainsi qu’un ancien élève de l’école. Il a proposé aux joueurs d’organiser un programme de basketball pour les garçons de la 5e année lors de leur temps d’entrainement le dimanche. Tous les bénéfices de ce programme iraient au Fonds Odel Banet-Benitah, établi par l’oncle d’Aharon dans le cadre de l’organisme One Family UK. Le père d’Aharon, Michael, et son frère Natan se sont rendus à l’Académie Hébraïque en novembre où ils ont rencontré les joueurs de l’école primaire et du secondaire ainsi que les entraineurs Eric Lasry et Nathan Schecter. En recevant le chèque, Michael a remercié les joueurs pour leur générosité et a dit qu’ils étaient tous justes, des tzadikim. « Tant que vous restez une équipe et que vous travaillerez en équipe, vous réussirez », a-t-il dit. « Je suis si fier de mes joueurs qui ont donné de leur temps et de leur argent », a dit Eric Lasry. « Même après avoir remis le chèque de 4 200 $ à M. Benitah, les joueurs ont rajouté un autre 300 $ de leur propre argent pour arrondir le montant à 4 500 $ ».

HA ACCOMPLISHES BIG THINGS FOR TINY MIRACLES In May, Rosaleen Rinzler, HA parent and founder/chair of the JGH Auxiliary’s Tiny Miracle Fund, presented Hebrew Academy with a certificate in recognition of our school’s substantial fundraising efforts and commitment to the cause. Over the past two years, our students, faculty and staff have raised close to $4000 for the organization, via our participation in the annual Purple for Preemies campaign.

Grade 11 students Elisheva Eisenberg, Janna Sternthal and Eliana Rohr, as well as the Grade 6 Bat Mitzvah girls, spearheaded efforts in both the High School and Elementary to raise awareness and money for the purchase of vital, lifesustaining equipment for premature infants.

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DEVELOPMENT

DONORS RECOGNIZED On Monday evening, May 30, Hebrew Academy’s All-In donors were honoured for their generosity at Hebrew Academy’s Annual Raffle/Donor Recognition Event.

Guests were treated to a wonderfull evening featuring the fruits of their support - our talented, articulate, very happy students, who are grateful and proud to be part of the HA family! Highlights of the evening included a wonderful video produced by Grade 11’s Shane Safran, a beautiful Elementary School choir performance led by Music Director Amiel Bender, a raffle draw coordinated by Raffle Chair Warren Rohr, and a beautiful dessert reception. Mazel Tov to our raffle winners - Yael & Aaron Minciotti ($10,000), Eva Leipnik ($1,800), Alain Mamane ($1,200) and Abe Ludvig ($1,000)! Thank you to all of our student participants and to everyone who contributed to the evening’s success.

Finally, our sincere appreciation goes to our Development Committee Co-chairs, Vanessa Fallenbaum and Chaya Lieberman, for their incredible dedication to our fundraising efforts this past year.

Our stakeholders truly understand that together, we can accomplish so much more

GROWTH THROUGH LEARNING For the past 18 months, a number of Hebrew Academy administrators and lay leaders were privileged to participate in a unique Governance & Fundraising Academy (GFA) sponsored by Federation CJA’s Generations Fund and PEJE (Partnership for Excellence in Jewish Education). Kol Hakavod to Executive Director Linda Lehrer, President Alvin Suissa, Vice President Shlomo Drazin, Development Committee Co-chairs Vanessa Fallenbaum and Chaya Lieberman, and Director of Development Gabrielle Abergel, who worked tirelessly alongside GFA Coach Amy Schiffman to solidify the school’s governance protocols. We extend our deepest appreciation to both Federation CJA and PEJE for enabling our participation in this wonderful program.

ALL-IN CAMPAIGN MOVES FUNDRAISING IN NEW DIRECTION In a Hebrew Academy first, our Development Committee successfully transitioned this year from events-based fundraising to an annual campaign. While our institution relies on tuition fees and contributions to our Building Fund and Parent Association as a consistent revenue source, our students benefit from invaluable programs, services and extra offerings that are only made possible through our benefactors. These include:

Technology Integration and state-of-the art learning tools including smart boards for every classroom, dozens of ipads for student-use and state-of-the art coding and robotics programs; Student Services - part-time Elementary and High School guidance counselors and a full-time nurse for both schools, supervised activities during Elementary lunch, recess and Extended-Day; Student Life - Judaic programming, athletics, visitors and subsidized trips, materials to enhance holiday celebrations and Student Council activities;

STUDENTS EXCITED TO TAKE PART Elementary and High School students eagerly took part in our All-In Campaign by proudly wearing All-In t-shirts and bracelets and dressing down in exchange for a Toonie donation. A number of students also entered our raffle draws in to win iwatches. Mazel tov to winners Ezra Gomolin (Gr 10) and Nathaniel Benitah (Gr 5)!

