Mazel tov to Linda Lehrer on your retirement! With great appreciation and admiration for all that you have done for the advancement of the Hebrew Academy School & family.
A huge Hakarat Hatov to all of the leaders, teachers & staff who make Hebrew Academy what it is today. Thank you for giving our children a safe, happy place to grow physically and spiritually.
Fondly,
The Cons Family
I write this message of appreciation as you embark on a well-deserved chapter of retirement after an illustrious 36-year tenure as the Executive Director of our esteemed institution.
First and foremost, on behalf of the entire school community, I want to express our deepest gratitude for your unwavering dedication, exceptional leadership, and transformative impact on the school over the past three and a half decades. Your commitment to excellence has set a standard that will continue to guide us for years to come.
Under your guidance, the school has flourished into a nurturing and dynamic learning environment, fostering not only academic achievement but also personal growth and character development. Your vision, resilience, and passion for education have left an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of students, faculty, staff, and parents alike.
As I step into the role of Executive Director, I am acutely aware of the immense responsibility that comes with following in your footsteps. Your legacy is one of compassion, and an unwavering commitment to the success of every individual associated with the school. I am committed to upholding and building upon the foundation you have so diligently laid.
While we will miss your daily presence, we take solace in the fact that your impact will endure through the generations of students whose lives you have touched. I am sure that your retirement will be filled with the same passion and enthusiasm that you brought to the school each day.
Once again, thank you for your tireless dedication and service. May your retirement be filled with joy, relaxation, and the satisfaction of a job well done.
Warmest regards,
ERICAMAR Executive Director
As Elizabeth and I sit down to write these words, we are filled with a profound sense of gratitude and admiration for the remarkable journey you have undertaken over the past 36 years at Hebrew Academy. Your commitment has left an incredible mark on the hearts and minds of countless students, colleagues, the parent body, and the entire school community. We were blessed to have had Rachel, Daniel, Jacob, and Emma attend Hebrew Academy under your leadership.
Your tenure has been nothing short of extraordinary. In this journal, we wish to capture the essence of your incredible contributions. Your ability to inspire, motivate, and lead Hebrew Academy has created a lasting legacy within the walls of our school. The countless hours spent, the challenges overcome, and the lives touched – each moment is a reflection of your dedication.
As you turn the pages of this journal, may it serve as a testament to the profound impact you have made throughout the years. Your legacy is not merely etched in brick and mortar but woven into the very fabric of Hebrew Academy’s identity. The echoes of your laughter, the warmth of your guidance, and the brilliance you brought to our school will resonate for years to come.
Thank you for 36 years of unwavering dedication, passion, and transformative leadership. Your legacy is a beacon of inspiration, and your influence will undoubtedly continue to shape the future at Hebrew Academy.
With heartfelt appreciation,
ELIZABETH AND MEIR ISRAEL President
Writing a letter that would capture 36 years of leadership in no easy feat! What can be said that has not already been said? The accomplishments speak for themselves: bringing financial solvency to the institution from a very precarious starting point, overseeing the move to a new building, instituting the Hebrew Academy CPE, negotiating countless contracts and collective agreements, securing grants and opportunities, and the list goes on. These are the tangible things that everyone can read about. But there is the intangible, the indelible mark that you leave on the people and the lives of all those who crossed your path over the years that remain. Your guidance and patience in helping those who worked for you and with you knew no bounds, and I will always be grateful for your kindness and generosity on my own career path here at HA as well. I learned a lot from you over the years, beyond the obvious of finances and unions, but how to be sure to always make time for anyone who needs to speak with me, understanding that the importance of showing this respect. You taught me how to sit through uncomfortable meetings without reacting (or letting anyone see you sweat!). You taught me how to always remain a lady, no matter how others behave! You ensured that the kindness, the chesed and the hakarat hatov that distinguish HA from any other organization became part of the culture of the school, and just part of TTWWADI (“That’s The Way We Always Do It” remember our sessions with Jonathan Cannon?).
On a lighter note, you taught me that sometimes, it is better to “eat your salad” than to express your opinion (even if you are totally right!), that meeting with the Police constables from Station 9 while wearing a pink wig is nothing to be concerned about, that you have an entire wardrobe of Henna-worthy kaftans of varying lengths that just might fit a say taller, highly Ashkenazi colleague in a pinch, and of course, that there truly is only one cake recipe worth making on Passover- I think the entire school has that recipe! We have been through many ups and downs over the years, some hard times, some sad times, many tears and much laughter, but through it all, you were a constant, a rock. We are slowly forging our paths in a post-Linda era, but know that the groundwork you lay has created a solid foundation for those who follow.
Linda, it is these intangible moments, the ones that do not make it onto a CV that are your true legacy. Those are the moments, the gestures, the words, that I think you will find echoed throughout the pages of this memory book, they are the true testament to your 36 years here at HA.
Morah Linda, mazal tov on your retirement. Mazal Tov on 36 years of dedicated service to our children and their families, for the legacy you leave us all, and on a personal note, for your friendship and your guidance throughout my own career. Enjoy your well-deserved retirement with your beautiful family.
With much love, LAURA
SEGALL Head of School
There is no one individual who has contributed so much to the Hebrew Academy.
We are so proud of all your accomplishments.
May you have continued Hatzlachah in all your endeavours.
Fondly, malCa and louis drazin
A hearty Yashar Ko-ach to the captain of our ship, Linda Lehrer
On so many years of steering our school towards the right path. Our children are so lucky to have had you at the helm.
Mazel tov on this most deserved honor!
adrianne and shlomo drazin
With Hakarat Hatov to Linda Lehrer on her years of selfless dedication to Hebrew Academy.
