Honoring Impact at the Hebrew Academy Visionary Awards

Honoring Impact at the Hebrew Academy Visionary Awards

Rochie Popack | Hebrew Academy

In an elegantly set home, the warmth of a Shabbat celebration unfolds. A young child enters the limelight, sharing insights on the week’s Torah portion. Cheers fill the room, a testament to the hosts’ commitment to making every voice heard, a tradition that has nurtured inclusivity and warmth across the community for years.

In a middle school classroom bathed in sunlight, a lively discussion springs from a girl’s thoughtful question about the Torah’s text. The cheers that greet her insight underscore a culture of curiosity and learning meticulously fostered by a dedicated teacher. Each cheer builds upon the last, strengthening community bonds and the thirst for knowledge.

Time marches on, and at a local shul in Orange County, the moment arrives for a Bar Mitzvah boy to stand confidently at the bimah. His clear and assured voice earns heartfelt cheers from the congregation, celebrating his rite of passage and the mentorship that guided him to this point. This shared achievement adds another layer to the rich narrative of support that characterizes the Hebrew Academy community.

These moments, each marked by individual celebrations and encouragement, lead us to a grand crescendo with a standing ovation filling a beautiful hall. In this space, the thunderous applause isn’t just for the milestones reached; it’s the collective acknowledgment of a couple who have been the quiet force behind this nurturing community. Their lifetime of promoting values, compassion, education, and inclusivity is in the spotlight.

Rabbi Peretz and Mrs. Rishi Greenwald exemplify this dedication and passion for Jewish education. Growing up as children of world-renowned teachers and educators, they inherited a profound commitment to these principles. Peretz, hailing from Kfar Chabad, Israel, and Rishi, from Brooklyn, New York, were steeped in Chabad traditions and values from an early age. Inspired by the Lubavitcher Rebbe’s unwavering commitment, they have carried this legacy forward with unparalleled zeal.

Since their marriage in 1980 and subsequent move to Long Beach, California, the Greenwalds have been pillars of the Hebrew Academy, touching lives through their teachings and personal interactions. After a 15-year tenure teaching 2nd grade, Rabbi Greenwald transitioned to Director of Development, whereas Mrs. Rishi Greenwald passionately teaches in the middle school for over 40 years. Their dedication to

Jewish education and its transformative power has left an indelible mark on countless students, instilling a love for Torah and Jewish identity.

This year, on Sunday, April 7, 2024, at the Four Seasons in Beverly Hills, the community gathered for the Hebrew Academy Visionary Awards in celebration and in a shared commitment to a vision that the Greenwalds have championed for over four decades—a commitment to Jewish education. Families, friends, alumni and educators stood united by the Greenwalds’ impact. Their seven children, each actively engaged in Jewish outreach and philanthropy, and 27 grandchildren are living testaments to the depth of their influence. This legacy extends well beyond the confines of Orange County and was not merely a pause to honor past achievements; it marked a reinvigoration of their commitment to ensure that their path continues to inspire.

The promise made that evening, under the glow of chandeliers and amidst heartfelt cheers, was to carry forward this mission. It’s a promise to keep the essence of Jewish learning and community alive.

The journey inspired by Rabbi and Mrs. Greenwald’s dedication is far from over. It is a renewed call to action, an inspiration to build on their indelible legacy, and a vision of a future where the principles of faith, education, and unity continue to flourish. Together, we step into tomorrow, motivated by their example, to keep the spirit of Jewish education vibrant and accessible for all.

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