Library - latest books, ezines and access to the most current and pedagogically-innovative online resources; Staff for our Resource Rooms and special resources for students with unique learning needs; Tuition Assistance – Hebrew Academy allocates over $1,100,000 annually in tuition assistance to families in need.

Thanks to the unparalleled generosity of our All-In donors, we raised over $300,000 and are now in a stronger position to support our students and their families. We extend our deepest gratitude to the Avi Chai Foundation and the Generations Fund which have graciously pledged to match all new Campaign gifts of $5,000 and more. We are proud that over 90% of our parent body contributed to the All-In Campaign. Kol Hakavod!

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FINANCIAL SUMMARY

2016 DONORS We are truly indebted to the following individuals and organizations who have contributed to Hebrew Academy’s myriad funds over the past year. On behalf of our student beneficiaries, thank you for safeguarding the quality and access of our outstanding education, the transmission of Modern Orthodox values and the growth of our community.

REVENUES government grant

26%

contributions from parents

61%

federation cja

5%

fundrasing

8%

ALL IN ANNUAL CAMPAIGN educational cost

77%

special projects

10%

occupancy expense

6%

building & amort expense

5%

financing expenses

2%

special programs

37%

GIVING

playground operating general scholoarship

3%

Anonymous • Benisti Import Export Inc. • Debbie & Ronnie Cons • Ruth Drazin • Brenda & Sam Gewurz Chaya & Lorne Lieberman • Setareh & Gabriel Malca • Lauren & Alvin Suissa

Chazonim: Visionaries

Noemi & Laurent Amram • Adrianne & Shlomo Drazin • Vanessa & Karl Fallenbaum

Amudim: Pillars

Jennifer & Moche Castiel • Aviva & Ami Drazin • Malca & Louis Drazin • Sari & Shlomo Drazin Osnat & Evan Feldman • Shana & Julius Gomolin • Pascale & Jack Hasen • HSBC • Elizabeth & Meir Israel Susan Lieberman & Family • Seymour Alper Anonymous • Edie & Philip Friedman

19% 18%

King David Society

Nedivim: Benefactors

20%

(where your $ go)

OPERATING EXPENSES

& chessed

student services

3%

TAA SUMMARY FOR 8 YEARS (Tuition Assistance Allocations)

Manheegim: Leaders

Laurence & Dov Cohen • Sue & Kammal Gabbay • Jocheved Z“L & Joseph Orbach

Tomchim: Sustainers

Melissa & Daniel Alloul • Sharon & Emmanuel Amar • Sherri & Jacob Bratin • Lori & David Diner • Ken Gabay Coffee Ltd • Kim & Jonathan Kushner • Keren & Jason Ludvig • Yael & Aaron Minciotti • Yael & Joshua Orzech Jennifer & Daniel Rabinovitch • Cindy & Russell Samuels • Scotia Banque

Yedidim: Supporters

Anonymous • Lyat & David Abicidan • Valerie & Emmanuel Abikhzer • Joelle & Robert Abitbol • Florence & Charles Amar • Heather & Emmanuel Amar • Ayala & Simon Amos • Stephanie & David Assayag • Averna Technologies • Anne & Arie Benchaya • Carole-Myriam & Gilles Benchaya • Kathy & Judah Bendayan • Linda & Benjamin Bitton • Pearl & Milan Bratin • Michele & Brian Cale • Stephanie & Eric Dadoun • Desjardins • Haguith & Elie Dayan • Pearl & Aaron Drazin • Dyna and Morris Dalfen Family Foundation • Carlos Ferreira • Anne & Joshua Haimovici • Iris & Yaacov Haimovici • Linda & Jack Lehrer • Susan & Alain Matarasso • Karen & David Merovitz • Elizabeth & Arieh Ohayon • Yael & Ouri Ohayon • Judith & Gary Pekofsky • Carole & Ralph Rimokh • Jeffrey Schlesinger • Lynda & Lorne Schwartz • Lilla & Jack Sternthal • Thread Collective • Anat & Michel Toledano 52 |