Am Yisrael Chai!
ruTh drazin
sari and shlomo (‘84) drazin
aviva (‘88) and ami (‘86) drazin
rebeCCa and ari (‘12) drazin
deena (‘14) and JaCob shapiro
riva (‘15) and doni herskowiTz
ruThie and eiTan (‘16) drazin
sam (‘17)
noa (‘19) and eFrayim saks naomi (20) and yoni (‘18) drazin reuven (‘23)
With tremendous gratitude to Linda Lehrer on her 36 years of tireless devotion and hard work towards building Hebrew Academy into the strong school that it is today.
Your dedication to Am Yisrael and Torat Yisrael is an inspiration to all of us. We have been so fortunate to have had your expertise and love throughout these years. We both have benefited so much from working closely with you over the years, it has truly been a privilege.
We wish you good health, an abundance of happiness and much continued nachas from your children, grandchildren and the greater Hebrew Academy family.
lauren and alvin (’85) suissa and Family
Mazel Tov to our dear friend Linda Lehrer
We thank you so much for all of your hard work, dedication, and devotion to each and every student and parent at Hebrew Academy.
May you continue to derive so much joy and nachas from all this that you have had such an impact on in good health!
Yasher Koach to our niece Tova Garber and Laura Assor on chairing an incredible and memorable event! A huge Hakarat Hatov to all the committee member and chairs, lay leaders and administrators for constantly modeling what it is to be a Torah Jew.
May you all continue to go from strength to strength in all your future endeavors!
Warmly, Chaya and lorne (‘89) lieberman naTe (‘20), olivia (‘22), ella, and Tobias
Our heartiest Mazel tov and best wishes to Linda Lehrer on this most welldeserved honour!
We are beyond grateful for your 36 years of heartfelt devotion, professionalism, and passion towards Hebrew Academy
Yasher koach to event chairs, our niece, Tova Garber, Laura Sonego Assor and all the chairs, committee members and professionals for their sincere dedication in making this campaign so successful and this elegant evening so very magical!!
May you all go from strength to strength in good health always
With love and appreciation
renée and marTy lieberman and Family dina and daniel (’05)
Janie (’07) and Jamie (’02) niCole (’10) and adam and kids
With our deep appreciation, we acknowledge Linda Lehrer’s remarkable 36 years of dedicated service, instrumental in shaping Hebrew Academy into the institution we are so proud of today.
Linda, volunteering alongside you for almost 20 years has been an honour and a privilege, and we extend our heartfelt wishes for continued good health, enduring happiness, and abundant nachas from your family and the wider Hebrew Academy community.
Your unwavering commitment to Am Yisrael and Torat Yisrael serves as a beacon of inspiration for us all.
Enjoy your grandkids, kids and friends during the next stage of life. Well deserved! You will be incredibly missed at HA! Mazal Tov!
Thank you and Mazal Tov to Hebrew Academy for your commitment and dedication in shaping graduates who excel in both Torah and secular studies while fostering a deep love for Medinat Yisrael.
With our deepest appreciation, vanessa and karl Fallenbaum
Mazel tov to Linda Lehrer on her 36 years at HA-MTL.
Her legacy will continue to inspire and shape the future of generations to come.
Tova & sCoTT garber
Congratulations Linda on this well-deserved honour.
Thank you for all your hard work and dedication to Hebrew Academy throughout the years.
Best wishes of health and happiness to you and your family.
Mazal Tov!
yael and elie anTebi
Mazal tov to Linda! We are indebted to your diligence and perseverance! We want to express our heartfelt thanks for your impactful leadership. Your dedication has made a difference in our children’s lives.
Wishing you a wonderful retirement filled with joy and new experiences
Best of luck in the future
sandy and ygal bodokh
Kol Hakavod Linda for this most well deserved honor. A big Hakarat Hatov for everything that you have done for the Hebrew Academy family and our community all these years.
May Hebrew Academy and our school community continue to go from Hayil to Hayil!
Mazal Tov to all!!
marTine Cohen and Family
Kol Hakavod to Linda Lehrer on her 36 years of devotion on making Hebrew Academy the school it is today. Your dedication to Jewish education and Am Yisrael holds no bounds. May you continue to be blessed with good health and strength, to be a role model to our community and future generations
With much love and respect edie, phil (’76), Charlie (’13) & dalya, benJi (’16) and liana (’19) Friedman
In memory of Samuel Gewurz Z’’L
Who devoted much time and effort to helping the school constantly improve and grow.
Dedicated to Linda Lehrer
In appreciation of her many years of devotion, dedication and hard work on behalf of the school
And in gratitude to the many wonderful educators and lay leaders who constantly strive to make our children’s’ lives better through learning and middot
brenda gewurz and The enTire gewurz Family
With tremendous and grateful appreciation of your unselfish dedication to Hebrew Academy.
May you be a continuous source of strength and inspiration.
george, aliza & hadassah kohn
Mazel tov to our dear friend Linda on this well-deserved honour.
We thank you for your dedication to the Hebrew Academy over the last 36 years. Your efforts have been integral in developing the Hebrew Academy to the outstanding school it is today
You have given up so many evenings and Sundays working for the school. Now please enjoy more time with Jack, your children and grandchildren.
May you go from strength to strength. nadine (’72) and benny lieberman alissa (’97) and sTeFan riChard (’00) Tova (’03) and sCoTT miriam (’07) and ben oona and avi (’12)
susan & alain maTarasso sarah & gilad greenFeld danielle & lior shaChaF noah maTarasso
Hebrew Academy is built on the expertise and inspiring hard work of Linda.
Without her vision and dedication to Torah education and academic excellence, our Jewish community in Montreal and beyond would look very different.
In every generation we have leaders who go above and beyond normal expectations. One of them has a name that we all love and admire. LINDA LEHRER.
We wish her a long life, along with Jack, in good health and continued naches ad 120
marla and peTer veres and Family
A heartfelt thank you to Linda Lehrer, who worked tirelessly to build Hebrew Academy into an institution our community is so proud of.
Mazal Tov on this well-deserved honour!
dr. david and barbara zukor
miChael and leeChen zukor
Mazal tov Linda pour cet honneur si bien mérité
Votre dévouement, et travail acharné ont fait de notre école ce qu’elle est aujourd’hui, un lieu où nos enfants s’épanouissent tant sur le plan académique que religieux
Meilleurs vœux de santé et bonheur pour vous et vos proches et que vous soyez comblé de Nahat de vos enfants et petits enfants.
FlorenCe eT Charles amar
To our Hebrew Academy family, Thank you for devoting your hearts and souls to our children and instilling in them the values of דסח and ץרא ךרד םע הרות Much love,
anonymous
We would like to show our gratitude to Hebrew Academy for educating, inspiring and helping our kids become the best version of themselves. The passport of their future...
Mazel Tov on your well-deserved retirement!
Thank you for 36 years of dedication to Hebrew Academy and for everything you have done for the children over the years.
May you go from strength to strength
pasCale and JaCk hasen
Mazel Tov Linda on all your remarkable accomplishments. We all have benefited from your dedication and vision and for that we are forever grateful. You have left your incredible mark on Hebrew Academy and the greater Montreal community which will shape Jewish leaders for years to come.
dina and daniel lieberman
Mazal Tov Linda,
Thank you for all your hard work and commitment to Hebrew Academy. Our school is so lucky to have you play such an important part in what it has become today.
Wishing you lots of Nachat in your next chapter.
gary and Judy pekoFsky and Family
Wishing the whole Hebrew Academy family continued growth and success.
devorah and amiChai reiss kayla, adina and sara
My husband and I are proud parents of HA.
There is no other school that we would choose if we had to redo it all again. It is the perfect balance of secular studies, Torah, midot tovot and derech eretz. We are fortunate to be able to send our 5 kids to this institution that commits everyday to our children’s education.
We want to thank HA for welcoming us 9 years ago and making us part of their family. May you continue to go from strength to strength. A special Mazal tov to our beautiful Linda Lehrer who has brought HA to the standards it is today. We wish you a healthy and happy retirement. You deserve it!
Much love, laura and david assor
Mazel Tov on this well-deserved honour!
We appreciate all the hard work and dedication to Hebrew Academy.
May you go from strength to strength
milan and pearl braTin
Prayers for all the hostages to return
Much love, elizabeTh lipkowiTz
We recognize that the position you held was not just another job. You took care of our communities’ most important institution and in a sense of our communities’ future.
You have seen your dedication produce upstanding individuals who have gone on to lead lives and promote values than Hebrew Academy stood for.
You were there to steer the ship during some very challenging times and you always found a way to work things out.
We remember and remain forever grateful for all that you did for our family. We have all learned from you and our children will with forever carry with them the inspiration and education and love of Linda Lehrer’s Hebrew academy.
esTher and morris Feinberg
Kol hakavod to Linda Lehrer;
You worked for HA with tireless devotion for 36 years. We know you gave 100% of yourself to building and running HA and we, the beneficiaries, are truly grateful for all of the love and dedication you demonstrated.
With much admiration and respect susan and yossie porTnoy
On behalf of our families, we thank you, Linda, our cousin, for your years and years of brilliant and professional devotion to the Hebrew Academy school and community.
We wish you a lifetime of good health and happiness and nachat from your beautiful family. Love, Terry kaspi reiss and moshe reiss and Families
L’Academie Hebraique a joué un rôle crucial dans la vie de notre famille pendant près de deux décennies. Le privilège de contribuer à son succès continu est un honneur qui nous remplit de grande fierté et de joie. Notre soutien indéfectible à L’Academie Hebraique reflète le lien profond et l’engagement que nous ressentons envers cette institution, reconnaissant sa place inestimable dans notre communauté.
Hebrew Academy has played a crucial role in our family’s life for nearly two decades. The privilege of contributing to its ongoing success is an honor that fills us with great pride and joy. Our steadfast support for Hebrew Academy reflects the profound connection and commitment we feel toward this institution, recognizing its invaluable place in our community.
eriC amar and Joelle sholzberg
Kol Hakavod LINDA LEHRER on this most deserving honour for 36 years of outstanding leadership and unwavering dedication to Hebrew Academy.
May you go from strength to strength.
baila aspler
Mazel Tov Linda on this well-deserved honour. Thank you for all your hard work and dedication to Hebrew Academy throughout the years. Special thanks for your ongoing support of the HA Fun Run!
Best wishes of health and happiness to you and your family.
raChel & Judah aspler & Family
Linda
Kol Hakavod for your many years of dedication to Hebrew Academy and the community. Hebrew Academy was fortunate to have you at the helm throughout those years. We wish you Hatzlacha Rabbah on your future endeavours.
LORI & DAVID DINER
Thank you for years of dedication, care, sensitivity and sensibility in ensuring the success of our school.
B’Hatzlacha Rabba and Mazal Tov Linda.