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Chaverim: Friends 7014058 Canada Inc • Cynthia & Acher-Igal Abenhaim • Guila & Dan Abenhaim • Judith & Michel Abergel • Gabrielle Abergel • Ariane & Joel Abikhzer • Bella & Joey Adelsohn • Marlene & Steven Adler • Ariel & Leon Aintabi • Etty & Daniel Amar • Kathy & Ralph Amar • Elisa & Yannick Amar • Eric Amar • Kelly Amar • Galit & Dan Amselem • Nathalie & Gerard Amzallag • Nadine & Amir Anders • Rachel & Jim Archibald • Laura & David Ardman • Miriam & Morris Argalgi • Sarah & Simon Arzouan • Baila & Jerrold Aspler • Rachel & Judah Aspler • Brigitte & Charles Assayag • Laura & David Assor • Danielle Assouline • Heather & Allan Avigdor • Judith & Lior Azerad • Zohar & Alexandre Azoulay • Jessica & Laurent Azoulay • Anne & Micael Azoulay • Ilana & Stephane Azoulay de Courten • Dina Bandail • Sarah & David Banon • Tatiana & Yehuda Basch • Yael & Michael Benarroch • Alexandra & Oren Benchaya • Fiby & Albert Benchaya • Caroline & Cedric Benchetrit • Ruth & Isaac Bendayan • Cheryl & Amiel Bender • Mimi Bengio • Valerie & Moshe Benguira • Audrey & Yohan Benitah • Nourith & Isaac Benizri • Daphne & Leon Benmergui • Audrey & Avraham Gad Benoussan • Daniel Benson • Devora & Simon Berman • Susan & William Berman • Gerry Bernstein • Tina & Mark Bessner • Jonathan Bitton • Yaffa & Yaacov Blanshay • Joe Bohbot • Sandy & Ygal Bohdokh • Sabrina & Nathaniel Bouganim • Louis Bougie • MyriamSandra & Michael Bouhadana • Zachary Bratin • Shawna Bratin • Pearl & Nathan Bratt • Elaine & Marten Brodsky • Anna & Isidore Buchbinder • Paula & Josef Bultz • Valerie & Stephen Caminsky • Karine & Isaac Castiel • David Celemencki • Kathia Celemencki • Georgette Chriqui • Wiliam Clenman • Daniella & Jonathan Clenman • Elizabeth & Jack Cohen • Eva & Jacob Cohen • Tracey & Justin Cohen • Muriel & Tseve Cohen • Esther & Yaakov Cohen • Ylana & Michael Cohen • Judith Cohen • Martine Cohen • Zehava & Rabbi Naftali Cohn • Ivan Cons • Lewis Cooper • Allan Coopersmith • Lottie & Syd Copoloff • Patricia Corcos • Audrey & Gabriel Dahan • Beth & Ilan Dahan • Leah & Michael Dahan • Ruth & Mendy Dalfen • Danawares • Arlene & Charles Dayan • Carlos De Melo • Estelle & Saul Deitcher • Rabbi Eliyahu Delouya • Edouard Desjardins • Sindy Dessureault • John Diamond • Eleanor Diner • Leah & Charles Dray • Shulamit Drazin • Max Druker • Rose Dubinsky • Fanny & Jack Edery • Jacques Edery • Lyse Edery • Louise & Mark Eisenberg • Rony & Alain Elkaim • Ariella & Jonathan Eltes • Sam Eltes • Aviva Engel • Fred Fagan • Shawn Fagen • Robin Farber • Joy & Herbert Farkas • Sara & Noah Farkas • David Feher • Debbie & Howard Feldman • Rachel Feldman • Sandra & David Fine • Maharat Rachel & Rabbi Avi Finegold • First National Funding ULC • Wendy Fish • Sarah & Rabbi Mark Fishman • Simone Frenkiel • Joelle & Alain Friedman • Choula & Marc Friedman • Anne & Meer Friedman • Shulom Friedman • Alexander Fuchs • Valerie & Ari Gabay • Rhonda & Leslie Gal • Larry Galletti • Michael Galletti • Kimberly & Hillel Gammal • Tova & Scott Garber • Brenda & Shimon Garellek • Joan & Philip Genest • Ilan Gewurz • Zev Gewurz • Anne & Meyer Ghoddoussi • Rebecca Glazer • Joan & Howard Golberg • Melanie & Michael Goldfarb • Annette & Lionel Goldman • Sylvia Goodman • Doreen Green • Rhona Guberek-Haboucha • Roslyn & David Guttman • Dana & Mihnea Guttman • Elyse & • Michael Haber • Vanessa & Charly-Marc Hadid • Jamie & Marco Hadid • Lisa & David Hamaoui • Chaya & Abraham Hamburger • Mildred & Oscar Handelman • Dody & David Hasson • Ariele & Claude Helwani • Gitit & Rabbi Amnon Herman • Goldie & Sheldon Hershon • Dahlia & Michael Hollander • Anni Homa • Vera & Leo Honigwachs • Stacey & Eric Howard • Rosaleen & David Hutman • Muriel & Ariel Illouz • Hyroglifex International • Annie & Isaac Israel • Tammy & Ron Israel • Ronit & Avi Jacobson • Lieba & Rabbi Asher Jacobson • Kara & William Jegher • Shauna Joyce • Deborah & Tony Jutras • Eva & Alan Katznelson • Carolyn & Gabriel Kaufman • Rachel & Ian Kaufman • Marlene & Joel King • Ilana & Eric Knafo • Kathy & Emile Knafo • Ellen & Larry Kogut • Esther Krentzman • Michaella & Guilad Krief • Ari Kugler • Orly & Nathan Kuperstok • Katia & David Kurzencwyg • Pascale & Henri Lallouz • Nathalie & Ronny Laredo • Albert & Tatiana Lasry • Pearl & Eric Lasry • Valerie & Jay Lawrence • Betty & Carl Laxer • Alice & Meir Leb • Sarah Bracha & Yoni Lehrer • Eva & Alexander Leipnik • Ilana & Chai Levi • Hannah & Elliott Levine • Mercedes & Leon Levy • Jordana & Morrie Levy • Nathalie & Philippe Levy • Yan Li • Miriam & Lionel Liber • Linda & Willy Lieberman • Renée & Marty Lieberman • Sarah & Richard Lieberman • Anne Lieblein • Chaviva & Jason Lifson • Nathalie & Yaniv Loran • Sheldon Lubin • Minda & Irwin Ludmer • Eva & Abe Ludvig • Frederick Malamud • Cindy & Bruce Malka • Risa & Alain Mamane • Line & Maurice Marciano • Tanya & Howard Margolese • Yona & Neil Matthews • Grace Matthews • Mehadrin Milk Prod Inc • Ilana Melloul • Sandra & Leonard Mendell • Shira & Corey Miller • Dobah & Marc Miresco • Evolucell Mobile • Montreal Elite Securite • Morris & Rosalind Goodman Family Foundation • Adina & Emmanuel Moss • Ellen & Joel Moss • Juanita & Yitz Moss • Claudine & Marc Mydlarski • Paulina & Boris Myschkowski • Celia Natanblut • Vitrerie Nationale • Sylvie & Michael Negreanu •