In honour of your amazing legacy, may Hebrew Academy continue to provide the vital early stepping stones for our community’s children.
sandra & david Fine
Thank you Linda for your numerous years of continued devotion, profound dedication, leadership, passion and hard work on behalf of Hebrew Academy. We truly appreciate your tireless efforts and decades of commitment, love and support towards our school. Yasher koach! Wishing you all the very best during your much deserved retirement.
Our thoughts and prayers are with our brothers and sisters in Israel. Am Yisrael Chai!
pearl & eriC lasry
Kol Hakavod for all that you have done for Hebrew Academy and its students. We hope your retirement will be filled with new experiences and all that you wish for.
With much appreciation, adria & JeFFrey mandel
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Linda Lehrer; for your leadership and vision. Your longstanding commitment to fostering a warm and positive learning environment has been instrumental in making Hebrew Academy an exceptional institution within our community. HA’s commitment to academic excellence
thank you for your involvement in our children’s education.
Sincerely,
NATALIE, HARRY, JORDANA, AMANDA, OREN, NOAMTo our dearest Linda,
Thank you for all your years of dedication and commitment to our school, our children and our community as a whole. You are a pillar in our school and our success as a school is in great part due to your hard work.
We wish you much success in your future endeavours. May you have continuous health, happiness and nachat.
With love
With immense Hakarat Hatov to Linda Lehrer for all her years of hard work and dedication for Hebrew Academy.
A heartfelt Todah Rabah to the extensive HA family for all it has given us and our community.
May we see peace in Israel and abroad swiftly in our days.
Am Israel Chai! ARON, SHOSHI, HANNAH, EMMA & MAYA PORTNOYWe wanted to take a moment to express our profound gratitude to our family Hebrew Academy. Over 13 years ago, we embarked on this journey with our son Jacob in CPE and it has since been a guiding light of learning, growth, and values for our family. You have always gone above and beyond; we cannot thank you enough. Our family’s deep connection with Hebrew Academy is not solely defined by the institution’s walls but by the spirit, values, and love reverberating within them. Our gratitude, respect, and alignment with these values are beyond words. Every memory crafted here, every lesson instilled, and every bond formed holds an invaluable place in our hearts. The unwavering dedication, love, and passion with which the teachers, Rabbis and staff approach their roles have shaped Jacob, and continue influencing our daughter’s Daphna and Alexandra’s journey at Hebrew Academy. We could not have been happier at every level, educationally and socially. Hebrew Academy is our pride and a real success. We can attest to this with our son Jacob, who graduated this past year. We will never be able to express enough gratitude for all the hard work, dedication, academic excellence and love.
JENNIFER, DANIEL, JACOB, DAPHNA AND ALEXANDRA RABINOVITCH
Congratulations to our dear friend Linda on this well deserved honor.
RONNIE AND SUSAN SCHONDORF AND FAMILY
Thank you, Linda for everything you have done and continue to do for our school and community. Wishing you health, happiness and nachat.
lyaT and david abiCidan
Now more than ever we must support Jewish education.
Am Yisrael Chai!
karen & murray dalFen
in memory oF our beloved parenTs Frieda and mike dym z’l
Congratulations Linda on your honour
With love from your cousins
hoda and manuel dalFen & Family
hilda and benny dalFen & Family
debbie and sTeven sChouela & Family
Family oF The laTe sheila and Isaac FrIed
Best wishes, beTTy laxer
Mazel tov Linda on your many years of love and dedication to Hebrew Academy, your home away from home. May Hashem repay all your efforts, especially those that were above and beyond.
Enjoy your time with family and friends
willy and linda lieberman
To the entire school community, from teachers to staff, parents, and volunteers, we express our deepest appreciation. Together, you’ve created an environment where our children have thrived, and it truly takes a village. Linda, your leadership has shaped countless lives, and we are profoundly thankful for your 36 years of service.
natou and Gaby ovadIa
Mazal tov on this well-deserved honour!
Your invaluable contributions and unwavering dedication have played a pivotal role in shaping the school into what it is today. You will be sincerely missed, and your legacy will continue to inspire us.
All the best, merav & isaaC sabbah
Mazal Tov Linda on this welldeserved honour!
Thank you for all your time and dedication to Hebrew Academy throughout the years.
Wishing you and your family health and happiness today and always.
Best Wishes to a dear friend and an exceptional colleague.
In honour of Mrs Linda Lehrer whose name will be forever echoed in the walls of Hebrew Academy. A special thank you to Dr Laura Segall, Rabbi Singer, Mrs Veronique Benisti, Rabbi Salter, Rabbi Hazan, Mme Gagné, Miss Carrie, Miss Laureen, Mme Nicole, Mr Taylor, Mr Albanesi, Mora
Yoni Lehrer and ALL the staff at Hebrew Academy for your wonderful work and May H’ bless you all with happiness health and success!
Dearest Linda,
We wish you the happiest and most fulfilling retirement surrounded by your beautiful family.
We love you, admire you, and are so proud of your exceptional accomplishments. May you be blessed with good health and happiness as you begin this exciting new chapter of your life.
With all our love, Your sisters,
GLADYS (NAT), KATHY (EMILE), AND COLETTE (GAD),
AND YOUR PARENTS, MIKE AND LISA.
Happy retirement Linda. Wishing you only good things in the future.
GILLES AMAR & THE COPIDATA TEAM
In recognition of the exceptional leadership, dedication and commitment that Linda Lehrer dedicated to the growth and support of the Hebrew Academy. Her efforts are recognized and appreciated. The dividends reaped by the education received by many Jewish students benefit Montreal and the global Jewish community.
Yasher Koach Linda.
VALERIE (SCHNEIDMAN) AND JAY LAWRENCE
Best wishes.
JEWEL SHOHAM
In honor of Linda Lehrer.