Shoshana & Moishe Neuer • Ariel Neuer • Menachem Neuer • Neuhaus Family Foundation • Odan Laboratories Ltd • Laura & Steve Ohana • Galit & Charles Ohayon • Noemi & Yariv Oliel • Marvin Oppen • Natou & Gabriel Ovadia • Louis-Joseph Papineau • Raizie & Rabbi Boruch Perton • Pieces d‘auto S.A.N. Automotive Inc • Johanna & Aharon Pinto • Galliah Pioger-Kakone • Pascale & David Pisarevsky • Pizza Pita • Claudia & Gary Polachek • Caterina & Antonio Polito • Chaussures Polo • Shoshana & Aron Portnoy • Susan & Joseph Portnoy • Isabelle & Moishe Punski • Robert Raich • Barry Rashkovan • Liora & David R‘Bibo • Rose & Mordechai Rehany • Sari & Warren Rohr • Margaret & David Ronis • Gabrielle & Zeev Rosberger • Livia & Rabbi Sorin Rosen • Rachel & Jason Rosenblatt • Rosenbloom Group Inc • Naomi & Ari Rosenfeld • Stacey & Marco Rosillio • Barbara Rotenberg • Laura & Emmanuel Rouas • Guylene Roy • Liat & Sharon Ruben • Joseph Rutman • Morrie Rutman • Merav & Isaac Sabbah • Sarena & Steven Safran • Shelley & Aaron Sarna • Tanya & Natan Schecter • Avie & Eli Segal • Debra & David Segal • Lynne Seidman • Vicky Shemie • Caroline & Haim Sherrf • Marguerite Shimoda • Vicky & Jimmy Shizgal • Jewel Shoham • Ahuva & Rabbi Eddie Shostak • Rosalyn Shrier • Rachel & Mark Sidloi • Laura & Elliott Silverman • Elliott Silverman • Katrina Silverman • Barbara Skarf • Helen & Jack Slavin • Reisha Slavin • Armand Smaza • Gerry Sohmer • Rosette & Boruch Solnica • Edna Somekh • Ora Somogyi • Bonnie & Alex Spira • Karen & Jay Spitzer • Ellen Spitzer • Marcia & David Steinlauf • Carolyn & Arnold Steinman • Manya Stendel • Martha & Mendal Stermer • Magda & Ernest Strauss • Dale & Sam Szlamkowicz • Jackie & Steven Tabac • Bella Taichman • Alexandra & Abraham Toledano • Anat & Michel Toledano • Baruch Toledano • Simone & Daniel Toledano • David Tordjman • Valerie Rouimi-Proximed • Diane & David Vas •Tova & Menachem Vidal • Shoshana & Yossef Vidal • Howard Vineberg • Asher Waldman • Lorne Wiseman • Lawrence Yelin • Nelly & Daniel ZaguryOrly • Sharon & Joseph Zardouk • Ying Ming Zhao • Julie & Marc Zilbert • Zena & David Zobin • Mindy & Michael Zobin • Andre Zoldan • Jill & Daniel Zolov • Guila & Simon Zrihan • Leechen & Michael Zukor • Jack Zylberberg

ATHLETIC FUND Sarah & Sean Adelsohn • Devora & Simon Berman • Rinna & Eliezer Brodt • Lori & David Diner • Adrianne & Shlomo Drazin • Adele & Ruby Friedman • Tammy & Ron Israel • Chaya & Lorne Lieberman • Sarah & Richard Lieberman • Alexandra & Arieh Magilnick • Susan & Alain Matarasso • Juanita & Yitz Moss • Adina & Emmanuel Moss • Judith & Gary Pekofsky • Shoshana & Aron Portnoy • Scott & Ryva Schecter • Silver Star • Lauren & Alvin Suissa

CHESED & SCHOLARSHIP FUNDS Marilyn & Rabbi Baruch Abramovitz • Ayala & Simon Amos • Baila & Jerrold Aspler • Sharon Azrieli • CaroleMyriam & Gilles Benchaya • Katy & Judah Bendayan • Sherri & Jacob Bratin • Georgette & Pinchas Chriqui • Stephanie Chriqui • Debbie & Ronnie Cons • Laura Csillag • Leah Deitcher • Adrianne & Shlomo Drazin • Aviva & Ami Drazin • Malca & Louis Drazin • Sari & Shlomo Drazin • Ariella & Jonathan Eltes • Vanessa & Karl Fallenbaum • Osnat & Evan Feldman • Sara & Aaron Freilich • Edie & Philip Friedman • Gewurz Family Foundation • Judith & David Grunbaum • Leo Horowitz • Chessy & Rabbi Moshe Jablon • Rabbi Meyer Kizelnik • Linda & Jack Lehrer • Miriam Lehrer • Chaya & Lorne Lieberman • Renée & Martin Lieberman • Yosefa & Daniel Loskove • Setareh & Gabriel Malca • Risa & Alain Mamane • Susan & Alain Matarasso

OPPORTUNITIES FOR SUPPORT Benefactors like you enable us to fulfill our commitment to all who depend on Hebrew Academy as the purveyor of an outstanding Modern Orthodox education. In recent years, our generous donors have enabled us to construct a dream playground for our children (2012), beautify our classrooms and offices with exquisite Mezuzot (2014), provide ongoing professional development for faculty and staff, and offer one-of-a-kind programs and resources that enrich school life. To explore our various Giving Opportunities, please contact Director of Development Gabrielle Abergel at 514-489-5321 x 358 or visit www.ha-mtl.org/giving .

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48 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION Hebrew Academy is a coeducational English K-11 school offering Section française in K-6. We are proudly committed to academic excellence and innovation, fostering intellectual curiosity and inspiring leadership. Our students are guided by Torah values and Halachic principles founded on the tenets of Am Yisrael , Eretz Yisrael and Torat Yisrael.

Visit us at www.ha-mtl.org

48 ANS D’EXCELLENCE EN ÉDUCATION L’Académie Hébraïque est une école primaire et secondaire anglophone et mixte offrant une section française pour les élèves de la maternelle à la 6e année.

Nous sommes fiers de nous engager à viser l’excellence académique et l’innovation, à promouvoir la curiosité intellectuelle et à inspirer le leadership, dans le cadre des valeurs de la Torah et des principes halachiques fondés sur le peuple d’Israël, la Terre d’Israël et la Torah d’Israël.

Visitez notre site web au www.ha-mtl.or

HEBREW ACADEMY 5700 Kellert Avenue, Cote Saint-Luc, QC H4W 1T4 T: (514) 489-5321 • F: (514) 489-8607 www.ha-mtl.org