ETA BLITZER AND BOBBY SHAUL
We are pleased to support Israel and the Jewish community and to wish Linda and her family all the best! It’s important to recognize her leadership and commitment to Hebrew Academy.
ANONYMOUS
Congratulations Linda!
MOISHE AND SHOSHANA NEUER
Mazel Tov to Linda Lehrer!
MARGARET AND DAVID RONIS
Thank you Linda for your years of service!
YITZ AND JUANITA MOSS
In recognition of Linda Lehrer’s chesed and commitment to providing a Jewish education to every Jewish child.
ANONYMOUS
To Linda Lehrer on her retirement!! Wishing you much health and happiness!!
ANONYMOUS
Congratulations to Linda on her well-deserved retirement.
ANONYMOUS
Congratulations, Linda, on a job well done.
CELIA AND STAN NATTEL
In honour of Linda Lehrer. We are forever grateful for everything you have done for the school and us personally. Wishing you good health and happiness.
ANONYMOUS
In honor of Linda Lehrer’s relentless pursuit of operational excellence that laid the stable foundation to support HA’s future academic growth.
ANONYMOUS
Thank you Linda for your great contribution to Hebrew Academy. Enjoy your retirement in health and happiness B’H. Annie and Maxime Moyal
Mazal Tov and many brachot on a lifetime of achievement! It was a true honor to work alongside you at Hebrew Academy. Thanks for everything! Enjoy retirement and enjoy your family!
LIVIA AND SORIN ROSEN
Dear Linda,
Mazal Tov on 36 years of dedicated service to our children and their families, for the legacy you leave us all, and for your friendship and your guidance throughout my own career. Enjoy your well-deserved retirement with your beautiful family. With much love,
LAURA SEGALL
Linda, May you have a wonderful retirement and enjoy watching all the seeds you helped plant at Hebrew Academy. Your dedication to our school will benefit our community well beyond your years of service. Thank you.
BONNIE AND LEO GRUNSTEIN
Greetings and best wishes to the Hebrew Academy Family. Special congratulations to Linda Lehrer, the well-deserving Hebrew Academy honouree, for her many years of dedicated service.
EVA & ABE LUDVIG AND FAMILY.
Linda,
You have always been a constant for me at Hebrew Academy. Your unwavering dedication and love for our school was always something I looked up to. Thank you for everything you have done, so many of my HA memories include you! With love,
SARAH FRIEDMAN
Linda you gave your heart and soul to Hebrew Academy. You are loved and admired by all the students, staff and parents. You will be remembered always as a loving caring and compassionate director of Hebrew Academy. You are a blessing to one and all!
CAROLYN STEINMAN
BARRY RISHKOFF
To recognize Linda’s dedication and leadership not only of HA but Jewish education everywhere. It was an honour to work with her and a privilege to know and learn from her
SARAH AND YOSSI REMER
Dear Linda, We wish you Good Health and Thank you for the contribution to education of the Remers, ZEV SHEBAH And ISRAEL. Toda Rabbah, Sarah and Yossi Remer
VALERIE AND JAY LAWRENCE
Gosh. she will be very hard to replace. A well deserved retirement for her and Jack. wish them well
STEPHEN LIPPER
Dear Hebrew Academy Friends
Before Linda joined the Hebrew Academy, I worked with her at AJDS during my fouryear term as president. When Linda left for Hebrew Academy, I knew there that this important school was getting a gem. It is hard to believe that Linda has been with you for 35 years as it seems not that long ago that Linda, Monette, and I were a team at AJDS. Those were wonderful years and Linda was an integral and vital part of the team.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank Linda for years of service to Jewish education in Montreal and her outstanding achievements at Hebrew Academy. Linda, I thank you, I appreciate you, and I wish you every success in your future endeavors.
Congratulations, warm regards, and best wishes,
Stephen
J. Stephen Lipper
HELENE AND SHELDON KAUFMAN
Dear Linda,
I want to wish you the very best of luck as you enter the next stage of your life. I can tell you that I am thoroughly enjoying my retirement. I don’t miss work at all which means that I was ready to leave. I hope you will enjoy the well-deserved new schedule to your days and take advantage of the time to enjoy your kids and grandkids.
I am betting that they’ll have to hire at least two people to replace you and that you’ll be needed to train them for many months after your official retirement date.
Thinking of you and wishing you all the best,
Helene
MARC & CANDICE BENIZRI
Good evening Linda,
We received the email announcement of your retirement, we were both happy and sad of this news , we are happy for you that finally you will have the liberty and the time to take care of yourself and your family, finally to be focused on everything you always wanted to achieve. We are sad to see you go and not have a special, understanding, sensible, honourable person as you at the school that was a ןמאנ חילש from Hashem to advocate and take care of our children as yours for both their Jewish education and social integration.
Honestly, Candice and myself can’t thank you enough for all these years we were blessed to have you by our side at the school We wish you from the bottom of our hearts to fully enjoy your retirement to the fullest
May Hashem bless you and your family for each and every act of Hessed you did with us.
Candice & Marc Benizri
Élie, Ronit , Yonatan, David
RACHEL ARCHIBALD
Hello Linda
I received the beautiful email from Laura about your imminent retirement. You have been synonymous with Hebrew Academy for so many years. I can’t imagine how many people it will take to replace you It will be the end of an era for the school and an exciting new chapter for you and the family. I look forward to the celebration. All the best for the future.
Rachel Archibald
STAN PEERLES
I am glad to hear that you are retiring and especially that we will see you more in Israel!! I received the announcement as well from the Hebrew Academy. It was a very nice and well deserved tribute. However, I felt that it missed an important point in that it focused largely on your financial and administrative leadership of the school. I always felt that we were full partners in the educational and religious leadership of the school. Your commitment to the educational and religious values of the school came to expression in several ways in your work:
1. The fiscal management of the school was never divorced from the overall school vision. The question was always, first and foremost, what goals do we want to reach with our students and our community, and then how can we reach those goals with fiscal responsibility?
2. You always conducted yourself in accordance with the Jewish values of the school, with integrity, a strong commitment to both halacha and religious Zionism, kindness, and sensitivity. While this is something that should be self-evident in a Jewish school, it is sadly missing in many day schools.
3. I know that you spearheaded much chessed that was fostered below the radar, with discretion and without any desire for appreciation or accolades. One such case, as an
example, was a single-parent child whose mother was on welfare that we took in while the mother was studying for conversion. Not only did the child attend tuition free, but I was aware that you sent them food and other support (like arba'at haminim) to help them along.
It was truly an honor for me to partner with you in advancing the school and the Hebrew Academy community. The fact that you overlapped with at least 7 educational directors (I've lost count), has given the school the stability to maintain itself over the years. I am also grateful that we have been able to maintain our relationship over these many years.
I wish you much happiness and success in your retirement and look forward to seeing you in Artzeinu.
Bivracha, Stan
Hi Linda,
I wanted to take a moment to offer my sincere gratitude and appreciation to you after the notice was sent out of your pending retirement.
You have been the steady rock at HA for so long and certainly for my 16+ years working in the HA community. You were one of the first to greet and welcome me to the HA family and you have been an essential player in my professional growth.
We have just returned from a Shabbaton that while I am sure by now you have learned of some of its difficult moments, it was also an uplifting Shabbat that reached new heights for our school in so many ways. This Shabbat is just an example representative of everything that happens at Hebrew Academy that all have your stamp on them (literally and figuratively) in you setting the systems in place for them to happen.
Thank you for all your years of dedication and service to HA and beyond. May Hashem bless you with many years of hatzlacha and bracha in good health. םרכש םלשי ,אוה ךורב שודקה ,הנומאב רוביצ יכרצב םיקסועש ימ לכו b'vracha, Eddie.
Dear Linda,
On behalf of Jordana, Maayan, Eitan, Tal, Zac, and I, thank you for the tremendous devotion, dedication, hard work, and labour of love that you have given to our beloved Hebrew Academy over the past 35 years.
The name Linda Lehrer is synonymous with HA. The excellent education both in and out of the classroom that my family has benefitted from HA is largely due to your investment in our school.
The wonderful memories that we have of HA is attributed in a large part to your vision and commitment to Hebrew Academy.
HA has been and continues to be a vital institution and part of the Levy family.
On a personal note, thank you for supporting my involvement in the high school basketball program for the 32 years of my coaching amazing student-athletes.
Thank you for being a mentor to me when I was involved as a lay leader at HA. Most importantly, thank you for being a role model to me and my family.
You are an inspiration. HA was and is your crowning jewel. You have been more than an employee of our school. You are what makes our school so special and great.
As you pivot and transition to the next exciting and meaningful stage of your life, please know that you have impacted my family’s life and the lives of hundreds in such a positive manner.
May HaShem give you the strength and good health to enjoy the next phase of your life with your husband, Jack, and your family.
You have left a priceless legacy at Hebrew Academy.
May you continue to go from strength to strength!
With much Hakarat hatov, The Levy family
Morrie (class of 1983)
Jordana (class of 1994)
Maayan (class of 2017)
Eitan (class of 2018)
Tal (class of (2022)
Zac (class of 2025)
Mazal Tov on your upcoming retirement after so many years of service to the community! Thank you from all of us!!!
I can’t imagine you ever sitting still though so I’m sure you’ll be keeping very busy with other selfless things!
Shabbat Shalom
MICHEL TOLEDANO
Hi Linda,
How are you doing?
I was both happy and sad when I heard you were officially retiring. Happy because you deserve (B”H) to enjoy your family, and sad for selfish reasons as we (and H.A.) will feel a huge void in the community for ALL that you have done for us.
I wish you & Jack (and your whole family) good health & happiness.
Shabbat Shalom.
Michel Toledano.
MOISHE EISENBERG
Mazal tov on your retirement! Well deserved!
Thanks for all your hard work and dedication over the years. It's much appreciated. Shabbat Shalom!
Moishe
JAKE BURACK
Linda:
hi!! just saw the wonderful news that you'll be retiring... you've done do much for the school over the years, and now is a great time for you to have more time for yourself and your family...
thanks so much and mazal tov, Jake
VARDA SEBBAG
Bonsoir linda.
C est un choc!!
J espère que cette décision était réfléchi et prévue.
Je n ai pas de mots....
Vous avez aidé contribuer battu pour tant de causes. Je ne peux même pas imaginer Hebrew Academy sans linda lehrer.!!
J espère que la alya suivra ou est en cours !
Je passerai vous voir la semaine prochaine b.h.
Chabbat chalom.
Varda.
HAPA
To our dearest Linda, Hapa would like to express our sincere gratitude and hakarat hatov for all you have done for Hebrew academy the last 36 years. You have been our pillar - the one person we could always to turn too. It will be hard to find someone to fill those shoes.
We are so excited for you to enjoy this well deserved retirement with your family and close ones. We adore you and just want to say thank you for always being there for us.
Hazlacha Raba in all your future endeavors!!
Hapa family
Nathalie Laredo, Sarah Arzouan, Ella Mouyal, Lyat Abicidan, Alexis Toledano, Alyssa Meyers, Ruth Bendayan.
STEVE FORMAN
Hi Linda
It is with mixed emotions of happiness and sadness that I received the news of your retirement. Sad to hear that you will be leaving and happy to hear of your success and accomplishments which have made Hebrew Academy a leader in field of education , yesterday , today and tomorrow.
I hope you will have the opportunity to now enjoy the fruits of your labor and now
accomplish all of the things you still have remaining on your bucket list.
As I have found "retirement" will become the best part of your life and will allow you to really enjoy all of your accomplishments.
All the best in the many many many years to come
Steve
BETTY BENSIMON
Chère Linda ,
C’est avec des émotions mitigées que j’ai appris l’annonce de votre retraite. D’un côté, je suis très contente pour vous car je me dis qu’on arrive à une étape de sa vie où il faut se dire maintenant c’est le temps de profiter de notre retraite, de nos petits enfants, de voyager, de faire ce que l’on a envie ce faire tant qu’on en a la force et la santé surtout . Donc, bravo vous avez raison . Mais d’un autre côté il m’est impossible d’imaginer l’école sans vous.Vous êtes le pilier et la raison d’être de HA. Vous avez vu , et entendu et été témoin de ce que personne n’a vu . Avec votre douceur et votre gentillesse vous avez aidé tout le monde , avec discrétion et sans hésitation. Vous ne nous avez jamais rien refusé . Pour moi cela a été un honneur et un privilège d’avoir travaillé avec vous , de vous avoir connue peut-être un peu plus que mes collègues. Vous allez nous manquer . Mais votre famille et vos parents méritent de vous avoir plus présente pour eux aussi .
Linda , je vous souhaite la meilleure des chances , une merveilleuse retraite bien méritée et tout le bonheur du monde.
Shabbat Shalom.
Betty.
EVA LUDVIG
Say it isn’t so, Linda. Hebrew Academy will not be the same without your presence and unassuming leadership. It would not be the outstanding educational institution it is today without your many years of dedication and hard work. I guess you informed the Presidents last evening. Now I’m even more sorry I wasn’t there. I hope to have a chance to say a proper thank you in person sometime soon.BTW…retirement is pretty good from someone who has now been retired for 8 years. Welcome to the club. Regards. Eva
VICKY AND JIMMY SHIZGAL
I know you aren’t leaving yet but Jimmy and I want to thank you for all your tremendous work and help through all our years at HA. I personally can attest to the fact that most people have NO idea of the day to day work that you do behind the scenes to make HA run and to keep it not only afloat but financially successful. You will be a powerhouse that will be hard to replace but we are VERY happy that you will be able to have some well deserved me time in the near future. Mazel tov on your decision to retire!
Vicky Shizgal (and Jimmy)
AZIZA LUMBROSO
Dearest Linda
I was so sad to see that email. I cannot properly describe the amount of בוטה תרכה I feel to you over the past many
years my kids are lucky enough BH to be in HA.
I will always feel such an appreciation and warmth in my heart for all you have done for us.
You made my kids feel like HA is their second home no matter what.
You stood by us, selflessly and with the utmost care all these years. You helped us the most, and always thought of us whenever help was given in any way to HA. From tuition, to lulavs, to basketball and more you were always someone we could count on.
Whoever will fill your role at HA, can never fill your shoes. You are simply the best and the kindest.
May Hashem bless you for all your goodness and kindness and grant you all the bless always.
May you enjoy much nachas from your children and grandchildren. May Hashem pay you back a million fold for everything With much admiration and love
Aziza and the kids
CHAYA ELIAS
Dearest Linda,
Very not professional of me... but !!
There are no words that can express my appreciation for the Morah Elias you gave me the chance to become and my admiration for the listening ear and sound secure advice you always provided.
Your presence in the school was an anchor in so many ways for me.
May Hakadosh baruch Hu shower you and yours with all His brachos.
Loads of love
With eternal gratitude, Chaya
LORNE AND CHAYA LIEBERMAN
OMGMICHAEL SILVERMAN
Good evening Mrs Lehrer!
I hope you are doing well! I wanted to wish you mazal tov on your upcoming retirement! You have done so much to make Hebrew Academy the greatest of schools and I will be forever grateful for my experience there!
Thank you for everything!
All the best, Michael Silverman
Je viens d’apprendre que tu vas bientôt prendre ta retraite après 35 années passées à Hebrew Academy .Il est difficile d’imaginer ton école dont tu as été la constante et le pilier sans ta présence et ton leadership.
Et pourtant tu as bien mérité cette retraite après tellement d’années dédiées au bienêtre de cette institution ,de ses élèves et parents, de son personnel et de tes collègues du monde de l’éducation.
On se connait depuis que j’étais directeur de l’école Maimonide et ensuite de Herzliah et maintenant à AJDS.Ça fait beaucoup d’années.
J’ai de très bons souvenirs de nos séances de négociations avec le syndicat à Hebrew Academy ,des rencontres pour le permis et de tous les échanges professionnels dans le cadre de nos fonctions respectives au cours des années.
J’ai toujours apprécié ton professionnalisme ,ton expertise ,ton calme, ta grande sagesse et surtout ta gentillesse. Je suis ravi de savoir que tu seras encore disponible à temps partiel pendant la période de transition et que nous pourrons continuer à collaborer.
Je tenais à t’exprimer mon admiration pour tout ce que tu as réalisé à Hebrew Academy et souligner mon appréciation pour ta grande contribution au succès de l’éducation juive à Montréal. Je suis certain que l’école te rendra un bel hommage officiel pour que nous puissions tous en grand nombre te célébrer comme tu le mérites.
Très amicalement.
Hi Linda,
Congratulations on your retirement. I am definitely envious. Your total devotion to HA was and is much appreciated by all who went to HA, the parents, alumni and those involved now. I understand that they will hire three people to replace you. That says volumes. Enjoy your new life.
We are working on the wedding and I noticed you and Jack haven't replied yet. We are very much looking forward to seeing you at the wedding. Let us know your plans. Shalom
I thought I tiny I would wait to see you in person and wait for the ‘news’ to die down. I just want to tell u how much I love you and am so grateful for everything you’ve done for us, the school everyone, the community. You are so kind and I was, and still am, sad to hear the news. You deserve an amazing retirement and time with your beautiful family. You truly have a the greatest most generous soul and I absolutely love working with you. Your leadership exudes the utmost CLASS and I strive to work like u one day.
Will miss but happy that I have u close to me
Sandra
ISAACRIMOKH
Hi Mrs. Lehrer,
I hope this email finds you well.
I just saw the email from the school announcing your retirement.
I still remember my first day at HA in the 4 year old class. You had met me with my sister Tamar, Shoshana, and gave me a warm welcome to the school.
You’ve kept the standard high for HA, and this is the reason we have come back as parents.
Thank you for your service these past 35 years. Wishing you an amazing retirement, in health and happiness, with lots of nachat from your children and grandchildren.
Kindly,
Isaac Rimokh, class of 2009
MIRIAM MAMANE
Hello Linda,
Hope all is well.
I was surprised to read that you are retiring so soon. I wish you all the best-good health and happiness in your retirement.
Miriam Mamane
ARLENE DAYAN
Dear Linda Lehrer
This is Arlène mom of: Lévana class of 2021
Talia class of 2018
David class of 2013
Jeremie class of 2010
Leah class of 2008
So many years of drop offs and pickups , homework projects , school supplies, uniforms ,books , prayers, Meetings, volunteering , lunches, cafeteria , extracurricular, playdates, parent teacher interviews , report cards ….. best years of my life. Thank you for being our partner and making Hebrew academy great. We look back and feel pride and joy on all the years our children spent in this amazing school and we have an immense sense of Akarat Hatov for you and all you’ve done for our family and the entire HA family. Mazaltov on your retirement. May you enjoy it and May you open this new exciting chapter with health joy success family friends and shalom
Thank you very much
Arlène et Charlie Dayan
REISHA SLAVIN
Dear Linda,
I hope this email finds you well.
On behalf of my family members, I want to wish you abundant blessings on the occasion of your retirement.
Thank you for all your kindness, hard work and dedication to Hebrew Academy families over the many years of your dedicated career.
Wishing you abundant health, happiness and success always.
Fond regards,
Reisha Slavin-Dergel and family
SUSAN ZELIKOVIC
A generous donation has been made by Susan Zelikovic to the Linda Lehrer Retirement Scholarship in honor of your retirement.
Susan has sent you the following message:
Dear Linda,
Wishing you well on your retirement.
From Susan
ZEV LANTON
Mazel Tov
Wishing you a most successful evening.
You definitely deserve a lifetime achievement award
Zev Lanton
PEGGY LANTON
Hi Linda,
Mazel Tov on the most deserved honour. You gave more than 1000 percent to the school, ensuring its smooth running, success, and educational excellence, not to mention its continued student enrolment. The school was very privileged to have had your expertise and leadership which was the glue that kept the school together for over 35 years. I also benefited from your kindness when Chagit was very ill. I so appreciated your support.
As well, I wish you a refuah shelamah.
May Hashem bless you with a complete recovery.
Warmest regards to Jackie.
Enjoy you most deserved honour.
Love, Peggy
CINDY & RAFI FAUST
Hi Linda, Mazal Tov on being honored at the upcoming HA event. You truly contributed so
much to the school in your years as Executive Director. We hope it will be a successful evening.
Cindy and Rafi
ELAINE DRUKER
Hi Linda,
I hope this note finds you and your family well. Congratulations on the wonderful honour that HA is bestowing on you…..certainly highly deserved. I will not be able to celebrate with you on Sunday because of another commitment. Enjoy the evening. Sorry to miss the fun.
All the best,
Elaine D.
DAVID & CAROL NOVOSELLER
Shavua tov Linda. This morning my daughter Sara sent me the video from your honoring. I was not aware they were doing a dinner for you. I wanted to reach out to you and wish you a huge mazal tov. There are no words of gratitude that would do justice to what you have done for the Montreal Jewish community in general, and our Hebrew Academy family in particular. May you merit happiness, good health, prosperity nachas, shalom bait and may it all be l'tova. B'ahava, Carol & David
evenT Chairs
laura sonego assor & Tova garber (‘03)
hapa presidenTs
sarah arzouan (‘03) & naThalie laredo
developmenT CommiTTee Chairs
renee lieberman & marla veres | marTine Cohen & ami drazin (‘86)
TribuTe CommiTTee Chairs
vanessa Fallenbaum & Chaya lieberman
grandparenTs’ CommiTTee Chairs
pearl braTin (‘75), susan laxer-maTarasso & linda lieberman (‘76)
parenTs’ CommiTTee Chairs
ariane abikhzer (‘03) & alexis Toledano (‘06)
alumni CommiTTee Chair
dr. morrie levy (‘83)
Thank you Hebrew Academy for so many wonderful years. Wishing faculty and students continuing success.
Much gratitude and appreciation to Linda Lehrer for her dedication and impact.
The Feldman Family. osnaT, evan, ben (’17), olivia (’19) & JaCk (’23)